CitiWide’s Community Education Department combines peer training, education, supportive services, advocacy and outreach as its formula to reach and empower the individuals we serve in our community.

Since 2004 the Herizen Peer Program (an 8-week training followed by a 24-week internship for women and transgender living with or at high risk for HIV infection) has graduated over 70 peers.  Upon completion of the training, Peer Educators gain on the job experience as front-line service providers in their communities. Many of our graduates work in daily services and operations, and others have returned to school or full time employment.

In 2005 the department proudly gave birth to a unique program, STREET (STREET-based Employment Empowerment Team) that provides outreach to sex workers mostly in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. STREET strives to serve as a bridge for this underserved population and connect them to health care services and other basic services like condoms, health literature and harm reduction tools, while also providing case management and advocacy to the sex workers. The Community Education Department is available for workshops and presentations at schools and other venues.