HIV/AIDS Ministries

Room to grow

 

Sarasota--Bethesda House has expanded!  

 

The HIV/AIDS Ministries of Catholic Charities program is always looking for space to meet the needs of the growing client population. Recently staff, clients and volunteers set up a 15 x 30 foot tent in the fenced in backyard of Bethesda House and planted flowers and an herb garden. 

 

The tent came from a generous donor. Thanks to their support and the hard work of clients, volunteers and staff, the program now has a beautiful location to have group meetings and client facilitated barbecues. The first educational program under the new tent will be a six-week course presented by the Sarasota County Health Department called Learning to Live with Your Chronic Illness.

 

Bethesda House is a therapeutic drop-in center for clients and their families who are managing HIV or AIDS. The center provides professional counseling, case management, vocational and housing resources, as well as much needed linking and advocacy to medical care. 

 

The center also has a food pantry, clothing bank, laundry facilities, and showers for those in need.

 

To learn more about Bethesda House, a program of the HIV/AIDS Ministries of Catholic Charities, please call Director Sandy Gallagher at 941-366-1886.

 

Photo #1:  The new Group Tent at Bethesda House.

 

Photo #2: A family member rummages through the clothing bank.