SERENITY
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Mission Statement
Serenity is dedicated to reducing the transmission of HIV by providing comprehensive support services, education, advocacy, and referrals to people who are living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in a safe setting. As its mission statement reflects, Serenity is working with two issues: transmission, and management. HIV/AIDS can be managed through medical care and support from community resources. This can lead to undetectable status, where the viral load in the blood is so low, it cannot be detected. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), when this occurs, the virus is no longer transmissible. According to the CDC, HIV related stigma can be seen in behaviors that result in people living with HIV being treated differently than those without the virus. In turn, this affects the individual's emotional well -being and can lead to mental health issues. Serenity hopes to reduce the impact of stigma through education. This is important because the fear of stigma holds people back from seeking treatment. Without treatment, they can transmit the virus. Their infection will progress, and treatment becomes more challenging.
About This Cause
Through its grants, Serenity can provide wrap-around services. Individuals who test positive receive their immediate support to connect them to medical care and treatment. The Serenity team helps the individual make informed choices in a safe setting. People living with the virus have access to the support they need to enable them to manage their illness and live successfully. The agency's services are holistic, going beyond just dealing with HIV. It helps clients access community support to which they are eligible, complete required paperwork, apply for employment and advocates for them if they hit a barrier. If staff are unable to provide the support needed in-house, they locate the appropriate provider in the community and link the client to it. The goal is for each individual to have access to care, stable income and housing, safety, and security. Supports available to eligible participants include: * Advocacy * Case Management * Clothing * Employment Support * Food Pantry *Paperwork Support * Referrals * Risk Reduction Supports *Weekly support groups * Transportation The other group is Safe Space, a mental health program for PERSON LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It meets in person weekly under the guidance of the agency's licensed mental health provider. People living with HIV/AIDS have additional resources: * HOPWA - Focusing on housing stability, including housing navigation, advocacy, and financial assistance to obtain or sustain permanent housing. * Ryan White Part B - focusing on overall stability, including linkage to medical care, medication, adherence, emergency support services, mental health evaluation. While both populations have access to some level of housing support, people living with HIV/AIDS are eligible for financial support through Ryan White Part B and HOPWA. Ineligible clients receive referrals to other agencies that provide emergency shelter and other housing support. Staff assist individuals in completing applications for Medicaid, SNAP, Virginia Identification cards, birth certificates, and recertification documents for government and community services. While staff collaborate with clients to encourage each to be an active partner in working through their problems and barriers, Serenity recognizes that some have additional barriers, such as mental illness, and literacy and comprehension challenges. When needed, staff provided intense support to help participants achieve their goals. Depending on the level needed, they assist clients in arranging appointments with DMV, Social Security Administration, local Department of Social Services, medical providers, and Medicaid transportation companies. Clients' self -reporting or who staff suspect may have mental health challenges are referred to a licensed counselor. To keep PERSON LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) connected to their medical providers, Serenity provides transportation to and from medical appointments. There are about two dozen individuals who use this program on a regular basis. Funded by Ryan White, the support reduces missed appointments and provides access to providers outside of the individuals home community. PERSON LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), especially frail clients, must have access to skilled providers knowledgeable about their unique needs. Serenity's medical transportation program helps clients remain in care, by meeting their critical transportation needs. Serenity's vision is healthy men and women actively engaged in their community.