With gratitude,
JOHN PELLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO AND TERRI FRIEL, BOARD CHAIR
125
Case managers
Convened 125 case managers to learn the latest on how to best support their clients through more than 50 in-person and online trainings.
32
partner organizations
Created space for 32 partner organizations to exchange ideas and learn about the edge of innovation through the Service Providers’ Council.
6
organizations
Mentored six small organizations on their journeys to support people living with and vulnerable to HIV:
The Association of Clinical Trial Service
Transforming reentry services
Chicago Women's AIDS Project
Brave Space Alliance
GlobaL Girls
Project Vida
12
free events
Hosted or played a leading role in 12 free events, including daylong conferences, summits and trainings where our community had important conversations with one another on topics such as race and HIV in the workplace.
6,944
clients
125
case managers
35
agencies
Supported the journeys of 6,944 clients living with or vulnerable to HIV by partnering them with 125 case managers at 35 agencies who help them connect to health care, transportation and so much more.
$13.4 million
71 vulnerable clients
Supported the Center for Housing and Health in its administration of the Flexible Housing Pool, an innovative $13.4 million collaborative investing public and private dollars in providing supportive housing for 71 vulnerable clients.
1,182 people
442 clients
1,427
people
Located 1,427 people who were disconnected from their health insurance and helped them reconnect to care through the AFC program CommunityLinks.
108
people
Enrolled 108 people in the Safe and Sound Return Partnership, a project that supports people living with HIV who are leaving the prison or jail to ensure they receive the health care and services they need to prosper.
25
people Employed
15
people
housed
I used to wonder, like, ‘What am I here for? What is my purpose in life?’ And I have a purpose now.
AFC used its bold voice for change to advance key pieces of legislation in Illinois in 2019. We also supported our advocate network in building a movement to end HIV criminalization, support the LGBTQ+ community and tell their stories to inspire change.
Inspired advocates to take action in person, over the phone and via social media on legislation that advances health equity.
148
visited springfield
148 advocates visited Springfield for HIV Advocacy Day on May 14, 2019.
13
traveled to washington, D.C.
13 advocates traveled to Washington, D.C. to fight for health equity at AIDSWatch.
270
contacted a legislator
122 calls
788 emails
270 advocates contacted their legislators through AFC, including making 122 calls and sending 788 emails on important policy issues that impacted the HIV community in Illinois for a total of 910 legislator connections.
Ending Laws that Harm People with HIV
Advanced HIV decriminalization work through establishing and growing the Illinois HIV Action Alliance and convening town halls across the state to build momentum and hear from the community.
Pride Action Tank made LGBTQ+ rights a priority in city and state politics
Co-hosted a nonpartisan forum for Chicago mayoral candidates to hear their perspectives on LGBTQ+ and intersectional issues.
Presented a congressional breakfast on LGBTQ+ priorities that featured Illinois representatives.
Incubated and helped launch One Roof Chicago, a new LGBTQ+ centered organization to create intergenerational community for elders and youth in Chicago.
80 voices
Amplified 80 voices through original storytelling on AFC’s website and social media channels.
$785,000
racial equity trainings
Engagement survey
8
new positions
103
staff members
25
INTERNS
Added 8 new positions at AFC, which increased our staff to 103 members.
Recruited, trained and learned from 25 interns across AFC’s programs, advocacy and external relations endeavors.
Getting to Zero Illinois
Launched Getting to Zero Illinois, a ten-year plan to end new HIV transmissions in our state, alongside Govenor JB Pritzker and leaders across Illinois communities, with support from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
785
people
Received feedback on the draft plan from 785 people.
9
town halls
Hosted 9 community town halls about the plan.
7
work groups
Held the first meetings of the GTZ-IL Implementation Council and 7 work groups.
350
health care professionals
8
trainings
391
members
After a three-year, community-driven development process, Getting to Zero Illinois officially launched in May with a plan to make big changes in Illinois. “Through partnerships and a renewed focus on testing, treatment and prevention, we will save lives and stop HIV from impacting so many communities,” said Govenor JB Pritzker at a press conference heralding the plan release.