Voices of Shanti

Shanti's HIV+ Women's Group Become Poets

2010-05-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Shanti's HIV+ weekly women's group tapped into their creative side this morning as they learned about expressing themselves through haiku's. The women thoroughly enjoyed the session and left us with some haiku's to share...

We like to be here

We like hens and our good friends

We like Shanti life

________________

Peaceful days and nights

Serenity is bliss

Turn out the lights now

________________

Meow mix women

Light and gray minded why this

Tender hearted heart

Levi Strauss & Co.; More than just a jean company!

2010-05-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

(Wednesday May 5th, 2010) As part of their 10th annual Community Day, employees of Levi Strauss & Co. took a day off of work to volunteer in local communities around the globe. Here in San Francisco, paired up with Hands on Bay Area, around 800 volunteers participated in 27 local community projects. This past May 5th, Shanti was lucky enough to have 13 of those very enthusiastic volunteers.

Wholeheartedly tackling several projects, the volunteers revamped and reorganized Shanti’s office space. Their efforts and eager attitude were both moving and tremendously useful. “With all the work that piles up, it becomes easy to forget how significant the simple things, like working in a clean environment, can be,” said one Shanti staff person. “The spring cleaning had to be done somehow, and they provided the energy,” another said.

Volunteers helped tremendously with providing open space in cubicles and painting a chalk board in the drop in center for clients. “It really helps us express our emotions and creativity,” says a Shanti client. The room, now filled with quotes and drawings, can really help clients understand one another and feel more connected. “It gives clients something to do if they aren’t comfortable talking. Many are into art and that’s another place for them to express themselves,” says a Shanti volunteer coordinator. One Shanti staff also compared writing on a wall to her experience at the Shanti volunteer training, “It’s nice to be able to express yourself and see how others can relate to the events and experiences you are going through.”

Levi Strauss & Co.’s support also goes beyond the annual Community Day. Having been a longtime supporter of equality and the fight against AIDS, the company has contributed over $40 million dollars in grants to HIV/AIDS service organizations in various countries all around the world, including Shanti. They even surprised Shanti with a very generous gift of $5,000 as part of their Community Day effort. Levi Strauss and Co. also helps over 60 non-profit organizations in their efforts to help educate and provide treatment towards HIV/AIDS illnesses. Shanti is grateful for the partnership with Levi’s and looks forward to future involvement!

San Francisco's Academy of Friends Gala

2010-03-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

March 7, 2010 was not an ordinary night at Fort Mason this weekend. The usual warehouse was transformed into an elegantly decorated Academy Awards gala for Academy of Friends. Academy of Friends is a huge fundraising event for HIV/AIDS organizations all over the country held in San Francisco, CA. Stylish, ornamented tables full of gourmet cuisines, delicious wines and alcoholic beverages were distributed throughout the now altered arena. A large area was also dedicated to a silent auction, presenting myriad items including: theatre, fine dining, entertainment, wines, paintings, vintage posters, collectable items and so much more. Mannequins representing the theme of the night, “Behind the Seams: A Salute to Fashion in Film”, were dressed in a variety of vintage and modern day fashion, bringing effortless style to the room. Samba dancers, Gold’s gym members painted gold (how appropriate) and of course our fabulous San Francisco drag queens, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and many others, also filled the room on Sunday night. In addition, one cannot forget the four large screens hanging centered in the warehouse projecting the Academy Awards as the social crowd watched and made their way around the arena.
Overall the event turned out to be a total success. With a crowded room dressed to impress, Academy of Friends, fund-raiser has been able to raise 7.5 million dollars towards HIV/AIDS efforts since it first began 30 years ago. Although it is too soon to see what this year brought in, we are positive, like in previous years, it did not disappoint. This year’s funds will be distributed to over 11 organizations around the country.
This event would not have been possible without the efforts of Shanti and other bay area HIV/AIDS organizations, whose staff and volunteers dedicated much of their time to put this event together. As a result Shanti receives approximately $275 dollars per hour for each volunteer. Everyone’s efforts and commitment toward a great cause are extremely appreciated.

Shanti's back!. Read our blog to see what we've been up to.

2010-03-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hello every one! We know it has been some time since our last blog, but guess what, we’re back! We will continue to bring new blogs weekly of Shanti’s efforts in the community. Below is a story of one of our courageous volunteers and his personal experience with his client, who we will refer to as Tom for confidential purposes. Please give us your honest reviews and continue to check back with us for future blogs. We look forward to hearing from you.

I remember being so nervous that afternoon as I knocked on Tom’s door for the first time. I couldn’t stop wondering if I was really ready for this, despite all the wonderful training I had received from Shanti on being an effective peer counselor. Would he like me? Would I like him? And what could I possibly say to someone who had been through so much tragedy at such a young age?

I wasn’t surprised by the mask when Tom finally opened the door. Adrian, a care navigator from Shanti, had told me all about the mask when she had called me a week before my first meeting with Tom. She had told me about Tom’s facial deformity, the result of a bacterial infection that had forced doctors to remove part of his nose and mouth. She had also informed me of his HIV status (positive), his diagnosis as a manic-depressive and his addiction to crystal meth. I had hung up the phone with Adrian feeling overwhelmed yet intensely curious to meet this extraordinary person who had suffered so much and yet survived. A week later he was standing before me in the doorway to his apartment inviting me into his home for the very first time.

Tom led me into his small studio apartment in the Tenderloin of San Francisco, and we quietly sat across from each other in his living room/bedroom. I noticed the posters on his wall, the computer at his desk, and the clothes strewn about his room. It looked like a typical room that could have belonged to any young gay man in the city. I noticed too how carefully Tom had arranged his clothing to conceal the scars on his face. In addition to the blue surgical mask, he wore a thin scarf around his neck to hide his trachea and his long hair was groomed specifically to cover the red scar that ran the length of his forehead.

I had expected our first meeting to be awkward, as first meetings inevitably tend to be, yet Tom’s kindness made it easy and comfortable to make conversation. Shanti did a great job matching Tom and I. We have a lot in common, and I felt an instant connection to him. We spent that first afternoon talking about movies we both liked, Tom’s experiences in college, and his move to San Francisco from Virginia several years ago. Tom finally began to mention his facial deformity and I immediately noted the pain visible in his eyes. It occurred to me just how much emotion we can convey through our eyes and voice alone. He had also mentioned an art project that he had been working on concerning his ordeal and when I asked him about it, he began to cry. I didn’t know what to say so I did the only thing I could think of: I reached out and held his hand as he cried.

My first meeting with Tom had left me feeling incredibly moved. In the weeks and months that have followed that first meeting, I have had one amazing experience after the other in my role as a peer counselor to Tom. We have attended Buddhist recovery meetings together and client intakes at New Leaf. We have also spent many afternoons together at the movie theater, shopping at Project Open Hand, or just talking and getting to know each other better. Eventually, Tom became comfortable enough with me to remove his mask when I would visit. It felt truly gratifying to know that I had earned enough of his trust and respect for him to be able to do so.

Of course, my time with Tom has not always been easy. The greatest challenge I have faced has been in resisting the very human urge to try to change him. I have come to care for Tom a great deal, causing it to become extremely frustrating to watch him succumb to addiction, or cancel meetings with his therapist, or refuse to leave his house for days at a time. Yet, I have slowly come to realize why it is so important to resist those urges to change another person. Famed psychologist Carl Rogers once wrote:

“In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?”

It would have been a disastrous mistake if I had tried to change Tom, and I realize now that the best I can do for him is to provide him with my continued support, encouragement, and trust.

I have been so privileged to be able to play a part in Tom’s life at a time when he has been making so many positive changes. He has recently moved into a recovery house in the Western Addition and has been sober for several weeks, something he has been unable to do for many years! I know that the amazing support that Shanti has provided Tom has been crucial to his recovery process and his continued growth as an individual. I am so grateful to Shanti for introducing me to such a courageous and inspiring person. I can’t wait for my next meeting with Tom, when I get to hear about his new experiences on his continued journey.

Peer Support Volunteer Class of January 2009

2009-02-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

In January we held the first Peer Support Volunteer training of the year and had a wonderful group of volunteers! We truly look forward to matching our new volunteer with clients from our HIV Services and breast cancer programs.

Both Client and Volunteer

2008-11-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

I first came to Shanti as a volunteer in the Activities Department in 1997. The following January I participated in the training to become a peer volunteer, and was soon after matched with a client. The training was invigorating, hopeful and a real eye-opener for me. I saw and learned new ways of being in a relationship, of giving support in a non-judgmental and honest manner. I learned how to just "be there" for someone else without my own personal agenda interfering with real compassionate caring. In a word, I learned how to be a better friend, son, brother, person to the people around me.

I had a fun and powerful year with my client. We would go to concerts or dinner and take long walks and have conversations based on his needs, what was up for him that week. My reward was the look on his face when he realized that I was on his side, there for him physically and emotionally. However, as the year wore on, my own health became less stable. I, too, am HIV positive, and face many of the same challenges as my client. So I chose to end my client match and, in turn, become a client, and I took on a volunteer of my own.

I have had two volunteers, both young women with incredible energy, love and dedication. My current volunteer and I have been matched for five years - she is the little sister I never had and the type of friend I yearned for. She has shared my joy as my health has returned to a vigor I haven't felt in decades. She has been thoughtful and caring as she has shared my life.

I have received so much as a client and volunteer with Shanti that I have been compelled to continue to help and volunteer with Shanti in whatever capacity they need me. Shanti is in my blood. It is an organization that is based on love and respect. It has been an honor and a privilege to be associated with the high caliber of people who have followed their hearts in order to do the right thing as staff and volunteers at Shanti. I want to emphasize that you, too, can have this sort of enriching experience. If you have love and acceptance and a little time to give to another person, then Shanti may be the right fit for you. Check it out!

Why we do what we do...

2008-10-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

My name is Hulda Brown. I have been a client of Shanti since the early 90's. I can't tell you how may ways they have helped me.

The first, and best way I can think of is to give volunteers to help me with my daily life. I have had seven surgeries on my hands which make ordinary things more difficult to do. My volunteers help me with house cleaning, shopping, cooking, and most importantly with helping me to boost my self esteem.

Thank you so much Shanti. I don't know what I would do without you.

Shanti on SF Live

2008-10-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Watch SF Live w/Shanti in How to Videos | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Addicted to Love - a beautiful piece written by a Shanti volunteer

2008-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

By Michelle Chun-LeRoy

Addicted to Love

The title here is not a reference to the late Robert Palmer’s ode to the pathological side effects of romantic attachment; rather, I am making reference to a specific outcome resulting from being a Shanti volunteer.

In my most optimistic moments, I firmly believe that if you put two complete strangers face to face, after a few minutes, a connection will be made. This, I think, despite all existential justifications for human alienation, is one of the hallmarks of being human. However, this belief is often truer in theory than in praxis.

When Shanti matched me with my client, I was at once thrilled and terrified. My client—I hate that term—I learned is the uber good citizen, she volunteers with the homeless, and was recently awarded the Woman of the Year Award for San Francisco. What was I going to offer this person? I excitedly took down her contact information. On my way home, I reviewed all of the information and scripts we covered in our volunteer training. God, could I do this correctly?

When we finally met, there was an air of mutual trepidation. I mean, there I was, a total stranger sitting at her kitchen table. Heaven knows what she was thinking. Me? I was too busy worrying about what constituted an open ended question to really notice anything else. I felt as if we were making small talk. After each visit, She’d tire easily and I left wondering if she really liked having me visit, or if she felt that I was just one more thing on her busy to-do list. This was not going well. Finally, I thought, heck, I’ll just treat her as if I would treat a friend and started asking her about her life, where she’s from, what she did as a girl. Soon, we were talking about everything, from cooking to protesting against the war. She promised me at the next anti-war rally, she’d show me how to get arrested. Way cool. We were connecting.

Then one day, my cell phone rang. It was my Shanti friend, she had to cancel our meeting for that week. I was concerned and disappointed. I really looked forward to spending time with her. Before she said goodbye, she told me that she loved me. I stammered that I loved her too. I was so shocked and absolutely elated. I had just won the lottery! This sense of connection is the reason why I am doing this. Love is a good addiction to have.

Donate to Shanti!

2008-04-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Art of Listening

2008-03-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

By Michele Diaz

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

When was the last time you actually listened to a loved one or friend? When is the last time you really felt heard?

After a weekend of a volunteer training for Shanti, a non profit organization that provides peer counseling for individuals with life threatening illnesses, my eyes (and ears) were opened; I learned the art of listening.

Everyone was asked to speak about a real life issue that they are dealing with for a full, uninterrupted, 3 minutes. I found it rather surprising to learn that many of our deepest feelings are never conveyed, even when speaking to our closest friends, because we often interrupt (or are interrupted by them) before ever exploring these feelings.

I realized this fully when I was asked to speak. Three minutes is a long time for one person to speak about a life issue. I was able to access thoughts and feelings that a regular conversation doesn’t allow. No one means any harm by interrupting; it’s natural to become interested and inquisitive. But by doing so the focus changes from the person who needs to be heard to the person who is trying to listen.

After my 3 minutes, I was able to appreciate the opportunity and ready to extend it to others. When I listened to the other speakers I gave my full attention, kept my inquiries to myself, and allowed them to be heard. I had always felt that I was a good listener and gave great advice, but I quickly learned that the best listeners are those who actually just listen.

The next time someone is speaking to you or expressing their feelings, just listen. Really engage in the conversation by focusing on the actual emotions that the person is going through and keep your questions, musings, and advice to yourself. Focus on their concerns; give them this time.

Here are some important tips to become a great listener:

Make eye contact with the person you are listening to so they know you are engaged in the conversation
Avoid asking questions that are related to the narrative of the story (we tend to ask those questions for our own interests)
Instead, ask questions that allow the person to explore their feelings regarding the situation, i.e. “How does that make you feel?”
Refrain from asking questions that begin with “do” or “are” as they tend to only reciprocate yes or no answers
Don’t interrupt the person you are listening to unless they pause
Don’t be judgmental or include your own personal beliefs

Give it a shot! And try it out from the other side too… call a friend and ask them to listen. Once you feel heard, you can’t help wanting to hear too.

(Originally published in GlamSpirit)

Photographs

2008-03-06T15:27:00.001-08:00

This is a beautiful composite image of portraits taken of Shanti clients and volunteers. I put this up as a test but it looks like we can easily post photos as well as written pieces, for those of you who are photographically and artistically inclined. Because sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words.

Shanti goes Web 2.0

2008-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that Shanti is beginning to establish a presence on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Change.org. Look for us there!

Also, this blog is an idea to give volunteers, staff, and maybe even clients a chance to share their thoughts and experiences with blog posts, videos, photos, and other projects. Please contact shanti.sf@gmail.com if you are interested in contributing a piece.

While everything is still in construction, please bear with us and be patient. Thanks!