Faith-based Doorways raises funds for AIDS outreach
By Jessica Bassett Of the St. Louis American
On any given night, disco soul sensation Sister Sledge can tear the roof off with musical hits “We Are Family” and “He’s the Greatest Dancer.”
But on a recent Saturday night at the Chase Park Plaza, the four sisters were rocking for a cause.
They were singing to raise money to support housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis area at Doorways’ seventh annual black-tie gala.
This year’s celebration was the most successful in Doorways’ 20-year history, raising more than $250,000.
“It’s a time not only to raise money for the organization but to come together as a community,” said Matt Teeter, Doorways’ director of development and communications.
“You look out into the crowd and you see corporate leaders, religious leaders and the gay community.”
Out of their seven housing units dispersed throughout the St. Louis area, Doorways provides compassionate care to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization has been a blessing to thousands since community and faith leaders (from the Catholic Archdiocese, a local rabbi, and the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ congregations) formed it in 1988, when HIV/AIDS first became widely recognized.
“We have not dealt honestly with HIV/AIDS in the black church,” said the Rev. Frances Penn Cleveland, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church and a member on Doorway’s board of directors.
She got involved in Doorways around 1994 when her daughter was diagnosed with AIDS and subsequently passed away from the disease.
“There are people who were uncomfortable to talk about it, but now that’s changing. Pastors are becoming more involved,” Cleveland said.
Part of that change is because of Doorways, whose services are open to everyone. Many of their clients are too poor or too sick to adequately care for themselves.
Over the years, Doorways has grown to understand that it needs to provide support services outside of HIV/AIDS.
Therefore, in addition to providing medical care and housing, Doorways is looking to provide its clients with substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence treatment, as well as education, parenting and life skills.
Each of the organization’s buildings is equipped with everything needed to make one’s “home-going” comfortable – one’s own room, a good meal and plenty of friends.
When asked what’s in store for Doorways in the future, Cleveland was quite modest in her response. She quoted an African proverb, “Together, we can tie up an elephant.”
For more information on Doorways, visit www.doorwayshousing.org or call 314-535-1919.
Faith-based youth service
Working in partnership with St. Louis for Kids, the United Way of Greater St. Louis will host a community forum and workshop regarding the availability of free technical and assistance services to area faith-based and community organizations through 2008 Reaching Our Youth Institute.
This project is designed to help the faith-based and community organizations in the region strengthen their services to youth during the before- and after-school hours.
With this program, St. Louis for Kids will be able to provide free training workshops, coaching and consulting services, and issue up to $200,000 in cash sub-awards to select faith-based and community organizations on a competitive basis.
To apply, interested organizations must attend an informational luncheon on Thursday, February 28 from noon – 2 p.m. at United Way’s downtown office at 910 North 11th St.
To sign-up, contact Cassandra E. Griffin or S. Wray Clay of United Way at 314-539-4128 or 314-539-4005.