History
In 2003, a young woman learned that one of her close family members had tested positive for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This life-changing discovery alarmed her but also ignited a determination to find aid, support, and information to help her loved one. She feared the rejection, stigma, and misunderstanding her relative might face from family members and society at large. Driven by compassion and purpose, she committed herself to making a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) who were in need of care and support.
X-Tending Hands, Inc. was founded by an individual with a vision to provide accessible HIV/AIDS healthcare alongside supportive services and housing tailored to the multicultural needs of Central Florida communities including Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties.
Today, X-Tending Hands, Inc. operates as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This community-based minority HIV/AIDS organization offers referrals for substance abuse treatment, supportive services, healthcare, community advocacy, transportation, and food assistance.
Our vision is to deliver cutting edge health and wellness education while ensuring that all programs are culturally, linguistically, and age sensitive. X-Tending Hands remains committed to ongoing improvement, strengthening both our organization and the broader HIV/AIDS community through compassionate and inclusive care.
Mission
We provide support to homeless persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS by providing the following: housing, guidance, referrals, food, clothing, education, and daily living skills in a home-like environment.
Vision
We at X-Tending Hands, Inc. develop new opportunities for homeless persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. While responding to their needs and expectations, we provide individuality, dignity, choice, privacy, and a normal, home-like lifestyle. A new outlook on life supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our partners, and enables them to live with self-confidence and respect in their community and throughout their lives. We partner with our clients as they reach their full and utmost potential by ultimately obtaining and maintaining their own homes.
Stafff
Barbara Hoosier, Executive Director
Janee Blackman, Administrative Assistant
Awards
Royal Award 2023
Cannes Bear 2023
The Deck, Best Independent Agencies 2023
Digital Awards 2023
Barbara Hoosier has dedicated more than two decades to serving individuals living with HIV/AIDS. She began her journey in 1997 as a volunteer with a nonprofit community-based organization and soon transitioned into a Case Manager role in 1999. Her early experiences shaped a lifelong passion for advocacy, care, and building programs that restore dignity and hope.
As Executive Director of X-Tending Hands, Inc., Barbara leads with compassion and vision, advancing the organization’s mission to provide supportive housing, essential services, and education for Central Florida’s multicultural communities. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Strayer University and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Janee Blackman began her journey with X-Tending Hands nearly nine years ago as a volunteer. Her early experiences with community service shaped her passion for helping others, eventually leading her into a professional role. Today, she serves as the Administrative Assistant for the organization.
Janee’s commitment to service began at the age of nine when she assisted her mother at Miracle of Love, a nonprofit where she filed charts and supported clerical tasks. As a teenager, she continued volunteering and building skills that prepared her to become a valuable part of the X-Tending Hands team. She is dedicated to serving others with compassion, professionalism, and excellence, and is proud to contribute to the mission of X-Tending Hands.