| Providing the Tools for Living
Care Management
Meals Program
GMHC's Meals Program began in 1986, serving dinners for 25 people
at a time. In fiscal year 2002, the Meals Program served nearly
80,000 meals, almost 10,000 more than the previous year. The Meals
Program menu is coordinated by a professional chef/nutritionist,
who each day oversees the preparation of over 300 meals in the kitchen
of the Peter Krueger Dining Room — all of which adhere to a strict
rule: delicious and healthy. The Meals Program is considered by
many to be the premier congregate meals program in the nation because
of the dual goals it accomplishes — reducing hunger and breaking
social isolation. Many of GMHC's clients have limited incomes —
75% of our clients live on less than $11 a day — and/or live alone.
GMHC's Meals Program responds to both the poverty and isolation
recognized as contributing factors to malnutrition. The dining room
is a safe place where our clients can share their experiences, take
their medications without fear of stigmatization, and enjoy healthy
and delicious meals in a comfortable and supportive environment.
As a hub of daily activity, the dining room often serves as an ideal
point of intersection for other GMHC programs to connect clients
with outreach and education.
Life Steps and Learning Center
 As
a significant number of GMHC's clients live longer, feel better,
and experience greater stability in their lives — due in large part
to the comprehensive services they receive at GMHC — there is an
increased interest in returning to work. Whether it be volunteering,
furthering their education, attending a vocational training program,
or transitioning to work, Life Steps assists clients in enhancing
their quality of life. Clients receive comprehensive training that
includes individual counseling, communication and interviewing skills,
resume writing, workplace etiquette and relationships, workshops
and forums, and field placements.
The Learning Center is a clearinghouse for services aimed at promoting
socialization and providing educational and job training opportunities.
These include services like the very popular Jerry Herman Theatre
Desk, where GMHC distributes over 45,000 free tickets to theatrical
and concert events around the city; the Continuing Education Scholarship
Program, where clients can receive scholarships to area colleges
and universities including Columbia University, Juilliard School
of Music, and New York University (last year, 120 of these scholarships
were granted to clients — the most ever in GMHC history); and the
volunteer-led art therapy program that produced two public showings
of client art last year. Clients can also receive a haircut at the
Barber Shop, or check out a book at the client-run lending library.
Use of these services allow clients to engage with each other and
the world while enhancing their health and well-being through positive
socialization opportunities.
GMHC has a comprehensive referral service for free computer skills
training, job readiness and other training programs, and both GED
and English-as-a-Second-Language courses throughout all five boroughs.
The Learning Center has expanded these educational opportunities
through a number of community partnerships that focus on connecting
our clients with training and work opportunities. Job placement
and training organizations, such as America Works and Mobilizing
Talent and Skills, are onsite weekly. GMHC coordinated computer
training for our clients through the Consortium for Workers Education,
Dare to Dream/Technical Career Institute, and the Data Link Cyber
Café, which, along with free internet access and training, provides
food and transportation.
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© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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