Comforting Hearts is a non-governmental organization that provides HIV/AIDS services to adults, children and youth in regions 5 and 6. The idea of forming an organization came about after nineteen (19) persons, who were trained as counsellors by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), decided that they wanted to do a lot more for Berbicians who were either infected with or affected by HIV. The idea at the time was to work in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness and counselling. The organization was launched on the 10th of December 1998 and registered on 2nd March 2000 under the Friendly Societies Act, Cap 36:04. The organization operates according to approved by-laws, boasting a robust governance structure that sets forth operational policies and procedures, values, and long-term planning to meet the mission of the organization. Guiding the implementation of planned activities is an annual work plan which outlines how tasks are going to be accomplished within a given time-frame and in compliance with an agreed upon budget. Comforting Hearts currently employs a workforce of twelve (12) employees possessing the required background, training and capabilities/expertise for the positions held. The organization has established policies for personnel management, staff development, benefits, compensation, hiring and promotion, grievances, sexual harassment and work hours. Further, there are entrenched workplace policies addressing the protection of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs). Additionally, the implementation of technical activities is guided by standard operating procedures in accordance with national and international criteria.
