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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 womenā€™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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šŸ’—

February is all about connection, and at REACH Ministries weā€™re looking forward to a full month of meaningful gatheringsā€”both on Zoom and in person. Whether youā€™re joining us for support, creativity, or conversation, thereā€™s space for you here.

Below is whatā€™s coming up this month. Mark your calendars and join us when you canā€”weā€™d love to see you.

šŸ’» 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.

šŸ’¬ Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, February 11 | 7:30 PM | Zoom
For long-term survivorsā€”those born with or who acquired HIV early in lifeā€”this group offers understanding, shared experience, and community.

šŸ’• Ladies Chat

Saturday, February 14 | 10:00 AM | Zoom
A relaxed and friendly gathering just for women to connect, chat, and support one another.

šŸŽØ 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 neededā€”just come as you are.

šŸ“ REACH Office:
310 N K St, Tacoma, WA 98403

šŸ–ļø Creative Expressions Club (Youth)

Tuesday, February 24 | 4:00ā€“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.

Weā€™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.

šŸ’— We canā€™t wait to spend February with youā€”the REACH way.

February Events Ā 

February EventsFebruary Events Click here to Download PDF

September at REACH: Connection, Support, and Creativity

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

šŸŒŸ Positive Adults ā€“ Zoom

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

šŸŒŸ Lifetime Survivors ā€“ Zoom

šŸ“… 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.

šŸŒŸ Creative Expression ā€“ At the Office

šŸ“… Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 AM
This monthā€™s Creative Expression project is Keychains with Meaning. Weā€™ll provide beads, charms, and even shrink-plastic art (yes ā€” 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, weā€™ll have coffee and snacks while we create together.

šŸ’œ How to Get Involved

  • To join our Zoom groups (Positive Adults & Lifetime Survivors):
    Contact Pam
    šŸ“§ Email: pwenz@reachministries.org
    šŸ“± Text: 541-612-0616
    ā˜Žļø Call: 253-383-7616

  • For Creative Expression:
    Contact Cecilia
    šŸ“§ Email: cbryan@reachministries.org
    šŸ“± Text: 385-208-1303
    ā˜Žļø 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 ā€œinterpretive danceā€ 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, Thatā€™s my brother.ā€ ā€œHey, sister!ā€ and ā€œThose are my kids over there.ā€ Yes, the 3-year-old dubbed the slightly older children her ā€œkids.ā€
  • 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, ā€œIt is good to find a family.ā€
A single adult said, ā€œSharing our experience was a relief to me. I was so comfortable to say anything without being judged.ā€
A teen said, ā€œI am new here. It was perfect. Iā€™ve learned to be resilient.ā€

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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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 ā€“ 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 ā€œcalled onā€ 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 childā€™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.

REACH participants with HIV experience holistic well-being

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At REACH we are keenly aware of the judgment, stigma, and isolation facing people with HIV. The issue might seem more distant to those who donā€™t have weekly connections with people with HIV. Weā€™ve even had individuals ask, ā€œIsnā€™t HIV a solved problem?ā€ The answer, of course, is that while treatment has come a long way, and our participants donā€™t live with an ever-present fear of deathā€¦ the problem of HIV has not been solved.

Individuals with HIV in the U.S. have a doctor they spend less than 15 minutes with every 6 or 12 months. Mostly, the doctor makes sure the virus is still undetectable and sends them on their way with renewed or updated prescriptions. Some individuals with HIV also have a case manager who helps them with social services if they find themselves needing transportation vouchers, switching doctors or dentists, or even facing homelessness. Both ā€œrelationshipsā€ serve important purposes in the life of someone with HIV, but is that all they need? Medicine and physical resources?

At REACH we know that someone living with HIV needs much more. They need a safe place to talk about their status and how it impacts them. They need joyful smiles and bear hugs. They need friends who donā€™t require HIV education before they can be knowledgeable and supportive. They want to meet other people living with HIV. They need the compassionate listening ear of a friend without having to make an appointment.

For many of our participants, before finding REACH, their only safe setting to discuss HIV was the occasional, hurried conversation in the sterile office of their health care provider. This is not a space for them to tell their story, describe their relationship challenges, talk about their emotions, or get a response that sounds like, ā€œI get that! It happened to me too.ā€ Those things only happen for them at REACH.

Care providers refer people to REACH because they know their patients need more than what they can offer, and people who are a part of the REACH community are more likely to adhere to their medical regimen and stay healthy, physically and in other equally important ways.

“Allison’s” safest place is REACH

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As a teen with complex special needs, “Allison” (name changed for confidentiality) has not had an easy life. She and her HIV-positive mom, “Keira,” and her caregiver grandmother, “Dee,” connected with REACH immediately after moving here from another state in early 2024. They attended both Spring and Labor Day Getaways together. The grandmother exclaims about how valuable these experiences are for Allison and Keira.

For Allison, the activities get her outside in the fresh air, exercising her unstable legs, and surrounded by people who love to chat with her and enjoy her teasing sense of humor with no stigma or judgment about her disabilities.

When we first met Keira she told us “I need to make friends with HIV!” and in almost every support group (online or in person) she shares the story of the traumatic circumstances surrounding her HIV diagnosis years ago. She can be talkative, but the participants are gracious and kind. They know the value of listening to her experience and offering care. Keira comments often about how much people at REACH smile.

Dee delights in seeing her daughter and granddaughter engaged in such healthy and supportive activities and admits that she too gets a lot out of the themed breakout sessions, as fulltime caregiving is not easy.

At Labor Day Getaway Allison felt so safe and comfortable that she decided to perform a song, something she had never had the opportunity to do before. It was a spontaneous decision during the ā€œtalentā€ portion of campfire and her grandmother immediately grabbed her phone to record this novel event saying, ā€œI canā€™t believe sheā€™s doing this! I donā€™t know who she is. Iā€™m so shocked at how outgoing sheā€™s being. She comes to REACH and just comes alive.ā€

Many around the fire sang along to the classic love song, swaying and waving their phone flashlights back and forth like they were at a concert. While the performance would be unlikely to win an awardā€¦ Allison felt like a superstar as she tiptoed back to her seat amid boisterous cheers and applause.