About BAY Positives

 

Mission and Goals

The mission of Bay Area Young Positives (BAY Positives) is to help young people (26 and under) with HIV/AIDS to live longer, happier, healthier, more productive, and quality-filled lives. The goals of BAY Positives are to work with HIV positive youth to:

• Decrease their sense of isolation
• Reduce their self-destructive behavior
• Advocate for themselvesin the complicated HIV/AIDS care system

 

These goals are achieved by focusing on distinct program areas of emotional supoort (support groups & counseling), prevention case management, advocacy, information, referrals, education, outreach, retreats, and social events. BAY Positives is a peer-driven organization that supports the development and leadership of HIV-positive youth.

 

What makes BAY Positives different from other HIV service providers?

"...I feel like I have good listeners around me. Besides Bay Positives, I don't really know of other places to talk about my issues."
"...caters to the youth...with HIV." "...staff really do care about (the members) well-being."
"...a welcoming and open door kinda atmosphere." "...friendly staff show me the love from the time I walk in the door."

 

History

Founded in 1990 as a support group for young people living with HIV/AIDS, BAY Positives grew very quickly. As members noticed there were no agencies geared to meet the needs of young people, they decided to form a nonprofit. In 1993, BAY Positives received its 501(c)(3) status. In 1994, the agency received a federal grant and opened its doors as the first peer-run agency in the world for youth living with HIV/AIDS.

 

BAY Positives has evolved in the ensuing years, in response to changes in the epidemic, the development of evidence-based prevention interventions and treatments, as well as changes in funding requirements. While its services continue to be rooted in it peer-based approach, the organization is now professionally managed and staffed, including the continued employment of youth and peers with HIV who help deliver services.