Tag Archive for: living with HIV

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

January 2025 Events at REACH Ministries

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Christmas party heightens joy and decreases heaviness for people with HIV

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The REACH holiday party took place on Zoom, making it accessible to participants all over the Northwest during this busy time of year. Last weekend 25 guests signed on from along the I-5 corridor as well as Eastern Washington, Oregon, and Montana. One even joined from a hospital room where she was keeping watchful care over her young child.

This party demonstrated that REACH people are getting comfortable on Zoom – the full hour was energetic sharing of anecdotes, comments, jokes, and traditions. The games we planned only fueled the fire of joyful storytelling and visiting. The quieter participants never had to worry about being “called on” since the air space was already full!

Amidst the hilarity, our guest from the hospital room participated quietly, writing comments in the chat and playing group games via the shared white board. At the end, just before saying goodbye, we rallied around her saying we would be thinking of her and her child and those of us that pray would be praying. She visibly teared up.

Thankfully, two days later she let us know that her child’s lab work came back with signs of hope and healing for the first time since being hospitalized and quarantined four weeks ago with a concerning AIDS-related infection.

Isolation comes in many forms for our participants: Fear of rejection and stigma. Life alone in a new country. Or the literal four walls of a hospital room. REACH has the privilege of being a constant presence and a steady voice of encouragement, belief, hope, and care.

The ideal atmosphere for people affected by HIV

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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.