Heroes In Iowa: Women With HIV Start New Agency

My name is Shelly Gorden. I am a single parent living in Des Moines, Iowa who is HIV positive. I am desperately trying to get an organization started here to effectively deal with the issues of women, children and families living with AIDS, both infected and affected.

Support

In the past year and a half I have had support group meetings in my home for positive women. We started with 3 and now have 19, including 5 men. We will be having separate group meetings soon.

Hope

It is my hope that "HEROES" can become a safe place with a support system, referral service, educational programs, and one day a Board and Care home. We will work with existing organizations to make sure that services are available for anyone needing them. HEROES will provide family oriented services.

Money

We are currently exploring the areas of funding, and putting our programs together. We are also in the process of getting our Non-Profit.

Any information that you could share with us about your experiences, programs, initial set up, funding ideas, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Please send information to:

Sharon Haaght -- Shelly Gorden
H.E.R.O.E.S
Helping Each Other Reach Out & Educate Society
841 SE Bell Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-282-1629 -- 515-280-6422