11/22/05 Family Service of Rhode Island Marks World AIDS Day Family Service of RI to Mark World AIDS Day For release Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Contact: Stephen Louis Hug (401) 639-4709   Family Service of Rhode Island will mark World AIDS Day Thursday December 1 with its largest event ever.   The agency’s “Afia Center” program for people living with HIV/AIDS will feature the art of people who utilize the center, music, a remembrance ceremony and tours.   The Afia Center is made possible through a partnership with the Mathewson Street Church, and is located in the church’s building at 134 Mathewson Street in downtown Providence.    The Afia Center offers a hot meal, basic needs assistance, counseling, and social, spiritual and recreational opportunities to adults living with HIV/AIDS.  All programs, funded by an array of sources, are offered free of charge and provided in a confidential manner.    “The Afia Center is a collaboration among Family Service of Rhode Island, the Mathewson StreetChurch and, most importantly, the members of the Afia Center,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island.  “While we provide professional services, the Afia Center activities are largely driven by its members, all of whom are HIV positive or have AIDS.”  She noted that there’s still room for more people to become members of the AfiaCenter.  “We’d welcome the opportunity to serve more members,” she said.  People can join by calling the agency at (401) 331-1350 and asking for information about the AfiaCenter.   The artwork is the result of a therapeutic arts support group conducted by artist Joyce Edmonson that has been taking place at the center this fall.  Afia Center members have created works of art that express the traumas they have experienced and the joys in their lives as well.   Tours of the Afia Center will take place from 11 a.m. to noon.  The tours are open to anyone with an interest in the work of the Afia Center.  At 1 p.m. Mathewson Street Church pastor Jonathan Almond will conduct a remembrance ceremony.   Entertainment will be provided by the Albert Low Band and pianist Mark Taber   (end)