The LIGHT Story
LIGHT Health & Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. (LIGHT), formerly known as the Baltimore Pediatric HIV Program, Inc. (BPHIVP), is premier community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in providing comprehensive quality care to children, women, and youth.
 
In 1988, LIGHT’s founder, Debbie Rock, MSW, began serving families as part of the Ashland Support Center as a demonstration Head Start project developed to meet the needs of children and families in Baltimore City who were infected/affected by HIV/AIDS. Working with local pediatric clinics in Baltimore, LIGHT started its tradition of serving medically fragile children by providing child care to infants born with HIV and other health complications.
 
By 1998, the organization had become an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in its own right called the Baltimore Pediatric HIV Program (BPHIVP), formed to meet the growing demand for day and respite care for older children infected and affected by HIV and other illnesses. It was the only program in Maryland that provided a licensed day and respite care specifically for children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS.
 
By 2003, BPHIVP had expanded to provide comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged children and families who were impacted by HIV/AIDS. The services encompass: a) child care; b) psychosocial services; c) client advocacy; d) cultural and recreational activities for families; e) community outreach; and f) education and prevention services.
 
In 2006, the board of directors decided to change the name of the agency in order to encompass the agency's servicing of a wider population beyond servicing children. As a result, LIGHT is better able to reach out to the individuals (younger and older adults) and serve the needs of all individuals with its broader mission and goal.
 
In October 2008, LIGHT proudly celebrated 10 years of service to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental illness and poverty. Over these 10 years, the organization has strengthened its ability to serve children and their families in impoverished neighborhoods.
 
This, however, is just the beginning for LIGHT. We will not stop until all families and children have the tools they need to lead productive lives.
Debbie J Rock
Debbie J. Rock, Executive Director
LIGHT Health & Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc.
 
Debbie Rock is the founder and Executive Director of the LIGHT Health & Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. Ms. Rock oversees all of LIGHT’s comprehensive support services provided to children, youth and families whose lives have been impacted by health and societal issues, including HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
 
As an advocate for children and families, Ms. Rock was instrumental in developing legislation for the State of Maryland Kinship Care Program and helping to get other state legislation passed that created stand-by guardianship to protect parental rights. She has forged collaborations with various organizations such as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Systems, and Glass Substance Abuse Treatment Programs as well as numerous community-based and AIDS service organizations. 
 
Ms Rock served as chair of the Greater Baltimore HIV Health Services Planning Council, and as a member of President Bush’s President’s Council on HIV/AIDS. She has also served as a member of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Commission on HIV/AIDS, a member of The Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Board of Directors and the Mercy Medical Center Board of Directors. Ms. Rock is currently a member of Morgan State University Social Work advisory board.
 
The business community has also recognized Ms. Rock’s various contributions to the Baltimore metropolitan area by naming her one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland.  She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland.
 
Ms. Rock believes that her greatest role in life is to be a servant of God and to do the work that he has chosen her to do.