Our Many Transitions

I am honored to begin 2013 as the new Executive Director of Rosehedge/Multifaith Works. Since I started on January 2nd, I have been meeting with staff, board, volunteers, residents, and stakeholders to learn more about the community we serve and to hear your thoughts and hopes for the future of this vital organization. 

Unfortunately, in my short time here I have learned that the future of our programs is unclear as the funding landscape has changed quickly and drastically. In my first five days with Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, we heard from two long-term, governmental funding sources that they were cutting both transitional and enhanced assisted living grants for 2013. This combined cut in funding totals over $600,000!

We need your help more than ever as we move forward. I am asking you to make a donation of $100, or any amount that is meaningful and comfortable for you today. (www.rosehedge.org/donate-now/)We have immediately begun addressing the impact of these devastating cuts and are putting into place a strategic plan of action. Stable housing is an essential component of HIV prevention and treatment. Rosehedge/Multifaith Works takes great pride in providing not just houses for our residents, but homes.

Combined, our transitional housing and enhanced assisted living homes offered 15,330 bed nights for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).  Through our Care Team and Shanti support programs, over 300 volunteers provided more than 15,000 hours of emotional and social support to hundreds of PLWHA.  Our newest program, SHIFT peer recovery network, trained 15 recovery coaches who dedicated over 700 hours providing recovery support to 66 people.  This great work and service would not be possible without support from people like you, who understand that Rosehedge/Multifaith Works serves the most vulnerable population of people living with HIV/AIDS:  those who are homeless and struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Rosehedge/Multifaith Works was created through grassroots efforts and by people making a decision to put their compassion into action. I am confident that we will rise above these challenges and continue to make a difference in the lives of so many people living with HIV/AIDS. Please assist us by making a gift today.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
In peace,

Lauren B. Simonds, M.S.W.
Executive Director

P.S. – I hope you will join me on March 5th, along with other Rosehedge/Multifaith Works board, staff, volunteers, and residents for AIDS Action & Awareness Day in Olympia!  This is our chance to educate legislators about the critical needs and issues facing people living with AIDS.  (http://whacan.org/aids-action-awareness-day/)

Thinking About Becoming a Shanti Volunteer?

Here are some things our volunteers at the summer training had to say about the things they learned, loved, and experienced during the two weekends of training:

•    I learned a lot about empathy and the shared human experience
•    I learned that Shanti volunteers are there to listen and not offer solutions
•    Learning to trust myself
•    I got to see a glimpse of just how powerful this is
•    I learned how stigma can affect different social groups
•    Learning to stop feeling so self-conscious
•    I loved the chemistry of the volunteers and their Shanti Partners [on the panel]
•    I was happy to see real Shanti partnerships and hear their stories
•    I felt validated when I learned that some of my anxieties were not unique
•    I found it very enlightening to hear volunteers and their Shanti Partners talk about their relationship. It became evident that each partnership is unique and has a life of its own
•    I learned the value of self-care and what that might look like for me
•    My check-in partner was very helpful. It’s nice to have positive feedback
•    This was lovely… and has helped me become a better friend/sister/person on this earth
•    Amazing food!

The next training is October 15th, 16th and 22nd, 23rd; two consecutive weekends.

Join us!

Nika Short
Shanti Program Coordinator