In Hope There is Life
Around the world, people with HIV and AIDS are renewing their commitment to living. Through new personal attitudes and greater medical support, they are pursuing their private and professional lives with inspiring vigor. Underlying their efforts is the immense power of hope—hope that is based, very often, on a spiritual understanding of human life.
The unique approach of Do Not Fear to Hope
Today, fortunately, vast powers of science and government are directed toward battling the AIDS pandemic. But the long-run, large-scale help they provide is only a part of the story. Through spirituality, individuals with HIV and AIDS can overcome pain, loneliness, and loss right now, each day. To meet this need, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement established Do Not Fear to Hope in 1988. The work of Do Not Fear to Hope is focused in two primary Areas:
Support Sessions
Each Saturday afternoon, Do Not Fear to Hope holds a group support meeting for people with HIV and AIDS. In addition to the caring and emotional support they receive from each other at these meetings, the members often help each other in other ways, such as sharing information based on their experiences with the disease.
Annual Retreat
Once a year, Do Not Fear to Hope hosts a weekend retreat based in spirituality for people living with HIV and AIDS. Sponsored in conjunction with the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, these retreats offer an opportunity to those with HIV and AIDS to reflect, focus, and develop a closer relationship with God or their higher power.
Scholarships
Because AIDS is a disease that is often economically as well as physically devastating, most of our retreat participants require a scholarship. In fact, with the help of other agencies, we make a special effort to offer these healing weekends to those whose everyday medical, spiritual, and financial needs are impossible to imagine.
Who is Eligible
Do Not Fear to Hope welcomes people of all faiths who are HIV positive or who have AIDS.
Find Out More
Call Fr. Bob Warren of Do Not Fear to Hope today at (845) 424-4402.
E-mail Do Not Fear to Hope at the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement for more information.
