About Us

Our mission is to serve, empower, and become an ally to individuals and communities in Alabama through education, advocacy, and grassroots programs related to chronic health disparities (HCV, HBP, Diabetes) and HIV. We provide meaningful prevention programs and perform our services with compassion and care. We strive to promote hope, tolerance, and social justice for all people affected by chronic health disparities and HIV, and their communities.

CAARAC’s service reach spans seven counties, including 4 black belt counties in Alabama. The counties served are Autauga, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery.

Our Mission

CAARAC envisions a global environment where chronic health disparities (HCV, HBP, Diabetes) and HIV related stigma is eliminated and access to care is available to everyone

Our Vision

CAARAC envisions a global environment where chronic health disparities (HCV, HBP, Diabetes) and HIV related stigma is eliminated and access to care is available to everyone

Our Values

Respecting the dignity of all by raising awareness and educating communities to minimize stigma
Empowering individuals through compassionate service
Leading through collaboration and community partnerships; and
Commitment to engage in work that promotes the development of human relationships

Our Philosophy

CAARAC empowers individuals and communities in Alabama affected by chronic health disparities with compassion and care. We also promote hope, tolerance and social justice for all people in the communities in which they live.

OUR SERVICES

FREE HIV TESTING

LIVED EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

LIVED EXPERIENCE

1:1

COACHING

SUPPORT GROUPS

COMMUNITY EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT

THE TEAM

Shakita Brooks Jones

Executive Director

Shakita is a Montgomery, AL native. As a graduate of Troy State University, she hold a B.S. in social work and a master’s in social work from the University of Alabama. Shakita also has a master’s degree in public administration and a nonprofit management certification from Auburn University Montgomery. Shakita is the Founder & Executive Director of Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center. Shakita’s area of interests are understanding more about the root causes of poverty and the plight of the working poor; exploring increased HIV rates in Alabama; and applying practice knowledge to remove historical socioeconomic barriers that have disproportionately impacted Alabama’s working poor in rural areas.

Phone: (662) 476-2808

Mail: sbjones@caarac.org

Marco Mays

Director of Programs

Marco Mays is a consultant, advocate, humanitarian, speaker, creative director, model, and author.

He is a Brand Ambassador for Until There’s A Cure, a non-profit organization focused on ending HIV/AIDS, and a Civil Rights/Outreach Specialist for the Central Alabama Fair Housing Center.

He sits on the Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama, Colors River Region (LGBT Youth), National Minority AIDS Council, Alabama Consumers Advisory Board, and the Veteran’s Mental Health Council (LGBT Veterans) boards. In addition, he volunteers with Easter Seals, AIDS Alabama, Medical Advocacy & Outreach, Collaborative Solutions Inc., CAVHCS’s National Coming Out, and Alabama Department of Public Health.