The MOCHA Center
The mission of The MOCHA Center is to improve the health and wellness in communities of color through intervention and service with an emphasis on LGBTQ programming.
Description:
Programs & Services
Many Men, Many Voices (3MV)
This six-session, group-level STD/HIV prevention intervention was developed at MOCHA. 3MV addresses dual identity for gay men of color in a safe, confidential environment, allowing group members to reflect on how those issues affect them in their relationships. Through exercises and small group discussion, participants develop a menu of options for behavior change toward reducing their risk of acquiring STDs and HIV.
Project YEAH (Youth Empowerment Around HIV)
This initiative engages young men of color who have sex with men by addressing HIV through education, prevention, advocacy, outreach, testing, and medical services. Project YEAH has produced its own adaptation of 3MV, Young Men, Young Voices (YMYV).
MPowerment Project
MOCHA is home to this community-based program for gay, bisexual, and questioning men of color ages 16-28. MPowerment is an evidence-based intervention designed to provide a safe space, build community, reduce HIV infection rates, and assist youth in discovering (and reaching) their goals.
HIV/STD Prevention
MOCHA provides intensive outreach with an emphasis on HIV/STD risk assessment and risk reduction counseling. Outreach workers also determine other service needs, as well as providing HIV education and rapid testing (at the office).
MOCHA Anti-violence Program (MAP)
MAP is designed to raise awareness of different types of violence, show how violence affects health, provide supportive services to people experiencing violence and help them determine the best way to stay safe and healthy.
History:
In the mid-1990's, Gary English, a young gay black man who worked as an Americorp worker at the Rochester Center for Independent Living (RCIL), expressed concern and dismay over the lack of attention to and services for gay black men in the community as it related to HIV/AIDS. He felt that this group had needs, issues and concerns that were specific to their life experiences and other social and economic factors, which included racism, homophobia, sexism, as well as issues regarding church and family, It was generally felt that people who have had similar experiences could best relate to and understand the layers of oppression and other marginalizing lift events. He also stressed the importance of people being able to go to service providers (regardless of the service) where they saw others like themselves, in a warm and supportive environment. This is particularly an issue because of society's ongoing general fear and misunderstanding about HIV and AIDS.
Similar services had been provided to men of color who have sex with men, for years downstate in the New York City area. No such individualized services existed in the Western and Upstate New York areas. Mr. English started corresponding and meeting with those providers who had such services within New York State. In his discussions with individuals and agency representatives, he was informed of grants that could be applied for, through the NYS Department of Health, AIDS Institute, to meet the needs of this specific group. After many months of research a grant was written.
Several months later the grant was approved and the MOCHA Project was created. The Rochester Center for Independent Living allowed Mr. English to use the center's resources as an incubator to develop the program. The program started out providing services and activities around HIV/AIDS outreach and education. The program has grown over the years and now includes case management, support groups and other direct services.
Contact person: Judith Bauman, Project Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (585) 420-1409
Address:
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107 Liberty Pole WayRochester, NY 14604(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.mochaproject.org
| Last updated on April 2, 2009 |
