Top Posts of 2013

We've had a fun year with you, blog-readers. We've chatted about what pizza has to do with our food pantry, the 44 amazing restaurants that gave back through Dining Out for Life, and our insanely awesome volunteers, who keep things chugging along. Plus, we got excited about chili and tried to convince you to volunteer once. Okay, maybe twice. We also touched on some really serious and important topics, like what one incredible young woman is doing to fight HIV stigma in our community, how we're working to support high-risk groups, and what our strategy is for successfully preventing the spread of HIV and empowering those affected by it.      

So, we thought it'd be fun to look back and see what your favorite posts were this year. Take a read through these top posts, and then tell us what you'd like to read about in 2014. Enjoy!

Top Posts of 2013 

5. Forty Five Degrees, Yogulatte owner long-time Damien supporter - April 23, 2013

4. Go see Naked Boys Singing and support The Damien Center! - February 8, 2013

3. Costume Ideas: The Disco Ball Edition - September 24, 2013

2. Why Santorini Greek Kitchen gives back - April 5, 2013

1. Do you need to get linked? - May 30, 2013

Cooking Up Some Fun: Chili Cook-Off, Round Three!

What goes better with a Saturday night in late November than 20+ crock pots full of chili? Raising money to fight HIV, of course! Coming up on its third year, the annual Chili Cook-Off is just two days away, and believe us, the chili is calling your name. There will be sweet chili, savory chili, hearty chili, meaty chili, and veggie chili, plus chili that will blow your idea of spicy out of the proverbial water. Which you will need. For the spice.

But don't worry, even if you don't dig the spiciest of spicy, there will be a chili for you. And just to add some old-fashioned competition, you'll also be voting for your favorites. Join us! Come to Indy's Kitchen, bring a suggested donation of $25, and eat until you're content. Beverages will be provided. Thanks to our host and generous board member Clinton Gruettert!

What: 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off (Damien Center Benefit)

When: Saturday, November 23, 7-9:30pm

Where: Indy's Kitchen, 2442 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205

More details and to RSVP

McNamara and Bowman honored with Florence L. Elias Compassion Award

This year's Florence L. Elias Compassion Award for outstanding corporate giving went to long-time supporter and Grande Masquerade sponsor McNamara Florist. The award, which was given at the 26th Annual Grande Masquerade on October 19, honors an organization that has, in the spirit of Flo Elias, given generously to The Damien Center's mission. McNamara owners Toomie Farris and Michael Marcum accepted the award and are to thank for McNamara's ongoing support. Marcum served once again as Grande Masquerade Event Design Chair this year and created the incredible look of the event using thousands of flowers, disco-themed props, lighting, and more. He also serves on The Damien Center's Board of Directors.

As a Masquerade Ball Sponsor for this and past Grande Masquerades, McNamara gives generously to make the event truly spectacular and help raise funds so The Damien Center can continue to offer its services completely free of charge. Congratulations, McNamara, and we thank you for all you do!

Long-time Damien Center volunteer Larry Bowman received the Flo Elias Award for individuals in recognition of his 15 years as a volunteer at the Center. Larry provides haircuts to our clients and has a true passion for helping those in need gain a sense of normalcy in their sometimes chaotic lives. Larry turns our Client Enrichment Center into what feels like a local barbershop on the days he visits. His caring, giving attitude embodies the spirit of the Flo Elias Award: he gives to empower individuals to live each day with dignity. Thank you, Larry, and congratulations!

 

Thank you to our Grande Masquerade sponsors!

The Big Event is over, the disco ball has been lowered, and our sequin accessories have been packed away. But don't worry! We are still in full Grande Masquerade mode over here, which means we're adding up fundraising totals, writing hundreds of thank-you notes, and reflecting on how much fun we had raising money to fight HIV in our community. One of the things we LOVE to do both before and after the event is give our heartfelt thanks to our event sponsors, who truly make it possible for us to put on this event. With their support, we can pull off the grooviest Disco Ball in town and raise LOTS of money to further The Damien Center's mission (fundraising totals coming soon!).

Please join us in thanking this year's Grande Masquerade Sponsors:

Costume Ideas: The Disco Ball Edition

Here's the thing about fashion in the 1970s: it was all about personal expression. Brocade mini dress from Oscar de la Renta more your style than a gold, bell-bottom jumpsuit? Great. Rather sport a Farrah Fawcett feather than a fab afro? No problem. That's what we love about the '70s!

That's also what makes crafting a costume for this year's Grande Masquerade: Disco Ball a fashion challenge. But designers? We're gonna make it work. We've been pinning the heck out of disco hair, fashion, and makeup in hopes of helping all of us find the perfect-for-you disco look. A few of our favorites come from iconic 1970s looks, so keep reading for some serious costume inspiration. All the links below go back to our Disco Pinterest board, so click away!

• As the groovy Brady fam knows, COLOR is always a great disco look! Bright colors, fun patterns, anything psychedelic-looking - all are fair game for a classic '70's look. Even menswear, like this vintage Lilly Pulitzer jacket, took advantage of fun colors and quirky patterns. 

• Donna, Farrah, Goldie, Olivia, and so many other disco queens showed us that HAIR was another way to define your look in the 1970s. Soft, full-bodied curls, flicks, afros, and feathered, face-framing layers were all disco trademarks. Not into the long and flowy look? Twiggy's pixie cut redefined short coifs, and classic cocktail updos from the 1960s still had their place alongside '70s-era formalwear.

• Speaking of '70s-era formalwear, let's not forget to talk about JUMPSUITS. From the gorgeous Charlie's Angels to the classic LBJ (Little Black Jumpsuit), these fashion workhorses were a disco wardrobe staple. Think they've gone the way of platform saddle shoes? Think again! We love this modern jumpsuit look from Polyvore. 

• Okay, we know, jumpsuits just don't work for everyone. Take a cue from our favorite disco gal Donna Summer and find something that works for YOU. Donna rocked everything from leopard dresses in classic silhouettes to Egyptian pantsuits and barely-there sequin ensembles. (Sequins: another great disco look, along with metallics, a la gorgeous gold shoes, bronzey goddess dresses, and pants that shine.)  

• Gentlemen! We have not forgotten you. MENSWEAR was as diverse in the disco era as it is now, but with a whole lot more bell bottoms going on. We love the fitted-yet-flared look of these formal tuxes, while bold patterns, colors, and again, shiny pants, were also awesomely popular during the '70s. And really, let's not pretend like we're not inspired by this guy.

So, are you feeling better, disco divas? Stay tuned for another installment of our Costume Ideas blog post, and until then, stay groovy!

Welcome, Damien Center AmeriCorps Volunteers!

This week, The Damien Center family welcomed three new members to our team to help us in prevention and testing, volunteer management, housing, and in our food pantry. Erin, Catherine, and Nahom are joining The Damien Center via the AIDS United AmeriCorps Program, a national AmeriCorps program focusing specifically on HIV prevention and care.

The Damien Center is one of seven cities across the United States where AIDS United AmeriCorps Volunteers work to fight HIV/AIDS, save lives, deliver resources, and support a range of HIV/AIDS service organizations. The program focuses on supporting these organizations while training the next generation of AIDS leaders. The Damien Center is one of several sites across Indianapolis where AIDS United AmeriCorps Volunteers are placed.

Erin Orme, hailing from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, more recently, Loyola University in Chicago, is joining The Damien Center's Development Department to manage the volunteers that keep the Center ticking. Catherine Malin is from Illinois and is a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary in beautiful Williamsburg, Virginia. She will be working in The Damien Center's Testing and Prevention Department. Nahom Tecle, an Ohio native and Indiana University graduate, will be working in our Housing Assistance Program as well as our Food Pantry. 

We are thrilled to have these three incredible volunteers on our team! We look forward to seeing them grow as leaders while helping Damien Center continue as a leader in HIV prevention and care. Welcome, Erin, Catherine, and Nahom!

Guest Post: Tataya Mato offers support for kids with HIV/AIDS

This week we have another wonderful guest post from our friends as Jameson Camp, who dedicate an entire session of summer camp to kids living with HIV and AIDS. How awesome is that? We think they're rockin' it with Tataya Mato, and we're betting you will too. Enjoy!

Did you know that Jameson Camp, located on Indy's West side, offers a special camp session for children affected by HIV/AIDS? This free 8-day/7-night session of camp is called Tataya Mato and serves youth ages 7-17. Children attending this session of camp either have the disease or have a close family member who does. This is the only camp program in Indiana that serves children impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Tataya Mato offers a unique combination of a traditional eight-day overnight summer camping experience combined with a program of personal growth and support of the child’s family and caregiver. Tataya Mato campers partake in traditional camp activities including archery, rock climbing, creek stomping, culinary arts, journalism, and art expressions. Older campers have the opportunity to go on multi-day camping and backpacking trips in Indiana and out of state. While at camp, youth gain in self-confidence and social skills, and learn to respect themselves, others, and the environment. They are also immersed in a supportive and fun environment with children who are facing similar challenges and obstacles related to living with or knowing someone with HIV/AIDS.

The Jameson staff work with various community partners throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to recruit children for the Tataya Mato session. Free transportation is provided to each child who attends this session of camp and Jameson Camp waives camper fees for children attending Tataya Mato. It costs Jameson Camp roughly $45,000 each year to operate Tataya Mato, so we depend on the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to help cover the costs of this specialized camp. It is our belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the excitement and culture of summer camp. We provide our campers the opportunity to make lifelong memories while gaining important life skills.

Jameson Camp is grateful for its partnership with Roche Diagnostics and the Indiana AIDS Fund, who have been strong supporters of Tataya Mato over the years. If you are interested in supporting HIV/AIDS programs like Jameson Camp and The Damien Center, we encourage you to participate in the Indiana AIDS Walk on Saturday, September 28th! Join The Damien Center’s team and help raise money to fight HIV and AIDS right here in our community. Can't attend the event? Make a secure online donation or help us spread the word!

Allegra Printing selects Damien Center for FootPRINT Fund

When we learned about Allegra Indy East Printing and their FootPRINT Fund for Nonprofit Friends, we jumped at the chance to apply. This unique grant program is, according to Allegra, "designed to aid nonprofit organizations in their quest to create lasting impressions." We want to create lasting impressions, we thought, and what better way than through a partnership with a local printing who wants to give back to our community?

Today, we're excited to announce that Allegra has selected The Damien Center as a $1,000 grantee for their FootPRINT Fund! We're targeting our Linkage to Care program for this grant, meaning that we'll be using the funds to support this new program and get more HIV+ people in our community connected with care, support, and services to help them live long, healthy lives. You can read more about our Linkage to Care program in this post. With support from Allegra, we'll be able to do a better job getting the word out about L2C, which directly improves the health of our community.

While you'll have to stay tuned for details about what projects we'll be undertaking with Allegra's support, we want to say a big thank you to Allegra for selecting us a grantee! We're looking forward to a great partnership!  

Four Reasons to Volunteer for Grande Masquerade: Disco Ball

With our 26th annual Grande Masquerade a mere two months away, we're starting to think about this (always epic) fundraising gala in real-life terms. We're shifting from loosey-goosey pipe dreams of glitzy sequins and shiny disco balls to the more important questions: How many glitzy sequins? How shiny of a disco ball? And who's going to help us put it all together?!

Enter our faithful supporters, our behind-the-scenes superheroes: our volunteers. Every year, dozens of volunteers sign their lives away for a few hours (okay, but we feed them, so don't worry) to help us set up, get people registered, run our live and silent auctions, answer our guests' questions, run random errands, check people out at the end of the night, tear down, and oh so much more. They are truly our lifeboats during this event, and this year, you can join the ranks!

Here's why you should volunteer for Grande Masquerade Disco Ball: 

4. Obviously, you're helping us out, and you can feel good about that. Last year, the event raised more than $178,000, and we have volunteers to thank for helping us accomplish that. Being a part of our success means you're helping us fight HIV/AIDS and care for those affected by it.

3. If the feel-good factor isn't enough to make you want to give up a Saturday night, look at this way: volunteering is good for your soul, yes, but it's also good for your resume, scholarship apps, class requirements, and more. We want our volunteers to get something out of it, too, so we're happy to help you accomplish your goals while you're helping us accomplish ours.

2. Two words: People. Watching. Our guests come in costumes, black-tie, and everything in between. Seeing what costumes and ideas our guests have come up with is so much fun.

1. You get to attend a classy, quirky, fun, disco-themed fundraiser without having to shell out the bucks to do so! Win win win win.

If you're at least partially convinced that you'd like to volunteer for what's shaping up to be a heckuva Disco Ball, get some more info and fill out our volunteer sign-up form. See you at the Disco Ball!

Walk around the block with us

We know it's hard to imagine at the moment, when the air is heavy and the sun beats down relentlessly, but fall is on its way. And so many wonderful things come when fall comes. Curling up in a blanket around a blazing bonfire, dreaming up your best Halloween costume yet, indulging in a caramel apple or a mug of fresh apple cider—and our favorite, taking a walk around the block to fight AIDS in our community!

This year's Indiana AIDS Walk, A Walk Around the Block, is going to be the perfect gateway to fall for all you lovers of autumn colors and cool, crisp nights. A departure from its previous incarnation as an early-morning walk through Downtown Indianapolis, A Walk Around the Block features a leisurely stroll through the beautiful, historic Herron Morton Place Neighborhood on Saturday, September 28, from 4pm to 6pm. Last year, more than 1,000 people walked for the cause and raised $225,000 to fight HIV and AIDS right here in Indianapolis.

What else is there to do, you ask? We'll have entertainment, a wellness fair, a pet pit stop, awards and prizes, and of course, fun for the whole family. All proceeds benefit the Gregory R. Powers Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) Fund. Grantees of the Indiana AIDS Fund, including us here at The Damien Center, use DEFA funds to provide emergency financial assistance and direct care for those throughout Indiana impacted by HIV/AIDS. Here at the Center, we use these dollars to provide bus passes, food for the pantry, medication assistance, client events, and mortgage/rent/utility/incidental assistance.

Want to take a walk around the block with us? It's easy peasy. You can join Team Damien, sign up as an individual, or make your own team by recruiting friends and family to walk with you. Can't be there on September 28? No problem. Make a donation to the event and know you're making an difference for the health of your city.


Check out all the event details here!

Guest Post: Local HIV+ teen works to end stigma

This week, our friends at Jameson Camp are joining us for a very special guest post about a local HIV+ teen who's making serious waves with her positive attitude and big heart. 18-year-old Paige Rawl is a supporter of Jameson Camp's Tataya Mato program, a week-long camp for HIV+ kids, and speaks to groups all around the city about her experiences with HIV. Read on and be inspired by Paige's story, as told by Taylor Brown.


Recall what life was like in middle school. For most people, the hardest times might include occasionally being left out or perhaps receiving a bad grade on a project. Now imagine what life would be like in middle school if you were HIV+. Imagine what it would be like if everyone knew. Imagine being relentlessly bullied.

For Paige Rawl, this was no hypothetical situation.

Paige, now 18 years old, grew up in Indianapolis and was born HIV+. Her mother contracted the disease from her father, and it was passed down to Paige. However, she didn’t know that she had the disease until she was 12 years old.

It was around this time that Paige decided to open up to a friend. “I told my best friend in sixth grade that I was HIV+,” said Paige. “She told her older sister, and it spread throughout the entire school.”

That’s when everything started to fall apart. Paige was nicknamed “PAIDS” and was harassed by children and adults alike. Eventually it became too much, and she decided to switch to homeschooling. “I went through a lot of bullying because of the stigma associated with being HIV+,” she said.

While she was being homeschooled, Paige decided it was time to take a stand and educate others on the disease in hopes of helping other children cope. “Now I do a lot of public speaking, advocacy, and education programs to raise awareness,” said Paige.

Though the stigma still exists, the number of programs that address the issue of HIV/AIDS is growing. The Indianapolis based nonprofit The Damien Center works to empower those affected by HIV/AIDS and to prevent the spread of HIV. Jameson Camp, a nonprofit organization on the west side of Indianapolis, has a week-long camp for children impacted by the disease. The Tataya Mato program is the only week-long camp in the state of Indiana for children dealing with HIV.

Last summer, Paige shared her story with the Tataya Mato campers. “Growing up, I didn’t know a lot of people who were HIV+ and dealing with the same issues as me,” said Paige. “A program like Tataya Mato gives children the opportunity to meet others like them. It makes them feel like they aren’t alone.”

Paige is currently a finalist in Seventeen Magazine’s “Pretty Amazing” competition, a contest in which participants submitted essays highlighting their accomplishments. According to Paige, 30,000 girls entered and only five were named finalists. The winner of the contest receives a $10,000 scholarship and will appear on the cover of the October issue of Seventeen. The winner will be announced in September.

Paige plans to attend Ball State University in the fall, and she also plans to continue her work educating others and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. “Just because you are HIV+ doesn’t mean you should be held back,” she said. “It doesn’t define who you are.”

Vote for Paige in the Seventeen Magazine contest and read more about her!

You're Invited: Damien Center Open House Tuesday 7/23

Ever wondered what goes on inside The Damien Center? What kinds of services do we offer, what are our staff members like, and what's it like to access our different programs? We're having an open house tomorrow, so now is your chance to find out!

Stop by tomorrow evening, July 23, between 5:30pm and 7:30pm to learn a little more about who we are and what we do. We'll have self-guided tours of our building, so you'll be able to check out where Care Coordination, HIV/STD testing, housing services, mental health counseling, food pantry services, and more take place in building. We'll also have staff members on hand to tell you a little about how things work in their different areas and go through mock services with you.


Just want some general information? We'll also have that, along with opportunities to win prizes and learn a little more about HIV and AIDS. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

The details:

What: Open House
Where: The Damien Center (26 North Arsenal Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201)
When: Tuesday, July 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Who: All are welcome!
Questions: Check out the Facebook event or call us at 317.632.0123!

Thanks a latte, volunteers!

On Monday we're going to be celebrating and thanking our amazing volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. But today, we wanted to share with you how grateful we are for those who give their time to keep us chugging along, onward and upward toward our mission to care for those living with HIV and fight to prevent the spread of it in our community.

Over the past year, more than 300 individuals have given their time and talents to helping us fulfill that mission. At Grande Masquerade alone, more than 80 people helped us raise $178,488. Additionally, 70 volunteers for Dining Out for Life made contact with 10,000 diners and raised $23,000 in individual contributions. On top of that, volunteers helped us get out in the community at fairs and festivals and represented us to their friends, families, and communities.

What else did they do? Our incredible volunteers helped us haul thousands of pounds of food for our food pantry so that we could continue to offer nutritional support for our clients, who need it more than most. Our volunteers also helped us serve 687 clients in our food pantry - that's 687 people who got an extra hand when they needed it. They also helped us keep our office running by volunteering in our testing center and so, so much more.

In terms of hours served, our volunteers have blown us out of the water. If we just counted the 11 volunteers with the most service hours, their total hours from July 2012 to July 2013 add up to 2,670 hours. That's 111 full, 24-hour days of service! Two of our volunteers contributed 528 and 596 hours to us, respectively. That's kind of like working full time for three and a half to four months. Wow.

We can't really thank our volunteers enough for what they do. It's impossible to put a value or a number on the generosity of the people we count among our precious volunteers. But what we can do is try to show our appreciation now and throughout the year. So thank you, volunteers, for everything you do! We are beyond grateful for your hard work and commitment!

Celebrating Successes: Our 2012 Annual Report

When we sat down and started to brainstorm what our 2012 Annual Report would look like, we envisioned something different - something that would capture our innovative programming, showcase our commitment to fighting HIV, and help our donors and supporters better understand what really happens at The Damien Center on a daily basis.

Enter Jane and John. These two fictional clients take readers on a journey from getting tested for HIV to finding stable housing and getting connected with health care, and everything in the middle. As Jane and John access a range of Damien Center services, they are able to stay healthy even as they are infected or affected by HIV. Jane and John represent the thousands of individuals we reach every year through HIV testing, Care Coordination, counseling, housing, and many other programs.

Our 25th year of service - 2012 - was truly our best yet. As a leader in HIV prevention and care, The Damien Center sits at the forefront of a national movement toward Linkage to Care, which is just one key piece of the ever-growing puzzle to eradicate HIV. Each of our programs is carefully designed to tackle different aspects of this complex issue.

We hope you'll take a read through our 2012 Annual Report and explore what it's like to be a client at The Damien Center by following along with Jane and John. It's because of supporters like you that we can continue to offer our services completely free of charge to those in need in our community. Thank you, and enjoy!