About Us
About Women's Connection
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) was funded by ViiV Healthcare through the Networks for Community Action grants to develop a collective plan specifically focused on cis- and transgender women of color.
ViiV Healthcare’s, Positive Action for Women (PAFW) is a pilot initiative that supports innovative, forward-thinking community collaborations that break down isolation and stigma for cis- and transgender women of color living with HIV and link women to networks of care.
AFC is working with partners to develop a local action plan that successfully engages more cis- and transgender women of color across the HIV prevention and care continuum. Working in partnership with Chicago Women AIDS Project, Affinity Community Services, Stroger Hospital and others, the project will strengthen women’s leadership, create a shared data collection tool and develop actionable recommendations across the system of care.
MOTIVATION FOR WOMEN'S CONNECTION
• The continued murder and mistreatment of
trans women in Chicago opened up feelings
of helplessness and the desire to fix a broken
system and broken hearts.
• Women were often not at the table
on HIV-related issues, local research and
community planning. Experience showed that
women were eager to be a part of something
more if they were given the opportunity.
on HIV-related issues, local research and
community planning. Experience showed that
women were eager to be a part of something
more if they were given the opportunity.
• Local data highlighted and underscored these realities. Cis and trans women of color were heavily impacted by HIV and were not being adequately supported in local planning or service delivery. Late HIV diagnosis was high.
• Established and well-respected services
are available in Chicago, but there was
no centralized mechanism to facilitate
communication, data sharing, planning or
collaboration to connect women to the care
they were asking for.
TASK FORCE
The Women's Connection Task Force is a community coalition of volunteers who are all cis- and transgender women. The Task Force advocates for the availability and coordination of educational trainings to promote and elevate prevention strategies and creates programs and events to increase awareness and address health disparities throughout communities.
LEARNING EXCHANGE CIRCLE
The Learning Exchange Circle is a space for women of all ages to provide support, learn new skills and elevate leadership skills. The goal is to reduce stigma and increase access to care through mentoring, coaching, training and education all while supporting women living with HIV throughout the care continuum and building a support network.
Our Community
Partners
Access Community Health Network
Affinity Community Services
Alliance Research in Chicagoland Communities (Northwestern)
Brave Space Alliance
Center for Community Health, Northwestern
Center on Halsted
Chicago Department of Public Health
CORE Foundation
Greater Works Inc.
Howard Brown Health
Legal Council for Health Justice
Management Synergistics
Monday Night Mingle
Heartland Alliance
PACPI
Pride Action tank
Planned Parenthood of Illinois
RAD Remedy
Rush CEDHA / Rush University
Sinai Health System
Storyographers
University of Chicago
Women Exchanging