REACH provided me an opportunity to intern with them last minute. It was a great 9 months, lots of learning opportunities. I built good relationships and am grateful for my time with them.
I have been a volunteer with REACH since 2008. I have been to multiple camps and have served as a mentor for the entire time. REACH is amazing because they have such a deep love for people who are still greatly stigmatized by our society. They continually model love and acceptance, regardless of someone's HIV/AIDS diagnosis. They provide helpful, scientific, and informative training to volunteers. Volunteering with REACH feels like being part of an amazing and caring family, and I can only imagine it feels that way to be served by the REACH team as well.
REACH Ministries first touched our lives shortly after its founding in 1995. Our then 14 year-old son had been infected with HIV since infancy (due to blood transfusion associated with surgery to correct congenital defects). The fear and antagonism about HIV (then (and still!) engendered a need for secrecy that amplified the stress we already faced in raising a child with complex medical needs. The support and community provided by REACH were a literal godsend. Although our son has since passed, my wife and I continue to serve as volunteers. We recognize that despite advances in treatment of HIV, families and individuals with HIV still face fear and isolation. REACH is there to help. We know that the time and money we give to REACH is invested in tangible help to people with the same trauma we faced decades ago.
I've been a volunteer and financial supporter of Reach Ministries for 10 years. They offer excellent services to families and students affected by HIV. Most of the families have been affected by the social stigma of being a "carrier of AIDS" and the kids are sometimes prevented from simple joys like visiting their schoolmates homes. The annual family camp is an amazing experience where everyone is treated equally - counselors and volunteers don't know who is infected and really don't care. Some of the families have never felt this sort of freedom from judgement and fear before. There is also a youth mentoring program and several annual social outings. I will continue monthly giving to this fantastic non-profit.