Hyacinth AIDS Foundation

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is the first and largest AIDS service organization in New Jersey. Founded in 1985, Hyacinth is a non-profit organization that provides client services in six regional offices as well as several statewide services. Services include individual client advocacy as well as hotline counseling for prevention, care, and treatment; service referrals; professional and community education workshops; legal services; and public policy advocacy.

Service area: New Jersey
Work with: People living with HIV/AIDS, those at risk, and others in need of services
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Information, referrals, and counseling support via the hotline; discharge planning for HIV+ prisoners re-entering the community; and assistance with connecting to health care and needs such as housing, recovery, and other support groups. Services are open to county and state prisoners, but may not be available at every facility.
Services for survivors after release include: Anonymous or confidential HIV testing and counseling through the Mobile Outreach Van and at the North Plainfield office; crisis intervention, information, referrals, and counseling support via the hotline; outreach to paroled and recently released prisoners living with HIV/AIDS; prevention education; and a range of services for people living with HIV/AIDS, including legal advocacy; case management; emergency financial assistance for the utilities of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in Essex County; Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) for low-income individuals or families living with HIV/AIDS in Essex County who require financial support for housing; pastoral care and non-denominational spirituality support; and The Wellness Community at Hyacinth (TWCH), a group that helps people manage the emotional impact of an HIV diagnosis.
Services for loved ones include: Crisis intervention, information, referrals, and counseling support via the hotline; anonymous or confidential HIV testing and counseling through the Mobile Outreach Van and at the North Plainfield office; prevention education; and support groups for families.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: Hyacinth regional offices are located in Jersey City, Newark, New Brunswick, North Plainfield, Patterson, and Trenton.