The Project of the Quad Cities records

The Project of the Quad Cities (TPQC) was founded in 1986 during the height of the AIDS epidemic and was originally called The Quad Cities AIDS Coalition. Formed by community members, healthcare workers, churches, and educators, it was one of the first organizations to exist outside of a major metropolitan area. The coalition aimed to educate the community, raise awareness, and support the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

A few years after its founding, the organization changed its name to the AIDS Project of the Quad Cities (APQC). During this time, APQC relied on volunteers, alongside a few paid administrative members. Volunteers and staff repeatedly mentioned in the records are Connie Venema, Charles Crampton, Jaan Sturgis, and Beth Wehrman. The organization provided numerous services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS through its Buddy Program, a volunteer-driven initiative that assisted individuals with household chores, transportation, cooking, and emotional support.

During the 1990s, APQC hosted “WeCare Weekends,” weekend-long charity celebrations focused on raising funds for HIV/AIDS research. In the early 2000s, the organization's primary fundraising event became the annual Red Ribbon Dinners. APQC also spearheaded various events to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Quad Cities, including World AIDS Day, NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt displays, speakers’ panels, and community presentations.

By 2001, APQC had grown beyond a volunteer-led initiative to an organization with more paid staff members and a board of directors. Additional services beyond the Buddy Program consisted of case management for clients, support groups, an HIV/AIDS information phone line, and outreach programming.

As of 2026, The Project of the Quad Cities operates as a primary care provider and support space for all individuals, regardless of whether or not they have HIV/AIDS. The organization’s current services consist of STI/HIV testing, HIV/AIDS medical care, counseling, outreach, harm reduction, and LGBTQ+ healthcare, including gender-affirming care for transgender and gender non-binary individuals.