When first-time clients phone, they speak with Margarita or Alfredo, who help them make appointments, give them directions on how to get to our offices and answer other questions. Some first-time clients just drop in. Phillip is there to greet these first-timers. He tries to make them feel comfortable, all the while assessing where best to direct them. Some are at first reluctant to disclose private information to strangers.
Many new clients arrive with no hope or no mechanism for survival.
These social workers and case workers must make all clients relaxed and comfortable and gain their trust in a relatively short time because ultimately, before a client leaves, not only must needs be identified, but a plan established which will begin to address specific concerns and solve problems. Intake is only one of the services in Client Services, but it is an essential one. Because of the S.F. AIDS Foundation's ongoing partnership with Shanti and the AIDS Health Project , all clients who go through an intake at the Foundation are automatically eligible for services at those agencies. Copyright 1997, San Francisco AIDS Foundation.