Ricks-Wheeler Fund

The proceeds of the James Wynn Ricks, Jr. and Kenneth Wayne Wheeler Fund, a gift of the late Jim Ricks, are designated to support programs and activities which minister to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Ricks-Wheeler Grants Committee recommends allocations to the Chapter and Endowment Board, based on annual applications. 

In evaluating each applicant, committee members consider the organization’s mission, the quality of service, the quantity of people impacted by the organization, its stewardship and financial management, its compatibility with the Gospel call to outreach, and the values and mission of the Cathedral community.  Information from a written application, audited financial statements, and a site visit or phone call were used in the decision process. The committee has awarded Ricks-Wheeler funds totaling $28,368.00 to the following agencies in 2021:

H.E.R.O. for Children for the SuperHERO's Mentoring Program, a community-based, one-on-one mentoring program serving children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the metro Atlanta area. 

Jerusalem House to help provide mental health services and housing to their clients.

Open Hand Atlanta to provide medically-tailored meals and Medical Nutrition Therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Positive Impact Health Centers to continue psychological counseling services to monolingual Spanish speaking clients living with HIV/AIDS.

AID Atlanta to support the Client Assistance Fund which assists their clients in need of housing, utilities, transportation, food, medical co-pays and insurance premiums.

Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition to provide linkage to care, specifically medication adherence, for persons with health disparities infected with HIV/AIDS.