Proyecto Luz (Project Light), a Latino-focused case management program, was founded in 1999 specifically to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Latino community by providing a faith-based, holistic health ministry in Cleveland. In 2006, the organization expanded from Proyecto Luz into the larger Nueva Luz as a means to address systemic poverty on a broader level. The key feature of the Proyecto Luz case management program is culturally and linguistically appropriate service provision – culturally, by understanding the relevance of the values of familismo, respeto, personalismo, and confianza and linguistically by respecting the needs of individuals with Limited English Proficiency.

The HIV/AIDS infected community that Proyecto Luz serves encounters challenges and realities that are best met by an agency that understands bilingualism and biculturalism, and specializes in community-based service provision. Out of twelve staff members employed by Nueva Luz, seven of them are Spanish-speaking and six are Latinos.

Case Managers work with individuals to develop an Individual Service Plan and support them in achieving the goals of the plan. The case management program provides persons infected with HIV/AIDS and their families the opportunity to maintain a healthier, more dignified and independent quality of life in the community for as long as possible. Case Managers follow social work standards of care and provide advocacy, translation and interpretation services as well as transportation for clients who maintain low levels of acculturation into dominant American culture.

HIV/AIDS case management in a community-based, culturally competent venue minimizes negative outcomes that can further the cultural and linguistic barriers faced by this population. The coordination of case management services to Latinos and other underserved populations in a progressive faith-based setting is a holistic model of care that appeals to Latinos and other minorities alike. Proyecto Luz services are open to any individual who seeks out our offices and is affected with HIV/AIDS regardless of their race, ethnic background, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.

Proyecto Luz also employs full time nutrition staff to meet client needs. The nutrition staff person coordinates grocery bag delivery; supplements nutritional content, and continues working to expand capacity by utilizing volunteer support. The federal Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) provides funding to support the nutrition program.

Proyecto Luz also employs full time housing staff to meet client needs.

The role of the Housing Case Manager is comprehensive. She regularly interprets meetings with the local housing authority, facilitates communication with landlords, assists with the completion of forms and documents needed for housing assistance and advocates for clients to obtain safe and adequate housing.

The federal Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) provides funding to support a full time bilingual Housing Case Manager.

For more information visit:

Cleveland City Council, Jay Westbrook – Ward 18
http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/

Prevention Education

The Prevention Educator and Outreach Specialist takes the messages of prevention and education on HIV/AIDS in the community. This full time bilingual staff person introduces Proyecto Luz services to communities throughout Cleveland and builds relationships that already exist. Proyecto Luz collaborates with Latino businesses, social service providers, social clubs, community organizations and places of faith through its prevention education program.

Proyecto Luz maintains two site locations: the original location, 2226 West 89th Street, at the corner of West 89th and Willard Avenue, in the residential Cudell neighborhood of Cleveland, and the second at 221 West 21st Street LL-1 in Lorain, Ohio. The expansion to Lorain took place in 2005 as a result of increased community need for medical case management among Latinos infected with HIV/AIDS in this area. Proyecto Luz is community-focused in both its office locations and in its service provision.