United Way Partnership

Friends For Life Corporation, the Mid-South's largest HIV/AIDS service organization, is proud to announce that it recently achieved the designation of "Partner" agency from The United Way of The Mid-South.

In June 4, 2003 letter from David May, chair of fund distribution for The United Way of the Mid- South, to then Friends For Life Board chair George Mabon, May wrote, "The volunteers were impressed with the (Friends For Life) staff's dedication to the agency and its clients. The volunteers commend Friends For Life for achieving a 'Partner' agency designation. Friends For Life demonstrates continued commitment to (the) United Way through its internal agency campaign, participation in the United Way campaign, positive identification with United Way in agency materials and dedication to outcome evaluation."

"This is just such an honor," said Friends For Life Executive, Director Kim A. Moss. "Not many agencies obtain a partnership status with the United Way, and certainly not agencies as new to The United Way as Friends For Life, because Friends For Life has only been a United Way agency for three years. This is truly an accomplishment for all the staff, the board and the volunteers to be proud of.

Comments made about Friends For Life by members of the United Way during the allocation process included, but not limited to:

Friends For Life provided well-written program models, which include clear, concrete and measurable processes, outcome and impact objectives.

The subcommittee continues to be impressed with the excellent fiscal management of the agency.

Friends For Life does an excellent job of agency fundraising, always exploring new and creative options.

The volunteers commend FFL for consistently seeking out grants and other revenue.

The volunteers were pleased to learn that a building was donated to FFL. This new facility will allow FFL to operate all programs from a central location.

FFL has a stellar reputation with the City of Memphis and Ryan White II grant review committees, having demonstrated excellence in fiscal management and program development.

May's announcement of Friends For Life's partnership status with The United Way of the Mid-South came as a part of an overall announcement that the agency would be receiving a grand total of $95,653 in funding from the United Way.

In justifying the allocation of funds, as well as partnership status, to Friends For Life, The United Way of the Mid-South listed the following reasons:

Friends For Life has proven itself to be a highly-professional agency that meets a community need in a unique and cost-effective way:

FFL grant requests for the City of Memphis and Ryan White II were funded fully for the coming year. However, the grant monies are restricted, allowing only 10 percent for administrative costs. United Way funding helps to cover program expenses not covered by grants.

The Positive Living Center program has received national recognition by the Centers for Disease Control and Plus, a national magazine regarding HIV/AIDS treatment, as one of the few holistic programs of its kind in the United States.

FFL has implemented a cutting-edge "Prevention for Positives" program, which addresses the issue of re-infection by another strain of the virus.

FFL has developed a new program called the Wellness University. It is a community-wide adherence program that coordinates the medical treatment and supportive services of persons with HIV/AIDS. This program is highly-anticipated by the HIV/AIDS social service community and has been described by participating service providers as "innovative and creative."

The agency has experienced tremendous positive growth under the direction of Kim Moss. Due to this growth, the agency now needs to hire someone to coordinate and supervise the variety of services provided.

FFL continues to be a leader in developing community collaborations. These collaborations allow the community to utilize the available dollars to full capacity.

In addition, Friends For Life recently received approval of a $225,000 grant from the Plough Foundation. The money, according to the grant application, is to be used for renovation of Friends For Life's Shelter Plus Care apartment building located at 35 North Claybrook.

"Our board recognizes the importance of this project, and we are pleased to be able to assist you with your request," wrote Barbara Sax Jacobs, Plough Foundation program director.

For more information on any of Friends For Life's many programs, or to volunteer your time or money to help men, women and children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS live healthier, more dignified lives, call (901) 272-0855.