SFAF Programs Promote Community Awareness and Support

SFAF's vital community awareness and support programs finished 2003 on a high note and are looking forward to a productive 2004. These vital programs provide SFAF clients secure forums to discuss issues related to HIV health, to access valuable treatment information and to cultivate much needed support networks.

Black Brothers Esteem

The Black Brothers Esteem (BBE) group continues to support the development of a healthy community for African American gay and same-gender-loving men in San Francisco. In December, BBE members planned and hosted the 7th annual BBE Kwanzaa celebration, demonstrating what a vibrant and healthy community can accomplish when working together. Kwanzaa is based around seven principles reinforcing the building of community--unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

"The BBE Kwanzaa celebration demonstrated true togetherness and family. It was a great way to bring together and reaffirm the black gay community," said Tony Bradford, BBE Manager.

BBE's plans for 2004 include many continuing and new programs targeting issues critical to community, including housing options; strategies for supporting black gay couples; enhancing spirituality; and promoting harm reduction. In addition, Phoenix Rising--BBE's support group--will continue to meet on a weekly basis, and BBE will host its annual BBE Leadership Retreat. For more information on BBE visit www.sfaf.org/bbe or call 415/487- 8018.

Gay Life

Gay Life continues to support healthy gay men through workshops on topics relating to love and relationships, dating, intimacy, and aging. In late 2003, the Gay Life program had its first hugely successful weekend retreat, entitled "Manifest Love," focusing on building a strong, supportive and healthy gay community in San Francisco. The retreat, lead by Dave Nimmons, author of The Soul Beneath the Skin, helped participants clarify key principles of community . Other programs planned for 2004 include workshops on dating, speaking your truth, spirituality and a second annual community building retreat. For more information or to get involved with Gay Life visit www.gaylife.org or call 415/788-LIFE.

Women & Family Holiday Party

"There's Santa Claus," one child screamed before he had even entered the dining room. Since December 1987, SFAF has hosted the annual Women & Family Holiday Party. This festive event is the only San Francisco-based holiday party specifically for women living with HIV and their families. "For some, this will be the only family holiday experience they will have. "I wish everyone could see the faces of the kids when they get their bag of toys or hear the heartfelt thanks from the many women," stated Keith Hocking, Associate Director of Volunteer Programs. This year, over 400 people, including 150 children, were served a delicious holiday meal with the help of 70 volunteers, and were entertained by various community groups. Toys and gifts were donated by various community businesses, individuals and toy drives. If you would like to volunteer at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation please visit www.sfaf.org/takeaction/ or call 415/487-8080.

Latino Support Group

SFAF's Latino Support Group (LSG), for HIV-positive Spanish speaking men, women and transgendered individuals, just celebrated its 15th birthday. The oldest, longest-running support group for HIV-positive Latinos in the United States, members meet weekly to discuss how HIV affects their lives and receive ongoing support and referrals to manage their HIV health. "Often times, members of the LSG have not disclosed their HIV status to their families or friends, so we provide a safe forum for them to talk and get the support and information they need to make informed health decisions," said Jorge Zepeda, SFAF Client Advocate. For more information about the Latino Support Group please call Jorge at 415/487-8034.