Phoenix Rising - 2017 for me was the realization of an ambitious vision set forth from the depths of despair.
The day after a fire in August 2013 destroyed our Damien Center home, we were faced with what felt like an insurmountable task of how to move forward. Stopping was not an option as we saw the needs of our local HIV community struggling with poverty, stigma, trauma, and other issues that continued to grow, despite all the medical advances in decreasing deaths from AIDS. Our journey from the fire to our new building in many ways reminds me of our community’s journey from the despair of the early days of AIDS to where we are today: full of hope now, but with the reality that there is much work to be done to End the Epidemic.
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2017 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
The day after a fire in August 2013 destroyed our Damien Center home, we were faced with what felt like an insurmountable task of how to move forward. Stopping was not an option as we saw the needs of our local HIV community struggling with poverty, stigma, trauma, and other issues that continued to grow, despite all the medical advances in decreasing deaths from AIDS. Our journey from the fire to our new building in many ways reminds me of our community’s journey from the despair of the early days of AIDS to where we are today: full of hope now, but with the reality that there is much work to be done to End the Epidemic.
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2017 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
2016 represented a year of exciting growth, planning, and real movement toward our post-2013 fire goal of building a new Damien Center and expanding our services to help those who are homeless. Construction began in August 2016 and continued throughout the winter. New staffing structures were planned and successful stewardship and leveraging of funding was realized. All while we provided our services to people with HIV/AIDS with the love and support so they feel good about themselves, their future, and their community.
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2016 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2016 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
Over 25 years ago, the Damien Center opened its doors becoming the first drop-in center for people with HIV/AIDS in the United States. Those early days of the epidemic were fraught with fear, anger, stigma, discrimination and, unfortunately, too many deaths of incredible human beings. Against that backdrop, the Damien Center provided basic life affirming services and a sense of belonging to those who walked through our doors. Over the past quarter century, while other agencies have closed their doors or moved on from HIV/AIDS services, the Damien Center has remained true to our original mission to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Excerpt from Board of Director's letter in 2015 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
Excerpt from Board of Director's letter in 2015 Annual Report
Click here or on the cover to read more
In 2014, your generosity helped us embark on a new
beginning for the Damien Center and the people we serve....
'Reestablishing our agency was only the first part of the story in 2014. A new site in Schenectady. A new prevention program. Progress on our new Albany site. Member attendance above pre‐fire levels. Active participation in Ending the AIDS Epidemic statewide efforts. Who would have thought after fire destroyed all we owned that we’d be sharing such successes now? Who could have imagined sharing such successes now?'
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2014 Annual Report 'A New Beginning'
Click here or on the cover to read more
beginning for the Damien Center and the people we serve....
'Reestablishing our agency was only the first part of the story in 2014. A new site in Schenectady. A new prevention program. Progress on our new Albany site. Member attendance above pre‐fire levels. Active participation in Ending the AIDS Epidemic statewide efforts. Who would have thought after fire destroyed all we owned that we’d be sharing such successes now? Who could have imagined sharing such successes now?'
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2014 Annual Report 'A New Beginning'
Click here or on the cover to read more
In 2013, your kindness gave us great strength...
'On August 29th we lost our home of 15 years as our building and all its contents were devastated by fire. We quickly found the fire brought out the absolute best in our local community ... In the ends, the fire did not define us as much as it showed our incredible strength to rise out of the ashes as a vital resource in our community ...' click here to read more
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2013 Annual Report 'Out of the Ashes'
'On August 29th we lost our home of 15 years as our building and all its contents were devastated by fire. We quickly found the fire brought out the absolute best in our local community ... In the ends, the fire did not define us as much as it showed our incredible strength to rise out of the ashes as a vital resource in our community ...' click here to read more
Excerpt from Executive Director's letter in 2013 Annual Report 'Out of the Ashes'
In 2012, Dr. Maya Angelou captured the essence of our work
at the Albany Damien Center ...
'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style'
A member's testimony gave witness ...
'This agency has given me my life back. The Center has put people
in my life who love me and understand the struggles we face.
I walk with my head held high. I am not alone.'
at the Albany Damien Center ...
'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style'
A member's testimony gave witness ...
'This agency has given me my life back. The Center has put people
in my life who love me and understand the struggles we face.
I walk with my head held high. I am not alone.'
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”
—Aristotle
The quote from Aristotle is a perfect salute to the efforts of the
Albany Damien Center in 2011. Our staff, board, volunteers, funders,
and community worked in a team effort to help our members living
with HIV/AIDS.
Our model is still the same as when we opened our doors in
1990. We treat each person with respect and provide unique programs
in a comfortable, supportive living room environment.
In 2011, we ... click here to read more
—Aristotle
The quote from Aristotle is a perfect salute to the efforts of the
Albany Damien Center in 2011. Our staff, board, volunteers, funders,
and community worked in a team effort to help our members living
with HIV/AIDS.
Our model is still the same as when we opened our doors in
1990. We treat each person with respect and provide unique programs
in a comfortable, supportive living room environment.
In 2011, we ... click here to read more