Tag Archive for: individual
For People Living with HIV – It’s about a Steady Building of Trust
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 place… a surprised voice burst out, “Wait, REACH is Christian?” I (Pam) answered in the usual way, “Yes, 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!”
As I prepared to move on to our next breakout topic, “Elaine” my immediate neighbor in the circle announced, “REACH is the one Christian group I’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!” 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!
It’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.
Theme for 2026 Designed to Uplift People Living with HIV
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.
🎨 Rock Painting: Join Tacoma’s Monkeyshines Tradition! 🐒✨
Have you heard about Tacoma’s beloved Monkeyshines tradition? 🐒✨
Every year around the Lunar New Year, a group of anonymous “monkeys” hide beautiful glass orbs and medallions throughout the city. What started as a secretive tradition has gained so much popularity that “rogues” now join in, hiding their own creative treasures for others to find.
From jewelry and pins to painted rocks, marbles, and posters, Monkeyshines is all about serendipity, spreading joy, and bringing the community together which closely aligns with our REACH mission.
As a huge Monkeyshines fan for nearly a decade, I (Cecilia) have been lucky enough to find a few of the coveted orbs and medallions (pictures below).
Each year, I join the fun by making and hiding my own rogue creations—this year, it’s jeweled keychains!🎨 I’d love for you to join the fun by creating your own rock art to hide—or keep as a personal treasure!
*Remember the Monkeyshines rules: If you find a glass orb or medallion, please take only one per year to ensure everyone gets a chance to share in the magic. For rogue treasures like painted rocks and trinkets, feel free to collect as many as you discover!*
About the Event
Come to our Creative Expressions Rock Painting Session and create something uniquely yours. Paint rocks inspired by the Lunar New Year’s theme—this year’s animal is the Snake—or let your imagination run wild with your favorite designs.
We’ll provide everything you need, including:
🎨 Liquid acrylic paints
🖌 Markers for detailing
✨ A varnish to seal your masterpiece and protect it from the environment
No experience? No problem! This event is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.
Event Details:
📅 When: Tuesday, January 21st, 12:00 PM
📍 Where: REACH Ministries Office, Tacoma
📱 RSVP: Email cbryan@reachministries.org or text 541-612-0616
We want to make sure we have plenty of supplies, so be sure to RSVP!
Join us for this creative and fun event to celebrate Lunar New Year, connect with others, and add your special touch to Tacoma’s magical Monkeyshines tradition.
Let’s make art, spread joy, and create unforgettable moments together! ✨
The ideal atmosphere for people affected by HIV
There’s something that frequently happens at REACH gatherings… but few other places. It could be called peace. Good vibes. A sense of coming home. Contentment. Whatever you call it, even our first-timers can sense it.
On Saturday, 32 people from the REACH community gathered for an early Thanksgiving meal. The night was rainy, and traffic was miserable as people trickled in the doors of the party. There were toddlers, children, teens, young adults, older adults, and people in wheelchairs or using canes. Food items were organized, nametags put on, and lots of introductions were made. At times food was dropped and drinks spilled; kids ran around; we played cup-flipping games, and a game called Medusa. All this might sound like a recipe for chaos, and yet that sense of peace remained.
Is it because REACH is trustworthy and confidential?
Is it because of our commitment to unconditional acceptance?
Is it because no one worries about judgment or rejection here?
Is it because of love? God’s presence? Long history? Smiles? Hugs? Attention to detail?
Rather than try to figure out its precise source, so we can “bottle it” or replicate it, we’ve learned to just notice it and enjoy. “It’s happening again,” we tell each other with a smile.
If you know anyone with HIV who could use a place to relax their shoulders, slow their breathing, settle in and be safe… make sure you tell them about REACH.
COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
