Dear Robert,

Thank you for making me aware of the cuts to the Seattle Shanti program. I can’t tell you how upset this makes me. As a person who has lived with AIDS for over 10 years, I rely on Shanti.

I feel compelled to write to you now to let you know what Shanti has meant for me. Shanti has changed my life in amazing ways that were totally unexpected and the thought that the Shanti program may not be available for myself and others like me is truly frightening.

I’d like to share with you now some of my history with Shanti. I met Rex, my Shanti volunteer, shortly after moving into transitional housing. Until that time, I had lived independently; however, due to a financial crisis I’d lost half my monthly income and life changes had to be made. Further, I’d recently tested positive for the gene for Huntington’s Disease, a genetic neurological illness that can cause involuntary muscle movement, including trouble swallowing, speaking, depression or emotional outbursts, seizures, and many other symptoms that eventually lead to death.

At this time, I was scared, depressed, isolated and living in a new environment which required me to negotiate my living space with strangers; something I had never had to deal with before. Rex was warm, confident and conveyed a non-judgmental quality that helped me feel accepted, validated and cared for. I soon shared some of my emotional burdens with him and immediately felt lighter, uplifted and less alone.

At one of our meetings I felt able to share my deep dark secret; the reason for my financial problem was due to mishandling my money. Rex was the first person I had ever felt comfortable enough with to tell the full truth to. I was ashamed to tell my family or friends, I hadn’t even shared the details with my therapist. I felt that I deserved any hardship I was experiencing. Rex listened to my story and reaffirmed that I was doing the best that I could. I immediately felt better and I continued to share the details and even began working on ideas for temporary solutions. It was then that I realized I wasn’t a horrible person; I was a human being with human problems that were surmountable. Rex has helped me to feel listened to and appreciated on a deep personal level.

After 2 years with Rex I felt ready to give back to Shanti and my community. I signed up for the Shanti volunteer training, feeling nervous about the commitment and whether I could handle the intensity of the 4 day training. Rex was very sup

portive of my decision to participate. Seeing the other trainees’ love and compassion renewed my faith in humanity. I learned many tools that I continue to utilize. I use my newfound listening skills with my Shanti client as well as my family and friends, and they notice. My friends tell me I’ve changed. They say I seem more confident and caring and that’s how I want to be in the world.

Without my Shanti experiences, both as a client and as a volunteer, I wouldn’t feel as empowered, successful or involved in my life or my community – Thank you, Shanti.

- Greg