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The Bar Buddies
Gentlemen Start Your Engines! Oh no...wait! That's the Bar Buddies. For over eight years our clients at the Damien Center Food Pantry have been blessed by the extraordinary charity of The Bar Buddies! However the shopping extravaganza on June 21st was absolutely phenomenal. Thanks to the amazing efforts of Don Lee and Bill Bisson, $1,700 in proceeds from the Queen's Corner T-Shirt Sale was spent on food for our food pantry. We would also like to recognize the owners and manager at Cosmos's, Ivy's Olly's and Varsity, whose patrons made this inaugural effort such a success! We extend a special thanks to Ivy's and Cosmos's whose owners actively participated by purchasing shirts for their employees. In total, nearly $2,100 in food and toiletries were donated that day. Since the beginning we project that the Bar  Buddies shopping efforts has stocked our food pantry shelves with food, toiletries and diapers valued in excess of $50,000. To each participant and to donors, we send our good wishes and sincere gratitude for your tremendous support. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship that allows us to serve even better those in central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS. We look forward to our visit from the Bar Buddies, since they are a lot of fun, too! Tip your glass and toast the Bar Buddies in THANKS! |
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Shop for The Damien Center!
This one day shopping event is one of the many ways Macy's gives back to our community through support of local non-profit organizations! Last year, Macy's raised over $9,500,000 in a single day to benefit charities across America. On Shop For a Cause Day, guests have the opportunity to participate in a unique shopping experience including discounts, entertainment, special events and the opportunity to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Make a $5 donation to the Damien Center and save 20% or 10% all day with the Shop for a Cause Shopping Pass. Also, enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card from Macy's! Contact Sandy Windsor at the Damien Center or visit our reception desk to see how you can Shop for the Damien Center! EMail: swindsor@damien.org or call 317-632-0123 ext. 236. |
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Greetings from the Development Team
We are gearing up for many opportunities here at the Damien Center. As a donor, you can support The Damien Center in many ways- through annual giving societies, by serving as a table captain and/or beoming a sponsor for the 2008 Grande Masquerade (GM). We are also in great need of general operating support. All gifts are tax deductible and greatly appreciated! Call me at extension 269 with any questions or how to contribute. Our sponsors thus far for GM are Barnes and Thornburg, Walgreens, Bioscript, Ice Miller, The Word, Consolidated Union, Baker Daniels, and BSA LIfestructures.
I have a great friend Kathleen, a DC client, who graciously shared her story at Ben Solomon's Summer Celebration. She has tremendous courage and a very contagious smile. We want to thank Kathleen for reminding us why TDC is so important to central Indiana.
If you have not received an official thank you letter for any gift you have received in 2008, please contact Sandy at ext. 236. We are resolving some tracking issues with our software, and need your help. Also, if your contact information has changed (including email), please remember to notify us. We do not want any DC donors to fall through the cracks! You are all so important and appreciated!
Lisa Terry
Director of Resource Development |
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Kidz Crew
Kidz Krew is a program coordinated by the Damien Center and the Junior League of Indianapolis, which offers a myriad of social events for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Kidz Krew's goal is offer these children with fun and educational experiences that they may not be able to find at home. Past events have included trips to the Indianapolis Zoo, Children's Museum, and Pacers games, horse-riding lessons, and other craft activites. Kidz Krew typically runs during the school year, breaking during the summer vacation when children may attend summer camp programs. IN 2007-2008, Kidz Krew was available to over 100 children associated with the Damien Center.
The Damien Center and the Junior League of Indianapolis are excited to announce that this year's Kidz Krew schedule will include six events. Events are still being finalized, but the tentative schedule for this year is as follow:
September 28 Indianapolis Zoo
October 18 - Waterman's Farm
December 6 - Holiday Party at Damien Center
February 7 - Kiln Kreations
March 14 - Duckpin Bowling
April 25 - S&H Stables |
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Information Center
Building a Future
"Building A Future" is a program created by the Damien Center's HOPWA Selection Committee to provide recipients of HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) with skill-building opportunities to support their paths toward self-sufficiency. Started in January 2007 "Building A Future" is now in its second successful year. The program is unique to the Damien Center, and the courses are taught by agency staff and members of HOPWA Selection Committee. The six courses include Goal Setting, Housing Resources, Budgeting and Expenses Choices, Income and Employment Resources, Legal Rights and Responsibilities, and Community Building. "Building A Future" participants continue to provide positive feedback about the program, particularly the opportunities the courses provide for communication with peers who are facing similar circumstances in regard to housing and living with HIV/AIDS. Graduates of "Building A Future" are recognized with a certificate and a grocery card. The Damien Center is grateful for the Hoover Foundation's support of this unique self-sufficiency building program. If members of the community would like more information about "Building A Future" or are interested in teaching a course in 2009, please contact Lisa Howell at 632-0123 ext. 260.
New Men's Daytime Support Group
Meeting the needs of HIV+ men who would like a daytime support goup, The Damien Center will be offering this group starting on October 7, 2008. The group will be held every Tuesday morning from 11:00-12:30. The group leader will be David Moman, a counselor on the Prevention/Mental Health team at The Damein Center. The group's goal is to offer a place for HIV+ men to discuss the many issues that face men who are positive and to offer mutual support among group members. The group will meet in The Damien Center's Client Enrichment Center. If you or someone you know would be interested in this group, please contact David Moman at 631-0123, ext. 276, or Jason Cochran, 632-0123 ext. 274 or email dmoman@damien.org or jcochran@damien.org. If there are those who would like to participate, but the time of the group is not good for you, please contact us by September 15, 2008. We want to accommodate the majority who would like to attend a day group.
Celebration of Completed Life
Celebration of Completed Life will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 in the board room at 4:30. We will be remembering all who have passed away in the last year.
The Neighborhood Assistance Program
The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) offers tax credits annually to Damien Center Donors who meet the requirements the NAP. All projects must benefit economically disadvantaged areas and/or persons.
The Sista Project
Clarian Health now offers Survival Skills for Women; workshops which provide women with day to day life skills including money management, assertiveness, child management, legal rights and more. See your care coordinator or call Jamie Rogers at 962-3592 or email jrogers3@clarian.org.
The Sista Project, a program specifically for sexually active African-American wormen, is designed to increase condom use and decrease the HIV infection rate among African American wormen. Classes will meet for 2 hours a week for 5 weeks at the Damien Center. Topics include Ethnic and Gender Pride, HIV knowledge and how to consistently use condoms, sexual risk reduction behaviors, decision making and negotiating sex. Each woman that completes the 5 week program will receive a $50 Gift Card. Child care and refreshments are available. Sessions are beginning on 8/27, 9/3 and 9/10. Contact Jamie Rogers at 962-3592 or email jrogers3@clarian.org or contact your care coordinator to sign up.
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You will not want to miss THIS year's GRAND MASQUERADE! Coming soon to the DC website...online ticket purchasing!
November 1, 2008
The Downtown Marriott
http://damien.org/special.shtml
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Endangered Species Chocolate has been nominated for Best Vegan Chocolate in 2008! |
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Have you renewed your Society Membership in 2008?
Red Ribbon Society
$500 to $1999
Damien Rose Society
$2000 to $2599
Legacy Society
$2600 to $4999
Earl Conner Society
$5000 to $50,000 |
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The Damien Center recently completed its recertification by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities. The two evaluators were extraordinarily complimentary on their exit interview. Despite the fact it is Commission policy not to rate an entity exemplary two times in a row, the evaluators intend to strongly recommend an exemplary rating for the Damien Center. " The Damien Center is even better than it was 3 years ago."
Many thanks to Stephanie Dayton for her hard work in organizing and hosting the CARF auditors during their week-long visit.
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Be a Permanent part of the Damien Center. Create a Tribute to a loved one or family member. Bricks can still be ordered and placed in the West entrance to the Damien Center so that your tribute or gift becomes "written in stone". Order your tribute at
http://www.bricksrus.com/order/damien/ |
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The client picnic was held at Garfield park on July 31st. The event was from 3pm -6pm and much fun was had by clients, volunteers and staff alike! To see more photos go to
http://www.damien.org/photos.shtml |
 Beverly Hagler is moving on to a new opportunity and is leaving the Damien Center. Her warm smile and caring personality will be missed greatly by all her clients, friends and colleagues at the Damien Center.
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Doreen Disbro, friend of the Center and former Executive Assistant, would like to give back via her Vemma Nutrition website at www.myvemma.com/doreendisbro . Vemma blends the most recent science and nature's finest to form a complete and delicious once-a-day liquid supplement that provides you with everything you need and more to kick your health and energy levels into overdrive. Once you place an order, email Doreen at doreendisbro@gmail.com with the words, Damien Center in the subject line. Tell her you placed an order and 10% of what she earns from your purchase will be donated to the Damien Center!
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Many Thanks to Betty Wilson and Steve Everett for Hosting the Board Development Meeting about the History and Current Status of HIV/AIDS Funding in Indiana!___________________________________
Donors and board members look on in silence as a Damien Center client leaves them speechless at Ben Solomon's Summer Reception honoring Damien Center Society Members on August 21st.
Who is she?
http://www.damien.org/special.shtml
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The staff will have its spirit week the week before the Aids Walk. Clients are welcome to join the fun with staff in support of the event.
Monday---Hat Day
Tuesday---Retro Day
Wednesday---Concert T-shirt Day
Thursday---Sports Team Day
Friday--- Celebrity, Cartoon, and Superhero Day
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What: AIDS Walk 2008
When: Saturday, October 11th 10am-5pm
Where: University Park War Memorial on Vermont St
Why: To raise funds for the treatment, prevention, and education of HIV/AIDS in the state of Indiana
Information on HIV/AIDS, safer sex practices, and STD’s will be distributed by local Aids Service Organizations.
The stepping off time for the actual walk will be at 2pm.
Events around the town:
Since this is such a big event, several local bars are teaming up with each other throughout the coming months to raise money for the AIDS Fund. This year, the donations collected will go specifically to the Gregory R. Power’s Fund. This is a special fund that the AIDS Fund allocates to ASO’s throughout the state in order to assist with financial needs of HIV/AIDS clients. Team GMCI, which represents Greg’s (OP’s), Metro, Club Indy, and English Ivy’s have planned community events to raise awareness and money for the event. Listed below are upcoming events and contact information to contribute as well. The Damien Center will benefit greatly from the participation of said sponsors and community collaborations.
For more information and other events, log on to www.gregsindiana.com and www.metro-indy.com.
As always, for more information and ways to donate, contact the Indiana AIDS Fund at www.indianaaidsfund.org
TEAM GMCI Garage Sale
September 9th, 2008
9am-4pm
TEAM GMCI Garage Sale
The Parking lot of Greg’s Bar on 16th
and Alabama
“Turn-A-Bout” Drag Show
Sept. 27th 2008
11pm-?
Bitches Ball
A “Turn-A-Bout” Drag Show
Greg’s Bar16th and Alabama |
