BIENESTAR

BIENESTAR is a grass-roots, non-profit community-based service organization established in 1989. BIENESTAR is a unique non-profit social service organization dedicated to positively impacting the health and well-being of the Latino community and other underserved communities in Southern California. Founded in 1989, the organization uses an innovative and compassionate peer-to-peer model that is 100% culturally relevant to its constituents. Clients are met with understanding and acceptance that builds trust and fosters a unique sense of family. There are nine Southern California community centers strategically located in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to reach the Latino population and link them to health and social services agencies. BIENESTAR’s Outreach Teams are deployed to clubs, colleges, parks and other locales where the target population congregates within the community. BIENESTAR is an expert voice on emerging health issues. Key to its success is health education and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and drug prevention. It primarily targets the Latino gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender segments of the community. BIENESTAR’s approach empowers its clients to improve their physical and mental health and become productive members of society. BIENESTAR advocates for human rights and social justice on a local, statewide and national level and serves the community at large by shedding light on emerging Latino issues and engaging with political and social service leaders. It empowers clients to participate through community mobilization and to become “agents of change”, thereby building awareness of critical issues, policies and legislation that require political action and funding.

Housing Opportunities for People living With AIDS (HOPWA) - Permanent Housing Placement Grant, Short Term Rent Mortgage and Utilities Assistance