Tag Archive for: CommunitySupport

New Friends with HIV that Immediately Feel like Old Friends

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By Pam Wenz, REACH Director of Family Services
In April, REACH did an intake phone call with “Lisa,” and she attended support groups on Zoom off and on in 2025, but with limited talking or sharing of her video. When 2026 arrived, Lisa had still never met any REACH staff or participants in the flesh. I suggested we should use Presidents Day to get together — I said I could pick her up and together we could drive to meet up with two other REACH women in her area. She was eager for this to happen.

Once the four of us were settled in the apartment kitchen, setting out snacks, coffee, and tea… I saw the power of how much people trust REACH. For the first hour I could barely get a word in edgewise with these three as they shared stories, backgrounds, experiences, foods, faiths… In passing, the topic of Acceptance* came up.

Once we were cozily settled on couches, I found a gap in the conversation and asked the women if they’d be willing to take turns sharing with one another how they were able to come to a place of acceptance with their HIV. Lisa shared first. Her answer wandered to many painful places in her life story, but never quite touched on Acceptance. When she was done, I said, “It sounds like you are still on your journey toward acceptance.” She nodded that this was true. Her new friends shared next, showing vulnerability as they described their journey toward acceptance.

At the end of our gathering, Lisa asked for the other women’s phone numbers, which they readily provided.

For the first time, she experienced the level of safety she needed to talk about her status.

For the first time, she has personal friendships with people who understand life with HIV.

*Acceptance is a common topic that people living with HIV reflect on. For many of them, the days following initial diagnosis of HIV is not characterized by acceptance of this new reality. Perhaps they feel denial, fear, panic, blame, or many other things. But acceptance usually comes more quietly. And quite a bit later.

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

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.

🌟 October 2025 Events at REACH – Connection, Creativity & Community!

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What Events are happening this October at REACH…

At REACH Ministries, every month is filled with opportunities to connect, create, and grow stronger together. This October, we’ve lined up gatherings that lift spirits, build resilience, and remind us we are not alone on the journey.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🎯 Mentor Support
📅 Friday, October 11 – 9:30 AM
A chance for our mentors to gather encouragement, share wisdom, and recharge as they walk alongside others.

💻 Positive Adults Support Group (Zoom)
📅 Sunday, October 13 – 12:00 PM
For adults living with HIV since their teens or later in life. Come share your story, listen, and connect with others who understand.

🌈 Lifetime Survivors Support Group (Zoom)
📅 Tuesday, October 15 – 7:30 PM
For those who were born with or acquired HIV during childhood. This group offers an empowering circle of peers who’ve walked a similar path.

🎨 Creative Expression at the REACH Office
📅 Monday, October 21 – 11:00 AM
This month’s project: Clay Alebrijes! ✨ These colorful, imaginative folk-art creatures from Mexico are full of personality and fun to make. No art experience needed—just bring your creativity and curiosity!

☕ Ladies Zoom Chat
📅 Friday, October 25 – 10:00 AM
A relaxed virtual space for women to laugh, share, and uplift one another. Bring your coffee (or tea!) and join us from home.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents of Positive Kids Support Group
📅 Date/Time TBD
For parents caring for children living with HIV. Details will be shared soon.

💬 Whether you’re joining us online or in person, these events are designed to be welcoming, uplifting, and hope-filled. October is the perfect time to try something new—come create art, find connection, and build resilience with us.

✨ Together, we are stronger.

September at REACH: Connection, Support, and Creativity

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Each month at REACH we gather in different ways — some online, some in person — to connect, share, and create. September’s schedule has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for support, community, or a little creative time with others check out our events below.

🌟 Positive Adults – Zoom

📅 Monday, September 22 at Noon
This monthly group is for adults living with HIV since their teens or later. It’s a place to check in, share experiences, and find encouragement with people who understand the journey firsthand.

🌟 Lifetime Survivors – Zoom

📅 Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 PM
Our Lifetime Survivors group is for individuals born with HIV or who acquired it in early childhood. These monthly gatherings are a chance to connect with peers who share similar life experiences and to build community together.

🌟 Creative Expression – At the Office

📅 Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 AM
This month’s Creative Expression project is Keychains with Meaning. We’ll provide beads, charms, and even shrink-plastic art (yes — Shrinky Dinks are back!). Add a word, sketch, or symbol that speaks to you and turn it into something you can carry with you every day.

And of course, we’ll have coffee and snacks while we create together.

💜 How to Get Involved

  • To join our Zoom groups (Positive Adults & Lifetime Survivors):
    Contact Pam
    📧 Email: pwenz@reachministries.org
    📱 Text: 541-612-0616
    ☎️ Call: 253-383-7616

  • For Creative Expression:
    Contact Cecilia
    📧 Email: cbryan@reachministries.org
    📱 Text: 385-208-1303
    ☎️ Call: 253-383-7616

 

September Events flyer

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.”

August 2025 Events at REACH+ Final Call for Labor Day Getaway!

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August is in full swing, and we’re excited to share what’s happening at REACH this month—plus a final reminder about our biggest event of the year: Labor Day Weekend Getaway!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a new family, or a partner organization, we invite you to share these opportunities with anyone who could use connection, support, and a little summer joy.

🌟 August Events

Here’s what we have coming up:

  • Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 AM – Ladies’ Zoom Chat
    A cozy online hangout for the women in our community to relax, laugh, and connect.

  • Wednesday, August 13 at 7:30 PM – Lifetime Survivors Group
    A safe space for those who have been living with HIV since childhood or early life.

  • Monday, August 18 at 12:00 PM – Positive Adults Group
    A supportive group for adults living with HIV to share and grow together.

  • Tuesday, August 19 at 11:30 AM – Creative Expressions (at the REACH Office)
    This month we’re painting rocks—come get creative, enjoy some snacks, and express yourself through art!

🏕️ Final Push: Labor Day Weekend Getaway | August 29–September 1

Time is running out! Our Labor Day Getaway is almost here, and we’re finalizing registration numbers this week.

If you or someone you know has been planning to register—don’t wait!
This 4-day camp-style retreat is packed with fun activities, good food, beautiful accommodations, and most importantly—community.
We welcome individuals and families affected by HIV, and we intentionally create a safe, joyful space for all ages.

💲 Cost: $40/person | Max $200/family
📝 Register Now: Labor Day Registration – REACH Ministries

Thanks to our community of partners, supporters, and volunteers, we’re ready to make this year’s getaway the most meaningful yet. We can’t wait to gather, grow, and wrap up summer—the REACH way.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime.
📧 cbryan@reachministries.org | 📱 Text: 253-383-7616

schedule of august events

 

March Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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

Mark Your Calendar!

📅 Friday, March 14
👩‍👧 Young Moms Group | 10:00 AM | In-Person
A welcoming space for young mothers to connect, share experiences, and find support.

💙 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.

📅 Wednesday, March 19
📱 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!

📅 Thursday, March 20
🎨 Creative Expressions | 11:00 AM | In-Person
Tap into your creativity with this hands-on event! Whether it’s painting, writing, or crafting, this is your time to express yourself in a supportive space.

📅 Wednesday, March 26
🌿 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 life’s journey together.

📅 Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
🏕️ 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 you’re coming for the fun, the friendships, or the fresh air, this is a weekend to recharge and reconnect.

Join Us!

If you’re interested in attending any of these events, reach out for more details! We can’t wait to see you this March as we continue to build connections, break stigma, and support one another.

👉 Need more info? Contact us at cbryan@reachministries.org or pwenz@reachministries.org

events