PHANG is a program based at Friends House that prepares residents and small non-residents to lead discussions in high school classrooms about their experiences of contracting HIV and living with AIDS. The program is designed to empower residents with valuable training and experience, confront stereotypes about people living with AIDS, and to help prevent the spread of AIDS among youth.

Young people from all walks of life are still at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. By sharing their experiences, Friends House residents can reach out to help inform a generation of students who are faced with difficult decisions and high-risk situations every day. The power of these personal and emotional discussions is intended to help teens reconsider before engaging in high risk behaviors. Equally important is the opportunity for students to personally connect with someone living with the virus, and understand the daily struggles to live with disease while overcoming discrimination, peer pressure, and pain. The message of the program is one of tolerance and informed decision-making.

In addition to developing work skills, the program serves a therapeutic purpose for residents. The residents’ practice sessions are similar to a support group, with each person relating his or her personal stories and becoming more comfortable with expressing themselves in a supportive environment. The sessions with high school students are a chance for Friends House residents to reach out to the community and invert a negative experience into a positive one in their lives, which promotes positive self esteem and reduces feelings of isolation. For those residents not able to work on a regular basis, PHANG provides a valuable alternative. Participating in PHANG helps residents to gain a sense of purpose they may not otherwise have, which in turn leads to feeling healthier.

College PHANG - the team also presents at Graduate Schools of SW to prospective SW's.  The theme is to impact what it's like to be a clinet of a SW.  The dynamics of the helping process are explored.

In thank you letters to Friends House, some students wrote:

"I would just like to say that you inspired me in many ways.  You were a teacher to me.  When you told me your stories you touched me.  You made me see that using drugs is very dangerous.  At first I didn't really care.  But now I see the damage that it does to you.  It messes you up in many ways.  AIDS is very important in life.  Every time I see myself looking or thinking about drugs or sex, I'll make sure to think about you.  You've taught me the right way to think.  Thank you.  Hopefully you inspire more people the weay you have inspired me.  Thank you. "

"I liked the fact you took time off your job or daily duties to come to our school and talk about your life.  But I learned so much from your speech about AIDS and HIV.  After you left I went home and I talked to my mom about all the things you have said and we had a big discussion about safe sex.  But I just wanted to really say that you inspired me to become a safe sex teen."

"When you came to my classroom today, I didn't know much about HIV/AIDS.  When I heard from Debbie and Joe I saw one little mistake could ruin your life forever.  I also learned about the different ways to get HIV/AIDS but one way I didn't know about was how the mother could give her baby it through breast milk.  I learned in class then, I never knew, and I am grateful that you took the time to talk to us today." 

*Names have been changed to protect identities.