Dab's Angel August 2007 Beth Parker

Beth is the Director of AICP (AIDS Insurance Continuation Program) with NFAN (NORTHEAST FLORIDA AIDS NETWORK).

Beth was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois just west of Chicago and grew up in a very happy and well adjusted family. She had a good childhood and was well loved.

Because life is not always picture perfect, Beth learned to be compassionate and listen to other people's stories at a young ago. She left Chicago to attend college in Saint Augustine Florida's Flagler College and decided to stay in the area after graduation.

Beth has two daughter ages 21 and 27. The oldest daughter is a special needs adult. So she understands first hand when others are in need of assistance.

Beth started working with the HIV and AIDS community in 1998 as the administrator of an outreach and education agency in Saint Augustine, Florida. She jumped at the chance when offered a job to work for NFAN (NORTH FLORIDA AIDS NETWORK) in 2000.

While in her personal life until working with the HIV and AIDS community, Beth had not been personally touched or infected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But with her caring personality, she had a deep desire to work with people who most often need some direction, a kind face, a shoulder or an open ear.

She also feels very fortunate that over the years her feelings have not hardened. Beth is truly happy to meet and share with new folks. She also enjoys seeing the familiar faces again and again and receives great pleasure in helping them. She is very saddened by the lack of government HIV prevention methods and when she has to say good bye to people she has become close to when they lose they fight against HIV and AIDS.

We have worked with Beth and NFAN on community projects and Beth has always impressed us with her loving and caring personality. She's always there with a kind word, a hug, a shoulder and a great big smile. .

FOR THIS AND MANY OTHER REASONS, BETH PARKER IS OUR DAB'S ANGEL FOR AUGUST 2007.