The gift of presence 

Give what only you can offer - your smile, your time and your presence:

  • Share a meal
  • Have a conversation
  • Send an email
  • Mail a note of encouragement
  • Talk on the phone
  • Send flowers
  • Bring a gift
  • Make a meal
  • Build a friendship
  • Sit on a porch and talk
  • Share homemade cookies

 

Local Opportunity: House of Joseph II (HOJII)

House of Joseph is part of The Ministry of Caring, a non-profit, ecumenical organization devoted to serving poor, homeless, and disadvantaged people in and around Wilmington, Delaware. The Ministry of Caring offers food, shelter, job training and placement, child care, basic medical and dental care, a residence for people living with AIDS, clothing and household goods for those in need.

House of Joseph II, a permanent residence for homeless individuals living in advanced stages of AIDS, has doubled its capacity by increasing the number of beds from 8 to 16. An extensive capital project, now completed, including the purchase of adjoining property, major renovations to connect both buildings with a common area, and private baths for each bedroom in the newer facility. We are now facing capital expenses for upgrades to the original property. House of Joseph II is the first facility of its kind in the State of Delaware.

HOJII residents are able to live as fully and independently as possible and receive respect and acceptance in response to their physical, nutritional, medical, psychological, recreational and spiritual needs. The facility offers 24-hour care by Certified Nurse Assistants and on-site case management. Medical and nursing services are provided through St. Francis Hospital to assure appropriate level of care and supervision of medical needs. 

Brandywine Valley Baptist Church Newsletter (March 2009)

"New BVBC partnership aims to 'Awaken Hope'; Ministry serves those with AIDS"

Editor's note: BVBC has linked with the "Awaken Hope" ministry as part of its new "Third Saturday" effort promoting monthly service to the community. Gabrielle Townsend introduced the ministry in a Saturday seminar in January, and shared this story for BVBCNews readers: 

          When I met Diane* (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) she had been ill for many years. Living at a residence for people with AIDS, Diane was one of the few female residents.

We first met over dinner and we talked  about our lives. In the next few months we became friends and looked forward to each other's company.

Diane did not know her HIV status for many years and had struggled to find out the cause of her numerous medical problems. Once diagnosed as HIV positive, she was given medication and a room at the AIDS facility.

Diane was ill and suffering, but she made time for a new friend. She laughed a lot, loved to play Bingo, loved dolphins and all kinds of stuffed animals. Sometimes we would just sit in her room and watch TV and talk.

As the disease progressed and Diane shared she was in the final stages of AIDS, we hugged and wept. We had so little time together and were just becoming good friends. But I knew her suffering would be over and for that I was glad.

One of her greatest fears was dying alone, but she did not die alone. She was surrounded by friends and "family by choice," who held her hand until the end. Diane lived a beautiful life and she was my friend.

When we hear Diane's story, we can hope that all people living with HIV and AIDS will have a home, three meals a day, the medicine they need and people to love them. Or we can rise up and help to meet the needs right here in Delaware.

Followers of Jesus Christ are uniquely called to provide care, prayer, unconditional love, and practical support to people living with HIV and AIDS. 

To get involved or learn about practical ways to help people living with HIV and AIDS view our Calendar or Help Page.