FALL 2014swhiv.org

HIV and Food as Medicine

Jubilee Honoring Elizabeth Taylor at the Wrigley Mansion

Walk, Run and Fight HIV/AIDS

More Fall Festivities!

Message From Cindy

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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 Integrated Health System and Maricopa County. Additional funding provided by

Ryan White Part A and C and the Maricopa County Department of Health.(This applies to all Ryan White funded programs throughout this publication.)

Programs also funded in part by

Dear Southwest Center Friends and Family,

What an exciting time this has been for me. I joined Southwest Center on August 1 and have already met incredible people doing incredible things for the people we care most about. The community, the Southwest Center team, donors, and many others have helped me feel right at home.

Fall is here and I welcome this season and all the joy and excitement it brings. It’s always fun to get out of the house, explore our beautiful city and meet so many of you at the fall events benefitting Southwest Center.

At Southwest Center we continue to find ways to improve the quality of life for those impacted by HIV. Recently, we received additional funding from the Ryan White A program to add a new registered dietitian (nutritionist) to our staff, increasing our capacity to serve those in need. With this additional support, Southwest Center will also be in a position to improve our clients’ ability to reach optimum health by

providing supplemental funds to help them get much-needed food.

There is so much to be proud of at Southwest Center. The work that has been done to help educate, treat, and assist those impacted by HIV/AIDS is tremendous. I am in awe of all that has been accomplished. In just ten short years great strides have been made, with Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS playing an important role locally and, through our clinical trials program, nationally.

In 2005, 13,700 people worldwide were contracting HIV/AIDS every day; today that number is 5,753. In 2005, 8,500 people died from AIDS every day; today that number is 4,109 – still too many. Despite these gains, we still face great challenges, especially when it comes to our youth. During 2005, eight teens contracted HIV/AIDS each day in the United States. Today that number has reached 28 per day – more than triple the previous number. This tells us our work isn’t done and HIV awareness, prevention, and treatments are still needed.

Southwest Center is in a great position to lead the way as a center of excellence when it comes to HIV/AIDS care. Together we can continue to advocate for and serve those we care about most. You can help us by making a donation at swhiv.org, by volunteering or by attending one of our fabulous events.

Respectfully,

Cindy Quenneville

Thank You To Our Recent Generous Grant Donors For The Following Program Support

Food & NutritionPositive Peer Prevention

Women’s Programs

General Operations

General OperationsComprehensive

Collaborative NutritionChild Watch Integrated Collaborative Care

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Message From Cindy

A Glam Night!

Southwest Center extends a big thank you to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, The Wrigley Mansion, Laela Wilding, and of course, our donors and sponsors for making Jubilee Honoring Elizabeth Taylor at The Wrigley Mansion a great success.

This special evening featured a cocktail party, entertainment, treasures and merriment, a golden-age of Hollywood best-dressed favorite, and plenty of classic Hollywood glam. Attendees enjoyed dinner while viewing an Elizabeth Taylor classic film. Special guest Laela Wilding, eldest granddaughter of Ms. Taylor, shared stories, experiences and her grandmother’s mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation generously donated 100% of proceeds from this golden opportunity to the important work at Southwest Center. In addition, this event would not have been possible without significant in-kind donations from the Hormel family and the landmark Wrigley Mansion.

Ms. Taylor, a pioneer in educating the public about HIV/AIDS and advocating on behalf of people suffering from the disease, established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991. With its focus on direct care and prevention education, ETAF funds AIDS organizations throughout the world, providing support services to populations most in need.

Known as a beloved actress with an award-winning career, Ms. Taylor also remains a champion in the hearts of those affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, Ms. Taylor’s grandchildren continue her legacy as Ambassadors of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

“My grandmother believed in treating the whole person who was battling HIV/AIDS—not just with medicine, but with food, shelter, psychological support, and most of all love. Supporting Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS is a perfect example of her passion. It was my honor to take part in your Jubilee celebrating Elizabeth Taylor’s film legacy, as well as my grandmother’s commitment to caring for people who live each day with HIV/AIDS.” – Laela Wilding, granddaughter of Elizabeth Taylor

Thanks to all for making October 28 a glam evening to remember.

Fall Jubilee

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In The Center

New Grants Expand Nutrition Services

When it comes to HIV, food is medicine. Access to food improves medical care and health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, for many HIV-positive people in the Valley, food is scarce. Everyday we at Southwest Center see men and women who do not have enough food to last through the week. Some regularly skip meals or rely on cheap fast food to augment government assistance, and some resort to dumpster-diving as a food source.

Now, thanks to generous donations from MAC AIDS Fund and the Walmart Foundation, and a unique collaboration with Joshua Tree Feeding Program, more HIV-positive people will have access to the high-quality food they need to live a healthy lifestyle.

With the Comprehensive, Collaborative Nutrition Program, clients can receive a weekly food box, a weekly nutritious lunch and education program, nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian, supplements from our Vitamin Shop, and education about the importance of good nutrition and cooking on a budget.

Food boxes provided by many food banks do not, by themselves, meet the nutritional needs of people living with HIV. The boxes must be augmented with fresh fruit, vegetables and other foods

high in protein and nutrients. Nutrition counseling and education, along with provision of these healthy foods and nutritional supplements, are critical to maintaining the health of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Joshua Tree, one of the only food banks focusing on HIV-positive people, will receive a portion of the funds to enhance and expand their program, while Southwest Center’s dietitians provide expert recommendations to ensure the special nutritional needs of HIV-positive people are met. “Already Joshua Tree plans to add more yogurt and lean chicken to the boxes, and soon more fresh fruit,” said registered dietitian Peggy Williamson.

Williamson added that the program provides a good bridge between both organizations. Providing nutrition assessments and education onsite at Joshua Tree helps re-engage those who have fallen out of care. “It’s not just about providing food,” said Williamson. “It’s about engaging individuals in a conversation about the importance of nutrition, it’s about awareness and it’s about linkage to the care they need to live a healthy life.”

HIV and Food as Medicine

Another Incredible Summer ExperienceCamp Incredible Delivers Fun, Education, and Love

Camp Incredible 2014 delivered a safe, fun, and positive environment for children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS, allowing them to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and learn ways to improve their health.

Thanks in part to your donations, this week-long overnight camp takes place each June at Mingus Mountain Camp in Prescott. For many of the 52 children and 29 parents, Camp Incredible was their first out-of-town family vacation.

During the week campers hiked, played volleyball, created arts and crafts, participated in workshops and more. Workshop topics included Forgiving Yourself and Others, Understanding Where Others Come From (differing points of view) and HIV/STI prevention.

Sadly, 13 registered campers were unable to attend camp at the last minute due to HIV-related illness in two families and an AIDS-related death in a third.

One of the highlights this year was witnessing the changes that took place in a family struggling with multiple health issues, communication problems and a sense of disconnection from one another. With help from the counselors and workshops, the family began to communicate better, express their feelings

and forgive the past. Mom and Dad started working with each other to parent their children rather than battling one another. According to camp director Barb Brados, “It was truly a beautiful sight to see how a few days in a safe, positive and fun environment with workshops that teach valuable skills can change people in such a dramatic and positive way. The children said ‘thank you’ to the counselors for making their parents happy again.”

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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 at frysfood.com and enter NPO #81749 for Southwest Center.

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll earn rewards (rebates) for us every time you shop and use

your V.I.P. Card!

If you are already participating in this program – Thank You – and remember, you must re-enroll each year to continue earning rewards for Southwest Center.

Fall Festivities

Grand Opening Celebration Benefits Southwest Center

On October 17 a packed house at Jonathan Adler’s new Biltmore location grand opening celebration helped raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS. Jonathan Adler, who was at the event signing autographs, generously donated 15% of the evening’s proceeds to Southwest Center. In addition, Southwest Center received proceeds from all sales during October 24 through 26.

Jonathan Adler’s partner, Simon Doonan, was also in attendance promoting and signing his new book, The Asylum. Simon is the creative ambassador-at-large for New York City-based clothing store, Barneys.

Jonathan Adler, who launched his first ceramic collection in 1994 at Barneys New York, now has over 25 stores worldwide, a thriving e-commerce site, and a wholesale business boasting over 1,000 locations globally. As an iconic potter, designer, author, and personality, Jonathan Adler is dedicated to bringing style, craft and joy to life.

Southwest Center extends a warm, grateful thank you to Jonathan Adler and the Biltmore store team.

A great time was had by all as we walked and ran to fight HIV/AIDS on October 26. Thanks to everyone who joined our team and/or made a direct donation. Your support makes a difference.

Thank You for Visiting Our Rainbows Booth!

Thanks to all who joined our team!

DINE OUT at California Pizza Kitchen’s Biltmore Fashion Park location and support critical services at Southwest Center!

Every 2nd Thursday of the month, CPK will donate 20% of your meal to Southwest Center. Enjoy a great lunch, dinner or take-out and make a difference in the lives of people who depend on Southwest Center’s programs.

Pictured L to R (back) – Mesha Davis, Southwest Center; Thomas Fisher, store leader; Jonathan Adler; Ellen Lord, Southwest Center; (front) Simon

Doonan; Cindy Quenneville, Southwest Center executive director

Shop at Fry’sSupport Southwest Center

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Deadline: December 31, 2014

Reduce your tax liability while helping those who need it most. Thanks to Arizona’s Tax Credit for Qualifying Charitable Organizations, state taxpayers can make a cash donation to Southwest Center and reduce their taxes.

Contributions up to $400 may earn a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on Arizona income tax, which means your total tax bill can be reduced by this amount. The maximum credit for contributions is $200 for single or head of household and $400 for married filling jointly. In addition, your gift to Southwest Center qualifies as a charitable deduction on your 2014 federal return if you itemize.

Here are a few ways your dollars can help:

• $75 covers one behavioral health counseling session• $100 supports 30 women for one lunch & learn group• $200 provides 20 HIV tests plus fulfills the Arizona

Charitable Tax Credit (filing singly)• $400 sends one child to Camp Incredible Summer Camp

plus fulfills the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (filing jointly)• $500 covers one monthly “Pizza and the Basics” HIV 101

education class• $1,500 funds a monthly supply of outreach testing kits• $2,000 provides bi-monthly counseling, alternative medicine

and/or nutrition services for one client

Note: the above are examples of how your dollars can support programs. Go to swhiv.org/help/donate to make a difference today.

Save The Dates

Help Make Holidays Around The World A Success

Toys and Time Needed for December 20

Christmas is just two months away and Southwest Center is busy preparing for the annual Holidays Around the World party benefitting children impacted by HIV/AIDS.

This year the party, featuring gifts and a visit from Santa, will take place on December 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00

p.m. at Southwest Center. Many of the children and teens who will benefit come from very low-income families and these gifts will be the only ones they receive.

You can make a difference by donating toys, gift cards and money for party supplies. Board games, sports balls, arts and crafts kits, fingernail polish, dolls, and remote control cars are always big hits. To make a donation contact Barb Brados at (602) 595-8153 or bbrados@swhiv.org.

It’s Not Too Early to Think about Taxes!

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POZ Life Comes To ArizonaHelps Locals Live a Long, Healthy, POZitive Life

This summer, people living with HIV, their family members and their loved ones spent a weekend at Southwest Center learning new ways to live a long, healthy, productive POZitive lifestyle.

The POZ Life Weekend Seminar, a program by and for people living with HIV, was brought to Phoenix by California’s Life Group LA. More than 20 volunteers and speakers came with the Life Group to facilitate the two-day seminar for 40 participants. Topics included HIV drug treatment options, insurance and public benefits, stress management, alternative and complimentary therapies, nutrition, medication adherence, and HIV disclosure.

The Life Group LA is a coalition of people dedicated to the education, empowerment and emotional support of persons both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so that they may make informed choices and decisions about their healthcare and personal well-being.

Extras

Welcome New Staff Members!Say HI to some friendly, new faces at Southwest Center

Allycea Weil Dr. Kuberski Ellen Lord Jennifer Engelman Regginald Gage

>GET TESTED!FREE HIV TESTING

1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200 | Phoeniz, AZ 85004 | 602.307.5330swhiv.org

SOUTHWEST CENTER TESTING HOURS

Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last test taken at 4:30 pm)

Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last test taken at 6:30 pm)

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last test taken at 4:30 pm)

Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last test taken at 6:30 pm)

Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (last test taken at 2:30 pm)

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing availableWednesday and Thursday 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Congratulations To Trayci Prince On LPC Approval!

Congratulations to behavioral health counselor, Trayci Prince, on achieving approval from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This well-deserved achievement converts her previous Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status and contributes to the growth of Southwest Center’s behavioral health department by accommodating clients who wish to utilize private insurance.

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1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200Phoenix, AZ 85004602.307.5330swhiv.org

OUR VISION & MISSIONLeading the fight against HIV and AIDS by reducing infection, improving the quality of life

and contributing to worldwide research.

Women’s Lunch & LearnWednesdays 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.A day of health, education and empowerment provides knowledge about health issues impacting women.