You may have heard on the news or read in the paper today that United Way and the City of Rochester have teamed up on a new volunteer initiative called OneCity Connection. We officially launched it yesterday at a media event with Mayor Duffy and Peter Carpino – the president of United Way of Gr. Rochester.
This collaboration is about linking people with volunteer projects. OneCityConnection.org is basically a virtual “hub” that people can go to learn more about what volunteer opportunities are available in the Rochester area. I just checked out the site and saw there are about 400 projects - so you won’t have a problem finding something you would like to do!
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, click here to check out the site. It’s a great way to feel better about yourself -- and help make a difference in our city at the same time!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Beating the Odds
Whether or not I like to admit it, AIDS has been a taboo subject for many.
This week, I made a stop to visit AIDS Rochester, as part of my agency tour.
I had a chance to learn about some of the programs and even sit down with several clients to hear their courageous stories.
Curtis has been living with HIV since 1985. He has the biggest smile and personality of anyone I have ever met. He holds his head high and never wants anyone to treat him differently because of his disease. Curtis loves telling his story, so that people can learn more about HIV and AIDS, and not be so afraid. That’s his picture to the left.
He is actually doing very well these days. He is down to taking only 5 pills a day compared to the 10 he used to take. For the past three years, Curtis has felt so good that he says he feels like he doesn’t even have the disease anymore.
Treatments have come a long way. The medications that are available in the United States are amazing these days and are really helping people live longer, normal lives.
I learned, on my visit, that poverty and mental illness still plays a huge factor in battling this disease- which leads to more obstacles like homelessness, drug addiction, and criminal activity.
Many people used to assume that it was only gay men who carried HIV. Now, the trend that doctors see is heterosexual white men are the carriers, and they are passing it along to their women partners.
In the 8 counties that AIDS Rochester reaches out to, they have about 650 people they serve.
One of the main programs at AIDS Rochester, which United Way funds, is a wellness program. It supports clients with case workers, and offers classes/lectures on the disease. Clients are able to learn a little bit more about what is happening to their bodies and about how important it is to take their medications.
There is hope for those with this terminal disease. A cure may not be here for some time—but until that day comes, I’m so thankful to know that AIDS Rochester is here to help clients live their lives as fully as possible.
This week, I made a stop to visit AIDS Rochester, as part of my agency tour.
I had a chance to learn about some of the programs and even sit down with several clients to hear their courageous stories.
Curtis has been living with HIV since 1985. He has the biggest smile and personality of anyone I have ever met. He holds his head high and never wants anyone to treat him differently because of his disease. Curtis loves telling his story, so that people can learn more about HIV and AIDS, and not be so afraid. That’s his picture to the left.
He is actually doing very well these days. He is down to taking only 5 pills a day compared to the 10 he used to take. For the past three years, Curtis has felt so good that he says he feels like he doesn’t even have the disease anymore.
Treatments have come a long way. The medications that are available in the United States are amazing these days and are really helping people live longer, normal lives.
I learned, on my visit, that poverty and mental illness still plays a huge factor in battling this disease- which leads to more obstacles like homelessness, drug addiction, and criminal activity.
Many people used to assume that it was only gay men who carried HIV. Now, the trend that doctors see is heterosexual white men are the carriers, and they are passing it along to their women partners.
In the 8 counties that AIDS Rochester reaches out to, they have about 650 people they serve.
One of the main programs at AIDS Rochester, which United Way funds, is a wellness program. It supports clients with case workers, and offers classes/lectures on the disease. Clients are able to learn a little bit more about what is happening to their bodies and about how important it is to take their medications.
There is hope for those with this terminal disease. A cure may not be here for some time—but until that day comes, I’m so thankful to know that AIDS Rochester is here to help clients live their lives as fully as possible.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The shelters are close to full
I'm really not a 'snow' lover. Well, maybe it's just the cold - that's probably more the case. But, when my three-year old looked up at me with those big brown eyes, and pleaded with me to go outside into the winter wonderland with him... how could I refuse?
Sure, it was 6:30 at night, and dark outside. But, maybe... I thought... this might make for one of those golden moments he'd cherish forever, as we made a snowman who glistened in the light of the nearby garage?
It didn't really work out like that, but he had a blast, and we headed inside to warm up.
Sadly, it's not that simple for everyone. In fact, every night in our community, it's estimated 600 people are homeless. Many of them are children... because they (and their moms) have escaped the perils of domestic abuse.
I thought about this, over and over again, as my son ran around the backyard. For him, the snow was a fun - and temporary - experience. Knowing you could run inside to escape the frost was never doubted.
It broke my heart, imagining what it must be like to not have that option.
We checked in with our funded shelters today... most are close to being filled at capacity.
I'm so thankful United Way focuses on helping families in crisis. Over the past year, our funding has helped more than 2,200 people with emergency food, shelter, and counseling. Even more, our network of providers follow up with people to make sure they stay on their feet.
There are a lot of reasons for homelessness, and it scares me... knowing it can happen to any one of us at any time. It's comforting, though, to also know our partners are running shelters to help those in need... turning homelessness into hope.
Sure, it was 6:30 at night, and dark outside. But, maybe... I thought... this might make for one of those golden moments he'd cherish forever, as we made a snowman who glistened in the light of the nearby garage?
It didn't really work out like that, but he had a blast, and we headed inside to warm up.
Sadly, it's not that simple for everyone. In fact, every night in our community, it's estimated 600 people are homeless. Many of them are children... because they (and their moms) have escaped the perils of domestic abuse.
I thought about this, over and over again, as my son ran around the backyard. For him, the snow was a fun - and temporary - experience. Knowing you could run inside to escape the frost was never doubted.
It broke my heart, imagining what it must be like to not have that option.
We checked in with our funded shelters today... most are close to being filled at capacity.
I'm so thankful United Way focuses on helping families in crisis. Over the past year, our funding has helped more than 2,200 people with emergency food, shelter, and counseling. Even more, our network of providers follow up with people to make sure they stay on their feet.
There are a lot of reasons for homelessness, and it scares me... knowing it can happen to any one of us at any time. It's comforting, though, to also know our partners are running shelters to help those in need... turning homelessness into hope.
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