In 2011 The Living Affected Corporation had a series of triumphs and transporting events, programs and collaborative pursuits that propelled the organization in many directions. Although the organization suffered some setbacks, it was decided that the mission was too vital to disband and abandon our client base who have come to depend our presence as a guiding force in their lives and this community. Below we offer a snapshot of how The Living Affected Corporation forged ahead to illuminate pathways for those living affected or infected with HIV and AIDS.
- The Plus Club, commenced on February 14, 2011 as an official program instituted by The Living Affected Corporation and supported by a funding from Tibotec Pharmaceuticals. The program was a first in Arkansas to directly address the issues of AIDS within the lives of women. After advertising on radio, billboard campaign and word of mouth, the program settled on offering a safe environment where participants would engage socially. Through this process, the women interacted on their life experiences which would eventually be compiled into the periodical, "Our Lives, Our Stories," which is slated for distribution mid January 2012.
- The Living Affected Corporation in collaboration with NWA Positive links, now known as HIV Arkansas, co-sponsored the Arkansas HIV/AIDS Advocacy Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas, March 12, 2011. The purpose of the conference was to bring technical assistance to Northwest Arkansas citizens plus gather other consumers from within the larger HIV community to engage invited panelist, guest speakers and presenters. Over 60 individuals assembled to be briefed on existing services, gaps in services, overviews and observations to improving access. As an advocacy exercise, attendees shared their personal stories concerning their perspectives of AIDS in Arkansas. The letters were to be mailed to appropriate policy makers. The event concluded with an empowerment session from NASTAD urging stakeholders to support or volunteer with local community based groups in changing policies.
- During the first and second quarters of 2011, The Living Affected Corporation also participated in a Legislative Day promoted by Arkansas Public Policy. The event allowed LA Corp access to legislators through both materials packaged for policy makers and in person lobbying on the issue of HIV and AIDS funding in Arkansas. Simultaneously, the organization served as the lead group spearheading the formation of Arkansas HIV Community Advocates which was an outgrowth of the SHARP report that was to act as an additional advisory group as suggested by the report. To support that effort, the group attended to the logistics, outreach to participants, agendas, internal structure and offered leadership assistance. Dr. Sonya Peppers was approached by the group to become a planning partner in a future free standing "one stop shop," for those needing HIV Testing or diagnostic services.
With 2011 unfolding, Living Affected was sought as a leadership partner as CEO Diedra Levi signed on as Co-Chair with the newly reformed Arkansas Community Planning Group which was charged with providing input to the states comprehensive AIDS plan. In the meantime, the group also became involved with planning the statewide HIV Tour bolstered by ADH's association with the Black AIDS Institute. The tour covered three Arkansas cities which included testing sites and counseling services available to participants. Living Affected assisted testers by testing 75 individuals at the Conway site while attending all cities involved. As a another sign of area involvement, the group joined other local CBO's as an Expo display presenter during Black Gay Pride week sponsored by then, Little Rock Black Pride.
- The daily operations of The Living Affected Corporation continued including teleconferences, briefings, weekly meetings, webinars, monthly meetings, planning sessions, answering phone calls, emails and internal technical assistance and development. Within all this activity and opening a new Argenta office, staff members also kept a demanding travel schedule to conferences, convening, and boot camp seminars that allowed the organization to log a combined estimated 10,000 miles to cities such as Washington, D.C. to Birmingham, AL. This doesn't include the many miles crossed to bring testing to a community health fair in Lonoke, presenting to the Arkansas Black Legislative caucus in Hot Springs, guest speaking to the Pine Bluff Lions Club, a cable appearance on The Elliot Report and outreach throughout the Central Arkansas area when called upon.
- The last two quarters of the year were filled with The Living Affected corporation offering a community wide enrichment session entitled, "Strengthening Gay Arkansas," which featured author Carl Jackson reading passages from his book, "The Set Up," and Keynoter, Jammal Clue, a noted HIV researcher and advocate.The event was a collaboration with The National Association of Black and White Men Together, Inc, during it's Fall Midland Regional being held in Little Rock. Each entity is concerned with dealing with racism, homophobia and stigma related to this health dilemma. LA Corp has been forthright in its effort to bring a broad base of programming while seeking to be included in other local events. Such events included offering an information table and judging services during the Diamond State Rodeo Associations Royalty competition. Participating in World AIDS Day activities and providing prevention materials to local venues such as nightclubs, TraXs, Miss Kitty's Saloon, and the New Six Ten lounge. Other materials have been circulated and maintained to local LGBTQ outlets, service providers, book stores and all who request them.
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