The Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) has released a statement saying it will cease operations at the end of the month, which is Sunday.
The non-profit organization is based just over the Arlington border in Falls Church, and has been in existence since 1987. It serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, along with the City of Alexandria.
NOVAM offered a variety of services including HIV testing, prevention education for local youth, support for gay youth and transportation services for medical appointments.
The following is an excerpt from the statement released by NOVAM Executive Director Jane Beddoe:
“NOVAM was founded in 1987 with the mission to educate the community about HIV/AIDS, to combat the fear, prejudice and complacency that surrounds the disease, and to provide direct services to meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS. After 25 years of providing HIV/AIDS prevention education, testing, and outreach to the youth and young adults in Northern Virginia and basic assistance to HIV+ mothers and their families, we are proud of what we have accomplished and the people whose lives we have touched.
NOVAM is grateful for the collaboration we have shared with other HIV/AIDS service organizations and our community partners in Northern Virginia. It is our hope that the good work we have done continues through these organizations and those most vulnerable continue to be served.
The staff and board want to convey special gratitude to all of our donors and supporters who have sustained us over the years. Your generosity has been invaluable to our mission.”
According to the organization’s Facebook page, “NOVAM is supported by federal, state, and local grants, private foundations, diverse religious communities, and businesses and individuals in the community. It is assisted in its mission by dedicated volunteers who embody NOVAM’s philosophy of a compassionate response.”
There is no indication so far as to why NOVAM will cease operations. The organization’s website is not functioning and there has been no response to calls and emails from ARLnow.com.