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In the Works
Multifaith Works Quarterly Newsletter - Summer 2005 |
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In
this Issue
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When we are listened to, it
creates us, makes us unfold and expand.
Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life.
Brenda
Ueland |
Rocky's Road
Rocky’s stories confirmed who he is:
insightful, poetic, resilient, and easy to enjoy.
by Julie Goldsmith, Multifaith Works Volunteer
Houseplants lining Rocky’s front window were my first indication of how much he
cares for life. His stories confirmed who he is: insightful, poetic, resilient,
and easy to enjoy.
Humbly, he showed me his art: clocks hand-assembled from marble and granite.
Some, he donates to charity, others to local businesses, some to friends, and a
very few he sells. The remarkable clocks display Rocky’s attention to detail.
Like a true craftsman, he not only sees their beauty; he recognizes what he
could have done differently.
That’s how he lives his life. Three years ago, he tested HIV-negative with a
mouth swab. Then, just over a year ago, he fell terribly ill and was ordered to
the hospital. Two days and at least one blood draw later; he was told he had
AIDS. Rocky’s advice: “Have a blood test.” Since then, he’s had several painful
bacterial cysts, has drifted in and out of depression, and has lost some friends
who he feels can not handle the intensity of his situation.
Rocky finds ways to keep smiling. His adorable tiny dog, Cinnamon, guards his
one-bedroom apartment. Her real name is Fire, but as he puts it, “It’s not a
good idea to yell ‘fire’ in an apartment building.” Once a week he has dinner
with a close friend, and he also regularly sings Karaoke with some buddies. His
ritual is to call his grandmother before stepping on stage and keep her on the
line while he sings.
The newest person to enter Rocky’s life is his Shanti volunteer. She is the
“best thing that has happened (to me),” he says. Knowing she cares, seeing her
every Friday, and hearing her delightful British accent seem to remind him that
he really and truly cares about life.
Agency Note: We encourage individuals at risk for HIV
infection to get tested frequently. The Seattle/King County Public Health
Department wants you to know that oral swab tests and blood tests for HIV are
equally accurate in detecting HIV infection. For further information about
testing sites and options, please visit:
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/resources/testing.htm
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Join us for Pride 2005 |
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Dignity’s 17th Annual Pride Breakfast
All you can eat!
Saturday, June
25th, 8:00 am -12:00 noon
Central Lutheran Church, 1710 - 11th Ave at Olive St.
Just one block from Multifaith Works
This all-you-can-eat breakfast is only $5, and includes pancakes, eggs, sausage,
and beverages. There will also be a raffle with many prizes. Raffle tickets are
$1.50 each or five for $5. Need not be present to win. Breakfast and raffle
tickets may be purchased at the door, but pre-sales are strongly encouraged:
please contact Dignity/Seattle at 206.325.7314.
Forty percent of the proceeds will be donated to
Multifaith Works, and 40% to Verbena, and 20% to support Dignity/ Seattle, a
community of lesbian, gay, and transgendered Catholics and their families and
friends. Over the years, Dignity has been able to donate over $20,000 to
Multifaith Works.
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 Pride
Parade 2005
Sunday, June 26th, Meet at 10:00 am at the Multifaith Works office,
1801 - 12th Avenue Suite A, Seattle.
You all are invited: please join us again this year as we march
together, demonstrating that people of faith are welcoming and accepting
of all Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered/Questioning (LGBTQ) people! Please contact
us if you plan to walk with Multifaith Works. We
also need pre-parade assistance to design and create our float. If you
have questions or are able to help, please contact Multifaith Works at
206.324.1520 x229 or
info@multifaith.org. |
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Remembering our Friends |
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We honor the lives of those loved by
Multifaith Works who have died recently:
Mary S. • Anthony J.
Darrel D. • Greg
C. |
Her Name was Mary
Mary would never have
chosen to live and die with AIDS, but in the midst of personal tragedy,
she brought meaning, humor and inspiration to others.
by Trudy James, AIDS CareTeam Program Director
Mary preferred keeping her AIDS diagnosis private, but she broke her
silence to speak at AIDS CareTeam volunteer trainings in 1998 and 1999.
Stereotypes were shattered when new volunteers encountered a white,
well-educated wife and mother of two who had taught Honors English in a
Texas high school. Looking stylish and coping with medication-related
memory loss, Mary carefully read her sad but eloquent remarks about what
AIDS was doing to her body, and to her life.
When she tested HIV positive in 1981, Mary kept the information secret.
She had heard how co-workers referred to people living with AIDS, and she
did not want her family to suffer from prejudice. When her husband
developed early-onset Alzheimer’s, they moved to Seattle where her sister
lived. Mary cared for her husband until his disease required a nursing
home. She visited daily even when he no longer seemed to know her. She was
careful not to let anyone at the facility know about her own illness.
One Spring evening in 1999, Mary joined me for a presentation on AIDS and
CareTeams at a Mormon Stake (church), speaking to 45 gay and straight
Mormons, including a bishop. As we left, she said, “I could physically
feel the love coming toward me from that group of people.” They felt her
love also. Thirty of them attended the next volunteer training, and two
Mormon CareTeams were formed.
I saw little of Mary during the next several years, although we kept in
touch. She was living with her beloved daughter, Julie, in Snohomish
County, and editing a newsletter for the Positive Women’s Network. She
engaged deeply in her life, grieving the death of both her sister and
mother, and delighted in the marriages of her children and the birth of a
grandson.
Early last December, Julie invited me to talk with them about having a
CareTeam. When I saw Mary, I was shocked by how weak and wasted she had
become. When I suggested the possibility of hospice care, Mary replied, “I
can feel myself fading sometimes, but I’m not ready to give up. …I think I
can hang on until a new drug protocol is released. My son and my sisters
are coming after Christmas. ” For Julie’s sake, Mary agreed to allow one
CareTeam volunteer to come occasionally when Julie was working. A Shanti
volunteer was matched with Julie to support her as she struggled with
grief while staying “up” for her mother.
In January, Mary was admitted to Bailey-Boushay House for hospice care.
Although skeletal, she was still fiercely determined to live, often asking
“How long will I be here?” A Mini-CareTeam was formed. One CareTeam
volunteer said later, “It was my privilege to be with someone balancing so
gracefully on the edge between life and death.”
In February, another new infection sapped Mary’s remaining strength. A
CareTeam volunteer stood beside her weakened body on a Sunday morning,
gently stroking her hand. Mary appeared to be sleeping. Suddenly she
opened her eyes, and looked up into the eyes of the volunteer, saying
softly and distinctly, “How are you doing today? Would you like a drink of
water?” Her eyes closed again in silence.
Mary died later that day. During the following week, her volunteer
attended a Catholic spirituality group discussing the meaning of
“compassion.” She shared her experience with Mary, saying, “One of this
woman’s last acts in life was an act of compassion, a desire for my well
being rather than her own. I will never forget her example.” Mary would
never have chosen to live and die with AIDS, but in the midst of personal
tragedy, she brought meaning, humor and inspiration to many others.
Mary’s comatose husband died two days after being told of Mary’s death —
an example of the mystery of deep connections. Her daughter is now giving
Mary’s clothing and belongings to others with AIDS who need them, and she
has plans to become a CareTeam volunteer, in honor of Mary. |
Multifaith Works
Wine Tasting
Friday, September 23rd, 7:00 pm
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
2700 24th Avenue East
Please join us at MOHAI for the Multifaith Works Second Annual Wine
Tasting. Once again, we will feature regional fine wines including
Washington’s own Pleasant Hill, Apex Cellars and Willis Hall wineries.
Please bring your friends to enjoy fine wine, heavy appetizers, a silent
auction and live music, all the while touring the museum at your leisure.
Proceeds benefit Multifaith Works, which provides critical services for
people living with AIDS, MS or other life threatening illnesses.
Tickets are $60 each. Advance purchase is recommended. For tickets and
information, please contact Multifaith Works at 206.324.1520 x229 or
info@multifaith.org.
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Employment Announcement |
Multifaith Works
Seeks Executive Director
Multifaith Works is seeking an Executive Director with a desire to support
people with life threatening illnesses – primarily AIDS – and a yearning
to unite people of different spiritual beliefs in the process. The
Executive Director will lead staff and volunteers, guide agency-wide
direction and focus, and ensure that the organization has sufficient
financial and human resources to realize its mission.
In a land of cultural individualism, Multifaith Works models community.
Multifaith Works’ programs bring together people who otherwise might never
meet. At Multifaith Works one can find Christians, Jews, Muslims,and
agnostics; African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, and Asian Americans;
gays, lesbians, and heterosexuals – all working together toward a common
cause.
Please
click here for a complete job description. For further information,
please contact:
Laura Retzler, Principal
Nonprofit Recruitment Services
laura@nonprofitrecruitment.com
206.324.0821
Deadline: Friday, June 17, 2005 |
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Celebrate Summer! |
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Multifaith Works Picnic
Sunday, July 17th,
2 to 4 pm at Hillman House
Please make a reservation: 206.324.1520 x221 or
info@multifaith.org
ALL Multifaith Works volunteers, clients, and donors are
invited to the Multifaith Works Picnic, including those involved with: Shanti,
CareTeams, MAPS Houses, Ariel MS House, MARC, and office & special events.
The afternoon will feature live music from the Coal Creek Jazz Band, food,
and a chance to meet other community members!
This event is sponsored by the Multifaith Works Board of Directors.
Directions to Hillman House will be mailed in late June. Plenty of food
will be provided, but if you feel inspired to bring a dish, please contact
us!
Please help us plan ahead by making a reservation: 206.324.1520 x221 or
info@multifaith.org. |
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"Many Voices, One Song"
Was a Hit!
The Tenth Anniversary “Many Voices, One
Song” concert was the best ever! The entire Multifaith Works community
contributed to its success, and the event mirrored our diversity,
commitment, and enthusiasm.
In addition to much enjoyment and good will, this year’s concert generated
even more money for our programs than last year’s concert. Many Voices
simply could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors -
look for their names listed below. And be sure to mark April 20th, 2006,
on your calendars now for next year’s concert! |
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Supporting Multifaith Works |
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Multifaith
Merchandise
 Ahura Peace Necklaces
"Ahura" is derived from the
Zoroastrianism meaning, "Good Spirit" or "Angel." 16" pewter chain with 4"
extension, 11 pewter faith symbol charms. $25 each. Click on image for a larger
photo.
 Hozho Peace Necklaces
Hozho is the Navajo work for "A
way of life." Eleven pewter faith symbol charms
dangle from a black waxed cotton cord that adjusts from 16" to 14."
$25 each. Click on image for a larger
photo.
Multifaith Works mugs, Tshirts, hats,
Jewish & Christian AIDS Pins, and more...
Please click
for further information about other multifaith merchandise.
How to Order
To order any of these items, please mail a check made payable to Multifaith Works at
1801 - 12th Ave. Suite A, Seattle, WA 98122. Please write the item and quantity in the memo line. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted. For more information, call
206.324.1520 x221 or email
info@multifaith.org
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Got a Car to Donate?
Multifaith Works is now able to accept donations
of cars, whether running or not. Simply call Andrea at 206.324.1520 x225 or
email info@multifaith.org. Once we
obtain the necessary information about your car or truck, an auction/towing
company will arise for pickup, title transfer, and voila: you get a tax credit
and Multifaith Works gets a cash donation.
As a housing provider, Multifaith
Works is always seeking houses to develop into supportive homes for people
living with AIDS and other illnesses. Receiving a house in donation, or
rent-free for a number of years cuts our development costs significantly, which
in turn means we are able to put a new home "on line" in much shorter
time. So, if you have a house to spare, running or not, please consider donating
it to Multifaith Works.
Workplace Giving
There are many easy ways to show
your support of Multifaith Works. Workplace Giving Campaigns offer you the
chance to give to Multifaith Works through payroll deductions. For campaigns at
public sector workplaces, Multifaith Works is found under Local Independent
Charities (LIC). For the most benefit to our agency, please direct your
contribution specifically to our agency.
In addition, Multifaith Works is a
United Way partner agency and you can support us by contributing to the
Community Safety net or more directly by writing our name in the donor choice
section of the pledge form.
If your employer matches gifts, please
be sure to participate in its matching gift program because doubles your
contribution to us. SAFECO, Microsoft, Washington Mutual, Boeing, and many
others have corporate matching gift programs.
For information about giving
opportunities with Multifaith Works, please contact Gary Southerton at
206.324.1520 x229 or gary@multifaith.org. |
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Wish
List
If you have items to donate, please call
206.324.1520 x221 or
email info@multifaith.org
Leftover lanscaping
materials: bricks, pavers, blocks, timbers, etc.
Live Bamboo • Adhesive backed flip chart paper
VCR’s • Lamps • Comforters • Towels |
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Thank you to the following congregations
and foundations who have made recent financial contributions.
Congregations: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Epiphany Parish of
Seattle, Fauntleroy Church UCC, First Christian Church Of Kent, Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, St. Benedict Catholic Church, St. Jude Parish,
Temple Beth Am, Wallingford United Methodist Church. Foundations:
Fales Foundation, OneFamily Foundation, Pride Foundation, Qwest
Foundation, Washington Mutual Foundation.
We are grateful to everyone who made
Many Voices, One Song a success, including our concert sponsors. Corporate
Sponsors: HomeStreet Bank, StatScript Pharmacy/Chronimed, Hamrick
Investment Counsel, IKEA, Swedish Medical Center, Century 21 Promotions,
Commonwealth Insurance Company, Dr. Ernest E. Barrett DDS, Berk and
Associates, Functional Family Therapy, Herrera Environmental Consultants
Inc., King and Oliason PS, Dr. Felix Marcial DDS, Mode Hair and Art,
Symetra Financial, Third Place Books, Peter Benson, Paragon Investments,
Harvey Funeral Home, The Cottage Clinic. Non-profit Sponsors: American
Jewish Committee, African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry (AARTH),
COMPANIS Workers Association, Dunshee House, FHCRC HIV Vaccine Trials
Unit, Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), Harborview/UW AIDS
Clinical Trials Unit, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Lifelong AIDS
Alliance, Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians Gays Bisexuals and
Transgendered Persons (PFLAG), People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN).
Faith Community Sponsors: All Pilgrims Christian Church,
Epiphany Episcopal Parish of Seattle, Sacred Heart Catholic, Bellevue
First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), Interfaith Community
Church, Christ Episcopal, Mary Queen of Peace Catholic, Plymouth
Congregational UCC, Seattle First Baptist, Southminster Presbyterian, St.
Benedict’s Catholic, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, St. Stephen’s
Episcopal, Temple B’nai Torah, University Congregational UCC, University
Temple United Methodist. In-Kind Donors: AlphaGraphics, Mary
Burke Massage, The Chocolate Company, Glassybaby, Ketcham Design, KUOW
94.9, Metropolitan Market, Mode Hair and Art, Northgate Target, ProMotion
Arts, Seattle’s Best Chocolates, Trader Joe’s, U-Park System. |
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From Our Interim Executive Director |
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Barbara Green
Interim Executive Director |
Change and Transition
Not only are our board and staff dedicated, compassionate and creative, they are
eager to grow and change, both individually and together as an organization.
by Barbara Green, Interim Executive Director
There is a distinction between change and transition. William Bridges defines
change as situational (such as a new Executive Director), and transition as the
psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation.
Transition begins with letting go of something, followed by a state of ambiguity
and confusion (the neutral zone), and ending with the new beginning.
Part of my job as Interim Executive Director is to shepherd people through these
stages. I spend most of my time with people in the neutral zone. This can be
both a difficult time and a creative time; I try to help people capitalize on
the confusion by fostering innovation.
As one of my first tasks during this transitional period at Multifaith Works, I
conducted an organization assessment. I met individually with board and staff
members to get to know them, to discover how they perceived Multifaith Works,
and to hear about their hopes for the future of the organization. In addition, I
reviewed documents and systems to ascertain how well the organization was
functioning.
I shared my findings with the board and staff, and had them analyze what they
thought the information meant for the organization. There was consensus that the
primary strengths of Multifaith Works are its people and the programs. The areas
people wanted to improve were role and goal clarity, typical issues for an
organization in the neutral zone.
I can certainly see why the people are considered a strength at Multifaith
Works. Not only are they dedicated, compassionate and creative, they are eager
to grow and change, both individually and together as an organization. Because
of the work our board and staff are engaging in now, I feel confident that
Multifaith Works will have a successful beginning with the new Executive
Director.
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Through your continued
generosity, Multifaith Works continues to provide quality group housing to
low-income people who are living with AIDS, MS or other life-threatening
illnesses. In addition, your generosity helps us mobilize over 550
volunteers who work to improve the lives of our clients by providing
practical and emotional support.
In the Works
is published online and in print four times per year. To receive this newsletter
via email, or for further information, please contact Multifaith Works at
info@multifaith.org or 206.324.1520 x221.
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