Donations

December 2011

Dear Friend of HARC,

An estimated 19,500 people in Michigan are living with HIV/AIDS.  It may seem hidden from view; but, despite advances in treatment, HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious community health issue and is by your side each and every day.  The good news:  thanks to improved anti-retroviral therapy, our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and teenagers are living longer.  This also means, the prevalence of HIV in Michigan is on the rise.  And for several consecutive years, disturbing data highlights the ongoing increase in new diagnoses among 13 – 19 year-olds–nearly ¾ of this age group in our state are diagnosed right here in southeast Michigan.

HIV/AIDS is not just about numbers.  It is about people–nearly 1,000 in HARC’s service area alone.  As the only local AIDS service organization in Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee and Livingston Counties, HARC has a dynamic 25-year history of educating the community, caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and fighting discrimination and stigma.  Though it may seem that HIV/AIDS is now one of many manageable chronic diseases, would you feel that way if your child, spouse, friend or parent broke the news to you that they had tested positive?  The single HIV positive mother of two who can barely put food on her table needs our commitment.  The 18 year-old struggling to accept his diagnosis needs us.  We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent.

Your support of HARC’s education, prevention and care programs is critical!  Your gift now will help ensure that our services remain intact.  In 2012, Michigan will lose up to 30% of its federal funding for HIV prevention services.  We rely on this funding to provide services to all who need them.  Now we need your support so that HARC can continue to offer:  free HIV testing, counseling, medical and non-medical case management, food, transportation, support groups, housing assistance and education for community members and health professionals.

We need you!  We are proud of our many accomplishments in 2011, accomplishments achieved only with the help of generous supporters and volunteers.  We have responded to changing needs and are prepared to face the challenges ahead, including preventing HIV among youth and young adults.  Our newest challenge: a new outreach vehicle to bring education and testing services to folks where they live.  Our old trusty workhorse has finally gone on to greener pastures.

Help us reach our year-end giving goal of $25,000.  Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference.  Whether a first-time gift, a generously increased gift or a monthly pledge, you will help serve and uplift the lives of those facing HIV/AIDS and help prevent the spread of a disease that affects people from all walks of life.  We don’t want HIV/AIDS by anyone’s side; but, until there is a cure, we must all pull together to keep our community informed, cared for and healthy.

With Pride in HARC,

Jimena Loveluck, MSW
President/CEO

P.S.  You can give safely online.  Also, explore whether your employer will match your gift!

We accept online donations through PayPal. You may donate via credit card or PayPal account.

You may also donate by downloading and printing a donation form.

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As a nonprofit organization with 501 (c)(3) recognition by the IRS, your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.