Women At Risk began in 1991 as one of the first organizations specifically for women living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. Our organization was started, out of frustration, by Ann Copeland and Linda Luschel, both HIV+ women who were unable to find services geared to their specific needs. There were no childcare services available for the mother's who needed the groups and women infected with HIV/AIDS felt like they were alone, having little or no contact with other women living with this disease. Women At Risk (W.A.R.) started support groups with childcare services, co facilitated by an HIV+ woman and a licensed therapist. That was ten years ago and we now currently have ten groups with the commitment to start more where and when needed. Our co-founders, the original pioneering women who started Women At Risk, have since passed away but their vision is still being realized. Our mission and focus has been and continues to be to provide emotional, psychological and educational services to women and their families living with HIV/AIDS and to provide education outreach to our youth and overall community of the risk of infection and how to prevent this disease.

-Ann Copeland
Co-Founder of Women At Risk