REACH Partners — Combining Forces to Uplift People Living with HIV

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What REACH does in the Pacific Northwest (and beyond) for people living with HIV is unique. Offering an array of online support groups, featuring two affordable weekend getaways each year, maintaining a Christian foundation with a non-judgmental/all-are-welcome posture… we are proud of what we do. But we are just one piece of the puzzle, when it comes to people living with HIV leading flourishing lives! Of course they need excellent medical care, insurance navigators, social workers, prayer support, and case managers… this is why we celebrate the amazing partnerships we have in the community.

Did you know? REACH has…

  • 19 mutual referral partners – These are clinics, agencies, and organizations that refer their patients or clients to us. In turn, when we hear one of our participants mentioning a need (for insurance, housing, rental assistance, medication, case management, a new doctor, etc.) we refer them to one of our partners to meet that need.
  • 69 prayer groups and individuals that lift REACH families up every single week. They also cover our weekend events in 48-72 hours of prayer for protection, community, and impact.
  • 14 churches who support REACH with volunteers, facility use, and donations.

This week we celebrate a new community partnership with the Center for Multicultural Health — an organization in Seattle that has been serving people of African descent living with HIV in King County for as long as HIV has been around!

February at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

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💗

February is all about connection, and at REACH Ministries we’re looking forward to a full month of meaningful gatherings—both on Zoom and in person. Whether you’re joining us for support, creativity, or conversation, there’s space for you here.

Below is what’s coming up this month. Mark your calendars and join us when you can—we’d love to see you.

💻 Positive Adults Support Group

Monday, February 9 | 12:00 PM | Zoom
Friday, February 27 | 12:00 PM | Zoom
A welcoming, supportive space for adults living with HIV to connect, share, and encourage one another.

💬 Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, February 11 | 7:30 PM | Zoom
For long-term survivors—those born with or who acquired HIV early in life—this group offers understanding, shared experience, and community.

💕 Ladies Chat

Saturday, February 14 | 10:00 AM | Zoom
A relaxed and friendly gathering just for women to connect, chat, and support one another.

🎨 Creative Expressions

Tuesday, February 17 | 11:00 AM | REACH Office
Our in-person creative gathering where art becomes a tool for self-expression, stress relief, and connection. No experience needed—just come as you are.

📍 REACH Office:
310 N K St, Tacoma, WA 98403

🖍️ Creative Expressions Club (Youth)

Tuesday, February 24 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Zoom
A fun, interactive creative space for youth living with HIV or youth who have a caregiver living with HIV. Craft together, share, and build community from home.

We’re grateful to walk alongside you and to continue creating spaces where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.

If you have questions about any event or want help getting connected, visit www.REACHministries.org or call 253-383-7616.

💗 We can’t wait to spend February with you—the REACH way.

February Events  

February EventsFebruary Events Click here to Download PDF

Creative Expressions Club: Creating, Connecting, and Crafting Together

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Creative Expressions Club is a monthly space where youth can create, connect, and just be themselves—no pressure, no expectations, just art and community.

This club is for youth who are living with HIV and for youth who have a parent or caregiver living with HIV. It’s a welcoming, affirming space where young people can show up exactly as they are and know they belong.

Each month, every participant receives a Creative Expressions Club box in the mail, filled with all the supplies needed for that month’s project. From the moment the box arrives, it’s a little reminder that they’re part of something—that someone is thinking about them and excited to create together.

On the last Tuesday of every month, we come together on Zoom to open our boxes, work on the project, and chat along the way. Some kids dive right into crafting, some take their time, and others enjoy listening and being present. There’s no right or wrong way to participate.

While our hands are busy creating, conversations naturally unfold—about school, hobbies, pets, favorite shows, and life in general. The art gives us something to do together, and the connection grows organically from there.

Creative Expressions Club is about more than just crafts. It’s about:

  • Building confidence through creativity

  • Creating consistency and routine

  • Offering connection in a relaxed, joyful way

  • Making sure youth feel seen, included, and valued

Interested in joining?
Do you have a child who might enjoy being part of Creative Expressions Club? We’d love to hear from you. Fill out our interest form to learn more and get started. A member of our team will follow up with next steps.

🎨✨ One box, one project, one connection at a time.

Creative Expressions Club

*This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.

January 2026 at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

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January often brings a quieter pace after the holidays—but at REACH, it’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 what’s coming up this month. (Final dates will be added soon!)

💙 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.

💫 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 HIV—creating space for reflection, connection, and mutual support.

🎨 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 environment—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.

🌱 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.

🤍 Moms of Young Kids

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

This group is for HIV-positive moms with young children. It’s a space for connection, encouragement, and community with other moms navigating similar seasons of life—while building relationships in a supportive setting.

🎨 Creative Expressions Club (Kids)

Date: January 27 | 4:00–5:00 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 belonging—all from home.

🤝 Mentor Support Group

Date: January 29| 7:30 PM | Zoom

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

Stay Connected

If you’re interested in any of these January events or would like more information, please reach out to us at cbryan@reachministries.org. We’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 HIV—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 grant—marking the third consecutive year we have been honored with their support. The Puyallup Tribe’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and individuals living with HIV continues to make a meaningful difference across our region—and we are profoundly thankful for their continued support of REACH Ministries.

On December 15, our team had the privilege of attending the Puyallup Tribe’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 Tribe’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 month—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 Tribe’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 begin—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 acceptance—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 hope—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 — both in-person and online. Before sharing this month’s schedule, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on an important milestone we celebrated yesterday.

🌍 World AIDS Day 2025 – 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 — 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.

🎄 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

📅 Monday, December 1
🕛 12:00 PM

World AIDS Day Luncheon

📅 Tuesday, December 2
🕦 11:30 AM
(Thank you to all who joined!)

Creative Expressions – In Person (at the REACH Office)

📅 Tuesday, December 9
🕚 11:00 AM
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of ornament-making.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group ZOOM

📅 Tuesday, December 9
🕢 7:30 PM

Positive Adults Support Group ZOOM

📅 Monday, December 15
🕛 12:00 PM

Winter Party on Zoom

📅 Saturday, December 20
🕚 11:00 AM
A fun, cozy event for all ages! Activities, games, and connection from home.

Youth Creative Expressions – Zoom Group

📅 Tuesday, December 30
🕓 4:00 PM
A great way for youth to wrap up the year with creativity and community.

💛 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 — and we wish you a warm, joyful December.

November at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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As the holidays approach, we’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 — from shared meals to creative projects and heartfelt conversations.

Here’s what’s happening this month:

🍂 Saturday, November 15 | 5–7 PM
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner – 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 — families, volunteers, and friends old and new. RSVP Here: https://form.jotform.com/252786488028168

💬 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.

🎨 Wednesday, November 19 | 11:00 AM – REACH Office
Creative Expressions: Wooden Signs Workshop
Join us in the office for this month’s Creative Expressions session! We’ll be making personalized wooden signs — a fun, hands-on activity to express creativity and unwind.

🌿 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.

👶 Tuesday, November 25 | 11:00 AM – 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!

🌈 Wednesday, November 26 | 4–5 PM (Zoom)
Teen Creative Expressions Group (Ages 12–19)
Our very first Creative Expressions for Teens! We’ll meet on Zoom to make a fun craft together — supplies will be shipped directly to participants. Open to youth ages 12–19, 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 — and we’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 “interpretive dance” 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, That’s my brother.” “Hey, sister!” and “Those are my kids over there.” Yes, the 3-year-old dubbed the slightly older children her “kids.”
  • 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, “It is good to find a family.”
A single adult said, “Sharing our experience was a relief to me. I was so comfortable to say anything without being judged.”
A teen said, “I am new here. It was perfect. I’ve learned to be resilient.”

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.