Newark Mayor Cory Booker at the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children

On June 16, 2009, Mayor Cory Booker visited the ARFC's Academy Street Firehouse After-school Program in downtown Newark.  The Mayor was greeted by staff, volunteers, and an alumna of the Firehouse program, who led a wonderful tour of the space.  The ARFC was honored to have the attention of the Mayor as we move forward in our pressing initiative to provide housing and holistic services for families at risk of homelessness.  Co-Founders and Executuve Directors Faye and Terry Zealand impressed upon the Mayor the continued need for comprehensive services to families who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.  Consideration for the well-being of people living with the virus cannot stop at medical treatment- there must also be systems in place to address affordable housing, family stability, and community resiliency.

With the support of the Mayor and other valuable stakeholders, the HIV/AIDS-impacted community of Newark will continue to have accessible high-quaility services through the ARFC.

In Remembrance of a Friend

Longtime Supporter and Advocate Elizabeth Caliendo

The St. Clare's Homes for Children and the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children lost an incredible friend on Friday, May 29, 2009.  For more than 11 years, Ms. Elizabeth Caliendo dedicated her time to the children of St. Clare's through the creation of a fundraiser that also raised awareness for a cause close to her heart.  She brought attention to the at-risk and vulnerable children living in communities throughout New Jersey, and St. Clare's is fortunate to have an angel on their side.  Please join the babies, families, and staff of our organization in remembering the spirit and kind friendship of our longtime supporter Liz Caliendo.  Her legacy is evident in the generosity of those closest to Liz.  Her family has suggested donations can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Clare's Homes for Children.

To view her notice of passing in the Asbury Park Press, please click here to visit the web site.

To make a donation in loving memory of Elizabeth Caliendo, please click here.

ARFC Executive Director Faye Zealand with Liz Caliendo.

In Honor of Twilight Concert Musician Danny Petraitis

October 14, 1957 - June 3, 2009

 From the many friends at St. Clare's, ARFC, and the Twilight Concert Committee, we salute and honor the life of a gifted and giving soul.

Housing as Healthcare

The ARFC Makes Available 9 New Homes for Families in Need

The AIDS Resource Foundation for Children is taking exciting new steps toward addressing the housing shortage in our area, especially for vulnerable families who need supportive care.  In May 2009, the ARFC purchased an additional 9 units of affordable and desirable housing in the Newark area which will be supported by our comprehensive services.  The families in ARFC's homes will continue to receive holistic assistance and have access to community resources, as well as medical and mental health services.

 As our organization continues to serve the medically fragile children of NJ and provide help to families impacted by HIV/AIDS, we continue to adapt and address the timely and relevant needs of our communities.  The problem of chronic homelessness, and the fear of becoming homeless, has grown over the past several years.  When instability in housing is coupled with health concerns and a strict treatment regimen requiring refrigeration and regular meals, the issue of losing one's home becomes truly life-threatening.

The ARFC's housing initiative is working to address those concerns with partners on the State, County, and City levels, as well as private entities who understand the mission and have offered their assistance.  The organization has plans to see over 45 units of affordable housing become available in the coming year, all with support services for the families moving in.  It is our hope that with appropriate housing and assistance, our families will be stronger, more stable, and better equipped for self-sufficiency.  This undertaking would not be possible without the collaborative effort from all stakeholders and community members.

If you want to learn more or would like to join our supporters in making this initiave a success, please contact us at info@aidsresource.org.