The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSV) is a regional AIDS service organization that provides direct services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and prevention services to those at high risk in Windham, Bennington, and southern Windsor counties. Founded by volunteers in 1988 as a grassroots, community based group, the AIDS Project fills an important statewide role in ensuring Vermont’s fight against the AIDS epidemic is strong and effective.

APSV operates two offices – in Bennington and Brattleboro. Of seven staff members, four provide direct services to clients living with HIV/AIDS and their families and two provide additional support. One staff member provides HIV prevention services to individuals at highest risk in both counties. Over 40 volunteers help further APSV’s mission.  All services are provided at no charge. Our mission is to provide direct services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, to offer education to help prevent its spread, and to promote understanding in the communities served.

This year APSV received a grant from the Vermont Foodbank to improve their storage capacity of fresh and perishable food. Steve Breakstone, APSV Direct Services Assistant, had this to say about the donation:

“Once again, and as usual, the Vermont Foodbank has proven to be a great partner.  Our refrigerator, which we use to store perishables until our clients can come in and pick up for their family’s use, experienced  a quick and unexpected demise.  Very quickly I inquired about any available money and, as usual, Joe Dauscher was right on top of the request filling me in on when to expect a response and, if approved, the funding for the fridge.  Within just a few days we were approved.   I can’t imagine how this process of replacing the fridge could have been more efficient and easy.  I continue to be so impressed at how well the VFB is run while also maintaining a very happy crew and environment.  As always, THANKS to ALL of you!”

Contrubutions to the Vermont Foodbank help support this work. You can donate today!