By Jon Gambrell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A small sign with yellow lettering on the heavy oak door says "Lydia's House," and behind it is comfort for children and families suffering the realities of HIV infection.

Named after a registered nurse from Texas who died after contracting the virus from a blood transfusion, Lydia's House offers a day-care program for children who are either HIV-positive or have a family member who is.

"This is a service for both children infected with HIV and those affected by it," said Jan Ellerhorst , co-founder who heads the program started five years ago. "(The children) affected by HIV are the invisible victims of the epidemic. By giving kids a place to go, we can give the parents respite."

Located on the second floor of St. Aloysius Orphanage, Lydia's House has about 12 children in its program, split between toddler care and preschool. The program, funded through grants and donations, has three paid staff members and a volunteer staff of nearly 30 people.

Ms. Ellerhorst herself volunteers around 20 hours a week for Lydia's House, writing grant applications and doing other work. She also works as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

One problem Lydia's House faces is balancing fund-raising with medical confidentiality.

"We have to respect people's privacy," Ms. Ellerhorst said. "By having a high profile, we may be disclosing someone's status. Someone might say `Oh, my sister or neighbor sends their kids there, they must have HIV.' It is a balancing act."

Lydia's House wanted to offer an after-school program this year, but didn't have the money. Programs for parents are also high on the priority list.

"If a parent has HIV, they have more days when they feel lousy," she said. "It is then harder for them to be patient or be the parent they want to be."

Ms. Ellerhorst said another problem for the faith-based organization was the initial response of Christian groups to those with HIV.

"The Christian community abdicated their God-given responsibility to help those impacted," she said. "But it is beginning to turn around. More churches are willing to partner with us, and we use the love of Jesus Christ to help people living with HIV."

Do you know a Hometown Hero - someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net or fax to (513) 755-4150.