UGA HEROs supports the 501 (C)3 non-profit organization H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc. H.E.R.O. for Children is the only organization in the State of Georgia that provides quality of life care for children infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS through sustainable programs, connections with the community, and unforgettable experiences.
All money raised helps support the SuperHEROs mentoring program, the Rising HEROes Program, and four special events. Learn more about these programs and events by clicking below.
The SuperHEROes Mentoring Program
H.E.R.O. for Children is the only organization in Georgia solely dedicated to providing Quality of Life care for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
H.E.R.O., along with specialists from Emory and the CDC, has developed the 1st curriculum to build life skills around the Emotional, Social, Educational and Financial challenges that HIV/AIDS causes in the lives of children.
H.E.R.O. has developed the first Mentor Training Curriculum to prepare adult volunteers for the challenges of mentoring an HIV infected or affected child, also with specialists from Emory and the CDC.
H.E.R.O. for Children has the only one-on-one mentoring program for children affected by HIV/AIDS in the state of Georgia.
In 2007, H.E.R.O. expanded its programs to serve children affected by HIV/AIDS outside of metro Atlanta, in the Augusta, Albany, Macon and Athens areas.
H.E.R.O. for Children has provided 300 children with 18,000 hours of Quality of Life care through more than 1,000 volunteers.
H.E.R.O.’s impact has received international recognition by hosting opening night of a United Nations conference on AIDS and when invited to India to present its programs to Microsoft, Hewlitt Packard and 91 international delegations.
H.E.R.O. was honored by Governor Sonny Perdue on World AIDS Day 2004 for collecting more than 10,000 HERO red ribbons from across Georgia.
The SuperHEROes Mentoring Program
The SuperHEROes Mentoring Program is a community-based, one-on-one mentoring program serving children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the metro Atlanta area.
Through the consistent support of committed volunteers, the children improve their self-esteem, self-confidence, goal setting and socialization skills. This program truly shows that one person can make a difference in the life of a child affected by HIV/AIDS.
The "SuperHEROes"
The Mentors, who we call SuperHEROes, are community volunteers who commit to spending time twice a month with a child for two years. Mentors complete an application, screening process and comprehensive training before they begin mentoring a child.
Once matched, the SuperHEROes spend time with the children on their own terms, participating in activities ranging from baking cookies and helping with homework to basketball games and “just hanging out.”
Any individual age 22 or older is eligible, so for more information call 770-417-1665 extension 310 or 301, email volunteer@heroforchildren.org. This truly is a volunteer experience that will impact your life as much as you impact the life of your child.
The "Little HEROes"
The children, who we call Little HEROes, need help in school, expressing their feelings and achieving their dreams. They like to go to the movies, swim in the pool and tell jokes. Children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS aspire to the same childhood as any other child and they are always so excited when a SuperHERO Mentor helps them get there.
The children range in age from 6 to 16 and are matched with a mentor based on mutual interests and preferences. The children and their families go through a similar screening and training to set proper expectations with all those involved.
Take a look at what the kids are saying...
"My SuperHERO mentor helped me start a cookie business. He taught me about looking adults in the eyes and shaking their hands when I meet them. He helps me work hard in school and be nice to my brothers and sisters."
– Little HERO, boy age 9
"My SuperHERO mentor has helped me create objectives for my life, no matter what obstacles may arise. I respect and admire her opinions about the decisions I make. I feel special and loved when I am around her."
– Little HERO, girl age 14
"When I'm with my SuperHERO mentor I feel 10 feet tall"
– Little HERO, boy age 13
Children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS face tremendous challenges, many of which are created or intensified by the disease itself.
Whether it is anger, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, poor educational performance or feelings of hopelessness, the Rising HEROes Program unites community volunteers, H.E.R.O. children and trained facilitators to develop the Life Skills necessary for the children to begin to overcome these challenges.
The Rising HEROes Program consists of 12 monthly sessions designed for children ages 6 – 16 and through innovative teaching methods seeks to achieve the following in children affected by HIV/AIDS: o Increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
Develop anger management, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Improve communication skills with other children and with adults.
Develop good study habits.
Develop basic financial skills and awareness.
HERO for a Day is H.E.R.O. for Children's largest annual special event for hundreds of children affected by HIV/AIDS across the state of Georgia.
Hosted by UGA Coach Mark Richt and the University of Georgia football team, this high energy afternoon includes competitive field-day games, jumbo inflatables, obstacle courses, rock walls, and incredible entertainment such as break dancers, sports car shows and frisbee dogs. The community has rallied behind this event with enthusiasm.
Every year over 500 volunteers, celebrities, and local DJs eagerly put on their tennis shoes and become a “HERO for a Day” alongside children in the HERO program. The day concludes with each child receiving a gold medal for their strength and courage throughout the day.
The holidays are an incredible time to serve with H.E.R.O. for Children through the Holiday of HEROes program. H.E.R.O. for Children partners with local AIDS organizations and hospitals to provide children with one gift that they need, one gift that they want and a food basket for the family.
This major initiative requires large numbers of HERO volunteers in order to reach so many families across Georgia affected by HIV/AIDS during the holidays. Service opportunities include purchasing, wrapping, and delivering gifts to our families throughout Georgia.
University of Georgia students host the HERO Olympics every fall for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Georgia. UGA HEROs has over 2,000 student members who work year-round to raise financial support HERO children from across the state.
This incredible field-day event is held at the University of Georgia campus in Athens and is often the first opportunity for many of the HERO kids to experience a college campus. The event includes games, music, face painting, entertainment, and endless fun.
Georgia Tech students, along with the Tech basketball team and head coach Paul Hewitt, host an annual fall festival for the HERO kids from across the state of Georgia.
This event is an opportunity for the Georgia Tech “HERO Philanthropists” to interact with the children for whom they spend all year fundraising.
This amazing afternoon is filled with fall activities and games such pumpkin painting, relay races, competitive games, and outdoor activities.
