Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center has been on the forefront of the HIV/AIDS pandemic for decades. Time, observation, and experience have made it evident that people, who are injured spiritually and/or emotionally by familial abuse, social stigma, homophobia, misogyny, or religious exile, are most likely the same ones being discounted when identifying groups who are at high ri
sk for becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center has evolved into an organization that is all-inclusive when it comes to addressing chronic health concerns. This is accomplished through leadership in prevention, education, spirituality, supportive serves and advocacy. The goal of this page is to provide a link that networks members with services, education, and the community by highlighting current activities and information pertinent to improving the lives of all populations. Meditation that goes into living with HIV is a part of each day. Lunch is provided by congregations, community groups and restaurants. Daily participants look forward to a different morning activity that can include art therapy, support group, Reiki, or a day trip. Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center provides opportunities for community service organizations to set up stations where they can speak about treatment information and access to health care. Care Teams are made up of volunteers that provide non-judgmental practical support for people who are homebound with HIV/AIDS. Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center team members are individuals from the community who may attend church together, work together or even participate in other team building activities. A typical team is made up of six to eight volunteers who make the commitment to each other as a team and to the person living with HIV/AIDS as a Care Receiver. Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center finds that each team provides support to one another and therefore better support for the Care Receiver. Often individuals feel the call to participate in this ministry, but they are not affiliated with any particular congregation or denomination. These individuals are encouraged and welcomed to join an existing team or newly forming care teams. Anyone who is willing to be an active participant in the care of someone who is homebound with HIV/AIDS is welcomed. Common Ground Ministries & Community Development Center Care Teams receive training that covers two levels. These trainings occur at least once per quarter. Level one covers caring for the caregiver:
• HIV Education and Awareness
• Knowing your limits
• Striving to be compassionate, non-judgmental and supportive
• Issues of grief
• "What a Care Team Is" and "What a Care Team Is Not"
Level two is taking care of the Care Receiver:
• Team Structure
• Maintaining the Quality of Life
• Psycho-Social Issues
• Skills of Daily Living
• Compassionate Listening
• Preparing for Transition
The Care Team provides respite care for the Care Receiver. Initially, care was provided for individuals who were in their end stages of living with AIDS. Today, the epidemic has changed and many individuals are living much longer with HIV. A Care Receiver may only need care for a short period of time while they are recovering from an illness, surgery or severe side effect. After the initial recovery period, the Care Team will remain in contact with their Care Receiver so that if any additional support is needed in the future, care will be available. Pastoral Care is a network of interfaith clergy volunteers. They are available to provide pastoral care when needed. These needs may include hospital visits, administrating the sacrament (communion), officiating at funeral services and Pastoral Care and Counseling. These volunteer clergy are from a variety of different religions. The Educational Programs are geared to provide awareness, prevention and motivation to become involved with the HIV community. Primarily education is provided within the faith community. In addition, they offer their services to any group that requests their assistance with education.
