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Aid for AIDS of Nevada
(AFAN) provides support and advocacyfor adults and children living
with and affected by HIV/AIDS
in southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection
through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice and
the stigma associated with the disease.
History ::
Founded in 1984, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) is the oldest and
largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. Nearly two
thousand men, women and children infected with HIV are
registered as clients with our agency. AFAN provides direct client
service programs, food programs, prevention and education
programs, and community outreach. It is the mission of our client
service programs to enhance the physical health and psychosocial
wellness of the individuals we serve, while promoting their dignity
and improving the quality of their lives.
AFAN is committed to a system that nurtures personal growth and
dignity of persons served, which is emphasized during orientation,
ongoing staff trainings and the culture of our organization.
Why We Still Walk
AIDS Walk Las Vegas 2011 is April 17th. This year will be the 21st Annual AIDS Walk. Twenty years of recognizing a disease that has grown to be a worldwide pandemic. Individual Walkers and Walk Team numbers have grown significantly, sponsorships by local businesses and organizations continue to increase, and public awareness rises with every walk.
And we still walk. Contracting HIV at one time was considered a death sentence. But through research, new treatments are developed that not only save thousands of lives, but ensure their greatly improved quality. With nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes, consistent monitoring and proper healthcare, HIV/AIDS is now considered a ?chronic disease? which represents incredible strides in disease management. Unfortunately, the infection rate is still rising. Each day, someone becomes infected every 15 seconds. In the next 10 years, 45 million adults and children will die of AIDS. In the next 20, 75 million will die. In Clark County, an estimated 8000 cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported. We walk because our job is far from over. Until humanity recognizes worldwide that we have to educate both children and adults about high risk behavior, how to protect ourselves, and how to take personal responsibility for our well being, we must continue to raise awareness.
Yes, we still walk. We do so because our lives and the lives of people we love have been forever touched by HIV/AIDS. We still walk because HIV/AIDS is non-discriminatory. It is blind to age, race, religion, gender, heritage, level of intelligence, financial status, or your living condition. It is an equal opportunity infection that knows no boundaries.
We must walk to protect our youth, the world's most precious commodity. At least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under 25, according to the CDC. And the majority of those infections are transmitted through sexual behavior. Education and outreach are imperative to effect a dramatic reduction in this statistic. Every effort has to be made to safeguard our children and young adults through commitment, determination, and compassion. We walk in defense of cherished generations.
We proudly walk because it's our opportunity to stand up and be counted. Humanity is threatened by the HIV pandemic. All of us, at some point in time, will likely have our lives forever changed by this disease. Las Vegas and Southern Nevada is at greater risk of the spread of HIV simply based upon the tremendous growth in population. As the numbers of new residents rises, so does the per capita rate of HIV infection potential. Nevada has more HIV/AIDS cases per capita than any other western state, including California.
We walk with dignity in memory of those whom we have lost over the years, those remarkable individuals who have forever impacted our lives, minds, and hearts.
Yes, we walk with purpose, determination and compassion. We walk in a show of solidarity, and of support for our families, friends, colleagues and individuals we have never met, who need our understanding and kindness, as much as our vital services. Through the financial support of the AIDS Walk, we are able to provide life enhancing and health supportive programs for our community.
We will walk until that point in time, when AFAN is no longer effective; our services no longer needed and our purpose no longer essential to the solution.
Mission Statement:Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease.
Welcome to the Donation Page ofKathryn Grimaldi Thank you for your involvement!
Our Donors ::
AFAN Executive Director ::
Jennifer Morss
Jennifer Morss’s career in HIV began in 1999 with a television special on HIV/AIDS. It was while watching that show, Jennifer learned of individuals with HIV, dying alone in hospital beds without any friends and family around them. In essence, they had been ostracized by their entire support system. At that moment, she decided to become involved and affect change in the treatment of HIV-positive individuals by working to decrease HIV-related stigma and discrimination. After completing the American Red Cross HIV educators training, Jennifer became a volunteer HIV Prevention Educator and worked diligently in detention and drug recovery facilities. While she loved working as a volunteer, she still had not met anyone who was HIV-positive, nor was there the feeling that the work was ultimately diminishing existing stigma for these individuals.
In 2001, Jennifer moved to Nevada and began working at AFAN as the Project UpFront coordinator, AFAN’s HIV-positive speaker’s bureau, and has since held a range of positions within the organizations, such as Director of Programs, Director of Operations, and Associate Director. Her first month working at AFAN was life changing. The staff and clients welcomed her with open arms and she was quickly invited into their community and the war against HIV. It wasn’t until her work with AFAN that Jennifer realized HIV/AIDS had become her life’s purpose and she quickly became a strong advocate for the HIV community of Southern Nevada. The amazing, talented, and courageous individuals of the Project UpFront program taught her many things about appreciating life and taking time to enjoy the journey—life lessons that impact her to this day. Formal education, in the form of a Psychology BA degree has prepared her for the position of Executive Director, but who Jennifer is today, and what she is capable of, is truly because of the influence of this group of people. When she lost her first friend to “AIDS related complications,” it further solidified her resolve to work within this community. With every life challenged or lost, Jennifer’s passion is only amplified. Over the past 6 years, during her time at AFAN, she speaks of the honor of working with true experts of the field, who have chosen not only to make the difference, but also to empower our community to make a difference. This team of individuals came together to accomplish great things for the HIV community: increased private fund raising; increased corporate sponsorships; enhanced efficient programmatic infrastructure; increased federal, state, and local government grants; and yes, Jennifer’s life goal, decreasing HIV-related stigma and discrimination. The success of AFAN in providing highly effective, vital services is due solely to the continued dedication and unwavering commitment of the AFAN staff, volunteers, community partners, and Board of Trustees. Jennifer feels privileged to work with and for this community and is ecstatic for the opportunity to continue her service to all of you, as the Executive Director.
Passion for this organization, this cause, and this fight is close to Jennifer’s heart and an unwavering part of her life. Her husband Kevin and two-year old daughter Madilynn are often seen at fundraising and community events, showing their support of the vital work within AFAN’s mission. While Jennifer is looking forward to the day AFAN’s services are no longer needed, she is committed to leading this organization successfully and remaining in this community until that day. As long as HIV-positive individuals need assistance, AFAN will remain a central means for providing their essential support and services.
Together We Make A Difference!
AFAN Annual Report ::
For additional financial information, please contact our office at 702.382.2326.
Download PDF
Past Annual Reports: (Right Click then select “Save Target As” to download.)200720062005
Eligibility for individual programs will differ based on grant funding. For a complete eligibility screening, please make an appointment with a member of the Case Management team.
How is AFAN funded?
Your Help is Appreciated!Designate AFAN to receive your United Way pledge.Attend our two events; AIDS Walk Las Vegas and Black & White Party.Volunteer opportunities are available.Designate AFAN to receive your MGM Voice Foundation Employee Giving pledges
ALL DONATIONS GO THROUGH A SECURE SERVER, NOT THROUGH ME-THANK YOU
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EditDelete Walker Search and Donate
It has never been so easy to make a donation to support our Walkers and their fundraising goals. Type in the Walker's name below to locate and enter their personalized page. Just click Search and then scroll down to see the results.
AIDS Walk Las Vegas Pictures are Available!
To access your pictures please go to these links:
1) Candid Photos: http://backprint.com/view_event.asp?PID=bp%18xEw&EVENTID=37142
2) Still Photos: http://www.backprint.com/view_event.asp?pid=bp%18xEw&eventid=36348
If you are a Team Captain or a Sponsor we will be sending out your
Team Photos to you free of charge in the coming weeks.
Thanks again for all of your support!
And a special thanks to Vegas Vision Studios for providing all the wonderful event photography!
AIDS Walk 2008 Results
Total Amount Raised: $520,000 (still receiving funds)
Total Number of Walkers: over 7,500
Total Number of Teams: over 235
Number of Sponsors: over 50 Sponsors
Top Fundraising Team: Penn & Teller Challenge
Team Raised: $55,394.54
Penn & Teller Match: $46,000.00
Total Raised: $101,394.57
Top Fundraising Individual: Judith Domingo-Vicerra
Total Raised: $15,545
Largest Team: Penn & Teller Challenge
Number of Walkers: 317
Youngest Fundraising Team: Mr. Keith Franks 3rd Grade Class
Most Creative Team: Team Winos
Top Fundraising Teams:
Penn & Teller Challenge $101,394.57
Team Dennis $26,050
M.A.C Cosmetics $20,882
Venetian $17,782
Harmony $15,795
AFAN Team $15,201
These results are as of 04.22.2008. Donations are still being received and we expect
the total for the event to continue to increase over the next couple of weeks. If you
have additional cash donations, please mail them to Aid For AIDS of Nevada at
701 Shadow Lane, Suite 170 Las Vegas, NV 89106.
Thank you for playing an integral part in the success of the 18th annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas.
TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease.
Founded in 1984, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. Nearly two thousand men, women and children infected with HIV are registered as clients with our agency. AFAN provides direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach. It is the mission of our client service programs to enhance the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals we serve, while promoting their dignity and improving the quality of their lives.
2008 AIDS WALK SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsors
Silver Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Media Sponsors:
Official Water Sponsor:
Special Guests:
Community Sponsors:
Thank you to all of our sponsors.
AIDS Walk Las Vegas 2008 is April 20th. This year will be the 18th Annual AIDS Walk. Eighteen years of recognizing a disease that has grown to be a worldwide pandemic. Individual Walkers and Walk Team numbers have grown significantly, sponsorships by local businesses and organizations continue to increase, and public awareness rises with every walk.
We must walk to protect our youth, the world?s most precious commodity. At least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under 25, according to the CDC. And the majority of those infections are transmitted through sexual behavior. Education and outreach are imperative to effect a dramatic reduction in this statistic. Every effort has to be made to safeguard our children and young adults through commitment, determination, and compassion. We walk in defense of cherished generations.
We proudly walk because it?s our opportunity to stand up and be counted. Humanity is threatened by the HIV pandemic. All of us, at some point in time, will likely have our lives forever changed by this disease. Las Vegas and Southern Nevada is at greater risk of the spread of HIV simply based upon the tremendous growth in population. As the numbers of new residents rises, so does the per capita rate of HIV infection potential. Nevada has more HIV/AIDS cases per capita than any other western state, including California.
HARRY REIDDEMOCRATIC LEADERUNITED STATES SENATENEVADA
April 1,2008
Aid for AIDS of Nevada701 Shadow Lane, Suite 170Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
Dear Fellow Nevadans:
You have been invited to join Aid for AIDS Nevada (AFAN) for a day of fun, food, entertainment and a little exercise on Sunday, April 20th, for the 18th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas. While I am proud to congratulate AFAN on the Walks 18th anniversary, I can't help but think about the 501,669 Americans that have died of AIDS, as well as the 6,446 locals that are living with HIV/AIDS right now. It's heartbreaking to me that we still don't have a cure for this devastating disease. Yes, new drugs are being developed, but they don't work for everyone. We need to find a cure.
Please bring your family and friends and join AFAN to walk for those 70 million men, women and children who may die of AIDS in the next 20 years; to walk in support of the fight against AIDS. But most of all, to WALK FOR A CURE!
Harry ReidUnited States Senator
"We are all Tied Together...Even Penn & Teller!"