At the same time we have so much to be grateful for and so much to consider as a consequence of HIV and even more importantly, how society has changed because of HIV.  One of the magical things about being here at Rosehedge/Multifaith Works is that every day we get to witness the implications of what community, support, acceptance, and education can do for people who find themselves faced with some of the biggest challenges of their lives!  One of the most difficult pieces of all of this is that experiencing illness, homelessness, addiction, healing, recovery, and the newness of hope and discovery, is that most of us can only imagine what this is like.  

I become humbled and surprised by the men and women who are part of this agency and who pull themselves out of bed each morning and take the steps out into the day knowing that the journey in front of them, for just the next 24 hours, is a long one.  Consider the possibility, if you can, of knowing that everything you have ever had, all the money you have earned, the house that you cared for, and the family that you loved are all gone.  Now imagine you are in a house of strangers who are all living with HIV; knowing that if life is going to be different, it is up to you to make it so.  

The volunteers and staff of Rosehedge/Multifaith Works also consider this every day we wake up and face our days and our journeys.  Every day we recommit to taking our place by the sides of all of these courageous and amazing people.  We all commit to challenging our own expectations of how the world should be, and face how the world really is.  We think about how we make it better, and different, and we know that every small piece creates change.  

Thiry years later, we sit in front of HIV and ponder how did we get here, how has this happened?  Then we look into one another's eyes, we walk side by side, and we know that we are here, facing the future because we have not, and we do not have to do this alone.  We all come to realize that what we have learned and who we have become is because we have one another.  Together we have hope, opportunity, and the potential to make a huge difference one step at a time.

Arthur G. Padilla

Executive Director

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There is always a need to vet potential volunteers that offer services.  As a nonprofit agency, we don't have a large need for a volunteer who wants to make gnocchi (while an art form, it is not a staple of most diets), body painting (again, an art form, but need I say more?), or rainforest horticultural services. 

So, I approached the volunteer referral from Robert Lux, Shanti Program Director, with curiousity and inquired more about Jon Moran.  To my great surprise, Jon was offering his vast experience as a Human Resource manager.  After 20+ years at Group Health, Jon decided that retirement was the next best step, and he found himself with much more time to interact with groups/agencies that he already supported.  Rosehedge/Multifaith Works is lucky to have Jon as a friend and, as it turned out, to be on his favorite's list.

Our first conversation quickly revealed to me that Jon is an exciting and inspiring man who was willing to help the newly merged agency develop new and improved personnel policies.  He discussed with me some of the challenges that we would be facing and some of the opportunities the merger would provide.  Jon faced this daunting task with aplomb and, from my perspective, a great deal of courage.
 
It was only a week before our initial meeting, and I was sitting before my computer reading the policies from both agencies, overwhelmed and challenged with the task of incorporating, revising, and creating a new set of personnel policies.  As is often the case with smaller nonprofits, we are forced to adjust and adapt to the financial challenges of the times, and very often, the luxury of consultants or professional services is beyond our economic reality.  So when someone with Jon's gifts offers their support and service, the words tremendous gift barely brushes the surface of my gratitude.  

With a professional hand, Jon began the process of merging the two agencies' policies into one cohesive and functional document.  He provided context for how to make challenging decisions, and answered questions that are often confounding and mired in bureaucracy.  From this experience emerged a document that more effectively protects our employees.  

One of the final pieces of our process when developing policies is to submit them for legal review.  When the attorney (also a volunteer) who conducted the review saw the document, she said, "this is one of the most complete and professional personnel policy manuals I have ever seen for a nonprofit!  Where did you get these and who did these?"  I was, of course, thrilled and honored that Jon had done this for us and that the outcome was much more amazing and positive than I ever expected!  

One of the most amazing gifts I experience being part of Rosehedge/Multifaith Works is that I get to interact with amazing and wonderful people who offer to give of themselves so that others may prosper.  Jon's work is definitely behind the scenes and could be an unnoticed part of what happens here at Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, but believe me, it is both noticed and deeply appreciated.  

We are all here to walk along side one another, so the impacts of HIV/AIDS can be mitigated or relieved - so that the many parts that go into the process mean the outcomes are life changing and amazing.  

Jon's support, kindness, and professionalism meant our policy transition was exceptionally effective.  It is the caring commitment of people just like Jon that make Rosehedge/Multifaith Works what it is! 

The next Rosehedge/Multifaith Works CareTeam Training is Saturday, June 18th. 

Be of service to  someone with HIV/AIDS.

The next Rosehedge/Multifaith Works Shanti Training will be held in October.

Shanti volunteers provide active, non-judgmental listening in a sustaining relationship to people affected by HIV/AIDS, addiction, or other life-challenging illnesses.

A powerful four-day training allows participants to explore life's issues. This training is about you as much as it is about your potential clients. We hope to teach you some ways to take care of yourself; we also offer you some ways to improve your connections with others.

"It was like having my own personal cheerleaders.  I received such positive reinforcement," said one of our retreat attendees last year.  

Rebuilding one's life and support structure after a battle with addiction is a daunting task.  SHIFT-The Peer Recovery Network supports clients from Rosehedge/Multifaith Works and other community agencies who are walking the road of recovery after a substance use issue.  Each summer, SHIFT organizes a retreat at which agency clients have the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend four days in the woods near North Bend working to build and strengthen their personal recovery.

For Chris, the city had been a party...and "party" he did.  He had "partied" himself through a trip to jail, a couple of visits to the hospital, an untold number of relationships, homelessness,  separation from all of his family, contracting HIV....yes, it was a party alright.  Drunk and sitting home alone once again, the thought came to him that there might just be a better way.  However, without sober friends to guide him he became increasingly secluded.  Naturally, he also became isolated in his recovery path.  Barely able to leave the house for grocery shopping, the idea of attending a 12-step meeting was overwhelming.  Connecting with SHIFT, changed all of that.

Additionally, Chris got a big jolt of support in recovery through the retreat, this year called TRANSITIONS.  It is amazing to witness the transformation in individuals who attend the retreat. Chris included, "I feel connected to my community more now than ever before."  SHIFT has eased the burden of feeling alone.

1. Twin sized bedding
2. Kitchen supplies
3. Wii
4. Tickets to movies, concerts etc.
5. Gift Certificates
6. Fans

Other Housewares and Clothing
Pillows (new)
Twin size "bed in a bag" sets
Twin sheets and pillowcases (100% cotton, new)
Light blankets or comforters
Men's underwear (new, M/L/XL)
Men's white cotton crew-length athletic socks (new)
Coffee maker (6-12 cup size)
Fans (window, box, or oscillating)
Heavy-duty stand mixer (like Kitchen Aid)
Pump air coffee pot
Plates and bowls (microwave and dishwasher safe)
Plastic drinking glasses (commercial type)
Plastic pitchers with lids
Commercial coffee pot
Porch chairs
Cat carrier
Shower curtains (new)
Bath mats (new)

Other Entertainment and Treats
Wii
Computers
Tickets to movies, sporting events, concerts, etc.
DVD movies (new or used)
Telephone calling cards
Art supplies
Prizes for in-house game nights (bags of chips, candy, soda, small gift cards)
Gift certificates (Starbucks, Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, Blockbuster Video, Hollywood Video, movie theaters, Trader Joe's)

For more information, or to make a donation, please email or contact us at (206) 324-1520.

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When we share our stories, our experiences take on a deeper meaning.  We want to know about your connections.

We appreciate all of our donors...each donation makes a real difference in the lives of the men and women we serve. Special thanks and gratitude go to the generous donors below that helped us make a difference in your community in 2010 :

Read all about the RH Home Care audit.

Six students from the MBA program at Seattle University brought everything from our off-site storage and incorporated it into the basement.  The students raised the money for the U-Haul, as well as all the equipment and supplies needed to do this project.
 
The reasons for this project were:
 
1. To create higher visibility and accessibility of all the things we need to do our work.  When designing the new space, we kept this as our primary focus.
 
2.  To utilize the basement space in the best way to meet our current needs.
 
3.  To save over $3200 in storage rental costs per year.
 
4. To have a more welcoming volunteer space.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU