Positive Pals

What is Positive Pals?  
Positive Pals is a volunteer companion program which offers skill development, emotional support, companionship, and assistance with the practical needs of daily living for individuals with HIV/AIDS.  Positive Palvolunteers visit isolated or in-need individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers also help to empower those who are isolated to gain the resources and independence they need to live long and well.  Through this program, isolation is sure to become a thing of the past.  Most clients will graduate from the program in 6-18 months with a new sense of independence and strength!
What are the services that Positive Pals provide?
Clients and volunteer Pals work together to find ways to help maintain health and independence.  This partnership supports and empowers clients in meeting self-sufficiency goals.  Volunteers may provide the following:

• Friendly visits to clients who are in the hospital, hospice or other long-term care
• Referrals to resources in the HIV community
• Assistance in meeting goals for personal growth
• Assistance with shopping and errands
• Support during medical appointments

Positive Pals Clients:
Positive Pals Clients are HIV positive people who experience a lack of family and social involvement.  Clients may be in any stage of HIV and may be living at home, long-term care facility, or hospice.
*A client application and needs assessment with a Positive Pals staff member is required to determine eligibility.  Please call Body Positive for assistance.

Positive Pals Volunteers:
Positive Pal Volunteers are caring individuals in the community who would like to make a difference in the life of someone in need.  In addition, volunteers:

• Are at least 18 years of age
• Are willing to commit to six or more months of service, approximately 4 hours per week (flexible hours)
• Complete a volunteer application
• Participate in pre-screening and follow-up interviews
• Possess three satisfactory professional references
• Are fingerprinted for the purposes of a criminal records check, subject to review
• Attend a free educational HIV class, offered at Body Positive (or equivalent)

Download a Volunteer Application On-Line
Volunteer Application

The volunteer application can be mailed to:
Kristen Bakalis
C/O Body Positive
1144 E. McDowell Rd. Suite 200
Phoenix , AZ 85006
Telephone: 602-307-5330, ext. 2220
Fax: 602-307-5021
Email: kbakalis@bodypositive.org

Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about the Positive Pals program and to find out how to become a client or volunteer, please contact Kristen Bakalis at 602-307-5330, ext 2220 or email kbakalis@bodypositive.org