Success Story – Kojo

To allow for completion of the Project Self Empowerment Substance Abuse Treatment program, Kojo obtained a full-time job and independent housing. We at STAND, Inc. are proud of the work that Kojo has done and his subsequent accomplishments. more →

Success Story – Alex.

Alex attributes his successful completion of STAND Inc.’s substance abuse treatment program to the staff. In fact, he describes them as a group of professionals that care. It was their challenging him not only to settle for being clean and sober but also to resolve the issues that led him down the path he has taken.   more →

Jarvis is a 26 year old man who was referred to our office to do volunteer work. Having worked in a corporate environment since graduating from Michigan State, the non-profit human services sector provided Jarvis with a new view of the world. The life changing encounters that Jarvis had during his volunteering also inspired this young man to go back to school. He received his Masters in Public Health from the Morehouse class of 2009.

Client presented as 36 year old black male, tested for HIV, reported that he was previously diagnosed but had no medical services and for many years was in denial about his status. Client received his confirmatory results a week later and was referred to medical services. Subsequently, the client volunteered his services and enrolled in the HIV Counseling and Testing Training Program and after receiving his certification continued to volunteer his time and services.

A twenty-eight year old, African-American female presented for HIV testing. Reporting that she was a paid escort who depended on the sex trade for her livelihood, not working was not an option. Being able to provide this client with knowledge and information about negotiation skills was our best option. She has been willing to maintain contact with regular testing and reinforcement of learned skills. She has been testing regularly and states her increased knowledge results in safer practices.

This client is a 24 year male from Ethiopia, who presented in 2007 as a high risk negative individual with an HIV positive partner; on 1/29/08 he too was diagnosed with HIV. Since his diagnosis and enrollment into early intervention services, he has gone on to become an advocate for safer sex practices and prevention education in his family and social network of friends. He continues to make every effort to stop the spread of HIV within his immigrant community. At least every month this individual is in our clinic with those individuals, be it family, friends, potential sex partners or members of the Ethiopian communities in and around Dekalb County, who have expressed to him that they are or may be at risk.

47 years old, incarcerated 2 years: Reported receiving a positive HIV diagnosis while in prison. 3 months after being released, participant was recruited for PGC and is now connected to health care at Dekalb Board of Health and is registered with an initiative dedicated to supporting the HIV community.

74 years old, incarcerated for 27 years: Participant was unemployed, residing in substandard living arrangements and had no marketable skills. PGC has assisted him in applying and receiving SSI, part-time employment, Medicaid, an established bank account and suitable housing. Staff continues to monitor this participant’s progress.

23 years old, incarcerated 2 years: Participant requested assistance to locate and pay for GED classes and tests. Staff identified former academic status and contacted former high school who allowed him to test for the one section of the high school graduation test that he was missing.

Damian walked in my office with lack of knowledge and will power for condom negotiation. After, receiving a negative result Damian was encouraged to learn more about HIV/AIDS and STD's. He was convinced to volunteer in the Prevention program to keep him in a positive environment filled with knowledge. Damian evolved into one our best volunteers. He decided to get certified to do counseling, testing, and referrals which led to a job at the same test site he came to get tested at initially. Damian worked for our organization for almost a year, before continuing his educational pursuits. Damian still makes himself available as a volunteer and prevention advocate.

Tyrone describes that on his first day at STAND, I felt like it wasn’t the place for me. However, after attending several classes he admits that he finally realized that STAND was what he needed to change his attitude towards life. “I’ve learned that as a man you shouldn’t attempt nor put your hands on a woman. I’ve also learned how to communicate better without arguing. This program helped me to show more love and appreciation toward others.”