Each week the AIDS Walk Boston Blog will profile one of our programs at AIDS Action Committee.  The money raised by the Walk is crucial for supporting these vital programs. 

This week we spoke with Kate Swope, Check-In Program Manager.  

The Check-in Program, started in 1993, is responsible for reaching out and keeping in contact with all AIDS Action Committee’s case management clients.  The Check-In calls provide information and referrals, along with a caring ear and help to maintain a strong connection between clients and AAC. 

Every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the Check-In Program volunteer callers make contact with AIDS Action Committee’s clients.  The callers contact an average of 800 clients every three months in addition 85 clients once a week to offer more intense support. The goal of each call is the same: to maintain a consistent relationship with the clients. “Some of the calls may be a brief hello, but for some clients, the calls are much more involved because we are their primary social support,” says Kate.

The Program is staffed by 35 highly skilled volunteers led by Kate.  These volunteers must undergo extensive forty-hour training and then commit to making calls once a week for an entire year.   While the shortest commitment to the program is one year, several current Volunteers have been involved with the program for 5 to 7 years.  Bradley Seeman, a retired Check-in Volunteer, committed 13 years of service to the program.

Funds raised through AIDS Walk Boston support programs like Check-In, please register or donate today to help us continue these vital services.