Because We Care. Since 1985.
Founded in 1985, Minority AIDS Project (MAP) holds the distinguished honor of being the first community-based HIV/AIDS organization in the United States founded and led by people of color. Operating as a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MAP was established to bridge the critical service gap in health equity for the African American and Latinx communities of Central and South Los Angeles. For over four decades, our guiding philosophy has remained unchanged: we believe that health is a fundamental human right and that effective care requires walking with, not ahead of the people we serve.
Our core initiative, "MAP Your Way to Wellness," represents a holistic, person-centered approach to community health, safety, and personal growth. While our legacy is rooted in HIV/AIDS education and support, we have proactively expanded our mission to meet the evolving needs of the Los Angeles community. Today, MAP provides a comprehensive continuum of care that includes professional mental health services, violence intervention programs, and dedicated mentorship for youth and young adults. We recognize that health outcomes are inextricably linked to social stability; therefore, we provide "real-world" resources to individuals navigating various challenges.
At MAP, we lead with empathy and dignity rather than paperwork and policy. By delivering essential services tailored to an individual’s specific cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic needs, we ensure that every client regardless of age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, has a clear path to wellness. We remain a steadfast anchor in Los Angeles, dedicated to bridging the gap in health and social equity, and empowering our diverse clientele to lead lives of dignity, security, resilience, and total well-being.
WHAT WE BELIEVE.
We believe in care that sees the whole person.
We believe in walking with—not ahead of—our people.
We believe in leading with empathy and dignity, not paperwork and policy.
And we believe that health is a human right.
WHO WE SERVE.
MAP provides services to individuals living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS, especially in communities of color. Many of our clients also face challenges related to housing insecurity, substance use, mental health, reentry, and access to medical care. We’re here to support them all—with compassion, respect, and real resources.
Our Model
MAP uses a culturally responsive, whole-person approach that includes:
Health + Housing Support
Including case management, benefits advocacy, transportation, and housing referrals
Mental Wellness + Healing
Licensed therapists offering individual, group, and family support
Community Reentry + Anti-Violence Services
Programs designed to support those navigating reentry and survivors of violence within BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities
HIV Testing + Prevention
Testing and PrEP/PEP referrals
Food Access
A community pantry offering groceries and basic needs
Our Vision Forward
MAP continues to grow as the needs of our people grow. We are committed to:
1
Expanding medical and mental health partnerships
2
Deepening support for youth and young adults
3
Creating more access points for care—digitally and in-person
4
Remaining a trusted, culturally rooted anchor in South Central LA
We’re proud of where we’ve been. We’re even more excited about where we’re going.