Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Operation HOPE and the American Red Cross Sign National Agreement to Deliver Services in US Cities


HOPE Coalition America the financial disaster preparedness and recovery division of Operation HOPE has provided guidance after 100 disasters in last 12 years
Washington, DC – November 26, 2013 – Operation HOPE (HOPE) and its financial preparedness and disaster recovery division, HOPE Coalition America (HCA) shared details around the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Red Cross announced during the HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta on November 14th.
The agreement provides for an expanded partnership between the two organizations. Included in this agreement is a shared commitment to ensure effective and inclusive service delivery to help Americans prepare for and recover from disaster through pre-disaster planning and client access to financial support services following a disaster.
“When disaster strikes, HOPE Coalition America will join the American Red Cross to provide financial recovery services to individuals and families, said President HOPE Coalition America Fred D. Smith. We are honored and pleased with this new agreement to jointly provide guidance on pre-disaster preparation and recovery to those affected in a disaster.”                    
HCA will provide trained volunteers from the financial services industry and HOPE employees. These individuals will, among other things, conduct training to community-based groups including employees of large corporate and government organizations. The objective is to encourage and energize individuals to take actions before a disaster or emergency that will allow them to recover with limited assistance from “first responders.” In addition, Operation HOPE and the Red Cross will engage in community preparedness events. Both organizations agree to support each other’s efforts in identifying appropriate mechanisms for volunteer training and engagements.
“Operation HOPE has been a valuable partner supporting the Red Cross mission and we’re pleased to continue our joint work through this new agreement,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services for the American Red Cross. “Our combined efforts will help communities be better prepared and expand access to financial support services after large disasters.”

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

HOPE Coalition America






America’s First Line of Response for Financial Recovery.
HOPE Coalition America is the only financial emergency preparedness and recovery service in the country. Through partnerships with industry leaders in a wide range of industries spanning banking, financial services, insurance, social and community services, we provide financial and economic assistance to those affected by natural disasters.
On April 27th, we renewed our partnership with FEMA to  strengthen and expand the financial counseling resources available to help individuals and families prepare for disasters and recover in the shortest possible time. Read more...

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Georgia Gives Day




Whether you know it or not, you live your life in nonprofits. From the hospitals where we are born, to the day care centers, schools and colleges that educate us. From the clubs, sports leagues and cultural institutions that entertain us, to the religious institutions we worship in. From the invisible impact of groups working on literacy, hunger, blight, disease, disability and job development, to programs that train our doctors and police and rally volunteer firefighters, to groups that fight for our voice and for justice. From the preservation of our green spaces and great places, to parks and paths, farmers markets and pet adoption, hospice providers and historic cemeteries.

Whether you have ever given a dime or a minute of time, your life has been affected by the work of a nonprofit. Now, we are creating an opportunity for everyone, in every corner of the state, to support the causes that make Georgia great. Read more....

Thursday, November 7, 2013

DHS Opens the Energy Assistance Program to Help Georgians with Their Home Heating Bills


ATLANTA - As the colder months approach, Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is once again preparing to help those in need with the cost of heating.

Beginning Nov. 1, residents aged 65 and older or who are homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). All other eligible families may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 1.
The federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencieson a first-come, first-served basis through April 30, 2014 or until all funds are exhausted.
Depending on income and household size, those who qualify for the program will receive between $310 and $350 toward their home heating bills.
To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $21,029; the income threshold for a household of five is $46,912.
Those seeking assistance must contact their local Community Action Agencies. All applicants will be asked to provide their most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating providers, as well as the following information on every member of their household: social security numbers, proof of citizenship and proof of income for the last 30 days. Proof of income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub, a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits.
 For more information on the program, contact DHS, Division of Family and Children Services, LIHEAP/CSBG Programs toll free at 1-877-423-4746. To find the Community Action Agency in your area, visithttp://www.georgiacaa.org.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Meet the SHARE Project Staff


Daniel Driffin, serves as the Project Manager with the Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) on the Think Twice Project. With experience working in hardest affected communities, Daniel has leadership in providing Rapid Pre/Post HIV Test Counseling and facilitating numerous evidence based interventions (EBIs) such as Many Men, Many Voices (3MV), Defend Yourself (d-up!) and Mpowerment to Young African American men who have sex with men (YAAMSM). Mr. Driffin is active in volunteering in local, national and international programs to addressing social determinants of HIV/AIDS. Nationally, he currently serves as Chair of The Young Black Gay Men’s Leadership Initiative which is a collection of committed young black gay, bi, SGL and other men who have sex with men from around the country who work towards addressing the HIV epidemic in the United States. The goal is to lead this initiative to educate, inspire and support our peers. YBGLI is a national initiative by the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition. Daniel is also currently completing coursework towards a Masters of Public Health.



Harlan Smith started out as a volunteer with AID Atlanta, then left his job in corporate America to become a fulltime employee with the organization.  Harlan was hired as the HIV Tester & Counselor for AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project, a drop-in community center for young black gay/bisexual men and transgender individuals between 18 and 28 years of age.  Harlan also did HIV testing in the community at clubs, bars, parks, health fairs and many other events and locations. Harlan was awarded the honor of Best Male Activist in Atlanta in 2012. 





Larissa Zohren is one of the newest members of the SHARE Project.  She came to work here after she graduated from the University of Connecticut.  Larissa’s adventurous nature keeps her friends and family on their toes.  She is full of enthusiasm and loves to talk to new people. She and Megan will be answering your phone calls.






Lisa Eaton is interested in developing and implementing behavioral interventions for health improvement. She has both international and domestic interests in disease treatment and prevention, including projects to improve HIV testing and counseling for HIV negative MSM in the US. She is also interested in researching effective ways to deliver biomedical interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, male circumcision and microbicides; in particular, how to address product adherence and changes in behavioral risk taking, and how to bolster wide spread availability.






Megan McNerney has been working with the SHARE Project since 2003.  She wears many hats in the office, including answering calls from participants.  She looks forward to hearing from you and hopes to help you get involved in a study!






Mike Bailey has a Bachelor's degree in Education from Georgia Southern University. He has worked in outreach services for fifteen years. He started at the National AIDS Education and Services for Minorities program, next the AIDS Survival Project, then to Positive Impact and now he has been with the SHARE Project for two years. If you see him out, say "Hi!"


Robert Baldwin is a U.S. Naval veteran who served in-country and in Iraq as medical support for marines. This four-year tour initiated a love for closely connecting with individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Robert followed this interest through the study of Cultural Communication at the University of California. Since 2005 he has enthusiastically participated in multiple community outreach forums as both a professional and a volunteer; the most recent being the Many Men Many Voices program through the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center as a member of their Leadership Advisory Board. With a heart to serve others, and an interest in being a part of positive community and cultural advancement, Robert is elated to be a part of the Think Twice team.




Shawn Miles has been an outreach coordinator since 2005 for Someone Care Inc. His roles include providing education and support to LGBT to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS and safer sex practices. Shawn is frequently in the clubs in downtown Atlanta conducting HIV testing and handing out safer sex kits.




Christopher Conway-Washington works at the SHARE Project in the role of assessor and phlebotomist. He is a Sr. Research Assessor with the University of Connecticut, where he has the privilege of working across multiple studies at the Atlanta facility. His previous professional experience includes coordinating a Men's STD Clinic, providing HIV testing and counseling to both individuals and couples, case management, and behavioral research, working with diverse populations, infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS and other STI's. Christopher has had the great opportunity of presenting data at local and national conferences, from the findings of the aforementioned research. Christopher attended Temple University (go Owls!), where he studied Human Resource Administration as an undergraduate. He attended Drexel University and the Keller Graduate School of Management, where he studied Public Health and Public Administration, respectively, as a graduate student. In the hours when Christopher is not at work, he enjoys exercising, music, dancing, the performing arts, black & white classics, reading, and the emotional rollercoaster that is life.



Chauncey Cherry (with Lisa Eaton at PRIDE) has been a huge part of the SHARE Project for several years. Many of you have worked with him and know how crucial he is to the success of our programs.