Tag Archive for: support

REACH Ministries Receives MultiCare Grant to Impact 205 HIV-Positive Families with Support, Mentoring, and Education

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2024 Multicare grant recipient

At REACH Ministries, an organization dedicated to supporting HIV-positive individuals and their families, we believe that flourishing starts with community. That’s why we are delighted to share some exciting news: we have been selected as a 2025 recipient of the MultiCare Health System Community Partnership Fund award! This grant is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting HIV-positive children, adults, and their families through safe, judgment-free programs.

About the Program

The awarded program, Adherence to Health Care and Social Services Plans for HIV-positive Teens and Adults, strengthens our efforts to provide:

  • Support Groups: Safe spaces where individuals can connect and share their journeys without fear of judgment.
  • Mentoring: One-on-one guidance and encouragement to help participants navigate their unique challenges.
  • Family Services: Activities and education that foster whole-family resilience and understanding.

Who We Serve

Our community is inclusive and diverse, including:

  • Children born with HIV
  • Parents with HIV
  • Teens who contracted HIV on the streets
  • Adults who are “lifetime” survivors (they’ve had HIV since infancy)
  • Adults recently diagnosed
  • Immigrant and refugee families
  • Older Adults aging with HIV

Many participants come to us feeling isolated or burdened by secrecy. Through REACH, they discover the power of being truly known and supported by a community that understands.

How the Grant Will Be Used

This grant enables us to grow by:

  • Forming five new partnerships with HIV clinics and social workers, who will refer patients and clients to REACH.
  • Conducting participant intakes and providing ongoing education and encouragement.
  • Hosting engaging welcome events to introduce new participants to our fun, judgment-free community.

Impacting Lives Together

REACH currently serves 155 HIV-positive participants and their 317 family members. With this grant, we aim to reach 50 additional individuals plus 125 of their families by the end of 2025, touching a total of 647 lives.

We are profoundly grateful to MultiCare Health System for their trust in our mission. Together, we are creating a healthier, more hopeful future for those living with HIV.

Join Us

Follow along as we grow our programs and continue to provide life-changing support. Let’s celebrate this milestone and the lives it will impact! ❤️

About MultiCare Health System

The following is an excerpt provided by MultiCare Health System:

MultiCare Health System is a not-for-profit health care organization with 13 hospitals and more than 26,000 team members. We are committed to achieving our mission of partnering for healing and a healthy future and delivering world-class health outcomes and exceptional experience.

As the largest community-based, locally governed health system in Washington state, our comprehensive system of health includes numerous primary care, urgent care and dedicated specialty services. For more information, visit MultiCare.org.

#REACHMinistries #CommunitySupport #HIVAIDSawareness #PartnershipForHealing #HopeAndFlourishing

January 2025 Events at REACH Ministries

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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.