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Chicago, IL — Beginning September 20, those impacted by HIV and AIDS on the city’s West Side will have a safe, convenient resource for food, nutrition, housing, counseling, education and prevention services. Vital Bridges, the city’s most comprehensive provider of services to people living with HIV and AIDS has strengthened its outreach to this community through the opening of a new West Side Program Center located in Garfield Park. 

Vital Bridges will celebrate this opening with an open house at the Center on Saturday, October 8th, 2005 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM to introduce the center to volunteers, community leaders, constituents and local and state politicians. (Event Details)

The incidence of HIV infection continues its rapid acceleration in the African American and Hispanic communities thus creating tremendous need for outreach services. The new west side center provides one-stop access to vital services such as food and groceries, nutrition education, housing assistance, professional and confidential counseling, prevention education and occupational and basic life-skills training.

Hinde added, “Today, Vital Bridges is a permanent member of the Garfield Park community.  While the organization has always served clients on the city’s west side – the bricks and mortar signify a long-term commitment.”

The building, renovated by Worn Jerabek Architects and Sterling North Renaissance, LLC, contractors, combines warehousing for the organization’s well-known grocery center program, which operates out of this and two additional sites.  Perhaps more importantly is the work assisting clients who, thanks to advances in treatments, are living longer and may now receive educational and vocational training to lead more productive and self-sufficient lives.

State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Lou Lang was instrumental in obtaining state funds for the purchase and renovation of the site.  Lang said, “It’s an asset – free-and-clear – and provides Vital Bridges a solid financial foundation upon which they can grow and help more people in need.”

Each year, Vital Bridges helps more than 2,600 people impacted by HIV and AIDS improve their health and build self-sufficiency. By offering case management, food, nutrition counseling, housing assistance, and prevention education at its five grocery sites, Vital Bridges provides clients easy access to high-quality, professional help when they need it. Whether they need to find emergency housing, learn how to manage their diet, resolve a problem in their relationship, or deal with financial concerns, Vital Bridges is there to help.

For more information, contact Mark A. Ryle at (312)948-2784, mryle@vitalbridges, or Vital Bridges’ website www.vitalbridges.org.

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