Mission Statement:
Collaborating with communities means we understand HIV/AIDS does not exist in a vacuum, nor does our agency.
In order to fulfill our mission we work with communities of caring individuals,volunteers, community groups and organizations,businesses, corporations, and other HIV/AIDS and social services organizations to comprehensively engage the AIDS epidemic.
How AVOL Collaborates with Communities
- As a staff and board, to maximize the effectiveness of our efforts.
- By creating close working relationships with dedicated volunteers of all ages and all walks of life.
- Through a close working relationship with the University of Kentucky Bluegrass Care Clinic (Ryan White funded).
- As a United Way of the Bluegrass Community Partner.
- Through a network of local and regional HIV/AIDS service providers.
- Through a close referral network with local and regional social service providers.
- Through outreach partnerships with local community partners.
- Through development and resource partnerships with community businesses,organizations,and individuals.
Stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS is a goal founded on the principle that HIV is 100% preventable and that AIDS can be prevented with sufficient education, support, and access to care.
AVOL works with communities to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education,awareness, HIV testing, connection to care and services, reduction of stigma, and advocacy.
How AVOL Stops the Spread of HIV/AIDS
- By educating communities about HIV/AIDS and how to make healthy choices to reduce risk of transmission.
- By distributing condoms and safe sex supplies.
- By offering free HIV/STI testing and counseling.
- By connecting individuals at high risk for HIV transmission with appropriate supportive services and case management within AVOL or with our service partners.
- By connecting HIV-positive individuals with care.
- By stabilizing housing for low income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS to reduce risk of HIV transmission.
- Through work with communities to address underlying root causes of HIV/AIDS and reduce stigma.
To empower those affected, we must recognize that HIV/AIDS is a complex social issue that impacts not only infected individuals but our communities as well.
AVOL strives to understand and address the numerous underlying root causes of the epidemic as we promote the choices and behaviors which empower healthy living for us all.
How AVOL Empowers Those Affected
- By honoring the life experiences of those we serve
- By providing information, tools, and support for making informed choices to empower a healthy and fulfilled life.
- By offering opportunities for individuals and communities to personally respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- By engaging communities and individuals in activities and conversations that encourage and develop self-esteem, personal responsibility, healthy behaviors, and fulfilling relationships.
- By connecting individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues to supportive services inside and outside the agency.
- By offering support for stable and sustainable living to low-income individuals and families with HIV.
- By connecting HIV-positive individuals and families with legal and advocacy services.
Guiding Principles for Our Mission
- Every person has the right to a healthy and fulfilling life.
- HIV is 100% preventable.
- With the right information, support, and resources it is possible for all of us to make informed choices for a healthy and fulfilling life.
- HIV/AIDS is a complex epidemic with many underlying root causes.
- Engaged, informed communities empower individuals to model healthy behaviors, build relationships, and reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS
- The most compassionate response to HIV/AIDS is to honor, empower, and support the individuals and communities affected.
Non-Discrimination Policy
AVOL (AIDS Volunteers, Inc.) does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, developmental disability, or any other legally protected reason.
Additionally, all persons or organizations having occasion to either refer clients for services or to recommend AVOL (AIDS Volunteers, Inc.) are advised to do so without regard to actual or perceived: race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, developmental disability, or any other legally protected reason.
AVOL Board of Directors
Jeremy Bates
General Manager, Sonitrol
Daniel Cooper
Executive Committee At-Large Member
Student; United Way ‘Get on Board’ Program Graduate
Tracy Davis
Doctoral Student, University of Kentucky
Ross Ewing
Board Secretary
Attorney-at-Law
Priya Gaiha
Physician
Krystal Frieson
Counseling Psychology PhD. Student & MA of Public Health
David Jones
Owner, Soundbar; Attorney-at-Law; Real Estate
Jeff Justice
Board Treasurer
Executive Director/Owner, Evergreen Community Supports, LLC
Melissa Lucas
Board President
Media Relations Specialist, Lexmark
Julie McDearmon
Board Vice President
Director of Development and Marketing, Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency
James ‘Travis’ McDearmon
Interim Director of Annual Giving, University of Kentucky
Kelly Rizer
Dental Hygienist
AVOL (AIDS Volunteers, Inc.) has been on the front lines of HIV/AIDS in central and eastern Kentucky since 1987.
AVOL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a United Way of the Bluegrass Community Partner.
