Portland, OR. Supporters can sign up online for this year’s AIDS Walk which is scheduled for September 12th. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the walk will take place wherever participants are. Following the virtual program, participants will choose a suggested walking route that is the same distance as the walk would be if we could be together. In the Portland/Vancouver area, CAP is creating multiple suggested routes for walkers to choose from; elsewhere, walkers will be encouraged to create their own routes.
All participants are encouraged to wear their favorite face covering and maintain a safe physical distance from others!
For 35 years, CAP has called upon thousands of community members, advocates, and activists to step up and take a stand against HIV transmission. Though this year’s event may look a little different, organizers say it is still critical that people show up to walk (in a safe and physically distant way) in an effort to remind our communities that HIV has impacted each and every one of our lives in some way.
There will be a Live Stream Program on September 12th at 10 AM. The stream will be available at www.aidswalknorthwest.org, as well as on CAP’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. During the program, the nonprofit will be honoring the 2020 Heroes of HIV and celebrating the impact the individuals and organizations have made.
Following the live program, teams can head out any time between 11 AM and 2 PM to one of the Walker Check-In Stations to collect t-shirts, walker bags, and prizes.
From CAP:
CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington
Portland, OR. Last month the Cascades AIDS Project (CAP) raised over $405,000 through their Art Auction: Reimagined. While the traditionally celebrated annual cocktail reception, patron dinner, and live art auction were missed, this year’s virtually-hosted event expanded access to sponsors around the world. The Co-chairs were Molly King and Deb Kemp (pictured above.)
Dale Johannes Program Host and Johnna Lee Wells Auctioneer
The live-video benefit, recapped here, highlighted more than 150 artists and featured an appearance by Governor Kate Brown. Raffle prizes included a two-hour, private visit to Powell’s with a $200 credit. CEO Tyler Termeer weighed on the imperative times facing Portland during his appearance, noting, “We are standing at the crossroads of dueling pandemics: COVID-19 and white supremacy. It’s a defining moment in our existence as an organization. This moment is a reminder that we cannot relent in our pursuit of equity and racial justice.”
Tyler Termeer is the CAP CEO and Karol Collymore is the Board Chair President.
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of its incorporation, CAP is known as “the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington,” according to their website. Providing social-services and health care for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS – as well as for the LGBTQ+ community in the Northwest – CAP’s budget has grown to over $14 million and its volunteer base to over 600. These services include assistance in finding secure housing, essential medical care, and emotional support to those who have been ostracized by their community.
Looking forward, CAP will continue to focus on HIV while investing in tackling health disparities that affect the community. CAP recognizes connections between these inequities and factors like race, ethnicity, sexual identity, and gender and is committed to adopting plans to address such concerns.
About Cascade AIDS Project:
Founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is now the oldest and largest HIV-services and LGBTQ+ health provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, with more than 100 employees working across four locations. Our organization seeks to prevents new HIV infections; support low-income people living with HIV; and provide safe, welcoming, and knowledgeable healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Through our vital health, housing, and other social services, we help ensure the well-being of more than 15,000 people each year. More information can be found at www.capnw.org.
Portland, OR. Supporters of the nonprofit called Levé announced that they have selected a 2019 partner from 45 applicants. Levé will partner with Cascade AIDS Project (CAP). CAP is a nonprofit offering full-spectrum services to test for HIV and assist those living with it. Its mission is to support and empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. Last year, CAP touched the lives of nearly 30,000 members of the Portland metro area with holistic and critical services including free HIV testing, housing assistance, medical case management, and more.
Levé’s mission is to inspire the next generation of givers by connecting peers with local nonprofits. Each year, the all-women organization chooses a new nonprofit partner and draws upon members’ time and networks to highlight the organization.
Levé Board Member Lisa Hopkins explained why CAP was selected over the 44 other applicants. “CAP’s dedication to compassionate healthcare really resonated with us and their commitment to diversity and inclusion is especially important as we continue to grow our organization. We are so honored to lift up new voices and share CAP’s one-of-a-kind energy with our network.”
This annual partnership will extend the fundraising, volunteer, and advocacy reach of CAP. Last year, Charity Ball, Levé’s signature party for a purpose, attracted over 450 people–the majority of which were millennials. Members look forward to keeping this momentum in the upcoming year and exposing their network to CAP’s important and inspiring work.
Portland, September 6th, 2014. Fields Park in the Pearl District was filled with excited walkers ready to pound the pavement to fight AIDS. According to AIDS Walk Portland organizers, nearly 35 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS, but about one quarter don’t know they have AIDS. This walk raises money for awareness and services to fight the AIDS and it’s also just a lot of fun. Live entertainment and a finish line beer garden added to the festive atmosphere. (Photo credit, Jason BingDigital Reality)
The Disney Dynasty: Heroes and Villains team finished at the top of the heap by raising $57,227.
The Our house Team was a united front.
PFLAG’s Portland Black Chapter showed their support.
The TJ Max Team was a determined bunch.
The walkers from St Andrews Lutheran Chruch joined in the celebration.
Team photos were provided by:Jason BingDigital Reality.
From the Cascade AIDS Project.
Founded in 1983, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
With 61 staff and a volunteer corps of 785 people providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a broad array of programs and an annual budget of about $5.8 million. Grounded in the belief that a diverse and culturally competent staff is essential to effective services, more than 25% of CAP’s staff identify as individuals from communities of color, 30% as bilingual, and 15% as individuals living with HIV or AIDS. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities touched by HIV—from teens, Latinos, the gay community, and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education each year though the Oregon AIDS Hotline.
A 19-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. Nineteen percent of the Board is HIV positive, and half are from communities of color. Here is a brief overview of just a few of CAP’s programs within our two primary departments:
HOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES
CAP’s Kids’ Connection programs served 85 families living with HIV/AIDS, including 99 children, by offering programs as varied as help disclosing HIV status to schools, guardianship planning, teaching kids about HIV, recreational opportunities with other HIV-affected families, and a week-long residential camp for children.
Last year, the Supportive Housing department provided housing services, including rental assistance, emergency assistance, and life skills training to nearly 628 people. Support included everything from allocating over $890,000 directly to meeting client needs for stable housing to Rent Well and budgeting courses to ensure long-term stability for individuals and families.
CareLink is a short-term bridge to permanent care for HIV-positive people who need special attention. These people may be newly diagnosed and unsure of where to turn, diagnosed but not in regular medical care, have complications such as mental illness or addiction, or be leaving prison. CareLink works up to three months with each client to find housing, food, medical treatment, counseling, and more, all the while helping them plan permanent care.
Latino Medical Case Management provides culturally competent, Spanish language case management for CAP’s Latino clients.
Working Choices launched January 2011. Last year, the program helped 87 clients in their quest for employment through resume and interviewing workshops; networking events; a weekly Job Club; and Job Lounge, weekly “open houses” where clients can print resumes, use a computer or fax machine, and get advice on job applications.
PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Recognizing that 75% of all new infections in Oregon are among men who have sex with men, Pivot, a space by and for gay and bisexual men, is open evenings and weekends to provide education, prevention, social and cultural programming, HIV and STI testing and more. Last year, Pivot tested 1,725 men for HIV and STIs. Outreach testing for gay and bisexual men, including those in Clark, Clackamas, and Washington counties, correctional facilities, and more, reached an additional 865 people.
Last year, the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline fielded 882 calls and 6,372 online visitors from throughout the state requesting a wide variety of information and referrals to address their concerns about HIV and STIs.
Testing for All provides rapid HIV testing and risk reduction counseling in CAP’s comfortable offices to anyone who wants it. We request a donation, but will turn away no one for lack of funds. Last year, we tested 548 people.
CAP’s Youth HIV Education program including Teen2Teen and ChatPDX reached out to 3,385 youth through youth-facilitated workshops and peer education, and served an additional 4,990 youth through outreach, including social media.
The Speakers Bureau sent HIV-positive speakers on 58 speaking engagements, sharing HIV prevention education messages with 2,668 people.
All in all, last year CAP provided HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to nearly 15,000 people and coordinated wrap-around support services for 1,680 people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS in the five-county Portland metropolitan area. More information about Cascade AIDS Project is at www.cascadeaids.org
Portland, August 4th, 2013. “Barbies” and “Gym Bunnies” slugged it out to raise over $14,000 at the Bat ‘n Rouge. The humorously competitive softball tournament raised funds for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund and Camp KC, a fun and safe summer camp for local kids affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. It’s a program of Cascade AIDS Project. This is the second year of the event.
The Barbies raised the most money. Organizers had the perfect description of the team, “Decked out in all of Barbie’s accessories, they’ll hit a home run AND be home in time to cook Ken dinner.”
The Biker Chicks were a popular group and made it to the finals of the Bat ‘n Rouge. Explained organizers, “This team is ready to play ball and possibly repair your car.”
Female impersonators Monica Boulevard and Poison Waters
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence served as umpires for the Bat ‘n Rouge
The Gym Bunnies were a crowd favorite.
Event Organizers Bekah Telew and Andrew Shayde
Sara McCrimmon and Erin Northrup from Camp KC
The Gay Nerds started reading in the infield during the game between the Barbies and the Biker Chicks.
In the end, the Barbies in heels took the top honors by raising more money then the other three teams: the Gym Bunnies, the Nerds, and the Biker Chicks.
About Camp KC:
Camp KC (Kids Connection), is Cascade AIDS Project’s lakeside summer camp for HIV/AIDS affected children in the age range of 5-14. The one week camp experience is a unique component of our yearlong program for children and families, Kids Connection. Campers enjoy arts &crafts, swimming, canoeing, music and more all while in the supportive community of trained and dedicated volunteers.
About the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund: Audria was a gay rights activist, a devoted mother of six (four of whom were GLBT), and the second president of the Portland Chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-Flag). In the fall of 1987, Audria M. Edwards passed away. The following spring, her children established the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund in tribute to Audria’s passion for continued education. Today, it is administered by Peacock Productions, Inc.; an organization funded by donations, the proceeds of variety shows and community fundraisers. Those eligible for the scholarship are Oregon residents of one year, who are seeking post-secondary, or under-graduate education in an accredited institution, and are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or have a LGBT parent.
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