As a grass-roots organization, The Albany Damien Center relies heavily on our community’s support. Our mission is to provide a comfortable place with supportive programs to improve the health and quality of life of the men, women, and children devastated by HIV/AIDS in 17 counties around the New York capital region. Our attendance continues to grow and your support is needed to ensure that we can keep the doors open for each person who needs help.

Please join me in helping people living with HIV/AIDS in our community by participating in this exciting event. To ensure the greatest marketing exposure, our deadline for sponsors is Sept 12, 2008, although there are opportunities to be a part of our event after that date. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at 518-449-7119 x10, if I can provide any additional information regarding this exciting event.

Thank you for consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

Perry Junjulas

Executive Director, The Albany Damien Center

Please help us" keep the doors open" for every individual and family

living with HIV/AIDS who needs us!

The Albany Damien Center

The Capital Region’s HIV/AIDS Community Center

Mission – To provide a HIV/AIDS community center with programs designed to improve health and increase quality of life in a supportive, comfortable atmosphere.

Organization –The Albany Damien Center is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1990 and is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the federal tax code (New York State Charities Registration #64142; Federal Employer ID #22-3108995)

Target Population – Individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and outlying counties of upstate New York.

Agency Statistics:

· Guest Visits Per Year: 2007: 11,247

· Staff: 7 full time, 7 part time; Volunteers: 65

· Agency 2008 Budget: $588,000 Fundraising/Administrative in 2007: 13%

Program Areas:

1) AIDS Community Center – a comfortable and supportive living room setting designed to increase quality of life and health with:

- Support and topic groups, counseling, advocacy, topic groups, resource library, HIV testing, recreational/social activities

- Holistic therapies: Massage and Reiki

- Mental health counseling provided individually and in relaxed groups

- Referrals to AIDS case management and healthcare providers

2) Smart Meals – nutritious, well-balanced meals in a social atmosphere with nutrition education aimed at the specific needs of individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.

- Lunches, dinners, pantry bags, grocery vouchers

- Nutrition education, assessment, and support from our Registered Dietitian

- Meals served per year: 2007: 15,000

- Cost per meal: $7.00

3) PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) – ensures that people living with HIV/AIDS are not separated from their pets, often when they need each other the most.

- Clients currently served: 100 with 145 pets

- In home volunteer pet care when clients are ill

- Financial assistance for veterinary services, pet food, and supplies

- Transportation to vet and grooming services

- Health and HIV educational information, including "safe pet" guidelines

4) Treasure Chest – a volunteer organized thrift store, located at 295 Hamilton Street, Albany, NY

- Clothing, furniture, and household item assistance for guests in need

- Increasing community awareness of HIV/AIDS in the region

- Income for The Albany Damien Center programs

Honorary Committee

$100 (single) $175 (couple)