20
LIVING POSITIVELY February 2015
LIVING POSITIVELY
February 2015
2
contents
In Every Issue P8 Member Support p9 Support Groups p11 Programs for members p16 Ongoing activities p18 Holistic services
p5 Prevention & Education: Spice up your condom game this Valentine’s Day p6 Meals Program p7 Nutrition: Chocolate
p10 3rd Thursdays p14 Community Pharmacy
p19 Staff Directory
PLEASE NOTE: The BLC will be closed February 16th in observance of President’s Day.
3
Victory Programs cordially invites you to
join with staff, clients, alumni, board members and special guests for our annual
Gratitude Dinner where we will also recognize Victory Programs’ 40th
anniversary of opening doors to hope, health and
housing!
2015 Gratitude Dinner Tuesday, March 24, 2015
6:00-9:00 pm Venezia Boston
20 Ericsson Street Boston, MA 02122
special events
Looking for volunteer opportunities?
Then the Boston Living Center might be
the place for you!
Just contact our volunteer coordinator,
Tammy Blocker, and fill out an application .
You must be at least18 years old and be able to
pass a CORI background check.
Call today! 617-236-1012 ext. 227
4
sudoku
Instructions: Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains
the numbers 1 to 9.
5
prevention and education
Spice up your condom game this
Valentine’s Day!
FC2 No matter the size, many men find the female condom more liberating. It is still "there" yet, he does not feel the same restriction, as when he is wearing the protection. Give it a try if you are (or he is) a traditional condom hater TROJAN Her Pleasure Ecstasy This revolutionary design provides the extra roomy shape at the top allows for better freedom of movement, translating to a more natural experience. TROJAN’s UltraSmooth premium lubricant is inside and outside for increased mutual pleasure LifeStyles 3Sum 3Sum condoms offer enjoyable ribs at the head and stimulating studs are strategically placed along the shaft. A shorter and narrower condom, the contoured head offers increased sensation GLYDE | Amazing Flavored Condoms & Dams Let’s be real. Normal latex isn’t the tastiest thing on the planet. Our friends at GLYDE have a line of game changers. What are you in the mood for? Strawberry condoms? Vanilla condoms? Wildberry condoms? Black Licorice condoms? TROJAN Extended Pleasure This condom allows you to prolong sex with a clear and odorless climax control lubricant featured safely inside the condom to desensitize and increase greater staying power and standard lube outside for mutual pleasure Durex | (Maximum) Love Offering high sensitivity and a flared shape, there is a lot to
love about these condoms. Durex (Maximum) Love condoms are 20% thinner than standard condoms, slightly longer, and have 25% more silky smooth lubricant
6
Monday Night Dinners 6:00pm - 7:00pm Enjoy a delicious dinner
in the company of other members. Dinners are planned to meet the specific nutritional needs
of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Tuesday - Friday Lunches 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch in the Dining Room.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TAKE-OUT YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR BLC ID CARD.
Boston Living Center dining room community agreements:
Be kind and treat everyone with respect and dignity Keep our voice down (use an indoor voice) Keep our eating area clean Take only what we will eat during lunch, leaving some for others Refrain from talking during announcements Not engage in the harassment or bullying of others Take cell phones out of the dining room before answering or
making a call Not roughhouse or fight Keep an orderly line and not cut in front of others Give compliments not just complaints Practice courtesy– saying excuse me and thank you to other
members and to volunteers and staff
meals program
7
nutrition
Chocolate is a range of products derived from cocoa
(cacao), mixed with fat (i.e., cocoa butter) and finely powdered sugar to produce a solid confectionery. Chocolate can be processed in a number of ways but the closer the chocolate is to the original cocoa bean, the higher the nutritional benefit will be. In general, there are three types of chocolate that are pro-cessed as chocolate bars: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate
White Chocolate: This “chocolate” actually has no chocolate at
all. The cocoa is removed leaving behind the cocoa butter. Sugar
and milk are added to turn it into this sweet white treat. It has the
lowest nutritional benefits of the 3 varieties.
Milk Chocolate: is solid chocolate made with milk in the form of
milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk added . It has traces of
calcium from the milk, and minimal antioxidants from the cocoa
"Dark chocolate", is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. It
is chocolate with no milk or much less than milk chocolate.. Dark
chocolate can be eaten as is, or used in cooking, usually with high
cocoa percentages ranging from 70% to 99% . Cocoa is rich in an-
tioxidant flavonoids called flavanols, which include procyanidins,
epicatechins, and catechins. They are shown to lower risk of heart
disease, act as anti-oxidants, lower “bad” cholesterol, and lower
blood cholesterol. Do right by your heart, and chose dark choc-
olate this valentine's day.!
8
member support
New Member Welcome and Orientation Thursdays - 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 10:30am - 12:00pm Bring a letter from your doctor indicating your HIV status, a photo ID, and income verification to become a member. All services at the BLC are free of charge to members. If you are unable to attend group orientation please contact Carmen Rios @ 617.236.1012 x222 for an individual appointment. Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) Tuesday, February 10th 1:30pm - 2:30pm The BLC Consumer Advisory Board is a diverse group of men and women living with HIV committed to being leaders in this community. They serve as the voice of BLC membership to staff and as pioneers in creating new programs and vision. The CAB meets monthly to review current programs, policies, and Center issues as well as offer suggestions for change.
Spirituality Group Every Monday at 7pm in the library.
Please take the time to bring in your current income verification that is no more
than 60 days old. This is required from each member every 6 months.
See Reception or Member Services for a listing of the income verification documents you may use.
9
support groups
G.L.e.M. -Grupo Latino en Movimiento-
Todos los 2do y 4to miercoles del mes
11 y 25 de febrero desde las 1:30pm
Grupo de apoyo en Español
para nuestra comunidad latina ,
abierto a mujeres y hombres,
donde puedas informarte y compartir experiencias vividas
relacionadas con el VIH. con el proposito de tener una vida
mas saludable y mas productiva!
Para mas informacion pueden contactar a Eli Feliciano, 617-236-1012 x 250 o escribir por correo electronico a [email protected]
Thriving The 2nd & 4th Monday of the month– February 9th, 23rd 4:30pm-6:00pm
Thriving is a bi-weekly support group for and
by women who have been living with HIV/
AIDS for 15 or more years. It is peer co-
facilitated and is ongoing and open to all wom-
en who are long-term survivors and are mem-
bers of the BLC.
For more information about Thriving and/or to sign-up, contact Tonia Hines at 617.236.1012 x241 or [email protected], or just stop by the BLC.
10
3rd Thursdays
Come check out our upcoming Third
Thursday!
February 19th, 2015 1:45-3:30pm
George Johnson Room February marks the start of the state’s annual
budgeting season. Come learn about the state of
HIV/AIDS in the Commonwealth and the crucial
areas in which to demand funding for our
community. Send letters to your representatives
and let your voice be heard!
11
Healthy Relationships
This is a fun & interactive 5 week group for men or women that
will help you build skills to manage the stress of disclosure,
practice assertiveness, AND MORE!
These skills are applied to three life areas:
Disclosing HIV status to family and friends Disclosing to sexual partners Building healthy and safer relationships
The next cycle of Healthy Relationships
for Women will begin March 12th!
To sign-up or learn more about this cycle, please contact: Morrigan Phillips, Clinical Director 617.236.1012 x245 or [email protected]
Receive a $25 gift card for coming to ALL 5 groups and other incentives will be given out weekly!
Healthy Relationships does not tell people that they should disclose.
programs for members
12
Bridges for Life Program A great way to start the day!
Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 12:00pm -Open to women & men
Bridges is a drop-in medication adherence program, with a harm reduction focus, for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Groups address the factors that impact medication adherence with topics including mental health issues such as depression and anger management, substance use and recovery, medical/health issues and homelessness. Bridges offers a way for participants to gain support and information and to learn new coping skills. Members also choose to attend the group each day of the week, or on the day that particularly addresses the issues that are most relevant.
Topics explored: Monday ...... Gearing up for the Week Tuesday ...... Relating to Self and Others Wednesday My Body, My Health Thursday .... Moving on up Through HIV and Recovery Friday .......... Burning Desires
Breakfast is from 9:30am - 10:30am (only) Group starts at 10:30am - 12:00pm (no entry after 11am) For more info contact: Larry Kessler 617.236.1012 x238 or [email protected]
programs for members
13
programs for members
The L.I.F.E. Program- Learning Immune Function Enhancement
Engage your mind and body to manage stress and boost your
immune system! This is a 12 week interactive course that is held on Tuesdays or Thursday from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
Topics Include: Learning Healing Techniques Coping w/ Stress Communication w/ Providers Healing from Grief & Depression
Fun incentives and snacks will be provided.
For more information about the next cycle of L.I.F.E.® at the BLC , contact :Morrigan Phillips at 617.236.1012 x245 or [email protected], Jeff Webb at [email protected]
LIFE will start Wednesday, February 18th and run for 12 weeks . See Morrigan or Jeff to sign up.
Are you a LIFE Graduate? If you are a graduate of a previous cycle of L.I.F.E. & are looking to reconnect
with the LIFE program , do some co-factor checking-in, meet up with other LIFE grads & share information and get support? Come join us for LIFE Goes On, a new monthly meet up group for LIFE program graduates. This group meets on the last Thursday of the month from 2-3:30pm in the George Johnson Room.
Next meeting will take place in December . We’ll have snacks, coffee and raffle prizes plus good conversation, networking and health information.
See Jeff Webb or Morrigan Phillips for more information
L I F E
L.I.F.E goes on…
14
community pharmacy
FREE CONFIDENTIAL EDUCATION AND
SCREENINGS FOR STI’S & HEPATITIS C
EVERY 2ND Monday FROM 4pm- 7pm in the Community Pharmacy with Ashley
EVERY 3RD Thursday FROM 11 am– 2pm in the Counseling Room located on the 2nd floor of the BLC with David
Please remember that cold and flu season is here, Community Pharmacy has flu and pneumonia shots available for those that are interested in getting a head start on the cold and flu season. Stop by for more information or any questions you might have.
15
community pharmacy
Our neighbors at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are hosting the Medication Adherence table located in the art studio. Please stop by for FREE blood pressure screening, ill boxes and blister packing details, and sign up for in-pharmacy vaccinations. Ask the pharmacy any questions regarding current and evolving treatment options, disease state and medication side-effects management and adherence strategies. These services, as well as many others will be available to you every other Monday during
dinner and alternating with every other Wednesday during lunch.
We at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are very proud to be working with
VPI and BLC in helping people “Get, Stay, and Live Well”
16
Language Exchange Table
Join us in the Dining Room to increase your Spanish or English conversational skills! Wednesdays– 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Fridays– 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 12:00pm - 1:30pm Friday Flick Fridays - 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
1:45pm - 3:45pm Join us at the BLC for a showing of popular movies in the George Johnson Room! Movie title will be selected the day of. Open Art Studio Thursdays– 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
1:30pm - 3:00pm Come express your creative self in the art studio with artist Luiz Pena! Beaded Jewelry Class with Sond Every other Tuesday: February 10th and 24th 1:30pm - 3:00pm Prisoner Outreach Project Every 3rd Tuesday of the month during lunch Tuesday– February 17th Letter writing and outreach to fellow HIV+ people and BLC members currently incarcerated in Massachusetts jails and prisons. It takes just 15 minutes!
ongoing activities
BLC P.O.P
17
ongoing activities
Cyberspace Computer Room Mondays 12:00pm - 7:45pm Tuesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Wednesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Thursdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Fridays 12:00pm - 4:45pm
Have a computer question? Stop in and meet with one of our Cyberspace volunteers! Check the calendar posted on the door to Cyberspace for current volunteer schedules.
Chat Before Dinner Mondays - 2nd, 9th, 23rd 5:00pm - 6:00pm Peer Leader Jeff Webb facilitates this informal open forum. Come by and discuss whatever is on your mind!
Clay Sculpting Classes w/Janice Every other Wednesday February 11th and 25th
Sign-up at the front desk– Space is limited
Walking Group On hiatus until Spring!
18
Holistic practices create an environment that makes possible intensive healing on the physical, emotional, mental, & spiritual levels. All members can access these services.
Yoga is back! Yoga is back every Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm! Sign-up at the front desk.
Massage Massage is available to all members once every two months.
Please sign up at the front desk. Please provide 24hr notice for massage appointment cancellations. No shows will result in a 3 month suspension from massage services.
Reiki Reiki is an ancient Japanese system of healing that means “universal life force”. During a Reiki session, the therapist gently places his hands on the client’s body which allows the energy to flow through the body to relieve stress and reduce pain. Sign up at the front desk for a Tuesday afternoon session! Reiki can be done once a week and it does not affect eligibility for massage appointments.
holistic services
19
directory
Member Services Staff Directory
Carmen Rios- Member Services Manager x222 Danisha Williams- Medical Case Manager x247 Tonia Hines- Member Services Specialist x241 Morrigan Phillips- Clinical Director x245 Amanda Stegmann- Manager of Nutritional Services x256 Caitlin O’Gallagher- Prevention and Education Specialist x261 Eli Feliciano- Peer Navigator x250 Jeff Webb- Peer Leader x243 John Bradley- Peer Leader x255 Mario Rodriguez- Peer Leader x233
Peer Support Team
Peer Leaders help members empower themselves and develop effective
strategies for living healthy lives. Peers Leaders can relate to you and your situation because they are also members who have “been there, done that.”
Peer Leaders are trained to actively listen, as well as provide you with encouragement, knowledge, & emotional support.
To connect with a peer leader stop in the Member Services office.
20
Boston Living Center Mission Statement
To foster the wellness of all HIV positive people and respond to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS
community. Through peer leadership and support, we strive to enhance and enrich the lives of our members by providing education, treatment information and support
services with the goal of empowering members to live productive lives and participate within their families &
communities.
The Boston Living Center
29 Stanhope Street Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1012 - phone (617) 236-0334 - fax
http://www.vpi.org/boston
BLC Member Hours Mon. 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 12:00pm - 6:00pm Fri. 12:00pm - 5:00pm
You can contact our Concierge Staff for more information about any of our programs or
services. They can connect you with the right person and provide you with excellent customer service. You can reach them at 617.236.1012 ext. 0
