Tag Archive for: HIV

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 placeโ€ฆ a surprised voice burst out, โ€œWait, REACH is Christian?โ€ I (Pam) answered in the usual way, โ€œYes, 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!โ€

As I prepared to move on to our next breakout topic, โ€œElaineโ€ my immediate neighbor in the circle announced, โ€œREACH is the one Christian group Iโ€™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!โ€ 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!

Itโ€™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.

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 bondsโ€ฆ
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 parentsโ€™ statusโ€ฆ
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, โ€œThat makes me feel so much better! I was worried about that religious part!โ€

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 โ€œReverse Advice,โ€ prancing along doing the โ€œcaterpillar congaโ€ with balloons cushioning her and her teammatesโ€™ 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 couldnโ€™t believe those smiles lasted all weekend. There were no cliques, only the feeling of being completely welcomed and embraced andโ€ฆ 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 โ€œwithdrawals.โ€ 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!

Theme for 2026 Designed to Uplift People Living with HIV

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Drum roll please…

And the REACH theme for 2026 is… Rooted in Belonging!

These two words — Rooted. Belonging. — emerged as favorites because REACH embodies them in every interaction, event, and relationship.

When a new participant hesitantly logs into a support group for the first time. Or arrives at Getaway wondering if they’ll find real friends. Or nervously joins us for a holiday potluck with a bag of rolls in hand. Within moments, they know they belong. They know they have been unconditionally accepted as part of the REACH family.

What they might not realize yet, is that from this point forward, whatever the world hurls at them by way of judgment, jabs, isolation, rejection, or bullying… they can continue to put roots down deep into their REACH community and drink of the trust, joy, acceptance, and real friendship they find there. This is how REACH strengthens people living with HIV to flourish.

REACH isn’t flashy. Never has been! But for 31 years we have wrapped people up in belonging like it’s a warm blanket, and within that community of belonging they put down roots to grow and flourish.

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 womenโ€™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.

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.

September at REACH: Connection, Support, and Creativity

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

๐ŸŒŸ Positive Adults โ€“ Zoom

๐Ÿ“… Monday, September 22 at Noon
This monthly group is for adults living with HIV since their teens or later. Itโ€™s a place to check in, share experiences, and find encouragement with people who understand the journey firsthand.

๐ŸŒŸ Lifetime Survivors โ€“ Zoom

๐Ÿ“… 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.

๐ŸŒŸ Creative Expression โ€“ At the Office

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 AM
This monthโ€™s Creative Expression project is Keychains with Meaning. Weโ€™ll provide beads, charms, and even shrink-plastic art (yes โ€” 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, weโ€™ll have coffee and snacks while we create together.

๐Ÿ’œ How to Get Involved

  • To join our Zoom groups (Positive Adults & Lifetime Survivors):
    Contact Pam
    ๐Ÿ“ง Email: pwenz@reachministries.org
    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Text: 541-612-0616
    โ˜Ž๏ธ Call: 253-383-7616

  • For Creative Expression:
    Contact Cecilia
    ๐Ÿ“ง Email: cbryan@reachministries.org
    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Text: 385-208-1303
    โ˜Ž๏ธ 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 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.

Celebrating 30 years of support

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