Thrivers is a monthly discussion group for people impacted by HIV that relies on the personal expertise within our communities to help one another get the most out of life and to take advantage of the opportunities before us. Come thrive with us!
NOTE: Anyone attending Thrivers in person will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including the most recent (Bivalent) booster. A vaccination record, vaccine card, or a picture of the card or vaccine record will be required. All attendees will be expected to remain masked throughout the program. Anyone who is unvaccinated or who still prefers to participate remotely will have the option of participating in the program via Zoom or by phone.
*We are not currently serving the congregate meal at the end of Thrivers programs. Instead, we will be giving out $10 grocery store gift cards. You must arrive by 12:15 and stay for the entire program in order to receive the gift card. Individuals participating by phone or Zoom will be able to pick up their gift card at William Way the Monday after the program.
Saturday, February 25th, 12:00-1:30: Healthy Relationships
This month, we will be discussing all types of relationships – including romantic, sexual, and platonic relationships. What do healthy relationships look like? How do we maintain them and help them to flourish? Positive relationships are good for our mental health and allow us to feel closer to others. Being aware of the qualities of a healthy relationship can also help us to recognize when a relationship is negative, toxic, or unhealthy, whether that be a relationship of our own or a relationship of a loved one.
Saturday, March 25th, 12:00-1:30: Combatting Ageism
This month, we’re talking about ageism and the ways that it may impact our lives. We may have witnessed ageism in the workforce, healthcare environments, social settings, or when accessing HIV care. We’ll have the opportunity to share our own experiences with ageism and also discuss how ageism affects society at large. We’ll also explore ways to stand up against ageism and to create communities that are age-inclusive and that celebrate the contributions of people of all ages.
Saturday, April 29th, 12:00-1:30: Dealing with Loneliness
This month, we will be having a discussion about isolation and loneliness. After three years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve likely all experienced some isolation and feelings of loneliness. For some of us, we may have been dealing with loneliness long before the pandemic. We’ll talk about the ways that isolation and loneliness interact and how they impact our health and wellness. We’ll also talk about the ways that the pandemic has affected our social connectedness. Most importantly, we’ll explore ways that we can address isolation and loneliness and develop stronger social connections with others.
Saturday, May 20th, 12:00-1:30: Communicating with Our Providers
This month, we talk about the importance of open and honest conversations with our healthcare providers. We’ll specifically focus on how we can bring up potentially sensitive topics, such as drug usage, sexual history, intimate partner violence, or mental health issues. It can sometimes be uncomfortable or embarrassing to start these conversations with our providers but doing so can help us to get the most appropriate care. We’ll discuss situations we’ve been in where we’ve had these conversations and share the strategies we use to have this open communication with our providers.