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| Last updated on October 20, 2008 |
Multifaith Works’ mission is to unite communities of compassionate care and inclusive spirituality with people living in isolation and loneliness.
Description:
The clients served by Multifaith Works are coping with grief, loss, and life-threatening illnesses including MS and HIV/AIDS. They are also battling homelessness, poverty, addiction, isolation, and loneliness, and those living with HIV/AIDS often face abandonment by family, friends, and faith communities due to the stigma associated with AIDS. Each of Multifaith Works’ three programs addresses the social reintegration of our clients in different ways. The non-judgmental, compassionate presence of volunteers provides stability and community.
The CareTeam Program matches a team of seven to ten trained volunteers to one person living with HIV/AIDS. The team performs household and yard chores, provides transportation for shopping and medical appointments, and assists the client with any practical job that the client may be unable to do. The team also builds trusting, loving relationships with their client, talking, sharing experiences, and celebrating social events and holidays together. The CareTeam Program currently serves over 80 clients through over 300 volunteers.
The Shanti Program matches specially trained volunteers in one-to-one relationships with clients. Volunteers spend an average of three hours per week with their clients, and provide friendship and nonjudgmental emotional support through confidential listening and trust. In addition to the One-to-One Program, Shanti volunteers also provide emotional and listening support to two long-term care residential facilities and eight correctional facilities in western Washington. The Shanti Program provides emotional support to over 300 clients through its various service options.
The Housing Program offers housing to low-income, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS. In this program, residents are assessed and connected to treatment options for mental health and chemical dependency issues. Staff also assesses the residents’ basic life skills, honing the skills they already have and training them in the skills they will need in order to live independently in permanent housing once they exit the Housing Program. These skills include budgeting, timely bill payment, nutrition and cooking, physical fitness, basic household maintenance and yard maintenance, and employment search skills. The Housing Program provides service and housing to 50 residents each year.
History:
Multifaith Works was created by Reverend Gwen Beighle, a hospital chaplain who witnessed a large number of patients, mostly gay men, dying of AIDS. These patients faced death alone, without the support of family, friends, or faith community. Reverend Beighle challenged faith communities to confront their homophobia and AIDS phobia, recruiting volunteers from these communities to help people with AIDS live and die with dignity, surrounded by loving people who provided emotional and spiritual support.
Incorporated in 1988 as Multifaith AIDS Project of Seattle (MAPS), the agency provided transitional housing and supportive services for people living with AIDS in the Seattle/King County area. In 1997, the AIDS CareTeam Program was added to address practical chores and emotional needs of isolated people with AIDS. In January 1999, the organization changed its name from MAPS to Multifaith Works and merged with Seattle Shanti, a long-standing nonprofit providing one-on-one emotional support to people living with AIDS and other life threatening illnesses. Over the past 19 years, Multifaith Works’ programs have changed the lives of over 4,600 clients.
In February 2005, Rabbi Anson Laytner left his eleven-year post as Multifaith Works Executive Director to work at the American Jewish Committee, Seattle Chapter. After a period of transition, Multifaith Works selected its third Executive Director, Arthur Padilla, who began in October of 2005.
Contact people:
Office fax number: 206.324.2041
Address:
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115 16th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
This location is handicap accessible
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.multifaith.org
Directions:
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From North of downtown Seattle:
Take I-5 South to exit 165A towards James St.
Upon exiting, stay straight onto 6th Ave. Remain on 6th until you reach Yesler
Turn left onto Yesler. Follow Yesler to 16th Ave.
Turn left onto. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: 3,4,14,27, 5 minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| Liability |
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Yes
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| Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers? |
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Yes
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| Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18? |
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Yes
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