The Hope and Help Center was founded informally in a local Orlando church basement by a small group offering palliative and logistical support for loved ones dying of AIDS-related complications.

Became a 501(c)3 non-profit. Our pantry opened to offer free food supporting immune health. Launched the first Headdress Ball, initiated by interior designers Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe, starting as a small floral headdress contest and evolving into a major fundraiser.

Became a 501(c)3 non-profit. Our pantry opened to offer free food supporting immune health. Launched the first Headdress Ball, initiated by interior designers Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe, starting as a small floral headdress contest and evolving into a major fundraiser.

Received federal funding via the Ryan White Care Act, transforming from a grassroots group into a formal HIV/AIDS resource and advocacy agency. Became the first Central Florida agency to provide case management, HIV & STI testing, prevention, education, and resource linkage for people with HIV/AIDS.

Purchased a Winter Park, FL property serving as our primary office location.

Named Michael Slaymaker our second Executive Director. Created AIDS Walk Orlando to raise awareness, break stigma, and fund HIV services.

Started peer education by hiring HIV-positive mentors who successfully helped new clients adhere to their medical regimens.

Operated our first RV testing vehicle, offering free, rapid HIV and HepC testing in high-risk neighborhoods throughout Central Florida.

Grew our volunteer base to over 500, contributing over 6,500 hours.

Named Lisa Barr our fourth Executive Director. The agency operates in eight locations across four counties—Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake. Began the transition from primarily a support-service AIDS organization into a direct healthcare provider. Celebrated our 25th anniversary, featuring the largest Headdress Ball to date, raising the most funds in the event’s history.

Sold our Winter Park property, moving to a larger facility in East Orlando. Transformed from a social services nonprofit into a comprehensive healthcare provider by launching our Medical Clinic to create a one-stop, stigma-free center offering clinical services like infectious disease care, primary care, transgender care (HRT), and lab diagnostics (HIV/STI/Hepatitis C). Started participating in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to save costs with discounted medications via pharmacy partners, expanding access to programs that enhance patient and community health. Awarded a five-year Orange County (FL) Schools grant, “Empower Orange”, to provide HIV and STI health and education wellness to middle and high school students.

Purchased and began operating our new state-of-the-art, custom-designed mobile testing units to provide free screenings. Expanded our award-winning support groups: RISE for women with HIV, RESTART for men who have sex with men, and STYLE for young same gender loving men.

Awarded the Orlando Sentinel Top Workplace, repeated for 2021 and 2022. Awarded Congressional Certificate for LGBTQ+ Leadership. Launched the “Protect your O” program as a free condom home delivery subscription service. Implemented a telehealth program in response to COVID-19 and opened satellite testing locations in high-density areas of Orlando.

Integrated our pharmaceutical distribution by purchasing Orlando ProCare Pharmacy to expand our commitment to a one-stop clinical experience. Established Orlando ProCare LLC in partnership with the federal 340B Program to generate savings, expand programs, improve access, and offer discounted medications like HIV antiretroviral therapy, PrEP, and nPEP.

Launched support groups EMPIRE for heterosexual adults with HIV and BEYOND BINARY for gender-diverse individuals. Awarded our first HOPWA grant for housing assistance.

Solidified our legacy as a beacon of health equity and community empowerment after a transformative year of growth and resilience. Purchased our largest building to date, featuring the most extensive renovation and build-out in our history to create a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Orlando. This step enhanced our primary care, HIV prevention, and wellness services, reaffirming our commitment to stability and accessibility for underserved communities. Revived the Headdress Ball Gala, a beloved tradition paused earlier, which celebrated creativity, culture, and philanthropy and drew record attendance.

The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida is transitioning from a specialized advocacy model to a holistic healthcare ecosystem. By digitally repositioning, it aims to reduce stigma and broaden primary care access. The Q2 2026 capital expansion will create an infrastructure hub that combines pharmacy, primary care, HIV/STI care, case management, mental health, dental, lab services, and community initiatives such as "Threads of Hope." This consolidation lowers patient acquisition costs and encourages cross-departmental use. Additionally, acquiring an external medical practice in mid-2027 will increase patient volume and market presence, while stabilizing revenue.