REACH Families, HIV, and COVID-19

Throughout our 25-year history, REACH has always responded to life’s biggest challenges, offering acceptance, safe community, joy, and trust to some of the most rejected and isolated among us. The REACH staff has quickly settled into our new reality of telecommuting with kids at home and social distancing, so that our full attention remains on supporting our REACH community … in some new and creative ways.

During this time of dramatic impact on daily lives, our REACH families need the acceptance and safe community we offer as much as ever, maybe more so. They already face ongoing rejection or anxiety of being “outed.” Restrictions imposed by the current pandemic may worsen their sense of isolation. Additionally, for those whose HIV treatments aren’t fully functioning, their immune systems may be compromised, putting them at higher risk for COVID-19, causing fear. REACH families need to feel “REACH community” and hear a message of Enduring Hope … that is the theme for 2020 we adopted months ago before the world heard of COVID-19.

We had to cancel our Spring Family Camp next weekend. Even though we can’t be together in person, WE ARE STILL REACH. The REACH staff and volunteers are brainstorming creative “virtual” ideas to stay connected. For now, we are calling the most vulnerable and isolated to offer encouragement and affirmation.

If you have questions or ideas to share, we would love to hear from you. Call us at 253-383-7616 or email.

Read the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV.