was one of the pioneers of the AIDS CareTeam
movement beginning her work in Arkansas in 1989. She joined Multifaith Works in
1997 and has directed the CareTeam Program for nearly a decade. In July 2006,
Trudy passed the Program Director torch to Bertram Johnson. Bertram was
originally recruited by Trudy as a CareTeam volunteer in 1999 and has held a
variety of positions in the CareTeam program.
Trudy’s new title is AIDS CareTeam Specialist and she has
reduced her hours to work on a book about AIDS CareTeams. She will continue to
recruit and support the program, and will also focus on marketing the program
throughout the region.
James Termin, Multifaith Works Development Coordinator,
interviewed Trudy.
JT: What makes this work so special to you?
TJ: AIDS and other tragedies have the potential to draw out a
deep goodness in people; the CareTeam structure supports that goodness by
connecting those who respond with one another. I have loved being part of a
process that brings people together across the lines drawn by HIV, religion,
sexuality, race, class and age. The work has always seemed important and
spiritual to me.
JT: How do you feel about your years at Multifaith Works?
TJ: I am very grateful for all the wonderful people this work has brought
into my life. The courage of people with AIDS has always inspired me, and in
today’s world, it is helpful to know so many people who are willing to respond
to the suffering of strangers. I also find
joy in helping create a community where everyone feels cared
about and all can contribute their individual gifts and talents.
JT: How do you feel about these changes in the program and your
life?
TJ: I am excited for the CareTeam Program because Bertram is an
able leader who brings so much heart to this work. It feels good to turn over
the management to Bertram, and I am grateful that we now have a staff that will
continue to grow the CareTeam program. I am also aware that with my years of
experience I am in a position to promote the values of this program.
JT: I hear there is an exciting celebration being planned. What
can you tell us about that?
TJ: The AIDS CareTeam Program Committee, Multifaith Works Staff
and Board are hosting a CareTeam Celebration and Reunion on Saturday, September
16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at First AME Church on Capitol Hill. We will celebrate
Bertram’s new role and my tenure as CareTeam Director. I will speak about the
lessons I have learned from the work and Bertram will speak about the future of
the program. We will also have a panel of CarePartners talk about their
experience with CareTeams, musical entertainment by CarePartners, and of course,
there will be goodies.
For more information call the CareTeam office at 324-1520, ext. 225 or 236.
