KIND HEARTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 RCC’S MISSION FOR THE KIND HEARTS PROGRAM

• To provide health and wellness services for HIV patients and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) seniors.
• To support RCC’s overarching mission of creating a sense of community among LGBTQ persons by forging stronger, healthier, more interconnected networks of individuals.

 KIND HEARTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Kind Hearts Program distributes food to low-income HIV/AIDS patients and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer senior citizens in Central Contra Costa County.  In June 2006, the Rainbow Community Center began operating a food Pantry for HIV/AIDS patients in Contra Costa County, taking over a portion of clients formerly served by the Diablo Valley AIDS Center (DVAC), which had dissolved.  The RCC board further recognized the need for nutrition assistance for area LGBTQ seniors and expanded the program.  As of September 2008, approximately 50 people with HIV/AIDS have active enrollment in RCC’s Food Pantry and 10 Seniors.  On Thursdays between 11 AM and 2 PM, a weekly average of 15 people with HIV/AIDS and a weekly average of five LGBTQ Seniors are provided with free nutritional resources and an opportunity for socialization.  In addition volunteers make home deliveries twice a month to homebound clients (currently all home delivery clients have HIV/AIDS).

We strive to create service and socialization opportunities for our clients.  Current Services include weekly support groups, nutritional support, socialization, and HIV prevention for Positive clients and prevention work with their sexual and drug sharing partners.  We then work with individuals to develop and pursue a pervention action plan.

Current efforts include expanding the program to include the development of a peer-based home visitor program to match volunteers with our more isolated clients.  These volunteers will be trained and coached in working with their match to develop their own individualized care support network.  While some of the specific needs and challenges facing people with HIV and LGBTQ seniors differ, there are a great number of similar needs, experiences, and solutions.

KIND HEARTS PROGRAM SERVICE POPULATION

Home Delivery Service provided to Central Contra Costa County, and other areas as resources are available.  Clients are prioritized as follows:

• People living with HIV/AIDS
• Extra Helping Program (from Food bank of Contra Costa & Solano)
• Home deliveries
• Pantry
• LGBTQ Seniors
• Pantry
• RCC members, staff and friends
• Pantry (as available)

FOOD PANTRY HOURS AND LOCATION

11 AM to 2 PM
Every Thursday
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa
2034 Willow Pass Road,
Suite 200
Concord, CA  94519

The Rainbow Center is in the same building as New Connections, but located/accessed at the rear of the building/parking lot and on the second floor.

 KIND HEARTS PROGRAM FUNDERS

• Community Development Block Grant COBG)  HIV & Seniors
• Contra Costa Health Services, AIDS Program  HIV
• Regional HIV/AIDS Foundations
• Foundation Grants
• Corporate foundations and agencies
• Individual appeals and grants

 KIND HEARTS CONTACT INFORMATION

Wade Meyer
Director, Kind Hearts Program
Serving People with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ Seniors
A program of the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County
3024 Willow Pass Road, Suite 200
Concord, CA  94519
925-692-0090
joe@rainbowcc.org