South Arkansas Fights AIDS
OPEN NOWAbout This Pantry
<p><strong>Brief History: </strong>On August 18th, 1989 a mother (Sue Worsham) lost her only son (Freddie Worsham) to AIDS. With a broken heart and a strong vow to protect and save others, South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA) agency began. Since 1990, South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA) has continued to do the work and remained open. </p><p><strong>Vision:</strong> The Vision of South Arkansas Fights AIDS is to eradicate HIV and AIDS, promote awareness about the significance of safer sex practices, and contribute to a healthier global community. </p><p><strong>Mission Statement: </strong>The mission of South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA) is to provide free HIV oral testing, HIV counseling, HIV/AIDS prevention education to the residents of Union County and provide direct needs to those who are living with HIV. Standing tall in Aid of the "Let's Stop HIV/AIDS Together" stigma campaign.</p><p><strong>Goal:</strong> The goal for South Arkansas Fights is to educate Union and surrounding counties about HIV/AIDS and reduce the new cases to zero.</p><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, community-based HIV/AIDS information task force composed of individuals who provide Direct services for those who are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.</p><p><strong>Values:</strong> South Arkansas Fights AIDS remains dedicated to improving health and living conditions for individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We assess our initiatives based on the positive impact they have on people’s lives. We foster an environment that encourages and educates everyone we engage with on the importance of knowing their HIV status. We honor the lived experiences of all individuals and embrace a diverse range of perspectives.</p><p><strong>Services:</strong> SAFA offers free counseling, HIV testing, educational materials, public/private programs and safer sex kits. Clients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are offered a monthly food pantry donated by the Arkansas FoodBank, grants provide funding for other direct services.</p><p><strong>Serve:</strong> People living with HIV/AIDS and their concerned friends and family members. </p><p><strong>Services for Family members:</strong> Free, confidential HIV testing, information, and referrals</p><p><strong>Area Served:</strong> South Arkansas (primarily Union County, occasionally Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Columbia, and Ouachita Counties). </p><p><strong>Source of Support:</strong> Private and public funding, grants, and donations</p><p><strong>Fees:</strong> Free</p>