| REPORT: |
Mr. William Perry, 6112 NW 7 Avenue, Minorities Overcoming the Virus through Education, Responsibility and Spiritually (MOVERS), Inc., appeared before the Board on behalf of Ms. Connie West, MOVERS Executive Director. He noted MOVERS, Inc. has provided healthcare services for over 19 years, the current board of directors had existed for three years, and the 18 staff members carried out the operational functions of this organization. He pointed out MOVERS was still challenged on a daily basis for the clinic it operated.
Dr. Kenneth Fischer, Board of Directors, MOVERS, Inc., informed the Commission of his experience addressing HIV/AIDS in this community and that the services offered by MOVERS clinic were free. He urged the Board to continue to support and to assist MOVERS in its efforts.
Mr. Perry noted MOVERS, Inc. was very grateful for the County’s support. He reminded the Board of the clients MOVERS, Inc. served in this community, and he commended the MOVERS, Inc. staff for their hard work. Mr. Perry introduced Mr. Tyrone Washington, a client of MOVERS.
Mr. Washington, appeared before the Board, and shared his story with the Board regarding the assistance he received from MOVERS, Inc.
Commissioner Rolle asked Mr. Perry to inform the Board of other services provided by MOVERS, Inc. and what percentage of MOVERS’ budget was used for housing.
Mr. Perry noted that less than 10% of MOVERS budget represented housing; that the vital component of the budget was providing medical care at the clinic. In addition, MOVERS provided pastoral care services, psycho-social services, and outreach services.
Commissioner Edmonson asked Mr. Perry how many other agencies existed within the Liberty City area that focused on HIV/AIDS.
Responding to Commissioner Edmonson, Mr. Perry noted MOVERS, Inc. was the only agency in the Liberty City area and noted other agencies were established outside of the area. He informed the Board that MOVERS, Inc. not only served Liberty City residents, it served the entire community.
Commissioner Edmonson questioned Mr. Perry regarding the assistance MOVERS, Inc. was seeking from the Board.
Mr. Perry noted MOVERS, Inc. was before the Board today to urge the Board for its continued support and to meet to discuss various ways on how MOVERS, Inc. could raise its productivity in providing services to this community.
Commissioner Moss commended Mr. Perry for the efforts of MOVERS, Inc. He stressed the need to stay focused on the mission of MOVERS, Inc.
Commissioner Seijas applauded Mr. Perry for his efforts and noted future generations need to be educated on HIV/AIDS and on how to be virus free.
Commissioner Edmonson asked her colleagues to focus on the mission of MOVERS, Inc. to fight HIV/AIDS in this community. She asked members of MOVERS, Inc. to stand in recognition for their work. |
