Caracole Resident Assistant Continues AIDS Outreach in Tanzania

Lately, Caracole has been an incubator-of-sorts for Caracole Resident Assistants (RAs) who work with our local HIV/AIDS community and move onto HIV/AIDS projects in Africa. Caracole RAs facilitate support and resources for Caracole residents for a variety of needs.

One RA, Robbie, an RA since June 2008, spent several weeks this spring in Tanzania, Africa working in a community affected by AIDS. When Robbie returned to Cincinnati, he began working at Caracole. Robbie is planning to return to Tanzania in February 2009. On his time as an RA, Robbie comments:

“I really enjoy working with the residents who come from different backgrounds but still have many things in common. My role here is that of a friend, a peer, a guide and a human being who cares about who they are and what they have gone through. At the same time, I’m the voice of conscience and reason that helps them stay on their path to recovery. I have seen some residents learn to grow and grasp the cup of hope and power as they once again control their lives.”

Robbie has been on several humanitarian missions to countries including Ecuador, Thailand and India. When Robbie returns to Tanzania, he will continue working with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the foothills in Arusha near Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Of his return trip, where he will spend nearly four months, Robbie writes:

“I am returning to Tanzania to continue my work with the HIV community there and my love for the many orphaned children that look to me as a friend, a brother and an inspiration to also find the courage and the hope to take control of their lives as they try to over come the many obstacles.”

Caracole is so proud of Robbie as he continues his mission to assist communities worldwide affected by AIDS. He’s even started a website for his soon-to-be-official 501(c)3 organization with more information about his journeys and how people can support his work. Visit http://www.yellowbluebus.org/ to learn more.

p.s. did we mention Robbie's leaving?! Are you looking for a part-time, very fulfilling position? Check out our employment page at: http://www.caracole.org/employment.asp to apply for an RA position.

Season of Giving

Each year, Caracole staff works with nearly 1,100 homeless and HIV+ people in the Greater Cincinnati area. Caracole connects people to resources for housing, healthcare, food/nutrition and more. Among those served, between 15-30 people a year live in the Caracole Transitional Houses and receive live-in support of residents who are also HIV+ and staff who are on duty 24/7.

As we approach the holidays and new year, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on the year, give thanks to those who are so generous and ask for your support during this giving season.

In addition to government funding sources, Caracole's services are supported by individual giving. You can visit our donation site, hosted by GuideStar.org to make a donation to support people living with HIV/AIDS in our community.

We are also always open to in-kind donations. There is a running list of items that are always needed on the left column of this blog. Here is a short list of the items that residents could really use this holiday season:

• Bus tokens
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
• Lotion
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bath gel/bar soap
• Toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, feminine products, etc.)
• Garbage bags (kitchen size)

Donations can be dropped off to the main Caracole office at 1821 Summit Road, Suite 1, Cincinnati, OH 45237. You can also call 761-7736 and speak with Suzanne regarding donations.

Happy holidays to all!