North Central Florida AIDS Network

The NCFAN Buddy Program

There is a Current Need for Buddies

The goal of the buddy program is to provide consistent emotional support and friendship to persons who need help facing the challenges of HIV infection/AIDS. Persons interested in having a buddy should contact their case manager.

The buddy program needs volunteers who are dedicated, compassionate, assertive, sociable, and who are able to commit themselves to one special relationship with a buddy whose needs may increase over time. Volunteers can expect to devote up to 5 hours per week developing this friendship through phone calls, visits, and shared activities. Interested volunteers should contact Katherine Ayers, volunteer coordinator at NCFAN. After completing the general NCFAN volunteer orientation program, you will attend a buddy program orientation, to be arranged by buddy program Coordinator, Ellison Ketcham.

A buddy support group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7 - 8 p.m. and attendance is mandatory.

Building a trusting and open friendship with your HIV positive buddy takes time; volunteers are asked to commit themselves to the buddy program for one year.

Individuals who are not sure if they are ready to be a volunteer buddy are encouraged to join the hospital visitation team. Call Katherine Ayers at (352) 372-4370 for more information.

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