Shepherd Wellness Community

SWC History

Shepherd Wellness Community arose out of a desperate need. Societal denial, prejudice and fear characterized the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Many with the disease were afraid to be identified and an atmosphere of shame and fear were prevalent. Patients and their families were isolated and often ostracized. There was no place in Pittsburgh where people with AIDS could gather with their partners, families and friends in a safe, secure setting that provided shelter from the stresses they were undergoing. In 1987, four young men living with AIDS, a social worker, a physician and Father Lynn Edwards met to discuss what could be done. With initial funding from the Episcopal Diocese, they created a gathering place and resource center for people affected by HIV/AIDS. The first covered dish supper, held in October at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Hazelwood, brought together those suffering from the fatal illness, their families and friends for a simple meal and provided a desperately needed sense of shelter and communal sharing.

This first meal evolved into the SWC core program, Congregate Meals, which today are held on the first and third Friday of each month at the First United Methodist Church, Aiken and Center Ave. in Shadyside. Over the years the number of people attending these dinners has increased to 100-150 people each evening. These gatherings provide a safe and supportive atmosphere where members share their common experience with others who understand. There are opportunities to make contact with other AIDS Service Organizations and build a network of people who provide advice, encouragement and assistance. At the close of the meal, food is sent home with those who need it. Demand for the sense of community that this program provides has in- creased greatly over the years. In response, in July 2000 SWC began serving Congregate Meals on the remaining Fridays of each month at our Community Center in Bloomfield. This expansion has significantly increased the number of meals served from 3,000 to over 5,000 annually.

Shepherd Wellness Community is singular in the region for the type of personal, non-clinical support it provides HIV/AIDS positive individuals and those affected by the disease. Often Shepherd Wellness is the first place a person turns after a positive diagnosis. Studies indicate that informed, assertive patients who receive emotional and spiritual support have a better quality of life and increased- immune responses, allowing them to cope better with illness. Shepherd Wellness Community integrates people affected by HIV/AIDS into a support network that empowers them. SWC services complement and complete those given by medical treatment. We do not duplicate the programs and services of other AIDS agencies in the community.

Other Pittsburgh AIDS Service Organizations recognize the life-enhancing value of our supportive community and are working in cooperation with Shepherd Wellness, extending their services to SWC members and recommending Shepherd Wellness Community services to their members.

 

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Updated: June 22, 2007
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