About Us

Who We Are

The Circle of Friends (COF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, mentoring advocating for policies to improve access to care, retention in care, and promote positive health outcomes for persons with HIV. Founded in 1999, the Circle of Friends is a Non Profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves region 10 area of eastern North Carolina. The COF is the only community-based effort that specifically addresses the needs, rights, and well-being of PLWH and individuals impacted by HIV. 

Our Mission

 The Circle of Friends strives to enhance the quality of life of individuals living with HIV and those impacted by increasing awareness of Care, Prevention, Support and Housing services in Region 10 area of eastern north Carolina.  

Our Beliefs

• • We are a family, a Circle of Friends, here to love, care, and meet the needs of those impacted by HIV.

  • Until the AIDS epidemic is over, we will work tirelessly to educate, empower, increase awareness, reduce stigma, build community, trust, and reciprocity in eastern NC.

  • Once empowered, people living with or impacted by HIV can be instrumental in changing societal issues and barriers as well as behavioral trends to reverse the HIV epidemic in Eastern North Carolina.

We are Catalysts for Change

• • We offer support and hope through meetings, support groups, HIV testing and personal relationship building.

  • We advocate and build partnerships at the local, state and national level for positive change and funding to support the broader issues of HIV including housing, access to medical care, discrimination and stigma.

  • We actively educate the general community through our speakers bureau, advocacy and community events.