HISTORY
The letter below Mama Chi wrote when the HAS Program lost health department funding in 2006.
July 3, 2006
Dear Colleagues, Community Members, Peers, and Friends:
I regret having to write this letter however, as many of you may already know due to discontinued funding from the MN Department of Health, The City Inc.’s HAS (HAS/AIDS/STD) Prevention and Awareness program serving young high risk men who have sex with men and young African American high risk heterosexual women ages 13-24 that are street cultured and/or gang involved was terminated June 30, 2006.
This funding cut will affect many of our youth and communities deeply. As statistics show HIV/AIDS and STDs reside in the African American communities in disproportionate numbers. It is my hope and prayer that the HAS programs target populations will continue to be successfully served by programs that will be welcoming, inclusive, respectful and knowledgeable of them and their culture.
I have worked and/or collaborated with many of you over the past 14 years. We have accomplished many great things through our collaborative efforts. Let me take this opportunity to say thank youfor all of your work and support throughout the years. Those of you who are familiar with the HAS program and its many Check Yo’ Self Crew (CYC) members/peer educators are aware that we are a family. The HAS program has been and will continue to be my heart and its target populations are my babies. This program has not been just a job to me but a lifestyle. The funding may be over but not the fight.
As the HAS program’s director but more importantly a community mother (Moma “Chi”) I ask you to please take excellent care of my children, make sure they are receiving programming and services that are appropriate, comprehensive and accurate. Your work and programming is critical to their lives. Again thank you for all you have already done and thank you in advance for all that you will do.
Sincerely,
Charlnitta “Chi” Ellis
Program Director
PS
The HAS program continues to seek funding if you know of funding opportunities please contact us. And remember this is not goodbye, this is see you later!! (smile)
Here’s our contact info:
Director: Charlnitta “Chi” Ellis