Access to Care Through Service (ACTS) is the first volunteer program for self empower individuals in the HIV/AIDS Community. Following the format of self empowering groups of other organizations across the country, the program develops an atmosphere of service learning providing multiple educational topics that have deep impacts on members and their communities in order to enhance their quality of life. These topics includes basic case management skills, living with HIV/AIDS, medical treatments, dental hygiene, cultural diversity training, managed care, HIV and immigration, sex education, self esteem, decision making, values clarification and building skills for job opportunities.

Since September 2000, we have successfully developed a program and organized a team of more than 50 HIV infected and/or affected members to serve in Chester, Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

The AIDS Care Group of Chester provides HIV related medical, dental, nursing and case management services through our members. They also offer comprehensive services in three clinical sites in Chester and Darby.

Located in Philadelphia, the Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance (MANNA) provides support through delivery of meals and groceries to homes and congregate meal sites for children and adults with HIV/AIDS in areas including Philadelphia, Eastern Delaware County and three Southern New Jersey Counties. Moreover, members of MANNA also promote an understanding of HIV wellness through nutritional peer education and peer counseling.

Corps members of the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey help organizing recreational activities for children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. They organize clients' events; such as, holidays parties, picnics, group transportation and creating holiday baskets. Members also facilitate ex-offenders' support groups and provide continuing outreach and education efforts to prevent the spread of HIV.

The Consortium provides a place where members can take charge and be actively involved in the planning, development and coordination of AIDS services. We feel that services provided to persons with HIV/AIDS should be designed from the consumer's point of view. It is our responsibility to ensure that consumers can access the services essential to fulfill their needs and be healthy.

In addition to self empowerment, if a member fulfills at least 900 hours in a 12-month period, the member receives an educational award which can be used for current educational costs at colleges, universities, other postsecondary institutions and approved school-to-work programs, or to pay back qualified student loans already incurred.

To join this program, a member must: