Client services

Client Services

BAO provides a diverse range of services designed to assist our clients in their quest to live healthier lives.  Some of the services we provide annually are:

• The food bank prepares and distributes approximately 4,000 food boxes, weighing approximately 60 lbs. each.
• BAO provides over 500 instances of financial assistance to help clients make co-pays and purchase medicines, medical supplies, and nutritional supplements.
• We provided over 2,840 instances of transportation assistance in 2003.
• BAO provides over 1,250 instances of personal hygiene products.
• The Adrian R. Daniels Holiday Gift Box Fund provides holiday boxes for approximately 290 and 60 children.
• There were 797 unduplicated sessions of counseling, Friends and Family night attendance was 224, S.I.S (Women's Support Group) served 98 individuals and a total of 2,421 hours of Case Management work.
• BAO has provided 104 Post Test Education sessions.
• Volunteer services (hair cuts, massages, and Chi-gong) served 134 clients.

CE's Closet

Clients of BAO may take advantage of CE's Closet, located on the second floor of the BAO office. The "closet" was started by C.E. Watkins in 2000 and was administered through his volunteer efforts until his passing in July, 2010.

The "closet" contains seasonal clothing and household items which are donated by members of the Birmingham community.

Adrian R. Daniels Memorial Gift Box Program

This project provides individuals and their families with food and gifts for the holidays. For many of them, these are the only gifts that they will receive at the holidays. This project was named for Adrian Daniels who was a volunteer and beloved friend of BAO.

In December 2005, BAO consumers received 272 holiday gift boxes and gift certificates. For many, these boxes will be the only gift they receive. Holiday gift boxes contain nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, paper products, and miscellaneous gift items. Through the Holiday Gift Box Project, low-income families with children are also sponsored by generous individuals and groups from our community. Last year, sponsors brightened the holidays for 101 children with gifts, clothing and toys.

Medical Equipment

Funds are provided for medically necessary items such as: hearing aids, eyeglasses, walkers, canes and other equipment.  

Support Groups

BAO offers several different support groups based on needs and specific populations.

Counseling

BAO provides free one-on-one counseling with a licensed professional counselor for individuals, spouse/partner, and family members.

Legal Services

Free legal services for individuals. Legal services include: HIV discrimination, wills, power of attorney, advance directives, divorce, etc. Call the front office at BAO to make an appointment.

Food Services

Food boxes, food vouchers and nutritional supplements are distributed every month.

• Food Boxes - One food box on a monthly basis to HIV+ individuals who fit the income requirements as regulated by Ryan White Title II funding.  The food is purchased through The United Way Community Food Bank and BAO also receives donations from local churches and community groups.  Items in the food boxes vary month to month, but usually contain 44 pounds of canned fruit and vegetables, fresh bread that is donated each week, powdered milk, a frozen meat or vegetable item, juices, items necessary for cooking, and miscellaneous items. 
• Food Vouchers - Food Vouchers - a $10.00 food voucher for HIV+ individuals to purchase fresh foods, like milk and eggs, from a local grocery store. Once a month, BAO delivers food boxes to individuals who are unable to come into the agency for a food box due to health reasons. Before acquiring a food box, each individual, must meet with their case manager, who is able to assess their needs not only for food but for other services as well. 

Transportation

BAO provides transportation to medically necessary appointments. Transportation is provided through gas vouchers, bus tokens, bus vouchers and cab rides.

Medication

BAO provides financial assistance to obtain emergency medical prescriptions and for co-pays for medications.

Sisters - In - Style  

Sisters-In-Style is a women's support group that is open to all HIV+ Women. Participants in the group find an open and welcoming environment that provides a healthy support network.

Meetings are held each Thursday, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM where the women take part in various activities and interactions with each other.  Activities include sewing classes, make-up tips (with experienced make-up artists from MAC and Mary Kay), and Bingo.  Lectures regarding health and wellness are also provided.

BAO provides lunch for the women on the last Thursday of each month.

SIS Painting Event with Karo's Studio to Go

Karo's Studio to Go Art Lessons

Participants in the SIS program were recently treated to art lessons from Karo's Studio to Go.  For the session, an "artist's studio" was set up in the basement of BAO complete with canvases and high quality paint and supplies.  Karen Dillard, of Karo's Studio, then led the women through a "sips and strokes" style painting session.  Results of the session of pictured below.