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What’s Happening at the Spahr Center in Marin
October Newsletter
Client Advisory Committee
The HIV Client Advisory Committee will have their next meeting later this month. The committee’s co-chairs, Wade Flores and Bobby Moske, want all clients to know that an email address has been set up for anyone who would like to reach the committee hivclientadvcomm@thespahrcenter.org. The email goes directly to a committee member who is coordinating communications.
Volunteer Opportunities
We need a few volunteers to help out at our front desk. This involves answering a multi-line phone system, connecting callers with staff members, greeting clients, providing information and assisting pantry shoppers and syringe exchangers. Our volunteer receptionists are the face and heart of The Spahr Center; we’d love to have you join our wonderful team!
The available shifts are Tuesdays 9 am – 1 pm or 1pm – 5pm; Wednesdays 9am – 1pm; or Fridays 1pm – 5pm. If you are interested please call Bri at 415-457-2487 or email her here.
Hear from one of our front desk volunteers
From a post on GivePulse written by one of our Service Learners from Dominican University
“Today I was a bit more comfortable in my position than I was last week since I had a bit more experience…. In the needle exchange, we provide the clients with clean needles and other supplies to help reduce spreading of infections or diseases…. Today, one of the clients came in and he was talking to me about how he was embarrassed to have to come in to pick up the needles and carry them down the street. This was interesting to me, because I hadn’t really thought about that before. Even in a paper bag or a backpack where the needles were covered up, he was worried that people were going to judge him. He told me he imagined that I never thought I would be surrounded by people like him…. I hoped that he knew that I was not judging him. I’m only here to serve and to gain new learning experiences, not to judge anyone or their choices. It was a very impactful moment to me, because I hadn’t been worried that clients would feel as if I was judging them. Being here allows me to learn about myself and being aware of what I am doing. It helps me to remember that I am here to support clients and serve them as best as I can and to assure them that I am not here to make judgements, only to help them.”
Resources for Family Caregivers
Are you caring for a loved one? You give lots of support, but you deserve support too. Click here to find a variety of helpful information, in-person and online groups for people providing caregiving to a family member. Family Caregiver Alliance has partnered with Smart Patients to create a new Caregivers Community. You can join for free to learn, share and interact with other caregivers in a safe, supportive environment. Be well!
Day of The Dead
We will have a community altar for Dia de los Muertos. If you would like to place something on the altar to honor a loved one or someone who is no longer with us, please bring your remembrance to our office. The altar will be in our community room starting Wednesday October 31st through Friday, November 2nd.
Not In Our Town – Novato
Presents a screening of the film Light in the Darkness
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness tells the story of residents of a Long Island village taking action after a series of anti-immigrant attacks by local teenagers ended with the hate crime against a local immigrant Marcelo Lucero. While starkly revealing the trauma of hate, the film provides a blueprint for people who want to do something before intolerance turns to violence.
This event is free and open to the public
Date: November 8, 2018
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Unity in Marin 600 Palm Drive, Novato, CA 94949
Hosted by: NIOT Novato, Novato Charter School Many Hearts Committee
In cooperation with: The Novato Unified School District, Novato Police Department, City of Novato and Unity in Marin.
Gender Awareness and Education
In collaboration, The Marin County Office of Education, The Spahr Center and Domincan University invite you to three special events on November 14th and 15th.
All 3 events are free of charge and open to the public; however space is limited and you are encouraged to register.
For more information please contact Bri at 415-457-2487
LGBT Senior Discussion Group Update
Buz Hermes, the facilitator of our Corte Madera discussion group, reports that the group has grown every month since it started last January! Now, Buz says, the goal is to add more lesbian, bisexual and transgender women to the group. The monthly meeting is on the second Wednesday from noon to 2:00 pm in the community room at Corte Madera Town Center. Click here for more information
Save the Date for our next Senior Luncheon!!
Our next LGBT Senior luncheon will be Wednesday, November 28th at The Marin Yacht Club. Stay tuned for more details!!
Through the Eyes and Ears of an Artist
Until Next Time..

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