REACHING LOW-INCOME WOMEN AT RISK OF AIDS - A CASE-HISTORY OF A DROP-IN CENTER FOR WOMEN IN THE SOUTH BRONX, NEW-YORK-CITY

The Women's Drop-In Center, sponsored by a church with an active socia l ministry, offered education and support to African-American and Lati na women at risk of HIV infection in a low-income community in New Yor k City. Peer educators were trained to provide information, counseling and referrals on substance abuse, sexuality, HIV infection and relate d issues. The drop-in center offered a safe space for participants to discuss common concerns, learn about community resources and support e ach others' efforts to protect their health. Based on an evaluation th at included quantitative and qualitative measures of changes in partic ipating individuals and organizations, it is suggested that grass-root s community organizations can play an important rote in AIDS preventio n but they may need additional resources to sustain the intensive inte rventions that are likely to lead to lasting changes in neighborhoods with other significant social problems.