Cascade AIDS Project
Cascade AIDS Project Saves Lives

 

Cascade AIDS Project saves lives.  It's that simple.  I have known this from the moment I toured CAP's facility and programs in 2008, and so many people can attest to this truth far better than I.  Today, I invite you to read on and find the same inspiration I have found though the mission-driven work of CAP:

Benjamin  

"My life was changed instantly with three letters: HIV.  I was lost, I was broken, and I felt as though I had manifested a life of failure.  Was death to come soon?  How to tell family and friends how I had failed them?  Where was the strength to overcome circumstance while I was devoid of belief in myself?   Fortunately, my answers were found in three other letters: CAP.  CAP was there for me when I was incapable of being there for myself.  The support I received at Cascade AIDS Project was the pivot from which a life defined by HIV changed to a life driven to advocate for change.  I now consider myself a fortunate man because of the family that has surrounded me. And family, for me, has included Cascade AIDS Project. This organization ignited my diminished flame. Thank you for giving me hope." Benjamin Gerritz, former CAP Client, Volunteer, and current Prevention Employee.

 

CAP offered supportive services to over 900 individuals in FY 2012: Over 600 were helped to find and or secure housing, over 100 were assisted in their quest for employment and about 200 were helped in navigating the HIV medical system and accessing other needed referrals.

Jennifer  

"Discovering I was HIV positive when I was a teenager was the worst day of my life. Through one intimate moment with a boy who didn't know he was infected, my future was forever changed. I felt very alone and knew very little about HIV/AIDS. I didn't think I had a future. Through a referral from a counselor, I became a client at Cascade AIDS Project. I attended a CAP support group with other young people facing HIV/AIDS. CAP's HIV/AIDS 101 training armed me with facts. I joined CAP's Speakers Bureau and gave prevention talks at local schools and in the news media. CAP provided me with support services and an opportunity to help prevent HIV/AIDS in the community. Now it is 21 years later, and I've overcome many struggles and achieved a full life. Today I am a mother, a wife, serve on CAP's Board of Directors, and have a busy career. The support I received in those early years at CAP informed why I thrive today." Jennifer Jako, Board Member.

 

CAP's Kids' Connection program served 60 families living with HIV/AIDS, including 93 children, by offering programs as varied as help disclosing HIV status to schools, guardianship planning, teaching kids about HIV, recreational opportunities with other HIV-affected families, and a week-long residential camp for children.

  Jeremy

"Attending college in Los Angeles liberated this small town gay man, but with it came the risks and fumbles of naivet�.  Though I learned the importance of safe play, my big brothers in the gay community never impressed upon me the importance of regular STD screenings.  When, jobless and friendless, I moved back to Portland, I turned to online 'dating' to curb my loneliness.  Amid the chaos of online liaisons, I began chatting with a boy who wanted to start our relationship off 'fresh' with an STD screening.  He told me about a clinic that conducted free STD and HIV tests, which turned out to be CAP's.  The staff welcomed me into the space before my test, provided a strong, reassuring presence during my visit.  I was and still am extremely grateful for the testing services provided by CAP.  Their service is crucial." Jeremy Abe, CAP Development Intern

 

CAP's Testing for All programs provided rapid HIV testing and risk reduction counseling in CAP's administrative offices, at Pivot and in the community to over 2,800 people.  These tests found 20% of the state's new positives.  Many of those served had no other resource for a test.  We offered testing with risk reduction counseling in Multnomah, Clark, Clackamas, and Washington counties, though many served came from other areas of the state.  At CAP's administrative offices, tests are offered to all sexual orientations and genders.

 

Cascade AIDS Project's mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.  The stories above of those seeking care from CAP -- as well as the thousands more we could share -- embody this mission and the fidelity with which CAP's staff and volunteers work.  None of this would be possible without you.

 

I am proud to be the Board Chair for CAP, and as such, ask you to step up, once again, and make an end of year gift to help fight HIV/AIDS.  $80 pays for one HIV Test.  $250 pays for a 2-hour HIV seminar in a school.  $500 allows 10 HIV-infected or -affected people to attend a relationship education course.  $1,000 makes it possible for one child who is infected or affected by HIV to attend a week of camp at Camp Starlight.

 

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for this disease.  But until there is a cure, we rely on generous people like you to help us meet our mission by making a monetary gift.  Please join me and my fellow Board Members in the fight against HIV/AIDS by donating today.  Go online to www.cascadeaids.org to make your gift, or mail a check to Cascade AIDS Project, 208 SW 5th Ave. # 800, Portland, OR 97204.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jackie Yerby 

 






Jacqueline Yerby
Board Chair


CAP and United Way for Workplace Giving
 

For many, the best way to reach their charitable giving goals is to give a budgeted amount all year through workplace giving. United Way of the Columbia Willamette makes this possible through many employers in Oregon and SW Washington. You can designate your workplace giving to benefit a specific organization, such as CAP. In many cases, employers match the monthly amounts given by employees. To see if your employer participates in United Way's workplace giving, talk to your HR manager or contact United Way

 

Did you know United Way funds help support CHATpdx? This CAP program works to engage youth, especially youth of color, in conversations about positive sexual health. United Way funds also pay for testing services for this same group. Last year, CHATpdx, through all of its offerings, touched over 4,900 youth and offered HIV testing and counseling to 139 of those youth.

 

CHAT PDX