GROUPS & SERVICES @ The Phoenix Center
The Phoenix Center offers a variety of groups and services. Since opening in 2001, many services have been added and the staff and board are constantly monitoring the community in terms of needs. If there is a group or service that you think would be helpful for the LGBTQ community or to those who are HIV+, let us know!
BILLY'S HOUSE
Billy's House, the Phoenix Center's transitional housing program, is for men and women who are HIV+ and homeless or near homeless. The purpose of this program is to help the residents to maintain their health, well-being and independence to the greatest extent possible by providing stable housing and access comprehensive healthcare. The support residents receive includes prevention case management, group and individual counseling, substance abuse & relapse prevention, and education and job search skills training. To apply for housing, an individual can either contact us to arrange for an intake screening or have a case manager, social worker or other assisting professional contact us on their behalf. There will be a review of the information provided to determine if Billy's House is the right fit for the person applying.
HIV TESTING
The Phoenix Center offers free and anonymous/confidential HIV counseling and testing. Many people don't get tested because they fear the blood draw. The Oraquik test we use require an oral swab and results are ready in 20 minutes.
Testing On Site: M-W-F Noon - 3pm or by appointment
Testers are Certified by IL Department of Public Health
OUTREACH
OutReach is conducted at various places throughout Springfield. This includes HIV prevention and education, HIV testing, referrals for those at risk, and free condom distribution. In addition we set up information booths at workshops and conferences and are available for prevention education discussion groups of all sizes.
SHaRI PROGRAM
The SHaRI (Springfield Harm Reduction Initiative) Program supplies clean needles to injection drug users (IDU) in an effort to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Research indicates that IDU's are going to use, whether or not they have clean needles, and this program will allow for a safer and cleaner injection, thus reducing HIV infection and subsequent medical expenses. Training and distribution of Naloxone (Narcan), an overdose prevention drug, is available upon request.
YOUTH GROUP
The youth group is for LGBTQ individuals and friends ages 13-17. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe environment to meet people and make new friends, to learn about HIV prevention and information about other issues of interest, and to have fun. Each month is scheduled with guest speakers, themed parties, exciting events, movie nights, community projects, games and more. The youth group meets from 7:00-11:00 p.m. every Friday night and is facilitated by an adult leader and young adult mentors.
"Is there a reality within you? If there's one inside me, there's got to be one in you. So let us work together to make this a reality together, instead of apart. - Dorothy Boldon
Find Out If You Are You At Risk?
Click Here
