Our Mission
Our mission is to maximize the quality of life for the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV by providing equitable healthcare and social services that are comprehensive and compassionate.
Our Values
- Compassion & Respect
- Equity & Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Building Trust
- Integrity
Our Story
AARC was founded in 1990 to help people living with HIV/AIDS, and it has become a vital support system for the HIV community. Offering a safe and welcoming space, AARC provides individuals with the assistance, hope, and support they need during difficult times. Over the years, AARC has grown to become one of the leading LGBTQ+ Social Service and Health organizations in San Antonio and the surrounding areas, making a significant impact on the lives of many.
Honoring 35 Years of AARC
Installed at Dakota Icehouse, 433 S. Hackberry St., San Antonio, TX
A Letter from Our Executive director
Celebrating 35 Years of Health
July 9, 2025
Dear AARC Community, In 1990, the Alamo Area Resource Center was founded in response to the HIV crisis, with a vision to provide care and support rooted in compassion and dignity. Thirty-five years later, that vision has grown into a full-service health and wellness organization serving San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties across South Texas, with a special focus on people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community.
At AARC, we’re committed to maximizing the quality of life for LGBTQ communities and people living with HIV through equitable, compassionate, and whole-person healthcare and support services. While our mission has always centered on compassionate care, we’ve expanded it over time to reflect a deeper commitment to equity, inclusion, and whole-person health. That growth has helped us stay grounded in our values while reaching further and responding more fully to the community’s needs.
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we honor the community that made this journey possible and the values that continue to guide us forward:
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- Compassion & Respect for every person’s lived experience and identity
- Equity & Inclusion in how we deliver care and shape systems
- Collaboration to strengthen partnerships and community voice
- Building Trust with those who have long faced barriers
- Integrity in every decision, action, and commitment we make
As we mark this milestone year, we celebrate not only AARC’s journey but the people who have shaped it-clients, advocates, staff, and supporters like you. As we reflect on the past 35 years, we also look to the future with hope-for greater equity, stronger communities, and better health for all. Whether you’ve just discovered AARC or have stood with us from the beginning, thank you for being part of our story.
In community,
Jose Cervantes
Executive Director
With Gratitude to Our Partners.
Annual Reports
Meet Our Leadership Team
Jose Cervantes
Executive Director
Paul Kelliher
Deputy Director
Rene Rubio
Director of Compliance and Quality Management
Destinee Abrego
Director of Mental Health/Substance Misuse & Housing Services
Libby Aleman
Director of Health Services & 340B Program
Marissa Espinosa
Director of Community Engagement & Development
Jake Ledesma
Director of Case Management/Care Coordination
Joey Perez
Facility & Transportation Service Manager
David Barton
Controller
Michael Morón
Director of Health Promotion
Our Community Impact
An HIV diagnosis can be overwhelming. Many people have a lot of questions and concerns about HIV. Learn the facts here.