CENTER Project

In spring 1983, a small group of people, primarily from the gay communities of northeastern Wisconsin, came together to address an emerging health crisis that would soon transform their communities: HIV/AIDS. Recognizing the need for a coordinated regional response, they created CENTER Project, Inc. (Community Endeavor for Needs in Testing, Education and Referral.) 

From legal incorporation in 1985 through fall 1987, CENTER Project was staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers. In 1987, CENTER Project secured two State of Wisconsin grants to establish its first paid positions. Julie Thompson became executive director, while Steve Scherer, Sandy Holden and Jean Oleksy joined as part-time community health educators.  In 1988, Paul “Cricket” Jacob, a CENTER Project volunteer, was hired as a bookkeeper and later became the organization’s accounts manager. That same year, United Way of Brown County began funding an innovative program that expanded HIV testing into local gay bars, bringing testing and HIV education directly into the community. 

In 1989, United Way funding supported the addition of a case manager to coordinate services for people living with HIV, and state funding supported a second case manager soon afterwards. Together, these case management services strengthened CENTER Project’s growing HIV testing and education programs.1989 also marked the creation of the Fox Valley AIDS Project (FVAP.) Although FVAP was sometimes described as CENTER Project’s “Appleton office,” it was actually a separate corporation and a project of the Community Foundation of the Fox Cities. CENTER Project played an important role in FVAP’s creation and early development, and the Community Foundation contracted with CENTER Project to oversee its operations. 

As additional AIDS service organizations (ASOs) emerged throughout Wisconsin, the State modified its HIV/AIDS service-area map. CENTER Project’s designated service area was reduced to nine counties, a structure that remained in place until the organization merged with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) in 1997. Following the merger, the newly defined Northeast Region encompassed 17 counties and was served by ARCW’s Green Bay and Appleton offices.   

Throughout its history, CENTER Project -- later ARCW and now Vivent Health -- maintained a strong and mutually supportive relationship with Wisconsin’s LGBT community. The partnership was particularly important during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when gay and bisexual men and other members of the LGBT community were disproportionately affected by the disease and often faced stigma alongside the health crisis. 

Today, Vivent Health continues to provide health care, prevention, housing, advocacy and support services to communities affected by HIV. The enduring partnership between HIV/AIDS service organizations and Wisconsin’s LGBT community reflects decades of community organizing, volunteerism, advocacy and mutual support.