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| Ricks Wheeler Fund |
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The proceeds of the James Wynn Ricks, Jr. and Kenneth Wayne Wheeler Fund, a gift of the late Jim Ricks, are designated to support programs and activities which minister to persons living with HIV/AIDS. In 2007, six grants were awarded ranging from $2,500 to $9,000 (see list below). The grants review committee is currently accepting grants for 2008. Click here to download the application. The deadline for application is noon on Friday, August 1, 2008. Upon receipt of your application a grant reviewer will be assigned to your organization. He or she will contact you if more information is needed or if a site visit is desired. For general questions about the fund, the application process, or the Cathedral’s interest in HIV/AIDS outreach and ministry, please contact Mary Raines at 404-875-3761. She can also send you a paper application if necessary. 2007 Grants Grant requests must be approved by the Chapter and submitted to the Cathedral Endowment Board. This year, under the direction of the Canon for Prayer and Mission, a grants review committee was convened to review requests for support. The committee invited groups to submit a request, received applications, and then reviewed and made recommendations regarding (1) whether applicants should be funded under the guidelines of the Ricks/Wheeler fund, and (2) what grant amounts should be. **** Living Room finds housing for persons with AIDS who, because of poverty and illness, are in danger of becoming homeless. Over 1000 people were served last year. Jerusalem House combats homelessness in the HIV/AIDS community by providing beds to over 50% of the housing in Atlanta for homeless persons with AIDS. They have two residential facilities as well as off-site apartments. The 2007 grant provided operating support to offset the cost of nursing assistants. AID Atlanta is the South’s largest AIDS service organization, providing direct care including emergency assistance to persons with HIV/AIDS and prevention education to at-risk populations. This grant from the Cathedral will provide life-saving medications, housing, food, and medical care to HIV-positive clients at or below 300% of the federal poverty level with no other resources for assistance. The Cathedral in past years has also participated in the AIDS Walk, which helps to supplement our support. Project Open Hand provides freshly-cooked meals and nutrition services to persons with symptomatic HIV/AIDS, homebound seniors, and others with critical illnesses who cannot feed themselves. This amount will provide just over 800 meals to persons with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Alliance for Faith & Healing is a faith-based nonprofit offering a day program (Common Ground) and an in-home assistance program (Faithful Care) for people with HIV/AIDS. Over 95% of their clients are in poverty. This grant provides salary support for the Common Ground program manager. The Cathedral also provides a monthly meal for the Common Ground program. AIDS Survival Project is a statewide network dedicated to client education and empowerment, helping persons with AIDS live healthier and more productive lives. The HIV Peer Counseling Program trains persons with HIV/AIDS to be effective volunteer counselors, providing referrals, information, counseling, and other assistance and support. Peer Counselors are trained to provide professional-level counseling that encourages clients to remain in medical care, reduces their risk of contracting or developing co-infections, and prevents behaviors that might result in their infecting others. This counseling is provided free of charge. Our medical advisor on the committee, Dr. Melody Palmore, notes the positive effect this agency has on her patients.
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