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In
every newsletter, we try to convey the magic of the Damien Center and
how our guests living with HIV/AIDS benefit by our work and your
on-going support. The following testimonial was written by one of
our guests:
“I can remember
the first time I picked up a calendar for the Albany Damien Center.
What stood out the most to me was the sentence “You are Not Alone”. It
seems in my life, through addiction, domestic violence, recovery, and
relapse, I was always surrounded by others yet utterly alone. I can
remember my first few visits (to the Center), sitting in the living room
and laughing - actually laughing with strangers that somehow felt like
family.
Now 4 ½ years
later, I am the single mother of a precious, special needs child. I
still struggle with addiction and most of the time I isolate at home
because I see the world as a dangerous place. The exceptions are my son
Mickey and the Center (my salvation). It is our safe place full of
friends and family. We don’t just feel like we belong, we do belong. I
have met and made my one true female friend through the Center and all
the staff and guests have a special place in our hearts. In the past, I
have made my share of mistakes and no matter how low I fell, Perry, the
staff, volunteers and other guests, let me know they loved me and to
just keep coming back. As Perry once told me at one of the lowest
moments in my life “who’s to say that this isn’t the time Laura stands
up and shines and who are we not to support that”. That’s what I feel
every time I’m at the Center.
Thank you for
always believing in and loving Mickey and me” – Laura
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New Daytime
Hours A Hit!
Because of YOU & AIDSWalk |
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In February 2007, we realized one of our goals of being open during
the day for the individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS who
need us. What a success it has been. A hot, nutritious lunch is
served each day beginning at 12 Noon and we are averaging 500
lunches served each month. |
Our expansion was funded by our Nutrition Grant from the AIDS
Institute and by funds raised by YOU during AIDSWalk. Let’s keep
the Center open during the day in 2008 — Help us by walking and
raising funds through AIDSWalk 2007! |
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Dine for PAWS
2007 |
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Our 4th Annual Dine for PAWS FUN-Raiser was held on June 2 and
raised over $20,000 for PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support). Dinner
hosts provided dinner for their guests and then joined our community
in the backyard of the Albany Damien Center for a Sensational
Dessert Reception. This event funded a 1/2 year of the PAWS
Program! Thank you to all who participated!
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