October at REACH: A Month of Connection, Creativity & Community

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Fall is here, and October is bringing another full month of connection at REACH Ministries!

At REACH, we know that community can look different for everyone. Sometimes it means gathering with people who understand an experience that can be difficult to explain to others. Sometimes it means sitting around a table creating something together. Sometimes it’s logging onto Zoom from the comfort of home just to see familiar faces. And sometimes it’s gathering around a campfire, sharing a meal, laughing together, and remembering that you belong.

This October, we’re making space for all of it.

Throughout the month, we’ll have support groups, Creative Expressions gatherings, online activities for kids and teens, our Ladies Zoom Chat, and one very special evening at Miracle Ranch for our 2026 Circle of Hope Dinner.

Positive Adults Support Group

Our Positive Adults Support Group will meet twice this month on Zoom:

Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 PM – Hosted by Cecilia
Monday, October 19 at 12:00 PM – Hosted by Pam

This group is a welcoming and confidential space for adults 18 and older living with HIV to connect with others who understand.

There is never pressure to have the right words or to share more than you’re comfortable sharing. Some days you may want to talk, and other days you may simply want to listen and know that you’re surrounded by people who get it.

Whether you’re new to REACH or have been part of our community for years, there is a place for you here.

Creative Expressions at the REACH Office

Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 AM
REACH Office

Creative Expressions is back in person this month!

Creative Expressions gives members of our community an opportunity to slow down, create, talk, laugh, and spend time together. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist, and you don’t need any special creative experience.

The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. The goal is to enjoy the process and the people you’re creating alongside. This is meant for adults, kids are welcome. Let us know if you are bringing little ones so we can have some games to entertain them while we craft or an easier craft for them.

Come ready to make something, connect with others, and enjoy a relaxing morning at REACH.

Circle of Hope 2026: An Immersive Camp Experience

Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 PM
Miracle Ranch, Port Orchard

This year’s Circle of Hope is going to look a little different—and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

Instead of our traditional Circle of Hope gathering, we’re inviting our friends, partners, volunteers, supporters, and community members to experience a little bit of what makes REACH camp so meaningful.

We’re heading to Miracle Ranch, where REACH’s family camp story began nearly 30 years ago, for an Immersive Camp Experience.

Guests are encouraged to dress like they’re going camping! We’ll gather for dinner, fellowship, and an opportunity to hear more about where REACH is today and where we’re headed next.

Most importantly, you’ll hear directly from members of the REACH community who are willing to share their stories of resilience, connection, and what having a community like REACH has meant in their lives.

And because it wouldn’t be camp without a little fun, we’ll end the evening outside with a campfire, s’mores, warm beverages, and a chicken and goat roundup.

Circle of Hope is also an opportunity for us to say thank you. REACH exists because of an incredible network of families, volunteers, referral partners, healthcare providers, community organizations, donors, and friends who believe people living with HIV deserve a community free from judgment and stigma.

We would love to have you there.

Ready to join us?
RSVP for the Circle of Hope 2026 Dinner

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 PM
Zoom

Our Lifetime Survivors Support Group is specifically for individuals who have been living with HIV since birth or early childhood.

There is something powerful about connecting with people who share experiences that few others fully understand. This group provides space for conversation, shared history, resilience, encouragement, and understanding.

You are welcome to participate as much—or as little—as feels comfortable.

Creative Expressions Club

Tuesday, October 27 from 5:00–6:00 PM
Zoom + Mailed Activity Kit

Our online Creative Expressions Club brings the fun of creating together right into your home! This club is for children HIV+ or children with HIV+ caregivers.

We’ll mail participants an activity kit ahead of time, and then everyone can log onto Zoom to create together. It’s interactive, hands-on, and a fun way for kids and teens to connect with others in the REACH community—even when we can’t all be in the same room.

Opening that box is only the beginning. The best part is logging on and seeing everyone else ready to create alongside you!

Be sure to RSVP early enough for us to prepare and mail your kit.

New? Register your child here: REGISTRATION FORM

Ladies Zoom Chats

Saturday, October 31 at 9:30 AM
Zoom

We’re closing out October with our Ladies Zoom Chat!

This is a relaxed and supportive space for women in the REACH community to connect, catch up, encourage one another, and simply enjoy being together.

Grab your coffee, tea, breakfast—or whatever your Saturday morning looks like—and join us from home.

There’s a Place for You at REACH

Living with HIV can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when stigma makes it difficult to know where it is safe to talk openly.

That’s one of the reasons community is at the heart of REACH.

Whether you’re coming to a support group for the first time, opening a Creative Expressions kit with your child, reconnecting with friends you’ve known through REACH for years, or joining us at Miracle Ranch to learn more about our community, we want you to know there is a place for you here.

October is filled with opportunities to connect. We hope you’ll join us for one—or several!

For more information about any October event or to RSVP, contact:

Cecilia Bryan
Community Engagement & Events Manager
Email: cbryan@reachministries.org
Phone: 253-383-7616

Visit REACH Ministries to learn more about our programs and community.

Connection. Creativity. Community. That’s October at REACH.

October 2026 Events at REACH

“Immersive Camp Experience” for Supporters – October 20th

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Because of the stigma surrounding HIV, we do the utmost to protect the identity and privacy of our REACH community members. That means supporters don’t get the opportunity to attend our weekend events or meet the families we serve.

However, on October 20th, we are giving YOU an “Immersive Camp Experience” … at Miracle Ranch where it all began. This is not our typical Circle of Hope fundraiser. Although there will be an opportunity to make a gift, we mainly want to show you our appreciation by giving you a sampling of what our families experience at Labor Day Camp.

Learn more

Sign up now

August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

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August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

As summer begins to wind down, August is the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and spend time with people who understand your journey. At REACH Ministries, we believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Whether you’ve been part of our community for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of everything happening this month.

Each of our programs is designed to create meaningful connections while providing encouragement, friendship, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. At REACH, you’ll find a community that celebrates who you are and walks alongside you every step of the way.

Positive Adults Support Group

Monday, August 3 & 17 • 12:00 PM • Zoom

Living with HIV comes with unique experiences, and sometimes the greatest gift is simply having a place where you don’t have to explain yourself. Our Positive Adults Support Group offers a welcoming, judgment-free space for adults living with HIV to connect with others who truly understand.

Whether you’d like to share what’s on your mind, ask questions, celebrate victories, or simply listen, you’re welcome exactly as you are. Every conversation is built on respect, encouragement, and the understanding that we are stronger together.

Parents of Positive Children Support Group

Tuesday, August 4 • 7:30 PM

Parents and caregivers often carry so much on their shoulders. This support group provides a safe place to connect with other families who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a child living with HIV.

Together we share experiences, offer encouragement, celebrate milestones, and remind one another that none of us has to walk this journey alone. The friendships built here often extend far beyond our meetings, creating a lasting network of support for the whole family.

Creative Expressions

Tuesday, August 18 • 11:00 AM • REACH Office

No artistic experience? No problem!

Creative Expressions is about much more than making art. It’s about taking time to relax, express yourself, and enjoy creating alongside others in a supportive environment. Whether you’re painting, crafting, or trying something completely new, you’ll discover that creativity has a wonderful way of reducing stress, building confidence, and bringing people together.

Come ready to laugh, create, and leave with something you’ve made—and hopefully a few new friendships too.

Creative Expressions Club

Tuesday, August 25 • 5:00–6:00 PM • Zoom

Our Creative Expressions Club brings creativity right into your home. Participants receive a project kit in the mail before we gather together on Zoom to create as a group.

Perfect for kids and teens, this interactive club combines hands-on projects with conversation, encouragement, and lots of fun. Even though we’re meeting virtually, participants quickly discover that creativity is one of the best ways to build community across the miles.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, August 26 • 7:30 PM • Zoom

For those who have lived with HIV since childhood or early in life, our Lifetime Survivors Support Group offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar life experiences.

This group is built on understanding, resilience, and hope. Members support one another through life’s successes and challenges while honoring the incredible strength that comes from years of perseverance. The relationships formed here remind us that no one has to carry their story alone.

Don’t Forget—Labor Day Getaway Is Almost Here!

August is also your reminder to register for one of our favorite weekends of the year—the REACH Labor Day Getaway, September 4–7!

This unforgettable weekend is filled with adventure, laughter, creative activities, delicious meals, campfires, swimming, zip lines, giant swings, theme nights, and countless opportunities to build friendships that last long after the weekend ends. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to see familiar faces, there’s a place for you.

Our 2026 theme, Rooted in Belonging, celebrates something we all need: a place where we are accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend filled with joy, connection, and memories your family will treasure.

We look forward to seeing you this August—whether online, at the REACH office, or at Labor Day Getaway. Every conversation, every smile, every creative project, and every shared experience helps strengthen the incredible community we’ve built together.

Because at REACH, you belong.

July 2026 Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

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July 2026 Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

Summer is a wonderful time to reconnect, create, and spend time with people who truly understand your journey. This July, REACH Ministries invites individuals and families affected by HIV to join us for a variety of welcoming support groups and creative activities—both online and in person.

Whether you’re looking for encouragement, meaningful conversation, or simply a place where you belong, we’d love to see you.

💚 Positive Adults Support Group

📅 Monday, July 13 & 27
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Zoom

A welcoming support group for adults (18+) living with HIV. Join us for conversation, encouragement, and connection in a safe, confidential space. Whether you feel like sharing your experiences or simply listening, you are always welcome.

🎨 Creative Expressions

📅 Tuesday, July 21
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 REACH Office

Take a break from the busyness of life and enjoy a relaxing morning of creativity. No artistic experience is needed—just come ready to create, connect, and enjoy time together with friends.

Creative Expressions is open to adults who enjoy hands-on projects, conversation, and building community in a welcoming environment.

❤️ Moms of Young Kids Group

📅 Tuesday, July 21
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 REACH Office

Immediately following Creative Expressions, moms are invited to stay for our Moms of Young Kids Group.

This supportive gathering offers a chance to connect with other mothers who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising young children while navigating life with HIV. Share stories, ask questions, and build lasting friendships in a caring and confidential environment.

💜 Lifetime Survivors Support Group

📅 Wednesday, July 22
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Zoom

Created specifically for adults who have lived with HIV since childhood or early in life, this group provides a unique space to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Together we celebrate resilience, offer encouragement, and build lasting friendships through honest conversation and mutual support.

💻 Creative Expressions Club

📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Zoom

Our Creative Expressions Club brings creativity right to your home! Participants receive a project kit in advance and join us on Zoom as we create together.

This interactive program is a fun way to stay connected, explore new projects, and enjoy an evening of creativity with the REACH community.

You’re Always Welcome

At REACH Ministries, we believe everyone deserves a place where they are accepted, supported, and celebrated. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been part of our community for years, we look forward to connecting with you this July.

Sleuthing Out the Best Summer Options for Children with HIV

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Summer is here! The season when the sun comes out, kids celebrate their freedom from school, and the mountain is out.

It’s also the season when we at REACH are likely to have conversations with parents of children living with HIV as they prepare for summer camps with other organizations. Whether their child is attending a church youth retreat or a week-long outdoor education program, parents need to be assured that their child’s medications will be taken reliably each day. Some consider sharing their child’s HIV status with camp staff before handing over the meds, hoping they will respond with knowledge and trustworthiness … that can backfire. Others consider not turning in the medications at all, even if camp rules require it. But that means relying on their child to remember each dose and placing the child in the sticky situation of keeping their pills a secret. Either way, this is quite a dilemma.

Sometimes, parents ask REACH to contact the camp on their behalf. We can discover if they have welcomed children taking HIV medications before and discern whether they are prepared to handle it with confidence and discretion. In this way we help create a path for REACH kids to enjoy their summer adventures without fear of stigma, rejection, or standoffishness from camp leaders.

It is a privilege to venture into the nitty gritty with these brave and thoughtful families.

June 2026 at REACH: Support, Creativity, and Summer Connections

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Summer is here, and we’re excited to invite our REACH community to a month filled with support, creativity, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking for a supportive conversation, a creative outlet, or a chance to spend time with others who understand your journey, we have something for you this June.

Be sure to download our June Events Flyer for complete details and share it with anyone who may benefit from REACH’s programs and services.

Positive Adults Support Group

Mondays June 1 & June 29 | 12:00 PM | Zoom

Our Positive Adults Support Group offers a welcoming and confidential space for adults living with HIV. Participants are invited to connect with others, share experiences, ask questions, or simply listen and enjoy the company of people who understand. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with HIV for many years, you’re welcome to join us.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday June 17 | 7:30 PM | Zoom

This group is specifically for individuals who acquired HIV at birth or during early childhood. Lifetime Survivors share a unique experience of growing up with HIV, navigating medical care, relationships, disclosure, and adulthood while carrying a diagnosis from an early age.

This supportive group provides a space to connect with others who truly understand that journey, celebrate resilience, and build lasting friendships within the REACH community.

Summer Picnic

Saturday June 20 | 1:00 PM | Kent

Join us for one of our favorite summer traditions! Our Summer Picnic is open to people living with HIV and their immediate family members. It’s an opportunity to relax, enjoy great food, spend time outdoors, and connect with others in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.

Individuals and families can enjoy conversation, games, and community while making new memories together. We encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share.

Please RSVP in advance:
RSVP HERE

Creative Expressions Craft & Chat

Tuesday June 23 | 11:30 AM | REACH Office

This month’s Creative Expressions session will feature polymer clay jewelry making. Participants will have the opportunity to create unique earrings, pendants, keychains, and other small keepsakes while enjoying conversation and connection with others.

Creative Expressions is designed for adults and their immediate family members. Children are welcome to attend, and we will have activities available for them as well. If you plan to bring children, please let us know in advance so we can prepare appropriate activities.

No artistic experience is necessary—just come ready to create, relax, and connect.

Creative Expressions Club: 3D Pen Lanterns

Tuesday June 30 | 5:00–6:00 PM | Zoom + Mailed Kit

This month, participants will use 3D pens to create their own decorative lanterns during our interactive Creative Expressions Club.

Creative Expressions Club is designed for HIV-positive youth and youth who have an HIV-positive caregiver. Participants receive a project kit in the mail and then join us on Zoom to create together, learn new skills, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment.

The program combines creativity, confidence-building, and community while giving youth an opportunity to express themselves through hands-on projects.

*This program is thanks to a grant from ArtsWa

Building Community All Year Long

At REACH Ministries, we believe no one should face HIV alone. Through support groups, family activities, creative programs, retreats, and one-on-one connection opportunities, we strive to create a safe and welcoming community for children, individuals, and families affected by HIV.

If you or someone you know could benefit from REACH programs, we would love to connect.

For questions or to learn more, contact:

Cecilia Bryan
Community Engagement & Events Manager
cbryan@reachministries.org
253-383-7616

Download the June Events Flyer 

For People Living with HIV – It’s about a Steady Building of Trust

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Three lively conversations were humming simultaneously, as REACH adults explored the theme of Rooted in Belonging in the breakout session. They were chatting about the difference between belonging and fitting in, with plenty of examples to share about places they were accepted unconditionally, versus groups where they had to hold back or limit themselves to fit in.

As usual, it took some effort to rally the groups back together in one big circle. As chairs were being slid and scooted back into place… a surprised voice burst out, “Wait, REACH is Christian?” I (Pam) answered in the usual way, “Yes, REACH staff and board members are Christians; our volunteers and participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Our posture as a non-profit is to not be preachy or pushy. We measure whether all participants are feeling 100% welcomed multiple times every year, and thankfully we have always gotten 100% positives!”

As I prepared to move on to our next breakout topic, “Elaine” my immediate neighbor in the circle announced, “REACH is the one Christian group I’ve been a part of since the mid-1980s that has been completely non-judgmental. So many of us were put out of our churches just because of our status!” Her voice quivered midway through the last sentence so I instinctively put my arm around her for a side hug. She responded so enthusiastically we ended up bumping heads!

It’s a privilege to extend unconditional acceptance and love to people who have been judged and hurt by some churches and some Christians. It may take a while for these participants to believe what we say and trust us, but time is on our side as we have been building safe community for 31 years.

May Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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🌿 May Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

As we step into May, we’re so excited to continue creating spaces where connection grows, creativity thrives, and every individual and family feels seen and supported.

Whether you’re joining us for a support group, a creative gathering, or a time to simply connect with others who understand your journey—you belong here. 💛

Here’s what we have coming up this month:

💬 Ladies Zoom

Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM

Our Ladies Zoom is a relaxed, supportive space for women in our community to connect, chat, and encourage one another. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with people who understand your world.

☀️ Positive Adults Support Group

Monday, May 18 | 12:00 PM

Our Positive Adults group is a consistent and welcoming space for individuals 18+ living with HIV. These weekly gatherings offer a place to share, listen, and connect with others who truly understand.

Come as you are—whether you feel like talking or just being present.

🌟 Lifetime Survivors

Wednesday, May 20 | 7:30 PM

This group is for those who have lived with HIV since birth or early childhood. It’s a powerful space filled with shared history, resilience, and understanding.

There’s something really special about being in a room (even a virtual one) with people who just get it.

💻 Creative Expressions Club (Zoom + Mailed Kit)

Tuesday, May 26 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Our Creative Expressions Club brings the fun right to your home! Participants receive a kit in the mail and then join us on Zoom to create together step-by-step.

It’s interactive, engaging, and perfect for kids and teens who love hands-on projects and being part of a group.

🎨 Creative Expressions (In-Person)

Thursday, May 28 | 11:00 AM

Join us at the REACH office for a relaxing and fun creative session! No artistic experience needed—just come ready to make something with your hands and enjoy time together.

Creative Expressions is all about:

  • Letting go of stress
  • Trying something new
  • Connecting through creativity

🤍 Young Moms Group

Thursday, May 28 | 12:00 PM

Right after Creative Expressions, our Young Moms group meets for connection, support, and real conversation.

Motherhood comes with so many layers—and you don’t have to navigate them alone. This space is here for encouragement, honesty, and community.

💛 You’re Always Welcome

At REACH, everything we do is centered around building meaningful connections and creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and supported.

Whether it’s your first time joining or you’ve been part of REACH for years—we can’t wait to see you this month.

If you have any questions or want help getting connected, feel free to reach out anytime.

You can Contact Cecilia at: cbryan@reachministries.org or Pam at: pwenz@reachministries.org
Or call the office at: 253-383-1676

REACH welcomed 13 First-time Participants to Spring Getaway

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From Hesitation to Belonging: A Spring Getaway Story from REACH Ministries (Tacoma, WA)

“Meryl” and her tween child signed up for the Spring Getaway because a family friend invited them. Meryl and this friend have a long history with each other, and she trusted her friend wouldn’t steer her wrong… but she was concerned that REACH sounded like a religious non-profit and she hoped she wouldn’t be judged or feel out of place for not being religious. She signed up anyway, hoping for the best.

A few days later, Pam called Meryl requesting an intake phone call to start building a relationship in advance of the Getaway. During the usual overview spiel, Pam explained some of the nuances of REACH.
That we focus on fun and laughter to build bonds…
That we don’t talk about HIV from the front or in conversations outside of adult support groups because children might not know their status or their parents’ status…
That we are a Christian non-profit committed to not being preachy or pushy, and our volunteers and participants come from all backgrounds and give us consistently high scores for feeling 100% welcome…
Meryl interrupted, saying, “That makes me feel so much better! I was worried about that religious part!”

From the very first evening at the Getaway, Meryl participated full throttle. Running to get the middle spot in human tic tac toe, jokingly offering the worst possible advice in a game called “Reverse Advice,” prancing along doing the “caterpillar conga” with balloons cushioning her and her teammates’ abdomens. Her face radiated joy.

During our Closing Ceremony, Meryl stood up and shared with the whole group that she had never been in a group of people where she got consistently smiled at in such a sincere way. She couldn’t believe those smiles lasted all weekend. There were no cliques, only the feeling of being completely welcomed and embraced and… smiled at! Her voice quivered for a few of her sentences, but she pressed on, determined to express her appreciation.

It never gets old, seeing people experience the unconditional acceptance of the REACH community for the first time. They sense immediately they are in a judgment-free zone, a place of joy, filled with genuine smiles and listening ears.

*One week after the Getaway, Meryl let us know they were having “withdrawals.” She said they felt it as soon as they drove away from the venue on the last day of the Getaway, and it hasn’t subsided yet. We reminded her that she can join us for Zoom support groups twice a month, and the summer picnic and Labor Day Getaway will be here before we know it!