Tag Archive for: people

Engaging January 2025 Events at REACH Ministries

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The new year is here, and so are opportunities to connect, support, and grow as a community! This January, we’re excited to host a variety of events tailored to our diverse groups. Whether you’re looking to meet other young moms, join a supportive network, or foster creativity, we’ve got something for everyone.

Young Moms Playdate

Date: January 16th
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: REACH Office
Calling all young moms! Join us for a fun and relaxing playdate at our office. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other moms while your little ones play together. Bring your smiles, stories, and kiddos for a refreshing mid-day break!

Positive Adults Support Group

Date: January 21st
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Online (Zoom)
This group is for adults living with HIV, offering a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and victories. Come and be part of a community that understands and supports you.

Creative Expressions Event (Tentative)

Date: January 21st
Time: Noon
Location: Community Health Center (CHC)
Let’s explore creativity together! This event will provide a hands-on opportunity to express yourself through art. Stay tuned for final details and get ready to unleash your imagination.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Date: January 22nd
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
For those who have been living with HIV from birth or early childhood, this group offers a space to reflect, share wisdom, and gain support from others with similar journeys. Join us for an evening of meaningful connection.

Parents of Positive Children Support Group

Date: January 28th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
Parenting has its unique challenges, and even more so when raising a child with HIV. This group provides a safe and supportive environment to share insights, ask questions, and receive encouragement from other parents.

Teen Zoom Group

Date: January 29th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
Teens, this one’s for you! Join us virtually to connect with peers, share stories, and participate in engaging discussions. Don’t miss out on this chance to build friendships and find support.

Mentors Support Group

Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Online (Zoom)
This group is designed for our dedicated mentors. Let’s come together to exchange ideas, support one another, and explore ways to make a greater impact. Keep an eye out for final details!

We’re excited to kick off the year with these events and hope to see you there!

For any questions or updates about event details, please don’t hesitate to contact us at cbryan@reachministries.org or text us at 514-612-0616.

Let’s make January a month of connection and growth!

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.