Kentucky: Helping People They Know Makes Fighting AIDS Personal for House of Ruth Volunteers

House of Ruth is a local organization that provides financial and social support for people living with HIV/AIDS. With assistance from Louisville Metro Housing and Family Services, the group offers clients a rental subsidy program. It also provides referrals for substance abuse treatment, medical co-pay assistance, and workshops on topics such as household budgeting and relaxation techniques.

House of Ruth also has a children's program, providing school supplies, clothing, and holiday gifts to children with HIV/AIDS. Parenting workshops are offered through the program as well.

JacQue White, the group's director of community relations, said she has found her true calling working there. The Louisville native said seeing people she grew up with coming into House of Ruth fuels that passion. "That took it from being a job to something personal," said White. "You have a direct impact on how the clients see themselves, see the world, see other people, and see their place in this world."

Audra Cain, House of Ruth's education outreach and children's program coordinator, began as a volunteer. She was attracted to the work because she believed HIV/AIDS was getting less and less attention. "HIV is an issue that's been swept under the rug in the past several years," said Cain. "For me, it was a matter of working with a population that doesn't always get the attention and voice that other issues receive."

Back to other news for May 2008