PROJECT F.A.I.T.H.  (Fostering AIDS Initiatives That Heal)

Project F.A.I.T.H. is a statewide demonstration project of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council (SCHAC) designed to eliminate HIV/AIDS stigma and build the capacity of churches and other faith based entities who seek solutions related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic within their local communities.

Project F.A.I.T.H. will embark on its fourth year of funding during FY 2009-2010. SCHAC currently awards 39 faith-based organizations across the state (FY 2008-2009).  HIV/AIDS stigma and educational prevention activities include the facilitation of HIV/AIDS/STI a) health education/risk reduction education, b) skills development training, c) HIV testing, and d) behavioral risk interventions and other prevention events.  Project F.A.I.T.H. funded organizations are from the following nineteen (19) counties: Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Beaufort, Charleston, Chesterfield, Florence, Horry, Georgetown, Greenville, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Marlboro, Marion, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg, and Sumter.

Project F.A.I.T.H. staff facilitate program development and capacity-building in two new innovations which include:

• Celebrate Recovery: a Christ-centered recovery intervention based on the 12 steps with the capacity to address an individual’s ‘hurts, hang-ups, and habits’ (Richland and Orangeburg counties)
• The Satir intervention: a therapeutic support group model used to increase coping skills among persons infected with HIV/AIDS, as well as family and other loved ones affected by this health concern (Orangeburg county).

The mission of Project F.A.I.T.H. is one of addressing stigma through education and the promotion of attitudes and beliefs that enhance personal responsibility and commitment to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout South Carolina.   For more information call SCHAC and ask for Project F.A.I.T.H. at (803) 254-1447.