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Why Target Youth?

Every year half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur among people under the age of 25. That means every hour of the day two young Americans become infected with HIV. Teen Canteen clients are at an even greater risk, because they live on the streets and are often victimized.

How Does the Program Work?

For Love or Money is a peer education program with four components that build on each other to form cohesive and comprehensive program.

These workshops focus on harm reduction and safer sex to promote and maintain behavior change.  Workshops are organized in six broad topic areas: HIV/AIDS, STDs, and risk; drugs and alcohol; conflict resolution and violence prevention; relationship issues; self-esteem; and sensitivity related issues.

Individual Risk Assessment/Case Management

This component provides intensive education, follow up and referrals. One-on-one risk assessments are conducted to establish client behaviors that may put the client at risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV.  The clients also develop an independent living skills plan to assist in the transition from street life to self-sufficiency.

Employment opportunities

Teen Canteen clients are recruited, trained, and paid as peer educators.

Outreach

This component provides workshops in "squats" (abandoned buildings, freeway overpasses, etc.).  In addition, outreach is conducted in the local area to promote services and to provide risk reduction materials (i.e., condoms and bleach kits) to individuals.

Teen Canteen's "For Love or Money" project is an HIV/AIDS Health Education/Risk Reduction Prevention Services program funded by the Los Angeles County Dept of Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs & Policy.

TRAVELERS AID SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES
1720 N. Gower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028
323/468-2500
Fax 323/468-2505
E-mail: travelers@tasla.org