Summer LGBT Health Institute Receives Grant from Wisconsin AIDS Fund
By: Gary Hollander, PhD - Posted on: 3/18/2009

The 2009 Summer LGBT Youth Health Institute has received a grant of $20,000 from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Wisconsin AIDS Fund. The Institute has been a biannual program of Diverse and Resilient since 1997. Each summer session has included 50 or more youth along with the Youth Development Specialists from their home organizations in Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau.

The Institute features many engaging activities that youth and adult delegates undertake to hone their HIV prevention skills, both for themselves and as peer educators for others in their communities. In 2007, the Institute theme -- New Community/New Beginnings -- addressed the desire of many LGBT youth to develop a new queer community in Wisconsin, a community in which health and wellness are prominent values.

The Wisconsin AIDS Fund is a volunteer-led organization devoted to raising and distributing funds to programs and organizations that promote HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and education. Established in 1988 as part of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Wisconsin AIDS Fund is the only fund in Wisconsin dedicated solely to funding organizations working on HIV/AIDS issues.

Since its inception the Wisconsin AIDS Fund has awarded over $2.5 million to HIV/AIDS awareness, education and prevention programs to over 70 organizations throughout Wisconsin. The Fund has many opportunities to contribute resources, attend special events, volunteer, or receive electronic updates. To learn more about the Fund, contact Tamara Martinsek at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (414-272-5805).

For more information on the 2009 Summer LGBT Youth Health Institute, contact Mark O'Neil or Rachel Federlin at Diverse and Resilient (414-390-0444).