“When I moved to Brooklyn, that’s when I found out that I was infected with HIV. I thought it was the end of the world, but God is so good because he kept my fight to live inside of me. One day I was hungry and didn’t have any food and needed someone to talk to so I started walking down Broadway. That’s when I found Family Services Network of New York, Inc. I went to get services from FSNNY and they helped learn about HIV. I took Peer Training Sessions, because I wanted to help people that are HIV+.”

“Well as for me I can say that I have progress in life, the trainings taught me knowledge of things I didn’t know. It helped me deal with situations that happened in my life, that I couldn’t take control of before. Now I’m more able to deal with the situation in a different manner. The training also teaches you how to communicate well with others, communication is definitely required. As for me I was scared to communicate with people, I didn’t know how to approach the public, now I’m more open-minded. I also learn that I need to put myself first cause if I didn’t who will! I need to always think about my safety.”

“When I was referred to Family Services Network Of New York, Inc., I wasn’t in the right state of mind when I began going there for case management. I had to speak about my feelings to a person I didn’t even know. It was like going through all the pain, all over again and again. I had to tell my life story to different people in order for them to help me. They needed to know my background and (living situation). So I kept going back for support. My Case Manager tried so hard to talk to me about taking trainings, and support groups, and I kept telling him no.”

“The one thing about FSN/CIA, the staff is willing to help and they do not give up on their clients. As for me, I was there everyday. I felt comfortable around the staff; I didn’t feel judged and I wasn’t feeling lonely anymore. CIA made me feel that I could do a lot more with my life. They gave me hope. They helped me figure out what I need to do with myself, and my conclusion was to keep coming to FSN and devote my time to FSNNY, because I really wasn’t doing anything at home. The staff inspired me and as time went by I started going to support groups and trainings. The trainings I’ve taken are 8 weeks Peer Training Sessions, VOICES/VOCES, Healthy Relationships, SISTA, and others in different locations.”