We are thrilled and deeply grateful to the Puyallup Tribe for their generous grant, which will help us expand our programming in incredible ways. This funding will support our Spring Getaway, our Labor Day Getaway, and two new family connection events hosted at our referral partners’ locations this spring. Thanks to this grant, we can continue to offer these life-changing events free of charge and welcome even more individuals and families into our community.

At these getaways, families will experience a fully funded weekend retreat, including food, lodging, and engaging activities designed to foster connection and joy. The grant helps cover lodging and meals for 40 attendees, activity packages that include outdoor adventures, team-building experiences, and recreational fun, as well as craft supplies and snacks to ensure every participant has a meaningful and enriching experience. Additionally, the two new family events will take place at our referral partners’ locations, providing a safe and welcoming space for connection and shared experiences. These events will include hands-on crafts, refreshments, and engaging activities that bring families together in a supportive environment.

This is the second time we have received a grant from the Puyallup Tribe, and it means so much to us. Their generosity allows us to strengthen the connections that make REACH Ministries a safe and supportive space for children, families, and individuals living with HIV. These getaways and connection events are vital opportunities for our families to find belonging, build friendships, and experience the joy of community without fear of stigma or rejection.

The Ongoing HIV Stigma

HIV is not talked about the way it was in the 1980s and 1990s, but the stigma and misinformation remain just as strong. Many believe HIV is no longer prevalent, yet 1 in 300 Americans is HIV-positive. Unfortunately, those living with HIV often feel the need to hide their status due to the fear of rejection. Misinformation about how the virus spreads persists, reinforcing harmful myths that contribute to isolation. Through our programs, we provide a safe space where families can find support, education, and community without judgment.

A Lasting Impact

Grants like this one don’t just fund events; they create lasting ripple effects in the lives of the families we serve. The connections made at our getaways lead to lifelong friendships, stronger support systems, and a sense of belonging that many families impacted by HIV struggle to find elsewhere. By removing financial barriers, we ensure that every family—regardless of their circumstances—has access to a judgment-free space where they can simply be themselves, find encouragement, and experience the joy of community.

About the Puyallup Tribe Foundation

The Puyallup Tribe Foundation, in their own words:

“The Puyallup Tribe of Indians serves its members and community with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. As one of the most urban tribes in the United States, the Puyallup Tribe is committed to being a good neighbor. It is consistently one of the top 10 employers in Pierce County, it fights to protect the environment, its economic development projects create jobs, and it donates millions of dollars each year to charitable organizations through its Charity Trust Board and through donations made directly by the Puyallup Tribal Council.”

“Since 2012, the Puyallup Tribe has donated more than $18 million to hundreds of local organizations through its Charity Trust Board. In 2022 alone, the Tribe donated more than $2 million to over 100 qualified organizations through the board.”

We are honored to be among the organizations supported by the Puyallup Tribe. Their commitment to building a stronger, more connected community aligns perfectly with our mission at REACH Ministries. With their support, we can continue breaking down barriers, fighting stigma, and ensuring that no child or family impacted by HIV has to face their journey alone.

Thank You, Puyallup Tribe!

Thank you, Puyallup Tribe, for your generosity and partnership!

Photo courtesy of the Puyallup Tribe Communications team

 

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