SJ Orgs: AIDS Coalition

The AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey (ACSNJ) is a multi-faceted agency serving infected individuals and affected communities. With the support of the United Way and federal and resident donations, the organization is one of the most comprehensive in assisting individuals and families.

The ACSNJ provides social services, education and prevention services to Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties. Their mission is to provide ‘direct services and ensure the excellence of care and the continuity of resources for people infected with and affected by the HIV/AIDS health crisis.’

ACSNJ services are designed to fulfill a patient’s physical and emotional needs. ACSNJ operates five transitional houses for homeless HIV patients. Through the help of a case manager, patients can apply for residency in the home, which provides in-house drug and alcohol counseling, food, and weekly counseling sessions.

In addition to transitional housing, ACSNJ offers nutritious meals through the Positively Nutritious program. Since 1994, the program has provided three hot meals per day to housebound HIV/AIDS patients and free groceries to low-income families that include a member infected with HIV/AIDS. With the help of volunteers, the program delivers more than 1300 meals per week.

ACSNJ also provides emergency financial assistance to patients having trouble paying bills, provides free acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy, support groups, legal services, family support, and employment counseling.

Community outreach programs include the following:

* Anonymous & Confidential HIV Counseling and Testing is held every weekday from 9am to 6pm at the Ray of Hope on 523 Stevens Street in Camden.

* Looking to Volunteer? Get involved with the teen AIDS line by joining the volunteer night every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. The teen AIDS line allows teens to gather more information about the increasing rate of infected teens every year. Currently, two teens are infected every hour of every day with the virus. Teens can call (800) 618-TEEN or contact teenaidsline@acsnj.org on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30pm to 9:30pm.

ACSNJ is able to provide these wonderful services with the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donations. If you’re interested in helping to support the ACSNJ, you can send a tax-deductible donation to ACSNJ, Online Giving, 100 Essex Ave, Suite 300, Bellmawr, NJ 08110.

ACSNJ offers planned giving options including wills, trusts annuities, and retirement plans for those interested in giving over a long period of time. For more information on planned giving, contact (856) 933-9500.

The ACSNJ also needs volunteers looking for a rewarding experience. There are several volunteer opportunities for people that have a little or a lot of spare time. You can find out more by attending the Volunteer Orientation and HIV 101 Training the first Monday of every month at the ACSNJ office in Bellmawr. The Orientation begins at 7pm.

ACSNJ is located on 100 Essex Ave, Suite 300 in Bellmawr. For more information, contact (856) 933-9500 or visit www.acsnj.org.

For more on local Organizations, visit our South Jersey Organizations page.

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Author: Melissa Samuelson