Hey everyone!
This is my first blog so I may as well introduce myself. My name is Gina and I’m the new intern at CARES until the end of the summer! I’m a senior at Western Michigan University and I’m very excited to be here!
Yesterday was my first time working and shadowing outside of the office. I was fortunate enough to accompany Dave W. to an all-women’s group at a church downtown. Dave presented a class on HIV/AIDS and offered free HIV tests to anyone interested in knowing their status. I sat among the group and had conversations with a few of the ladies. They were all very friendly and eager to tell me their personal stories; ranging from drugs, sex, survival, family, relationships, health, and faith among other topics. Dave presented very well and was able increase the level of interest among the group concerning their health and safe sex. Everyone asked great questions and I know I learned quite a bit from being in the room with them. The internal discussion was great too. There were times when Dave didn’t have time to answer questions because someone else would speak up and answer for him. It turned into a group discussion as opposed to a presenter speaking to a group; which, in my opinion, was very beneficial for this particular group. These women have been meeting regularly, for what seems like years, and it’s evident in the amount of trust and the comfort level that they share with each other. They rely on each other in ways you or I may rely on a parent or a friend. They seem like a very close-knit family by the way they were asking questions about each others’ families and life in general. I feel like they are fortunate to have each other and it’s the biggest contributing factor to their individual sobriety and well being. Towards the end of the discussion, Dave introduced everyone to Mr. Friendly! He explained that by wearing a Mr Friendly pin or necklace, we are HIV knowledgeable and that we are status-friendly! We had quite a few people interested in taking HIV tests by the end. I have to give kudos to Marian Thorton, the Women’s Specialist, who is responsible for the well being of the group as well as well as the direction of the group. She is clearly doing something right here. Also kudos goes to Maggie Hiatt, one of the case workers, who seemed very passionate about her job and was involved in helping guide the discussion. Lastly, a BIG KUDOS to all of the ladies who stepped up to the plate and got themselves tested!!! I believe about HALF of the group tested that day. YAY!! And thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of your group and being so kind and friendly to me while I was there. You are all doing a GREAT JOB and I have faith that each and every one of you will accomplish your personal goals if you stick by each other.
-Gina
For more information about Mr Friendly visit www.mrfriendly.info . Thank you for your patience while it’s getting settled.
