January 2026 at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

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January often brings a quieter pace after the holidaysโ€”but at REACH, itโ€™s also a time when connection matters most. As families settle back into routines, our January events are designed to offer consistency, creativity, and community for individuals and families affected by HIV.

Below is a look at whatโ€™s coming up this month. (Final dates will be added soon!)

๐Ÿ’™ Positive Adults Support Group

Date: January 12 and 19th| 12:00 PM | Zoom

A welcoming space for adults living with HIV to connect, share, and support one another. This group offers peer conversation, understanding, and encouragement in a confidential and supportive environment.

๐Ÿ’ซ Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Date: January 14 | 7:30 PM | Zoom

For individuals who were born with HIV or diagnosed in early childhood. This group centers lived experience, shared history, and the unique journey of growing up with HIVโ€”creating space for reflection, connection, and mutual support.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Expressions

Date: January 21 | 11:00 AM | REACH Office

Creative Expressions is an art-based gathering for individuals and families affected by HIV. Through guided creative projects, participants connect in a relaxed, welcoming environmentโ€”no art experience required. These sessions are about expression, conversation, and being together.

This month we are decorating a pencil pouch with sublimination ink and fabric markers.

๐ŸŒฑ Parents of Positive Kids Group

Date: January 27 | 7:30 PM | Zoom

A supportive space for parents and caregivers of children living with HIV. This group offers connection with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of caring for an HIV-positive child, along with space to share experiences and resources.

๐Ÿค Moms of Young Kids

Date: January 27 | 11:00 AM | REACH Office

This group is for HIV-positive moms with young children. Itโ€™s a space for connection, encouragement, and community with other moms navigating similar seasons of lifeโ€”while building relationships in a supportive setting.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Expressions Club (Kids)

Date: January 27 | 4:00โ€“5:00 PM | Zoom

Creative Expressions Club is our virtual art group for children living with HIV and children of parents or guardians living with HIV. Through hands-on art projects and casual conversation, kids build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belongingโ€”all from home.

๐Ÿค Mentor Support Group

Date: January 29| 7:30 PM | Zoom

This group supports REACH mentors who walk alongside individuals and families throughout the year. Itโ€™s a time for mentors to connect with one another, reflect on their experiences, and receive encouragement and support.

Stay Connected

If youโ€™re interested in any of these January events or would like more information, please reach out to us at cbryan@reachministries.org. Weโ€™d love to help you find the right space for you or your family.

As always, REACH remains committed to providing safe, welcoming community for those affected by HIVโ€”this month and throughout the year.

Thank You to The Puyallup Tribe for Investing in Families living with HIV

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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

We are deeply grateful to the Puyallup Tribe Charity Trust Board for awarding REACH Ministries a generous $21,000 grantโ€”marking the third consecutive year we have been honored with their support. The Puyallup Tribeโ€™s ongoing commitment to supporting families and individuals living with HIV continues to make a meaningful difference across our regionโ€”and we are profoundly thankful for their continued support of REACH Ministries.

On December 15, our team had the privilege of attending the Puyallup Tribeโ€™s grant awards ceremony. From the moment we arrived, we were met with warmth, hospitality, and a genuine sense of community. It was inspiring to be in a room filled with so many organizations doing meaningful work across our region. The Tribeโ€™s commitment to uplifting such a broad spectrum of worthy causes is making a tangible, lasting impact, and we feel truly privileged to be included in such good company.

REACH is currently in a season of significant growth. On average, three new households join our community every monthโ€”on top of the hundreds of children, families, and individuals we have served over the past 30 years. This growth reflects both the increasing need for support and the trust families place in REACH as a safe, welcoming space.

The Puyallup Tribeโ€™s $21,000 grant will allow us to fully welcome dozens of new families in 2026. This is huge. For many families, their first experience with REACH is at one of our two annual weekend getaways or through other family connection events held throughout the year. These large, in-person gatherings are where relationships beginโ€”where families realize they are not alone.

Once welcomed through these events, families are connected to all of our year-round support, including online support groups, mentors, and personal visits. Together, these programs create consistent, genuine relationships rooted in acceptanceโ€”relationships that help individuals and families not just survive, but truly thrive.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Puyallup Tribe for their continued belief in our mission and their investment in the well-being of families across our community. Your generosity is helping build connection, resilience, and hopeโ€”one family at a time.

Thank you for this generous grant

December Events & World AIDS Day Highlights

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December is always a meaningful month here at REACH Ministries, and this year is no exception. We are closing out 2025 with a full calendar of support groups, creative activities, and community-building events โ€” both in-person and online. Before sharing this monthโ€™s schedule, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on an important milestone we celebrated yesterday.

๐ŸŒ World AIDS Day 2025 โ€“ Bringing Community Leaders Together

On December 2nd, we hosted a World AIDS Day luncheon focused on bringing HIV education to church leaders and community faith workers. Motivated by the troubling rise in HIV-positive births in our region, we have been deeply exploring how to reach wider networks with preventative information, maternal health education, and compassionate understanding.

We were honored to welcome individuals from multiple churches and faith backgrounds. Our program blended HIV basics with faith-centered approaches to supporting community members โ€” and the response was incredibly encouraging. Many attendees expressed a renewed commitment to educating their congregations and helping ensure pregnant women in their communities are tested.

While this particular event was designed for church leaders, it is important to clarify that REACH does not offer religious services in our programming. Our families come from a wide range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. All of our participant programming is non-faith-based unless someone specifically requests spiritual support, in which case we gladly refer them to a trusted person within our broad community network.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who attended and helped make the luncheon meaningful.

๐ŸŽ„ December 2025 Events & Support Groups

We have several opportunities for connection, support, and creativity this month. Please feel free to share this schedule with anyone who might benefit.

Positive Adults Support Group ZOOM

๐Ÿ“… Monday, December 1
๐Ÿ•› 12:00 PM

World AIDS Day Luncheon

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, December 2
๐Ÿ•ฆ 11:30 AM
(Thank you to all who joined!)

Creative Expressions โ€“ In Person (at the REACH Office)

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, December 9
๐Ÿ•š 11:00 AM
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of ornament-making.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group ZOOM

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, December 9
๐Ÿ•ข 7:30 PM

Positive Adults Support Group ZOOM

๐Ÿ“… Monday, December 15
๐Ÿ•› 12:00 PM

Winter Party on Zoom

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, December 20
๐Ÿ•š 11:00 AM
A fun, cozy event for all ages! Activities, games, and connection from home.

Youth Creative Expressions โ€“ Zoom Group

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, December 30
๐Ÿ•“ 4:00 PM
A great way for youth to wrap up the year with creativity and community.

๐Ÿ’› Staying Connected

As always, REACH remains committed to providing safe, supportive, and judgment-free spaces for individuals, youth, adults, and families affected by HIV. We are incredibly grateful for our community partners, donors, volunteers, and the families who continue to trust us.

If you have questions about any of our programs, or if you know someone who might benefit from our support, we would love to connect.

Thank you for being part of the REACH family โ€” and we wish you a warm, joyful December.

November at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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As the holidays approach, weโ€™re looking forward to a month filled with warmth, gratitude, and opportunities to connect! Whether you join us in person or online, November offers something for everyone in our REACH family โ€” from shared meals to creative projects and heartfelt conversations.

Hereโ€™s whatโ€™s happening this month:

๐Ÿ‚ Saturday, November 15 | 5โ€“7 PM
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner โ€“ REACH Office Building
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving Potluck! Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy an evening of community, gratitude, and laughter. Everyone is welcome โ€” families, volunteers, and friends old and new. RSVP Here: https://form.jotform.com/252786488028168

๐Ÿ’ฌ Monday, November 17 | 12:00 PM (Zoom)
Positive Adults Support Group
A supportive space for HIV-positive adults to connect, share experiences, and build community from wherever they are.

๐ŸŽจ Wednesday, November 19 | 11:00 AM โ€“ REACH Office
Creative Expressions: Wooden Signs Workshop
Join us in the office for this monthโ€™s Creative Expressions session! Weโ€™ll be making personalized wooden signs โ€” a fun, hands-on activity to express creativity and unwind.

๐ŸŒฟ Wednesday, November 19 | 7:30 PM (Zoom)
Lifetime Survivors Support Group
For those who were born or have lived with HIV since early childhood. This group offers understanding, encouragement, and meaningful discussion.

๐Ÿ‘ถ Tuesday, November 25 | 11:00 AM โ€“ REACH Office
Moms with Young Kids Support Group
A relaxed, supportive gathering for moms raising young children while navigating the challenges of HIV or caregiving. Kids welcome!

๐ŸŒˆ Wednesday, November 26 | 4โ€“5 PM (Zoom)
Teen Creative Expressions Group (Ages 12โ€“19)
Our very first Creative Expressions for Teens! Weโ€™ll meet on Zoom to make a fun craft together โ€” supplies will be shipped directly to participants. Open to youth ages 12โ€“19, whether they are HIV-positive or not.

If you have a teen or know someone who would enjoy joining, please contact us soon so we can send their art kit in time!

November is all about connection โ€” and weโ€™re so grateful for every person who makes REACH the supportive, welcoming community it is.

Labor Day Getaway: Resilience shines despite HIV stigma

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At Labor Day Getaway, the warmth of REACH embraced eight new attendees and three new volunteers. As always, we could see our community in a fresh light through their eyes. Somehow, in a balance difficult to achieve, long-time friends excitedly caught up with each other and new participants were joyfully welcomed.

Here are a few snapshots:

  • A teen coming off a difficult year, found the strength to sing a solo in front of everyone. Her bravery came from the moral support of one friend and one volunteer doing โ€œinterpretive danceโ€ on either side of the stage to take the spotlight off her. All three performers were wildly entertaining. Two in the silliest ways, and one in a sincere heartfelt way.
  • A mom still reeling from recent traumas plus the daily stresses of life gravitated toward a young adult she could encourage and befriend. They even shared the same heart language.
  • A tween arrived glowering and departed smiling and giving hugs.
  • Five young children became the best of friends. Staff and REACH parents giggled when the kids would say, Thatโ€™s my brother.โ€ โ€œHey, sister!โ€ and โ€œThose are my kids over there.โ€ Yes, the 3-year-old dubbed the slightly older children her โ€œkids.โ€
  • At her third consecutive REACH Getaway, a young mom felt safe enough to share a brief, timid glimpse into the dark times in her past and how she sees so much more life and hope now. She had told us previously that she wanted to share more but was not ready. What a privilege to earn her trust.

A first-time participant told us, โ€œIt is good to find a family.โ€
A single adult said, โ€œSharing our experience was a relief to me. I was so comfortable to say anything without being judged.โ€
A teen said, โ€œI am new here. It was perfect. Iโ€™ve learned to be resilient.โ€

New Labor Day Getaway Location

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Our REACH community is growing, as more and more people living with HIV join us. And we found a new Labor Day Getaway location that’s just the right size! It’s still in the “north of Seattle” region, but will be a brand new experience.

REACH staff visited the venue for an in-depth tour last week and got even more excited than we were before. The camp staff can’t wait to welcome REACH participants, and they share a similar heart for creating spaces for everyone to be accepted and flourish.

Whether you’re a potential volunteer or potential guest, we hope you’ll join us August 29-September 1! We will certainly be welcoming many first-timers and it will be a special year of Getaway.

Videos: 30 years of REACH Impact

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This is REACH’s 30th anniversary year!

Here’s a video of REACH Camp in theย early years…

And here’s a video we made for the Circle of Hope celebration on May 8, 2025, highlighting direct quotes from current REACH participants; these are sentiments we expect to hear for years to come.

We want to share these videos broadly to help more people understand REACH’s long-lasting impact.

What a privilege it is to serve with REACH.

March Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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Spring is right around the corner, and weโ€™re embracing the season of renewal, connection, and growth with a lineup of events designed to support, uplift, and inspire! Whether youโ€™re looking for a space to share, create, or retreat, March has something for everyone in the REACH community.

Mark Your Calendar!

๐Ÿ“… Friday, March 14
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Young Moms Group | 10:00 AM | In-Person
A welcoming space for young mothers to connect, share experiences, and find support.

๐Ÿ’™ Positive Adult Support Group | 12:00 PM | Zoom
A virtual space for adults living with HIV to gather, share, and encourage one another in a judgment-free setting.

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, March 19
๐Ÿ“ฑ Teens Zoom Group | 6:00 PM | Zoom
A relaxed, fun, and safe space for teens to chat, share, and support each other. New faces are always welcome!

๐Ÿ“… Thursday, March 20
๐ŸŽจ Creative Expressions | 11:00 AM | In-Person
Tap into your creativity with this hands-on event! Whether itโ€™s painting, writing, or crafting, this is your time to express yourself in a supportive space.

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, March 26
๐ŸŒฟ Lifetime Survivors Support Group | 7:30 PM | Zoom
For those who have lived with HIV for many years, this group offers a space to reflect, connect, and navigate lifeโ€™s journey together.

๐Ÿ“… Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
๐Ÿ•๏ธ Spring Getaway | 5:30 PM Friday – Noon Sunday
One of our biggest events of the season! A weekend retreat filled with laughter, relaxation, and meaningful connections. Whether youโ€™re coming for the fun, the friendships, or the fresh air, this is a weekend to recharge and reconnect.

Join Us!

If youโ€™re interested in attending any of these events, reach out for more details! We canโ€™t wait to see you this March as we continue to build connections, break stigma, and support one another.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Need more info? Contact us at cbryan@reachministries.org or pwenz@reachministries.org

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