EDGE New Jersey
Headquartered in Morris Plains with a 2nd location in Denville, the mission of EDGE New Jersey (formerly NJ AIDS Services and The Eric Johnson House) is to respond compassionately and responsibly to those infected with HIV, those at risk, and the LGBTQ+ communities by providing supportive services, housing opportunities, prevention strategies, and education to enhance the community it serves. The vision of EDGE is to empower those we serve to achieve a healthy, safe and self-sufficient life, therefore gaining the resources to positively influence their community.
We recognize that the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities often face disparities in healthcare coupled with a lack of culturally competent medical care providers sensitive to the needs of these populations. In response, we have partnered with CAN Community Health , a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the treatment, care and continual wellness of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. The EDGE Wellness Center is co-located within our community-based program and open to all those seeking a dignified and responsive medical care provider. Come experience the difference yourself at the EDGE Wellness Center.
For further information about EDGE New Jersey, call 973-285-0006. For volunteer inquiries, please contact Sean Dorsa, MSW, LSW, Special Events Coordinator at s.dorsa@edgenj.org
AIDS Memorial Quilt – NJ Chapter
The AIDS Memorial Quilt – NJ Chapter was founded in 1997 as the NAMES Project of Northern New Jersey serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. Today we cover the entire state of New Jersey as well as the NYC and Philadelphia metro areas. With the transfer of the the AIDS Quilt to National AIDS Memorial in 2019 we have updated our name to reflect that shift along with the increased service area.
The mission of the New Jersey Chapter of the National AIDS Memorial is to:
- support the mission of the National AIDS Memorial
- facillitate display of the AIDS Quilt with organizations in New Jersey
- promote awareness of HIV/AIDS
- serve as a local AIDS service organization
- build alliances with other local AIDS service organizations
- and help people remember and grieve for those who have died from AIDS-related diseases.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt was conceived in 1985 as a way for devoted friends and lovers to document the lives they feared history would neglect. Their aim was to create a memorial for those who had died of AIDS, and to thereby help people understand the devastating impact of the disease. This effort became the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Thirty five years on, the Quilt is now under the care and stewardship of the National AIDS Memorial. For general information or questions about quilt displays, please contact Enola Romano or Bob Sorbanelli, Jr. of the New Jersey Chapter: 201-265-0600, aidsmemorialquiltnjchapter@gmail.com
AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, Inc.
The AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, Inc. (ARFC) is a non-profit, community based agency that provides a variety of services to children and families who are affected by, and/or infected with HIV/AIDS. Headquartered in Newark NJ, the ARFC has pioneered efforts to address the ever-changing needs of those dealing with the harsh reality of this epidemic.
The three St. Clare’s Homes for Children offer transitional care for babies and children who have AIDS or who are medically fragile. St. Clare’s Outreach provides additional services including: drug rehabilitation services, mental health and bereavement counseling, foster parent training, clothing and baby goods distribution, respite care, community education/prevention services, speakers bureau, emergency food and transportation services, and summer and winter camp sessions. Those who wish to volunteer to help with some of these services are encouraged to contact the ARFC at 973-643-0400 or info@aidsresource.org.