SUMMER 2015 swhiv.org
RE:JOICE Program & Event Successes!
IGNITE YOUR STATUS & MORE! 20th ANNIVERSARY OF NIGHT FOR LIFE A DECADE OF DINING OUT FOR LIFE EXPANDED MEDICAL & WELLNESS SERVICES swhiv.org
SPRING 2015 | 1
A Message from our CEO It has been an exciting six months here at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. So much has happened and the support from the community continues to be amazing.
SUMMER 2015
In April we celebrated Dining Out for Life and many of you took the time to dine with a local restaurant that supported us. We are so fortunate to have wonderful local restaurants that care enough to give back to the community. Many thanks go out to all of those who participated that night.
1101 N. Central Avenue Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 307-5330 swhiv.org
Programs/Services
In May we celebrated our 20th Anniversary Night for Life Gala. It was a memorable evening as we returned to the place where it all began – the Arizona Biltmore. I want to extend a special thank you to our wonderful co-chairs, Robert Black, Marc Reid and Christi Warner Beyer. The three of them co-chaired our Gala ten years ago and came back to do it again! The night was spectacular. Thank you to all of our sponsors, table hosts, and guests for making it a special evening. Southwest Center has been supporting those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS for twenty-five years. It has been a journey for the organization, and for those who have entered our doors. Together we continue to find new ways to strengthen the services we offer. Today, we continue to offer many of the programs we started with twenty-five years ago such as intervention, testing and education. We have added many new services throughout the years including clinical trials, nutritional programs, behavioral health, and many different types of support groups.
Expanded Wellness
pg 7
Clients
This year we are bringing back naturopathic services. Southwest Center has hired Dr. Carolyn Fuller and as of June 8 she is seeing patients. Dr. Fuller (ND) is licensed to provide primary medical care and naturopathic medical care. Naturopathic medical care is uniquely qualified to offer patients the opportunity to meet their primary care needs and also incorporate a diverse therapeutic toolbox to optimize health and wellbeing and prevent and treat disease. Please feel free to call Southwest Center to set up an appointment with Dr. Fuller. We look forward to seeing you! We couldn’t continue to grow and change without the commitment of our supporters. Thank you!
Cindy Quenneville CEO
Camp Incredible pg 3
Education/Outreach
Southwest Center staff, clients and supporters walked in support of the Phoenix Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, April 12.
IGNITE Your Status pg 3
More Ways You Can Help pg 8 Get Involved pg 6
ALSO >
Night For Life Volunteer Extraordinaire Dining Out For Life
pg 4 pg 6 pg 5
Southwest Center received a Community Star award in May from The Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Partnerships for our demonstrated committment to building a stronger Arizona.
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Programs funded in whole or in part by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, Maricopa Intergrated Health System and Maricopa County. Additional funding provided by Ryan White Part C and the Maricopa County Department of Health.
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Programs also funded in part by
swhiv.org
Clients
Camp Incredible 2015
Changing Lives with Fun, Education & Support Each year the Camp Incredible program’s combination of nature, fun, education and support helps children and youth overcome HIV stigma and strengthen family bonds. This weeklong, overnight camp for children, youth and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS takes place every June at Mingus Mountain Camp in Prescott, AZ.
show. The boy’s mother was worried about his ability to handle the task, but camp director, Barb Brados, assured her that, “there are no limitations at Camp Incredible.” Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who made Camp Incredible 2015 an incredible experience.
Many of the camp activities, including scavenger hunts, team sports, a talent show and, new this year, a ropes course, help families improve communication, build problem-solving skills, and strengthen their relationships. Other activities include HIV education, counseling and mentoring. Volunteer doctors, nurses and counselors are on hand to ensure the needs of all campers are met. This year one mother broke out in tears as she watched her five-year-old son, who has spina bifida, severe communication problems, and relies on a wheelchair, serve as the magician’s valued assistant during the talent
Education/Outreach
IGNITE Your Status
Peer HIV Prevention Program Reaches Thousands Southwest Center’s IGNITE outreach program is on a mission to support the sexual health of gay men and the gay community in Phoenix. Each month you’ll find the program’s group of volunteer community leaders distributing safer sex materials, helping at free HIV testing events, and encouraging open dialogue about safer sex, HIV and STDs. The project’s goal is to normalize the conversation and eliminate stigma around safer sex, testing and HIV. IGNITE’s peer-to-peer approach is one of the keys to the program’s success, according to community outreach manager, Jeremy Bright. Whether they are at a local bar or a large event like the Gay Rodeo, the program’s outgoing, engaging volunteers aren’t afraid to mingle with the crowd and start conversations about HIV testing and safer sex. The clever Condom Bar, developed by Mr. Bright, is also a great conversation starter. The variety of colorful shapes and sizes on display helps break down barriers to condom use and shows there’s a solution for everyone. “It’s like finding the right pair of jeans, and we’re here
to help,” said Mr. Bright. Thanks to the Condom Bar, over 50,000 condoms were distributed during this year’s Phoenix Pride Festival alone – more than Southwest Center distributed in all of 2014!
Jeremy Bright, Community Outreach Manager and the Condom Bar
Want to join the IGNITE group of Community Leaders? Volunteer opportunities are available for dynamic and outgoing people in the Phoenix gay community. Sign up to become a volunteer at SWHIV.org/Get-Tested/ Ignite/
SWHIV.org/Get-Tested/Ignite swhiv.org
SUMMER 2015 |
Events
A Night to RE:JOICE 20th Annivesary Night for Life Gala Fights HIV/AIDS Photos By: Brian Cramer, Erik Bryant & Fernando Hernandez
(Top:L-R): 75 Honorees Re:ceive Awards; CEO Cindy Quenneville; (Mid:L-R): Co-Chairs: Marc Reid, Christi Warner Beyer & Robert Black; Founder Kirk Baxter with First Lady Nicole Stanton and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton; Award Plaques; (Btm:L-R) Silent Auction
Dining Out For Life
Saturday, May 9, was a night to Re:Member as Southwest Center and generous supporters celebrated the 20th Anniversary Night for Life Gala. Over 700 guests and sponsors, including presenting sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Richard P. Stahl, raised $600,000 to help prevent the spread of HIV and support those impacted by HIV and AIDS. In recognition of this landmark event, Southwest Center was pleased to honor 75 past Night for Life co-chairs and awardees. Wynona Judd wowed the crowd with her amazing vocals as she performed with her new band, The Big Noise. Mayor Greg Stanton and First Lady Nicole Stanton enjoyed the festivities, offering their continued support for Southwest Center’s important mission.
This year we returned to the Arizona Biltmore, where the very first Night for Life Gala was held. The iconic venue provided a beautiful backdrop for this special evening, which included a silent auction that highlighted art, jewelry and travel, and a 1991 burnt orange Chevrolet Corvette raffle prize donated by Ed Helms. We extend our grateful thanks to co-chairs, Christi Warner Beyer, Robert Black and Marc Reid, who were indispensible in ensuring the evening’s success, our many donors and supporters, and our cadre of volunteers who helped ensure guests had a night to Re:Member. All of these efforts mean the men, women and children we serve everyday have new reason to Re:Joice.
NightForLife.org/Photos 4 | SUMMER 2015
swhiv.org
Events
10th Annual Dining Out For Life Hundreds Made a Reservation and Made a Difference Bailey Smith (Volunteer & Events Coordinator) and Ellen Lord (Fundraising & Events Manager) with friends and Co-Chair Jimmy Thomason
Mesha Davis (Chief Development Officer) with FOX 10 AZ Morning‘s Rick and Andrea and Switch Chef, Jason Peterson
Phoenix area diners, along with nearly 40 local restaurants, helped raise thousands of dollars to benefit Southwest Center’s fight against HIV/AIDS during our 10th Annual Dining Out for Life event in April. Dining Out for Life is an international fundraising event that raises money for AIDS service organizations. Participating restaurants donate 10 to 100 percent of proceeds to support HIV/AIDS services. This year Mayor Greg Stanton joined the action, dining out on authentic southern Mexican cuisine at Barrio Cafe, which donated 100 percent of each diner’s check to Southwest Center. Mac Alpines restaurant also generously donated 100 percent of all proceeds. The growing list of Prescott area restaurants increased that support HIV/AIDS services at Northland Cares.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton with Co-Chair Jimmy Thomason at Barrio Cafe
We are grateful to chef Jason Peterson from Switch restaurant who encouraged viewers of the Fox 10 Arizona Morning show to Dine Out for Life. Thank you to all who made Dining Out for Life a success, including our 30 invaluable volunteer restaurant ambassadors. Would you like to be an ambassador, committee member or a volunteer for Dining Out For Life 2016? Please contact Bailey Smith at BSmith@SWHIV.org or (602) 5958134 for more information.
DiningOutForLifeAZ.org swhiv.org
SUMMER 2015 |
Thank You Grant Donors
Community Support
Hepatitis C Support Groups
Integrated Collaborative Care Camp Incredible
General Operations
Camp Incredible
Get Involved!
Volunteer
Join the Fun & Excitement: Our Volunteers Make a Difference! Southwest Center depends on community members, like you, who are willing to volunteer two to 20 hours a week. Our services could not be delivered without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. We have volunteer opportunities at a variety of commitment levels so
Volunteers In Action Volunteer Extraordinaire and Go-to Guy
you can make a difference even if you don't have a lot of free time. Volunteers work in all aspects of the Center, from Development and Administration, to Prevention and Research. Contact Bailey Smith at (602) 595-8134 (BSmith@SWHIV.org) to join our team of great volunteers!
In addition, Jimmy co-chaired the Dining Out for Life event for the last two years. This year he recruited Bank of America volunteers to dine out for breakfast, lunch and dinner at a participating restaurants. A big thank you to Jimmy and Bank of America from all of us at Southwest Center!
One name that regularly appears at the top of our volunteer list, regardless of the event or time of year, is Jimmy Thomason. He is an extraordinary man with a heart of gold. When there is a job to be done, no matter how big or small, Jimmy can be counted on to show up with a big smile and an abundance of good ideas.
Jimmy Thomason, Bank of America Volunteer & D.O.F.L. Co-Chair
Jimmy is also known for soliciting assistance from his fellow employees at Bank of America. “Jimmy and the Bank of America team are some of the best volunteers we have,” said Mesha Davis, chief development officer at Want to know more about volunteering opportinities at Southwest Center. Davis continued, “They are enthusiastic, Soutwest Center for HIV/AIDS? Check out our website at willing to help with anything, and always do a great job. SWHIV.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer We are grateful for their dedication over the years.”
SWHIV.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer 6 | SUMMER 2015
swhiv.org
Note The Times!
Programs/Services
> GET TESTED!
FREE HIV* TESTING
SOUTHWEST CENTER TESTING HOURS Monday:
Tuesday:
Vitamin & Herb Shop New Hours Monday & Wednesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday:
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday:
CLOSED
Friday:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(last test taken at 4:30 pm)
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
(last test taken at 6:30 pm)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(last test taken at 4:30 pm)
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
(last test taken at 6:30 pm)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
(last test taken at 2:30 pm)
* HIV, Syphillis & Hepatitis C testing daily. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing available Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 am -- 4:00 pm
Programs/Services
Medical, Wellness, Nutrition and Behavioral Health Expansion Services Benefit Entire Community
Our expanded Wellness Center, under the direction of naturopathic physician, Dr. Carolyn Fuller, is now open and ready to serve anyone in the community interested in high-quality primary and naturuopathic medical care. These servces join our behavioral health care and nutrition services in offering competitive rates using a sliding-fee scale. Whenever possible, insurance is accepted.
Southwest Center to continue to meet the needs of people at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, along with those of the growing downtown community.
A recent downtown health survey commissioned by Southwest Center showed a real need for more health care options in the downtown area and an interest in alternative care options. The expansion will allow
SWHIV.org/Get-Healthy/Wellness swhiv.org
SUMMER 2015 |
1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 307-5330 swhiv.org
• eBay Giving Works and the PayPal Giving Fund have made it easy for you to support Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS - just select us as your favorite non-profit. • You can make a one-time donation, shop & buy items sold on our behalf or you can easily add a dollor (or more) whenever you purchase any item on eBay and pay using PayPal. It’s that easy! And now you can even donate via the eBay App! • To start your support for Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, just follow this link to givingworks.ebay.com. and select us as your charity.
Easy Ways to Support Southwest Center! Shop at Fry’s Support Southwest Center You can support Southwest Center just by shopping at Fry’s. It’s easy when you enroll in Fry’s Community Rewards®! To get started, sign up with your V.I.P. Card (click the picture above), and enter NPO #81749 for Southwest Center. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll earn rewards (rebate) for us every time you shop and use your V.I.P. Card.
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• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. • Support Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. and selecting us as your charity.
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Our Mission & Vision
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Leading the fight against HIV and AIDS by reducing infection, improving the quality of life and contributing to worldwide research.
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