FACE: For AIDS Children Everywhere

FACE (For Aids Children Everywhere) is a unique organization in the Cincinnati, Ohio area which focuses on assisting children with HIV/AIDS.

We have much to offer. When parents and children are diagnosed HIV+, they often feel stigmatized and isolated. Confidentiality and support from us is assured. Upon request, FACE also helps sustain these families privately with immediate personal needs such as food, clothing and money for medicine and transportation.

Our group presents a unique bond with these caregivers. The mothers of FACE closely identify with the caregivers of HIV+ children. We have endured the suffering they are now experiencing. We can truly appreciate their circumstances and offer support without apprehension, fear or prejudice.

It is our goal to accommodate the entire family (caregiver and child) and to satisfy essential personal and emotional needs. This will help assure more complete care for these special children.

FACE is another link in the future health and well-being of families suffering with AIDS. As the number of infected children grows, so will their needs. Medical attention alone is not sufficient. There are additional emotional needs that the medical profession cannot fully address and this is an area in which we can offer our expertise and support.

The mothers of FACE have formed a fundamental support group for caregivers of HIV+ children. We feel their emotional outlook and stability is highly influential in the survival of their children.

We are working in cooperation with medical professionals and social workers to meet these special needs. Several such experts are on the Board of Trustees.

Our organization members also speak to teen groups and medical panels, educating our community on the effects of AIDS and bringing g public awareness to the new realities of this disease.

Many thanks to the following children for permission to use their drawing: Willie, age 5; Sara, age 7; and Jessica , age 6.