Harm Reduction Model

Belle Reve is the only residential facility for people with AIDS to offer an in-house, outpatient substance abuse program, based on a progressive “Harm Reduction” model which is designed to complement the individual’s needs and goals, whether that is abstinence or reducing the amount and harm of substance use. Vicki Weeks, Executive Director, states “If Belle Reve only accepted people who did not abuse substances, our resident pool would be greatly reduced and so many needy people would not be helped.”

Our Substance Abuse Counselor, Shaun Rapp hosts a weekly support group for residents and members of the larger HIV community, using the Harm Reduction Model to help participants deal with substance Abuse Issues.

                        The Substance Abuse Group meets every Wednesday at 12pm,

                                                     Lunch is Provided for all Participants.

For More Information, Please Contact srapp@bellerevenola.org

Each resident has a list of activities with which he or she needs assistance. Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) help each individual with their specific needs, as directed by the resident’s social worker.

Mental Health Counseling

Mental health services are extremely important to people living with AIDS. The community serviced by Belle Reve requires mental health services for pre-existing mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, problems resulting from separation from family and friends and other issues.

Our Psychosocial Coordinator, Charlotte Degree offers several support groups for residents and members of the HIV community to help individuals deal with their diagnosis, and other emotional issues related to living with HIV.

Girlfriends, an all women HIV support group meets at FACES (4640 South Carrollton Ave) every Tuesday at 11am and Lunch is Provided for all Participants.

Friends, a male/female HIV support group meets at Belle Reve every Friday at 11am and Lunch is Provided for all Participants.

For More Information, Please Contact cdegree@bellerevenola.org

Life Skills

Our Life Skills program is designed to help residents and community members to develop the skills that they need to live independently. Such skills include budgeting, interviewing for a job, applying for an apartment, ad obtaining a driver’s license.

Our Life Skills coordinator, Mary Elizabeth Wilkes works with clients both individually and in her weekly group to teach them these crucial skills.

                                    The Life Skills Group meets every Thursday at 11am,

                                                    Lunch is Provided for all Participants.

For More Information, Please Contact mewilkes2@yahoo.com

Community Outreach

Belle Reve’s Community Outreach program is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of potential and future residents. With regular contact, support groups and assessments, the Outreach Coordinator monitors changing or escalating needs. Outreach clients are evaluated according to declining health, declining appropriateness of their housing situation, and ability of the client to fit in as a Belle Reve resident.