United Way Grants Fund AIDS Services

In an effort to improve care to families, preschool children and people with HIV/AIDS in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles has awarded a total of $580,000 to 12 nonprofit agencies.

The grants, which range from $6,000 to $75,000, mark the culmination of a two-year process by the United Way’s North Angeles Region that began with a comprehensive needs assessment.

In the study, 300 United Way volunteers identified three groups in the region as high-priority candidates for services: families, preschool-age children and people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or the human immunodeficiency virus, which is believed to cause AIDS.

“It would’ve taken millions of dollars to do something for every group,” said Sally Hoover, senior planner for the North Angeles region. “We wanted to really make a significant difference with the money we had.”

Four organizations were selected for their innovative plans to improve care to people with HIV/AIDS. The Northeast Valley Health Corp. will coordinate in-home child care for AIDS patients who must leave their children during frequent visits to doctors or lawyers.

The Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood will promote coordination among San Fernando Valley service providers offering HIV/AIDS education and services. AIDS Project Los Angeles will offer preventive education about HIV/AIDS for Latino youths in the Valley and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center will improve the access and quality of information about HIV/AIDS through a computer network.

The funding also will boost service to families and preschool children with programs such as pediatric dental care, infant day care, parent education and family counseling through organizations including the El Nido Family Centers, Big Sisters of Los Angeles, Glendale Family Service, the Child Care Resource Center and the Santa Clarita-area Foundation for Children’s Dental Health.