MISSION

Our mission is to provide direct services that impact Social Determinants of Health which includes Clinical Services, HIV Prevention and Education, Recovery Support, Behavioral Health and Housing Services, Workforce Development, and Entrepreneurial Businesses to sustain our efforts.

• Independence: We strive to be self-sufficient and not dependent on government handouts.
• Community-Driven: Our efforts are focused on making a positive impact within the community.
• Inclusivity: Every team member is essential and valued.
• Non-Judgmental Support: We assist others in becoming independent without judgment.
• Advocacy: Advocating for others is a normal part of our work.
• Innovation: We bring science and technology to the streets and streets to the science & technology.

We believe in the following tenets and embrace them fully as guides in offering care to our community:

• All people are entitled to the absolute best care.
• All people deserve to be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity.
• All people can find their value, self-worth, and purpose in life if guided in the proper direction and given assistance.
• All people can derive some healing from a healthy, focused concern of caring for others.
• All people are worthy of the love and compassion of fellow human beings unconditionally.
• We will always endeavor to be a source of meaningful inspiration and strength for those we directly or indirectly serve.

“AGENT OF CHANGE”

"A voice for those living inthe shadows far too long". Here's to Life (HTL), found in 2007, responded to the call for action to provide support to Individuals living with a co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and an HIV diagnosis.

FIRST PHASE

Under the instruction of our Founder, Dr. Patricia Brown, HTL implemented its first step towards changing the culture of individuals who had no voice by creating a safe, non-judgmental space in the “West End” district of Atlanta. HTL established its relationship with The Fulton County Department of HIV Elimination (DHE) to provide a culturally competent behavioral health and psychosocial support program as a measure to remove barriers for positive health outcomes.

In addition, HTL developed its Community Provider Network to assist participants with an integrated approach to wrap-around services. HTL also housed numerous Social Recovery Support groups for individuals that had a desire for a seamless continuum of support while on their recovery journey. During this season, Dr. Brown sought the additional support of Mr. Michael Banner to assist in Here’s to Life’s forward progress.

SECOND PHASE

Upon Mr. Banner’s initial assessment of HTL’s physical capacity to provide services for its participants, the decision was made to move HTL to its present location within 30 days of his employment. Under Mr. Banner’s guidance, HTL continued to develop partner relationships that were beneficial to the programmatic infrastructure of HTL. Partners such as pharmaceutical organizations, and other additional enhanced wrap-around service agencies were instituted to complement the variety of services provided by HTL.

During this phase, an active Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) was established. After listening intently to
participant concerns, Banner secured HTL’s relationship with The City of Atlanta’s Housing Opportunities for People With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program for its Emergency Housing Project, “Phoenix Rising”, lasting up to 60 days for participants to receive a “social detox” from environmental concerns while receiving assistance to develop a recovery journey process.

The next grant funding opportunity, HTL secured its “Transitional Housing” program under the Phoenix
Rising Project umbrella. This program allowed participants, engaged in the Emergency Housing Project, an opportunity to continue their recovery journey process for up to an additional two (2) years. In addition, he sought the assistance of Mr. Greg Smith to develop an Overall Agency Quality Management Plan. Under Mr. Smith’s guidance, many positive adaptations were implemented to enhance the programmatic and administrative infrastructure of HTL.

After careful consideration,Banner made the decision, after over 30 years of active HIV community work, to
follow a succession plan for his retirement. The Board of Directors appointed Gregory Smith as the new Executive Director.

CURRENT PHASE –STAY TUNED!

Since Mr. Smith’s elevation to Executive Director, HTL has witnessed phenomenal expansion in its service delivery. Starting with his quotes:

“The Foundation is Laid, I’m just here to rearrange the furniture.”

“Get Off the Cross, We Need the Wood”

“On The Other Side Of I-20”

“I want the participants to put their hope in us.”

“Teachable Moments”

“Show Me the Black and White”

Smith has longed merged “community” with a direct service approach to achieving success among those who do not necessarily require a hand down, but a hand up and out. Since his tenure, HTL has successfully

• Adjusted its Housing Services with the adaptation of its Emergency Housing tenure from 60 days to 120 days, secured the additional Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, an additional
  housing program that can house participants for an additional 2 years.
  
• Implemented a Workforce Development Program to provide professional skill enhancement for participants.
  
• Implemented a Social Entrepreneurship Strategy (complete with Entrepreneurial Training) to provide sustaining efforts for HTL and participants:
  

Some of the participants are currently employed with HTL as the direct result of completed training.

• HTL Prints – The development of a print shop environment to provide services to the community (i.e., T-Shirts, Hoodies, Sweatshirts, Mugs, Flyers, etc.)
  
• Brothaz Eats – The development of an established food services entity to provide:

1. Hot nutritional meals to engaged participants
   
2. Hot meals to the community that provides sustainability to
   the organization.
   

HTL 340B Pharmacy and Clinic:

• HTL is underway to actualizing our Pharmacy and Clinic as an add-value to our Participants and the Community Abroad. HTL staff are presently engaged with Community Partners, and we have an expected opening date of May 2025.