It turns out Project Transitions volunteers are even more stellar than we previously knew. Not only do our volunteers give their time abundantly at our programs (2,493 hours as caregivers in 2010 alone), they also go on to serve the world at large in the Peace Corps. e time volunteers spend at Doug’s House and Roosevelt Gardens, provides residents with meals, companionship, and support, and it reminds us all that there are still people devoted to this cause. It reminds our residents that they are not alone. Many Project Transitions volunteers have translated their commitment to the cause into global action by heading off to the Peace Corps. e connection makes sense. “e Peace Corps is recruiting Americans with a commitment to service. We are placing both recent college graduates and those highly skilled with work experience. Volunteers can take their valuable leadership experience gained in the U.S. to help people overseas build better lives,” said Peace Corps Spokesperson Janice Laurente. Twenty-two percent of Peace Corps volunteers work in the health and HIV/AIDS sector and Project Transitions can prepare those volunteers for work abroad through direct care with a diverse group of residents, a rare opportunity. To delve in a little further, we went right to the source and interviewed Eric Tsu, a stellar Volunteers Prep for Peace Corps at PT Doug’s House volunteer caregiver who is about to head off to Mozambique. Here are his thoughts on his volunteer work at Doug’s House and his Peace Corps future: PT: What got you interested in the Peace Corps initially? Eric: I first looked into the Peace Corps in the fall of 2005 after a close friend tested positive for HIV. I viewed the organization as a means to become involved with the fight against HIV/ AIDS, especially in African countries where the illness holds a completely different type of stigma when compared to the United States. Additionally, I wanted to gain the kind of cross cultural experience so many of my foreign friends seemed to have under their belts, and Peace Corps seemed like a great way to tackle both interests simultaneously. What drew you to Doug’s House volunteering? DOUG’S HOUSE // ROOSEVELT GARDENS // HIGHLAND TERRACE // COMMUNITY HOUSING // TOP DRAWER THRIFT PROJECT TRANSITIONS PROVIDES HOSPICE, HOUSING & SUPPORT TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS 22 01 SUMMER 2011 VOLUME ISSUE e Project Transitions tile on the Crestview Wall of Welcome
Transcript
It turns out Project Transitions volunteers are even more stellar than we previously knew. Not only do our volunteers give their time abundantly at our programs (2,493 hours as caregivers in 2010 alone), they also go on to serve the world at large in the Peace Corps. The time volunteers spend at Doug’s House and Roosevelt Gardens, provides residents with meals, companionship, and support, and it reminds us all that there are still people devoted to this cause. It reminds our residents that they are not alone.
Many Project Transitions volunteers have translated their commitment to the cause into global action by heading off to the Peace Corps. The connection makes sense. “The Peace Corps is recruiting Americans with a commitment to service. We are placing both recent college graduates and those highly skilled with work experience. Volunteers can take their valuable leadership experience gained in the U.S. to help people overseas build better lives,” said Peace Corps Spokesperson Janice Laurente.
Twenty-two percent of Peace Corps volunteers work in the health and HIV/AIDS sector and Project Transitions can prepare those volunteers for work abroad through direct care with a diverse group of residents, a rare opportunity.
To delve in a little further, we went right to the source and interviewed Eric Tsu, a stellar
Volunteers Prep for Peace Corps at PT
Doug’s House volunteer caregiver who is about to head off to Mozambique. Here are his thoughts on his volunteer work at Doug’s House and his Peace Corps future:
PT: What got you interested in the Peace Corps initially?
Eric: I first looked into the Peace Corps in the fall of 2005 after a close friend tested positive for HIV. I viewed the organization as a means
to become involved with the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially in African countries where the illness holds a completely different type of stigma when compared to the United States. Additionally, I wanted to gain the kind of cross cultural experience so many of my foreign friends seemed to have under their belts, and Peace Corps seemed like a great way to tackle both interests simultaneously.
What drew you to Doug’s House volunteering?
doug’s house // roosevelt gardens // highland terrace // community housing // top drawer thrift
project transitions provides hospice, housing & support to people living with hiv/aids
22 01
summer
2011
volume issue
The Project Transitions tile on the Crestview Wall of Welcome
I first began volunteering at Doug’s house in the summer of 2006 after moving to Austin for college. This was undoubtedly related to my friend’s seroconversion the year before, which I would say was the catalyst that spurred my initial interest to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.
What is your favorite aspect of volunteering at Doug’s House? What is the most challenging?
I love cooking for the clients at Doug’s House. I’m no culinary master, but the exchange that occurs when you make food that provides sustenance and perhaps happiness to an individual is something I’ve really come to appreciate over the last few years. On the other hand, the most challenging aspect is sometimes getting to know the clients on a more personal level, especially if it’s a group that prefers to keep to themselves in their own rooms.
Are there particular aspects of volunteering at Doug’s House that you think are preparing you for your future Peace Corps work?
I definitely feel the diversity of clients we have at Doug’s House is something that has shaped my open-mindedness. When I first started, I
didn’t yet have many opportunities to interact with terminally ill patients, but I now realize that illnesses don’t have a face or afflict any single group of people. Going into the Peace Corps, the fewer barriers I have (mental, social, etc.), the better I’ll be able to become integrated with my host community and make a long lasting impact.
Do you know what you’ ll be doing at your Peace Corps post?
I’ ll be a community health promoter in Mozambique, which means that I could take on a number of different projects depending on what community needs are. Some of those will likely include teaching HIV/AIDS education, installing clean drinking water systems, and facilitating various income-generating projects.
Besides wishing Eric tremendous success in his work in Mozambique, Project Transitions would like to wish Barbara Neville, a Roosevelt Gardens volunteer, the best of luck and success in her upcoming work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. More information can be found about the Peace Corps at: peacecorps.gov and Project Transitions’ volunteer needs are listed at: projecttransitions.org/volunteer
Thank you to Rain on 4th, United Court of Austin and The Hill Country Ride for AIDS
Our greatest thanks go out to the United Court of Austin, Rain on 4th, and the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. United Court of Austin has been a consistent fund-raising group benefiting local non-profits. Through Chocolates for Charity events, fabulous drag cabarets, and Coronation and Investiture events, United Court of Austin has raised tens of thousands in needed funds for local non-profits, including Project Transitions and the Wright House Wellness Center. Dave Pantano, of Rain on 4th, again hosted April Showers this year as a benefit for Project Transitions and the Wright House. The entire bar staff came together to garner donations for the large silent auction, bachelors willingly
auctioned themselves off for dates (for charity of course) and hundreds of guests enjoyed the lovely Sunday night, April 17th, at Rain. Last but not least, thank you to the Hill Country Ride for AIDS for being the most fun, empowering and stellar fundraiser for HIV/AIDS services in Central Texas. The Twitter war between rival fundraising dogs, @BorisSpeaks and @bodhiVSboris, created a lot of fun in the weeks leading up to the ride (thank you Andrea Ball!) and the ride itself was utterly fantastic. The pit stops were brilliant, the physical challenge was great and the critical funding the Ride raised? Unparalleled! For more on the Hill Country Ride for AIDS: hillcountryride.org.
Memorial Donations
In Memory of Greg ReevesSheryl Burdell
Margaret YoungMr. & Mrs. Ken McConchie, Jr.
Judy KochKen & Sylvia Medcalf
R.B. & Vicki SollJon Curtis
Lorelei HankinsMargaret Young
In Memory of Jackson WheelerAnonymous
In Memory of Audrey Jean Caswell MSKCC friends of Chris Caswell
Susan Reph
In Memory of Sue MartinJuanita Ray
In Memory of William BoggusAngela Kelsey
Johnny & Polly WrightJennie Woodard
Dennis & Vella GregoireJeanne O’Neil
In Memory of Larry RaspberryMike Lawson
In Memory of Tommy IngramBarbara Hartle & Vallerie Fisher
In Memory of Gary GreyBob Rankin
In Memory of Donny InceSteven Gorman
In Memory of Elizabeth TaylorJerry Breeze
In Memory of Jason PiercyPat Thomas
In Memory of Warren PruittSharon Calcotte
Photos courtesy of Chris Jeane, Ismael Leal, Percy Wegmann and Jamal Williams
Project Transitions is dedicated to serving
people with HIV and AIDS by providing
hospice, housing and support in a
compassionate and caring environment.
board of directors
Kim Brown
Craig Davis
Stacey Fellers
Bob Garza
Blair Hodgkins
Michael Jarrett
Lynn McNeill
Thomas Smith
Craig Thibodeau
executive director
Stacy Welk
programs and services
doug’s house
residential hospice & supportive care
roosevelt gardens
transitional housing
communit y housing
transitional scattered-site housing
highl and terr ace
transitional housing
top dr awer thrif t
retail thrift store
Project Transitions Inc
PO Box 4826 / Austin Texas 78765
512.454.8646 / 512.454.5039 (f)
projecttransitions.org
Prefer to receive the newsletter electronically from now on?
Last year’s Holiday Swing, on December 4th, 2010, was an incredible evening of celebration and fundraising for the cause. “Holiday Swing is a time for all of us in the fight against AIDS to come together, celebrate the work we’ve done, honor the people we have served and mark off another year that hopefully gets us closer to a cure,” said Michael Jarrett, Project Transitions Board Member. It’s also a time during which 300+ volunteers give their time generously to staff the event. Project Transitions thanks all of the event volunteers, donors and business sponsors, and invites everyone back for another incredible Holiday Swing on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011!
For more on Holiday Swing: projecttransitions.org/events/holiday-swing
Hospice CareDoug’s House:Providing compassionate residential hospice care for people with HIV/AIDS since 1989.
Update by Brandon Wollerson, MSW
Program Coordinator at Doug’s House
As we enter into summer, we pause to reflect the depth of care provided to the residents at Doug’s House. Imagine, if you can, being told you have a life-limiting illness. Lacking the support to navigate the myriad of social service agencies, you begin to wonder how you are going to take your medications appropriately, where your next meal
was going to come from, and if you had shelter from the cold. Or, perhaps it’s time to consider end-of-life issues. How do you tell your family? How do you insure that you are treated with the utmost of dignity during your final days? Now, imagine you’re told that nestled in the heart of Austin there is a place for you called Doug’s House. Inside its doors are some of the most compassionate caregivers in Austin. I am glad to be a part of the caring
Roosevelt Gardens, Highland Terrace and Community HousingSupportive, Transitional Housing Programs for People Living with HIV/AIDS
Cynthia K., Housing Resident, wrote this wonderful note to share with readers:
It is by the grace and mercy of God that I am still here to write this. My name is Cynthia K. I’m 51 years old (young). I am HIV positive, have been since 2001. However, I am truly blessed. My immune system has not been compromised. I am writing this letter to let you all know how Project Transitions and I came together. Due to life’s unfortunate circumstances my two granddaughters and I ended up staying with family. It was a brief stay because Project Transitions called me and gave the girls and me a place to call home.
Project Transitions added another extension to our long list of family and friends. Be blessed!
Prayerfully yours,Cynthia
and supportive home that is Doug’s House. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Doug’s House exists to provide care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information on Doug’s House head to our website: projecttransitions.org/services/dougs-house.html
Doug’s House
has provided
end-of-life care to
over 500 people
since 1989.
Housing and Support
For more information on Project Transitions’ housing and support programs go to: projecttransitions.org/services/housing.htmlTo register to volunteer at our housing programs, e-mail: [email protected]
Letter from Stacy Welk To Our Supporters:
To our Supporters,
I am very pleased to announce the addition of two recent additions to our Board of Directors. The first is long time supporter and community advocate, Craig Thibodeau. Craig has been deeply involved with the work of Project Transitions for many years serving on various committees and doing behind the scenes jobs to help with events and programs. He is an amazing individual and we are very honored to have him join the Board.
The second addition is new to our agency and brings skills and talents we are fortunate to have. His name is Lynn McNeill. Lynn is Senior Finance Manager at Computer Science Corporation. He brings to us financial expertise and a determination to make a difference in our community. Please welcome Lynn to our agency.
Texas Swing was the most attended it has ever been this year and we are so grateful for all who supported this very important event! It was a great success and has provided the impetus for Holiday Swing planning in our determination to top the best Holiday Swing ever last year. This amazing evening is the hallmark of the holiday season every year for our Austin community. We can’t divulge the theme just yet, but I can say that glamorous stars of the 30’s could play an important role! ….follow the yellow brick road for a wonderful and very important evening on Saturday, December 3rd!
Sadly, we continue to see an extremely high occupancy at our hospice, Doug’s House as well as our housing programs. We will not tire in our effort to provide the supportive housing and compassionate hospice care for those in our community with such great needs. Our goal is to provide dignity and compassion in all of our programs and always without regard to the ability to pay. Please join us in this effort and keep up the fight…the battle is not over.
I would be remiss in my responsibilities if I did not tell you that this is a very difficult year for us because of so many funding issues facing local, state and national government agencies. Unfortunately, the needs of our community are increasing in this economic environment just as the resources for them to draw upon are decreasing. It is a difficult situation for everyone involved and we are asking for your continued support for our programs as the need increases steadily and the resources dwindle.
Thank you for all you do to help us always!
Stacy WelkExecutive Director
Support Project
Transitions’
essential HIV/AIDS
hospice care and
housing programs.
Donate online:
projecttransitions.org/support
Or by mail:
Project TransitionsPO Box 4826
Austin, TX 78765
Project Transitions Thanks the Following Granting Bodies for Their Generous Support:
Austin Community Foundationaustincommunityfoundation.org
Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDSbroadwaycares.org
The Hollyfield Foundation
hollyfield.org
Lola Wright Foundation
Religious Coalition to Assist the Homelessrcahaustin.org
United Way Capital Areaunitedwaycapitalarea.org
Honorarium DonationsCraig Thibodeau
In Honor of Eugene Sepulveda & Steven Tomlinson, Melinda Longtain & Larry Bond
Catherine ArthurIn Honor of Piper Thomas
AnonymousIn Honor of Beth Thomas
Beverly Woodward, RNIn Honor of Dr. Padman Sriram, Dr. Cynthia
Project Transitions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Newsletter Editor: Callie Thompson A portion of this program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the City of Austin.
This March, Project Transitions had the opportunity to engage with young people and SXSW like never before. Two events, spread out over three days, allowed Project Transitions to reach out to new communities of GLBTQI-identified young people from Austin and beyond as well as people from all walks of life here in Austin. “The Hook-Up,” organized by Melissa McWilliams and Jeremy Roye, was a queer-friendly SXSW event held on March 17th and 19th at the Loft Space above Silhouette on Congress Avenue. New Orleans Sissy Bounce performers like Big Freedia and Katey Red rapped alongside dozens of other bands, including Austin’s Archibald Adams and The Shimmering War Choir (pictured on the left, above) and New Orleans “lounge crunk” band Jean-Eric (above on right). Both bands pictured above got their glittery stage outfits from the Top Drawer Thrift pop-up shop stationed at the party. (Well, we can’t claim the outfit on Sheila from Jean-Eric, that’s a homemade original!) Look out for Top Drawer pop-ups at future events.
On Wednesday, March 16th, Top Drawer Thrift itself hosted its very first SXSW day show, TOP ROCK. Project Transitions staff
booked five bands and DJ Disco Tits to play a free show in the parking lot of Top Drawer. Partiers enjoyed delicious, free beer from NXNW Brewery, maddeningly good, free, organic pancakes courtesy of Batter Blaster and homemade blueberry compote. Paloma Beauty Botanicals (in the Mueller) donated two spa gift certificates for the raffle and film artists, Josh Polon (Los Angeles) and Amanda Joy (Austin), provided video projections.
Top Drawer would like to thank the bands who generously donated their time and talent to make the event a success: Albino Redd, Little Mikey & The Soda Jerks, The Darling New Neighbors, Zest of Yore, and especially our NYC headliners, Ava Luna. Check out all of these performers and support them! And, keep the glittery donations coming; Top Drawer thanks you!
If you want to help Project Transitions plan similar events to reach out to young people and re-engage youth with the HIV/AIDS cause, we want to hear from you! Join us in keeping this cause from becoming “ historic.” Drop a line to: [email protected].
PT + SXSW = JOY
Photos courtesy of Cabure Bonugli of “Shot In the City”
Top Drawer Thrift Store:Raising funds for hospice, housing and support for people living with HIV/AIDS since 1993.
Update by Karin Kokinda, Top Drawer Manager
Top Drawer is off to a phenomenal first half of 2011 thanks to everyone’s incredible donations, our fantastic volunteers, amazing employees and some really good mojo. One could easily attribute our 60% increase over last years’ figures to plain good luck but we at Project Transitions would rather think of it as people coming together to find a way to realize a common goal…assisting those with HIV and AIDS with compassion and relentlessness. Our commitment to bonding with the local community has not wavered, with donations to “Compassion is Fashion”, a program that provides prom dresses to those that are unable to afford dresses for that special occasion and the ARC program for their spring fashion show allowing students with disabilities to display
their fashion flair on the runway. The volunteer program continues to evolve and seems to bring to us better and better talent. Employees and friends from IBM came and helped us spruce up the exterior of the store and we have regular volunteers from Austin Recovery and The Texas School for the Deaf that have proved themselves invaluable to our organization. To all of you who donate, volunteer and think of us…thank you. We cannot do what we do without you.
Top Drawer Is Better Than Ever
Editors note: The world-famous trannequins of Top Drawer Thrift have gotten out of control! Follow their witty Twitter banter live at:
twitter.com/TDTrannequin
d o u g’s h o u s e / / r o o s e v e lt g a r d e n s / / h i g h l a n d t e r r a c e / / c o m m u n i t y h o u s i n g / / t o p d r aw e r t h r i f t
Po box 4826aus T in Te x a s 78765
non-PRoFiT oRGus Pos TaGe
Pa iDaus T in T x
PeRMiT no. 733Re TuRn seRv ice Reques TeD
The Wish ListThese are some of the items that we need to provide quality care to our hospice and housing residents.
items can be delivered to our office, located at 7101-b Woodrow
avenue. Please call 454-8646 for hours.
-Passenger Van-Industrial size coffee maker
for resident breakfasts-Air Mattresses, Mattress and
