Giving Back at the Shelter

Women at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission’s Women and Children’s Shelter make Caregiver Kits.

Ryan Smith is assistant editor with World Vision’s publications department. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University in June 2006. All photos by Jon Warren, photo director for World Vision.

Braxton, 4, enthusiastically loaded towels, soap, and other items into plastic containers—World Vision caregiver kits. “We’re helping sick people in Africa,” she announced.

When Braxton finished one, she pulled her mom back to the front of the line of assemblers. “She’s put together at least 12 containers,” her mother, Jamie, said with a proud smile. And the pair made at least five more before the supplies ran out.

In less than two hours, women at the Union Gospel Mission Women and Children’s Shelter put together 500 kits for caregivers across the world who take care of AIDS sufferers. The supplies in the kits are basic—things like notebooks, pens, soap, towels, gloves, and a flashlight—but their impact on the quality of care in rural villages is profound.

This was the first opportunity for the women of the shelter to create something that helps other people, said Gloria Hall, the director of the shelter. “I knew the women would love to do this because they love to connect with people.”

The Women and Children’s Shelter houses up to 90 people, providing short-term care and long-term rehabilitation for women and children in Seattle. “We try to create a safe environment for the women to heal and get back their dignity,” Gloria said. “[Creating these kits] is something that gives them dignity, because they have something to offer.”

“We don’t get many opportunities to do things like this, so it’s good to be able to give back,” said Maria, a woman with a big smile and overflowing enthusiasm. “We’re very blessed here, at the Union Gospel Mission and in the United States.”

Another resident, Nancy, was glad to have the opportunity to help. “I used to work with Alzheimer’s patients, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to help people,” she said. But making the “gift boxes” for caregivers was a good way to do that again.

When the work was done, Gloria said, the ladies asked for the opportunity to make more caregiver kits. “These women, even though they’re in poverty, are the most giving people.”

- Ryan Smith

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Seattle, Washington Event: Students Respond with Music and Art

Blog contributor: Ryan Smith. Photography by Jon Warren.

World AIDS Day at Seattle Pacific University (SPU) kicked off yesterday with a benefit show featuring students responding to the AIDS pandemic through music and art. About 100 students packed the room, gathering to enjoy some great music and to support AIDS orphans around the world.

Danielle Henry, one of three musicians who performed, shared a beautiful ballad titled “Blessed.” She jokes that some of her friends call it “The AIDS Song.” She wrote it after walking through the World Vision AIDS Experience last year.

"I Went Home and Wept"

“[The Experience] was really inspiring, because I was putting myself somewhere besides my little Christian college campus. I was seeing what other people had to walk through on a daily basis,” Danielle says. “I went home and wept, and the song came out of that.”

Lyrics like "How do we get away from that little box of pride that’s filling up our lives?" and "Where do we draw the line between what is right and that little selfish thing inside?" were a challenge to look past immediate surroundings — and a challenge for students to visit the AIDS Experience that’s currently on campus.

In fact, the concert event itself was sparked from that song, says Wendy Whitley, a sophomore who leads SPU’s Acting on AIDS chapter. “I heard Danielle perform the song, and the idea for a concert got rolling,” she says. “I think that this event is important because it shows that students are responding to the AIDS crisis in their own creative ways.”

Representing a World Affected by AIDS

While Danielle and others played their music, Scott Erickson was painting to the side of the stage. He painted an African girl and an Indian boy to represent the world affected by AIDS. “A lot of the attention about AIDS goes to Africa, and rightly so,” Scott says. “But it’s spreading to the rest of the world, and especially India, and I wanted to show the global spread of the disease for World AIDS Day.”

“Scott the Painter,” as he is more commonly known, isn’t a student, but he has painted for many SPU events and regularly works with churches and non-profits to add a visual experience to events, in addition to his studio work.

To see stories, photos, and video about other World AIDS Day events at Seattle Pacific University, check back to this site throughout the rest of this evening!

Check out Danielle’s music at www.myspace.com/daniellehenry.
See some of Scott’s artwork at www.myspace.com/seescottart.

SPU students: Please click the "comments" button below ... are you planning on making any changes to your life as a result of this campaign? Tell us about the child you chose, and why. Let us know what you are thinking!

- Ryan Smith

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Seattle, Washington Event: "Lives on the Line"

Blog contributor Ryan Smith; all photos by Jon Warren.

December 1 is a cold and rainy morning here is Seattle (what else is new?) ... but seven students from Seattle Pacific University woke before the sun in an effort to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic.

They braved the 35-degree cold to create an interactive display, in the heart of their campus, depicting the plight of children orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS. The display, called “Lives on the Line,” gives their fellow students the opportunity to take a card with a photo and story of a child in need and pray for him or her throughout World AIDS Day.

“I think people know that there is a problem with AIDS, but it can be hard to find things to do about it,” said sophomore Amy McNair. “We’re trying to find outlets for people to get involved.” The photo is a reminder to pray for and learn about a child from across the globe, Amy said. She and most of the others working this morning are members of the Acting on AIDS chapter on campus.

Students Turn Out in Droves

“It’s been overwhelming to see the number of volunteers,” says sophomore Wendy Whitley. “People are excited and willing to help and be involved, and whether they can come to every meeting or not, students want to do something.”

One of those students is Jon Viducich, a 19-year-old sophomore. He became aware of the AIDS crisis when his friends became passionate about it, and he has begun to learn more and get involved. “With all the things going on at college, I can’t do all the activities, but I like to be involved when I can,” he says.

These students have been working for weeks to lay the groundwork for the events of the day. And as dawn breaks, they are beginning to see the fruits of their efforts. A student tentatively walks up to the string of cards. “Go ahead and take a picture of an orphan,” Amy calls out. “Take it with you and pray for them throughout the day.” The girl smiles, takes a card, and continues on to class.

- Ryan Smith



Watch video.

World Vision AIDS Experience -- Africa Exhibit

A "miniature" version of the World Vision AIDS Experience was also available at SPU for students to examine this week ...

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