Monday, December 23, 2013

As an asylum seeker in USA and a person living with HIV/Aids in Worcester MA, this is where I get support and care!

December 2013

...But the Night was so Delightful
 
      While the snowstorm raged outside, revelers dined, danced and bid at the silent auction at the inaugural Winter Wonderland Ball, held Dec. 14 at the DCU Center and hosted by APW and Pathways for Change.
     "Wow! I was happily surprised to see so many people attend given the weather challenges; it was a great night!"
      "This event was more fun for us because it was more community focused and personal - thank you! We had a great time and can't wait for the Masquerade Ball!"
     APW and Pathways would like to thank all the generous sponsors (see our website at www.aidsprojectworcester.org for a full list) including those who gave such exciting items to the silent auction.
     Plans are underway by both agencies to collaborate again -this time on a Masquerade Ball to be held in October or November, 2014.
     Details will follow.
 
 
 
Toy Store Success

     'Tis the season for love and giving - and supporters came through again, donating almost 1,000 toys and articles of clothing that will bring smiles to 372 children associated with APW.
     On Wednesday, Dec. 18, consumers who are parents "shopped" for their children at our "Toy Store," followed by Thursday, Dec. 19, when grandparents "shopped" for their grandchildren.
     In many cases, these are the only toys children will receive during the holidays.
     And with donated wrapping paper, ribbon and bows, parents and grandparents were able to personalize each gift.
     Thank you to each and every donor.  
           
Just some of the toys that will make a child smile
Just some of the toys donated by generous supporters.
Annual Holiday Party
 
      Thank you to so many volunteers who helped make APW's December 6th party a success. A visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, live music, delicious food - it was another celebration of the season enjoyed by consumers, staff, board members and friends of the agency.
     A special shout out to St. Richards Church in Sterling whose congregation comes by every year, putting their faith into action and spreading the season of giving. 
 
    
Together we make a difference
     AIDS Project Worcester gives hope to those who are HIV positive with the message that despite a life-changing diagnosis, life can be full and rewarding. Today, we serve more than 500 people in Central Mass. who are HIV positive and their 1,500 affected family members.
     Will you help? 
     Please make an online donation by going here.
     Your dollars will help us give support to so many who are enduring so much. In the spirit of the season - thank you.
 
If you would like to learn more about the agency and what we do, please check out our website:  
  
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Upcoming Events

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast
When: Monday, January 20
Where: Quinsigamond Community College
670 West Boylston St., Worcester

  
Black AIDS Awareness Day
When:  Friday, Feb 7, 6-8 p.m.
Where: AME Zion Baptist Church
55 IIllinois St., Worcester
APW observes this annual event to bring awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS in the black community. Guest speaker, delicious food, live music and special guest (tentative) State Representative Gloria Fox.
Stay tuned for more details! 

  
Rainbow Lunch Club 
When: Wed. Jan 8, noon
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester  
90 Holden St. Worcester
The Rainbow Lunch Club offers LGBT seniors (60+) a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize. 
To make a reservation, call Joan at  508.756.1545 ext. 404, or email wlen@eswa.org  



Consumer Advisory Board
When: Second Friday of every month, 1-2 pm
Where: APW, 85 Green St.
Composed of interested consumers, the CAB meets to discuss ways to make a difference at APW. If you are a consumer at APW and would like to learn more, please contact CAB liaison Julialene Johnson at 508.755.3773, ext. 19 or email her at johnson@aidsprojectworcester.org

Transportation Day
When: Tues Jan 7, 9 am-12 pm
Where: APW, 85 Green St
For consumers to receive transportation passes to assist with medical transportation needs. 

 
New Horizons
When: Every Sunday, 2-4 pm
Where: APW, 85 Green St.
A transgender support group held here at APW. For questions, call Lauren Gartenlaub at 508-755-3773, ext. 38 or email her at 
 
 
 
Empowerment Group
When: Every Wednesday, 1-3 pm
Where: APW, 85 Green St. 
Mindy Montanez facilitates this weekly meeting for those living with HIV/AIDS. While lunch is enjoyed, folks might listen to a provider talk about medication adherence or another pertinent subject. Other times, a doctor from Family Health Center will do a Q & A. And sometimes, it's just an opportunity for people to have lunch, be together and talk about what is going on in their lives. For more information, call Mindy at  

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