Volunteers have always been the heart of AIDS Community Alliance. In our infancy - the first few years of the Lancaster AIDS Project - the agency and all of the services we provided were offered entirely by volunteers who gave freely of their time and resources to help individuals and families impacted by HIV in addition to trying to find ways to prevent further infections in our community.

Today, the need for volunteers continues...

Ways you can help:

o Care and Supportive Services - In the early years of the epidemic hundreds of individuals participated in the "Buddy Program" - a system that helped connect individuals living with HIV to members of the community who were able and willing to assist them in day-to-day chores, in providing a social outlet, in offering transportation and general support as the individual living with HIV addressed the treatment and care of their infection. The demand for "buddy services" has diminished greatly as the treatment for HIV has become more successful however many of our clients still need assistance with challenges such as transportation to and from medical and social service appointment. In addition, during the holiday season ACA works with members of the local community to assure that our clients and their families have gifts for the holiday and food for holiday meals. These and other opportunities still exist for individuals wanting to volunteer and work directly with individuals and families impacted by HIV.

o Education and Prevention Services - The education and prevention programs at ACA are peer-based and utilize volunteers to help plan and implement the interventions in the community. Volunteers are needed for all three of the prevention projects underway in the community. To learn more about each project and if volunteering with one of them would be a good fit for your interests please visit the project pages under education and prevention services. In addition to project related volunteer activities, the Education Services Department is always in need of volunteers to assist in the getting prevention and education supplies ready for distribution to the community.

o Events and Development - The events and fundraising programs of AIDS Community Alliance are rooted in the work and dedication of volunteers who are committed to the values, beliefs and services of AIDS Community Alliance. In addition to our three major events - Dine Out, PREMIERE and AIDS Walk (all of which have volunteer committees) - the agency hosts a series of smaller events throughout the year that are also in need of volunteer planning and support.

o Board of Directors and Board Committees - While there is a formal nomination and election process to become a member of the Board of Directors, the Board is always looking for interested individuals from throughout the eight counties served by the agency. In addition to membership on the Board, there are a host of committees that provide guidance, vision and support to the work and mission of AIDS Community Alliance. These committee are open to members of the community and do not require Board Membership.

For additional information or to learn more about volunteer opportunities at AIDS Community Alliance please contact Phil Goropoulos, President/CEO.