The Association Grupo Aids Support Vida Esperança – Grupo AAVE was founded in 1995 by Sister Margaret Hosty and Mrs. Divina by Fatima Nogueira Dias. It is a non-governmental organization, supported by the Archdiocese of Goiânia and the CNBB’s National AIDS Pastoral. The name AAVE, pronounced “Avy” (Portuguese for “bird”) means Support, Life, Hope for those living with HIV/AIDS.

A bird was chosen to represent the work that the AAVE Group performs as it symbolizes freedom, peace and hope. The red ribbon was also included as it is the international symbol in the fight against AIDS.

At first, the Group limited itself to home and hospital visits. Over time, there was an increase in demand, making it necessary to have a fixed address, a place where people living with HIV/AIDS could receive courses, tools and opportunities. Thus, in 2000, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Parish, from the Main Church of Campinas, provided us with a room. The Group operated at this location for two years.

With the creation of the first headquarters of the AAVE Group, demand continued to grow, and new needs emerged. For this reason, in 2002 the headquarters of the AAVE Group was acquired – a large and beautiful house that provides the necessary space to carry out a variety of activities, projects and work with people living with the HIV/AIDS virus.