Violet's Cupboard -- AIDS Holistic Services Program -- Akron, Ohio USA

Violet's Cupboard

Always Full of Hope
Serving men, women, and children living with HIV / AIDS and their families since 1989.

What We Do: Our goal is to enhance the quality of daily life for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families through support, education and counseling. Violet’s Cupboard is a one-stop resource where client confidentiality is strictly observed.

Last year, we provided more than 8,000 hours of service.
Violet’s Cupboard is proud of its ability to maximize the use of volunteers and in-kind donations. For every dollar we receive in contributions, we provide nearly two dollars worth of service. Utilizing a staff of nearly 15 members – including a dietician, health educator and social workers - we have helped thousands of people.
A United Way agency, Violet’s Cupboard aids persons living in Ohio’s Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, Holmes, Carroll, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.
Despite our efforts, the outlook is grim. Nearly 2,300 people in Summit County alone have HIV/AIDS, and some of them don’t even know they are infected.list item this is a list item this is a list item this is a list item
In the next five years, the number of new cases and the number of deaths are expected to triple. People living with this life-threatening ailment and their loved ones often are left with few resources. But they can turn to Violet’s Cupboard. It’s always full of hope.

How It Began: Violet’s Cupboard takes its name from “Violet,” a 62-year-old grandmother from Youngstown, Ohio, who was known for her generosity and compassion. In 1984, she contracted HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from a blood transfusion administered to her during heart surgery. Violet died in 1987.

In 1989, we established our agency in Akron, Ohio, \and named it Violet’s Cupboard after this courageous, caring woman. Having spent its early years operating from a basement, our agency now features a suite of offices with a comfortable reception area and plenty of office space to ensure privacy.

To Reach Us: Call 330.375.2159. You may also e-mail us at PozHelp@aol.com. Our address is 655 N. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44310.
Our Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays. Special evening hours are available by appointment.
Services
Case Managementn:Licensed social workers assist persons with HIV/AIDS in developing a personalized program that’s best suited to fit his or her mental, physical and financial needs. Solutions are found to address such vital issues as:

Financial assistance for medical and dental bills
Medications
Housing referrals
Rent and utility payments
Health insurance premiums
End-of-life documents

Meeting Needs:With just 24 hours notice, we can provide medical supplies and food from our well-stocked pantry.
Transportation:We offer rides or a bus pass to get clients to medical appointments on time.
Testing:Free, confidential HIV testing with an answer in about 20 minutes is conducted. Walk-ins are welcome, but please call ahead, if possible. The test is performed using a simple finger-stick to collect only a drop of blood. Support and guidance are available immediately after the results are shared with the client.
Education:Violet’s Cupboard offers individual consultations aimed at keeping persons living with HIV/AIDS abreast of the facts regarding their illness and the latest developments in combating it. We also provide information to those trying to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS.
Support Groups:Violet’s Cupboard hosts a group for HIV-positive gay or bisexual men. The agency can also put you in touch with area groups that help persons with HIV/AIDS. Clients may participate in a “Buddy” program that links them with another person with HIV/AIDS who can share his or her insights and knowledge. In addition, referrals can be made to groups organized to help family members and caregivers.
Home Visits:Social workers are available to visit clients unable to travel to Violet’s Cupboard’s office.
Service Partnership:Our agency has teamed with Gate House of Summit County to help African Americans or other minority individuals confront the special issues related to HIV/AIDS and substance abuse recovery.
How You Can Help
Volunteer:People giving freely and generously are what keep Violet’s Cupboard stocked with hope. Just a few hours of your time each week can make an enormous difference in the quality of life for someone living with HIV/AIDS. Tasks performed by volunteers include packing and delivering groceries to homebound clients, or serving as front-desk receptionists. Anyone with a skill they think might be useful is encouraged to contact us.
Give:Violet’s Cupboard maintains a food pantry, which includes freezer storage. We also collect personal hygiene items such as shampoo. Help replenish these valuable supplies by giving what you can.
Donate:Since Violet’s Cupboard is a nonprofit, charitable organization, any donations you make are tax deductible. Just as importantly, your contributions are sincerely appreciated and are put to good use.
Interested In Helping:? Call us at 330.375.2159. You may also e-mail PozHelp@aol.com. Our address is 655 N. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44310.