By TaMaryn Waters, Tallahassee Democrat Staff Writer
Tallahassee Democrat, Wednesday, December 20, 2006 — DonMarie Johnson contracted HIV before she moved to Tallahassee five years ago.
At times, she said, depression and isolation got the best of her. But she found comfort four years ago when she went to Big Bend Cares, an agency that provides case management, medical assistance, education and more to residents living with HIV and AIDS.
Johnson, 41, has been living with the disease for 16 years, and she said staffers with the agency have helped her greatly. She even had an opportunity to be a volunteer.
"They gave me something to do when I didn't have a reason to get out of the house," said Johnson, who was a sewing-machine operator in her hometown of Philadelphia. She's hoping the administrative work she has learned will help her get a part-time job in the future.
Johnson was surprised to see that there were few resources for HIV-positive residents in Tallahassee other than Big Bend Cares, which serves an eight-county area.
"We're trying to do everything we did last year for 5 percent less money," said Rob Renzi, executive director. He said the agency serves more than 530 clients.
For that reason, the agency continues to look for ways to drum up money and volunteers.
Jeffery Mandel, 57, has been volunteering since the agency began in 1986, when it initially was called Tallahassee AIDS Support Services.
He lent his technological savvy to help with the agency's computer-related needs, and now he is delivering grocery bags to clients unable to pick them up.
"Here is a disease that just sucks up all the resources and often isolates people," Mandel said. "Delivering the grocery bags was just a shocking and unforgettable experience. You come face to face with those that shockingly need it."
Although the agency has made strides with most of its services, the HIV support group continues to have low attendance, according to Craig Reynolds, director of client services.
He said an average of seven clients show up at the weekly group meetings, which are open to those who are not necessarily clients.
"That's one of the things that continues to be a challenge," Reynolds said. Part of the problem, he said, is the stigma associated with the disease.
"People don't have a problem talking about cancer or diabetes at the dinner table. But when you talk about the H-word or the A-word, suddenly it gets quiet."
Reynolds, who has been HIV-positive for 16 years, said now is the time to break the silence.
This is part of a series of weekly stories highlighting the work of United Way agencies. The series will continue through the end of the agency's fundraising campaign in February. To learn more about volunteering at a United Way agency, visit www.uwbb.org. For fundraising efforts, call 414-0844.
Big Bend Cares
Services: Provides HIV testing, case management, medical assistance, education, comprehensive support and other services to residents living with HIV or AIDS in the Big Bend.
Address: 2201 S. Monroe St.
Phone: (850) 656-2437.
Web site: www.bigbendcares.org.
Home |