Faith-Based Linkage Project

Beginning October 1, 2002, GBAPP was funded through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) to administer the Faith-Based Linkage Project (FBLP). Over the next three years (through September 30, 2005), GBAPP contacted over 100 African-American and Hispanic churches in Bridgeport and worked with 43 of them to provide effective substance abuse and HIV education services to youth, 9-22, and discourage the youth from engaging in risky behaviors. During the 3-year grant, the FBLP made over 10,000 contacts through intensive street outreach and group presentations. In additional, 345 youth were enrolled in group level interventions and 177 clients were enrolled in case management services.

During each year of the grant period, GBAPP was certified as the local partner of the Balm in Gilead, (http://www.balmingilead.org). The Balm provides technical assistance to community based organizations to engage African American churches in HIV services. During the grant period, over 40 Bridgeport-based churches provided activities and services during the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, a national program of the Balm, held in March of each year. GBAPP also participated in the Balm’s Annual Testing campaign, conducted each June.

While funding for the initial Faith Based Linkage Project ended on September 30, 2005, GBAPP was subsequently funded through SAMHSA and McFarland & Associates, Inc. of Silver Spring, Maryland (http://mcfarlandassociate.com.). to continue its work with local churches. During this program year, between November, 2006 and July, 2007, GBAPP has been funded to (1) train faith leaders from 20 minority churches and mosques in the areas of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, (2) help these faith leaders hold a minimum of 20 (combined) substance abuse and HIV/AIDS awareness events and reach a total of 1,000 (combined) congregants, (3) support faith leaders by counseling and testing at least 50 congregants and (4) provide capacity building assistance by establishing/assisting AIDS ministries in at least five congregations that will continue beyond the grant period.

Also through this funding, GBAPP has established the Nia Alliance, a pilot initiative to develop a volunteer network of women dedicated to learning about and responding to the growing HIV epidemic among women of color. GBAPP has developed a training curriculum to prepare women of color to serve as volunteer liaisons to faith-based organizations. Objectives for program participants include (1) enhancing knowledge of HIV, (2) developing skills to engage peers in HIV-related services and (3) serving as community liaisons and a planning body for HIV awareness events sponsored by GBAPP.

Last Updated:  02/28/08