Happy New Year from The Aliveness Project! We are so lucky to have each of you as members, volunteers and supporters, and I am excited to see what 2018 has in store for us. In many ways, 2017 was a year of building at Aliveness – growing programs, refreshing our brand, building a new website.
Last year we distributed almost 1000 lbs MORE food/groceries each month than the year before, topping out at 82 tons of food! Our Meal program had a higher monthly attendance and our case management load grew by almost 20%. We connected people who’d fallen out of health care back to a medical provider and ensured others secured or kept their housing. Our strategic priorities are on track and 2018 will be another year of growth, new adventures, and I’m sure a few surprises along the way. We are grateful for you, our partners and members, because we are stronger with you by our side.
2018 will bring a continued focus on linking PLHIV to resources for leading healthy, self-directed lives. We will continue to position Aliveness to respond effectively and sustainability to the needs of multiple shifting populations impacted by HIV. We will explore the varied and sometimes emerging needs demonstrated by our long term survivors, our newly diagnosed, our new immigrant communities and our youth, working with funders to adapt programming and services to have the most impact. Discussions about and actions that support racial and gender equity will remain a top priority, making sure Aliveness is a safe and welcoming space for all.
We will discover and nurture new partnerships to enhance our capacity. We will measure our work, articulating its impact, letting go of that which no longer serves our members and making room to grow into what new roles might look like. We will continue to strengthen processes to support our staff and be wise stewards of your dollars. And we will be at the forefront of efforts to grow leadership within the PLHIV community, providing opportunities for individuals to lead, have voice, and play a role in ending the HIV epidemic.
I truly look forward to your company on this journey in 2018. Please, should you feel compelled, reach out to me at [email protected] and tell me your hopes and wishes for PLHIV and The Aliveness Project this upcoming year. I’d love to hear your stories, ideas and well wishes and I will share them with our members!
Be on the lookout for really exciting news about The Aliveness Project’s Food Shelf program in next month’s Aliveline! We’re excited about how the food shelf will grow in 2018!
Member Services
The Aliveness Project kicked off a month of celebration of its members in December. Members celebrated life at the World AIDS Day Bowling Party at Park Tavern. Throughout the month, staff, volunteers, and donors worked on another successful Holiday Gift Program.
Through the program, 455 members and their families were given hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. Almost 300 children accessed Toys for Tots. Overall, 874 people participated in this year’s Holiday Gift Program. The 2017 Holiday Gift Program added a holiday party on December 20 to help members celebrate the season with their friends and families. About 300 people participated in a fun filled day of bingo, prize drawings, arts and crafts, a delicious holiday meal, an open mic, trivia, and gingerbread house building.
In preparation for next year’s program, The Aliveness Project is accepting brand new hats, gloves, scarves, and socks for all ages and new toys for children ages 10 and up. We are also accepting gift cards for prizes for next year’s holiday party.
If you’d like more information on member services please contact Paul Nemeth, Member Services Coordinator,[email protected], 612-722-8946 ext. 222. For information on donating to The Aliveness Project, please contact Jennifer Dieter, Development Director, [email protected], 612-822-7946 ext. 204.
2017 Impact
Development News
Thank you to everyone who made a financial contribution in 2017!
The holiday season was filled with giving, and through the generosity of many, Aliveness surpassed our individual giving goal for the year. Through the Holiday Gift Program, we received thousands of donated cookies and hundreds of beautifully constructed stockings, had over 12 organizations and individuals host winter wear drives, and were able to support 874 members and their families this holiday season.
Save the date for Dining Out For Life 2018: April 26, 2018! Our goal is to raise $260,000 to support people living with HIV in Minnesota.
There are many ways to get involved with this year’s event:
Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies looking to partner with a high visibility, high impact event. Learn more by clicking here or contacting Jennifer Dieter, Development Director, at 612-822-7946, ext. 204 or [email protected].
Restaurant Partners offer to donate a minimum of 20% of their profits from participating meals on April 26. To apply to be a restaurant partner, click here to complete the agreement or contact Ayrie Gomez, Events & Projects Manager, at 612-822-7946, ext. 207 or [email protected].
Volunteer Ambassadors help promote Aliveness and Dining Out For Life in our partner restaurants on April 26. Click here to apply or contact Laura Henry, volunteer manager, at 612-822-7946, ext. 221 or [email protected].
Dining Out For Life 2017 Sponsor Dinner at 4 Bells with representatives from Carmichael Lynch and Subaru.
Fundraiser at The Local
The Local, a popular Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis has selected The Aliveness Project as one of two recipients for its 20th Anniversary #20DaysOfGiving fundraiser. For every drink purchased, $1 will be donated to The Aliveness Project and The House of Charity. In one week they raised over $4,500 dollars with a goal of $20,000 by January 20.
We’re so thankful for The Local’s support and generosity. The fundraiser will be going on until Saturday, January 20. Follow The Local on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
January & February Events
FOR MEMBERS:
*The Aliveness Project is OPEN on Monday, February 19 (Presidents’ Day).
Sunday, January 28, 11 am-1:30 pm
Pet Clinic Shots and a basic exam will be provided for cats and dogs; $20 donation requested, but no one turned away. To sign up, contact Paul Nemeth, Member Services Coordinator, at [email protected], (612) 822-7946, ext. 222.
Tuesday, January 30, 1:30-2:30 pm
Members Workshop: “Attitude of Gratitude“ As a community, we will share ideas and activities meant to help us remember the power of positive thinking & gratitude. Call (612) 822-7946 to sign up.
*WEEKLY EVENTS:
Mondays 2-3 pm (*no meeting Jan. 15)
Harm Reduction/Recovery Meeting Whether you’re sober in recovery or still working on it, this meeting is a no-judgment zone for support facilitated by LADC Eric Clemenson.
Tuesdays 5-7 pm, Fridays 12-2 pm
“Care to Connect” SurveyMembers that go to HCMC may qualify to take a survey to receive a giftcard, look for Thu in the dining room.
Thursdays 11 am-noon
Bingo Win prizes and stay for lunch!
Fridays 11 am-noon
Trivia Answer questions to win prizes, knowledge, and glory.
Therapy Schedule (as of January 2018):
Mondays: acupuncture, chiropractic some Mondays
Tuesdays: talk therapy with a licensed psychologist
Wednesdays: acupuncture
Thursdays: cranio-sacral therapy, massage
Fridays: life coaching with a certified coach, massage
*To schedule, call at 9 am on the day of thetherapy you are seeking.
*MONTHLY EVENTS:
Friday, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, 10 am-noon
“Older Women, Wise Ladies (OWWLs)” Female members are welcome to attend this women’s social support group on the 3rd Friday of the month.
Friday, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, 2-4 pm
Writing Workshops Performance artists from Patrick’s Cabaret visit the 3rd Friday of themonth to help members learn to write and perform their life stories.
Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 am-12:30 pm
Park House Reunion Members who went to Park House (which closed in January) are invited to reconnect with other Park House participants and staff. This group meets monthly on Saturdays (dates vary).
Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 am-12:30 pm
“Unidos Somos Mas” Members fluent in Spanish are invited to attend this Spanish-language HIV support group (dates vary).
Wednesday, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, 12-2 pm
“Ask the Pharmacist” A Walgreens specialty pharmacist will be available in the dining room for one-on-questions on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
OPEN TO ALL:
Monday, Jan. 1 through Saturday, Jan. 20
The Local fundraising event for The Aliveness Project. For every drink purchased, $1 will be donated to The Aliveness Project and House of Charity.
Tuesday, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, 6-8 pm
Board of Directors Meeting Our Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, 3-6 pm
“Ham Time” Queer-trans youth are invited to make art and connect for support; contact Gelli Overton at [email protected], (612) 822-7946, ext. 209.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30 pm
Membership Advisory Committee (MAC) MeetingThe MAC is a group of members in a leadership role that meet the 4th Tuesday of the month.
Saturday, Jan. 27 6:30 pm-9:00 pm 80’s Jukebox Fundraiser North Star Regional Rodeo will be hosting a fundraiser at Lush on 990 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis. There will be performances, prizes and a silent auction to benefit The Aliveness Project.
Thank you for reading our latest e-newsletter. To sign-up for the Aliveline email [email protected]!
More Resources from Aliveness:
Open Call for Mural Artists – Four Opportunities for Permanent Indoor Murals at The Aliveness Project
The Aliveness Project Receives a $1,000,000 Federal Funding Investment
Otto Bremer Trust Announces $245,000 Grant Support to Aliveness Project.
