HIV Long Term Survivors Day
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Ocean Grove Health Retreat ’25
About this event
- Event lasts 2 days 20 hours
- Ages 18+
- Free Parking
SALE BEGINS St. Patty’s Weekend [Fri March 15th]
Ocean Grove Health Retreat
CLICK HERE TO FILL IN APPLICATION ONLINE
Please take the time to fill out the application ASAP
Then pay HERE or at the bottom of this page.
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U MATTER
SUNDAY – AUGUST 3RD WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 6TH (11TH YEAR)
This 3-Day Retreat is offered at a fraction of the cost of similar retreats throughout the country. We officially include people living with HIV, people who are affected by HIV, and our allies. This affordable retreat is due to the generosity of the Bath Avenue House donating nearly half of the lodging cost in memory of our friend, and Buddies’ former Director, Stephen Scheuermann. We are also lucky to have the support of volunteers, speakers, restaurants, and groups who provide meals with presentations.
HIV has been one of the biggest fears that many of us have faced.
HIV, a virus that has changed lives forever in ways never expected. We, as a community, have fought to inform policy that is beating this virus and that is seeking to establish a permanent voice of equality in how we are treated.
U=U is now official; UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE ! We are now controlling partners in the plans to End the Epidemics. HIV, although still with us, is becoming less relevant to the rest of the world. Many have come through and have realized that we are probably not going to die from AIDS. We may even see a vaccine or a cure in our lifetimes. Yet, some survivors have been left in situations that are not easy to manage on our own. Our goal here is to gather as many people together to build an honest community of support. We seek to share laughter, fun, stories, tears, wisdom, joy… and plan for a future: U MATTER | A place to be well!
Of course, our major goal is lowering the viral load to undetectable and stopping the spread of HIV. HIV is only one of the health challenges we face. HIV is now very treatable, more easily preventable, and no longer a death sentence, yet we still have unique challenges that other illnesses do not. HIV has given us an opportunity to renew who we are and how we take care of ourselves… even when we slip backward. We are not much different than other people who decide to turn their struggles into championships. HIV, however, is a unique challenge and it helps us to find support from others who experience similar twists in: health, lifestyles, family, relationships, employment, legalities, spirituality, and more… (Activities can include a session of massage, reiki, yoga, meditation, and/or other individual care time. Tips for professional volunteers and housekeeping are encouraged.)
THIS YEAR’S THEME IS: U MATTER | A place to be well!
Activities and Presentations Will Touch On: Health & Wellness Beyond HIV; Giving Ourselves Space to Heal; Physical Activity & Cardiovascular Health; Mental Wellness; Healthier Cooking; Listening & Understanding; Healthy Communication; Self-Advocacy; FUN iN SOBRIETY TOGETHER, Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure; Sexual Intimacy; Healthy Relationships; Prevention & PrEP; Spirituality and More…
Participants will be able to see the Jersey shore (≈300 steps away) and breathe it in, just as the warm weather begins to envelop its coast. All will have a chance to relax and enjoy themselves and others who are different, yet, share similar life circumstances. It is a time to gain awareness of where we are in life and to where life may be calling us. It is a time to discover and acknowledge our strengths, weaknesses, talents, frailties, desires, needs, and more… Together we create a safe, stigma-free environment where we have a chance to articulate who and what may support us in our journeys towards a healthier life. This time is less intense and more relaxing and fun!
YOU MAY ATTEND: Any adult may apply to attend regardless of age, sex. race, nationality, socio-economic status, looks, religious beliefs, or political stature. This retreat originally began as a “Gay Men’s Retreat HIV+” and is now inclusive of all. Yet, we are committed to keeping a stigma free environment that allows us to be open and free to address our issues without judgment or ignorance. Safe space is a priority! It is our goal to keep this time free of judgment or fear. We will ask that selected applicants will only be those who can present a proof of status and/or demonstrate how HIV strongly affects their lives. Anyone who pays prior to filing an application is entitled to full refund if not selected. If you are coming for any other reasons than: self-enhancement, relaxation, fun, and/or brief time away from responsibilities… you may choose not to apply or to call and find out if you may experience what you hope to get out of this retreat.
Space is limited; apply soon! 1 SPACE MAY BECOME AVAILABLE
Early Bird cost is good until June 5th – Long Term Survivors Day
To Bring or Not To Bring …
Bring weather appropriate, comfortable clothing. Bringa nice-a pair of clothes for going one night on the town… but DO NOT OVER PACK unless you are THE QUEEN! Clean bedding, pillows, and towels are provided. Generic soap and shampoo are also provided; please bring your own tooth brush, hair brush, and/or any specialty care items for hygiene with you. Bring medications but please list any that you are bringing; narcotic prescriptions must be approved prior to acceptance of application. Alcohol and recreational drugs also may not be brought on premise. Smoking may only happen off premise… it will be assumed that anyone found smoking in the house is on fire and appropriate measures will be taken to put you out. There will be plenty of free time and open space for people who need to smoke. Watches and cell phones should not be audible or visible during presentations and/or discussions; there will be safe areas available to place them during those times. Please leave negative attitudes at home. Bring on the fun and stay positive! Any questions email us at events@njbuddies.org .
Talents and Skills
If you have any talents or skills that you believe can benefit persons attending this retreat, please let us know; write: events@njbuddies.org subject: retreat talents and skills
The Schedule
FULL SCHEDULE WILL BE EMAILED TO ALL REGISTRANTS
on the Friday before the retreat
We no longer piggy-back on the Annual Jersey Pride Celebration
Those Who Arrive Early (TO GO TO BEACH, PARADISE, ETC…) may Check In & Leave Baggage in Secure Area – Room Keys will be handed out at 6PM
FULL SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED... This retreat is for self-relaxation and growth. Please, however, try to attend as many activities that you feel you are able to. Additionally, any sponsored meals will only be for participants. If you choose not to participate for a sponsored meal, you must then provide for your own meal at that time. The schedule will provide for plenty of free time and personal space. All we ask is that you try not to schedule or partake in alternative activities during times that things are scheduled.
Gathering and Pizza & Salad will be at SUNDAY @ 6:00PM
The Retreat Orientation will begin Sunday evening promptly at 7:00PM, all are expected to join.
All attendees will enjoy pizza and salad prior to welcoming and “house-keeping”. We will enjoy a couple activities followed by an inspiring talk. Then just before retiring to a comfortable room we will have warm beverages and cookies out on the porch.
Meals by: , , , & consumer educational programs.
Transportation
Each participant may:
- Drive down in one’s own vehicle; there is plenty of safe street parking.
- Carpool with friend(s). (Please offer an appropriate gratuity for gas and tolls when someone is kind enough to drive.)
- Use NJ Transit
Payment
*Minimum down payment is $50 for anyone requesting payment options; please email events@njbuddies.org or to inquire. ALL BALANCES DUE ON AUGUST 1ST
THIS YEAR’S THEME IS: U MATTER
Activities and Presentations Will Touch On: Health & Wellness Beyond HIV; Giving Ourselves Space to Heal; Physical Activity & Cardiovascular Health; Mental Wellness; Healthier Cooking; Listening & Understanding; Healthy Communication; Self-Advocacy; Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure; Sexual Intimacy; Healthy Relationships; Prevention & PrEP; Spirituality and More… We will bring to it massage, reiki and yoga as well.
IT’S LIKE A VACATION WITH PURPOSE!
NJ AIDS WALK: 10 more days
Join Us… SUNDAY MAY 4, 2025
Hinchliffe Stadium
186 Maple Street • Paterson • NJ 07522
SUNDAY MAY 4, 2025
Check-In at 11AM | Step-Off 1PM
In 1985 Buddies of NJ, after several years of already doing the work, incorporated as a leading agency in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Buddies was there making the difference even as most others did not even have the courage to sit in the same rooms with someone with the diagnosis, in fear they would catch it themselves. Families even abdicated the care of their loved ones to strangers.
BUDDIES DID THIS WORK of fighting HIV years before there was any governmental funding and years before there were any effective medical treatments. The difference is that today we have the treatments and the know how to slow down rates of transmission. We have the ability to present an AIDS Free Generation.
R. We rememberthe tragedies. The fights we have fought and the people we have lost. We also have learned from the battles we have won. Period.
If you remember this chilling past or see how it has changed for the better TAKE OUT YOUR PHONES, CLICK www.njaidswalk.org/bp25 AND REGISTER or DONATE to the NJ AIDS WALK.
and then text your friends that same link. THANK YOU!
E, We educate you with the latest information and provide access to services that help stop the virus. U=U, undetectable viruses in the blood-stream effectively makes the virus untransmittable. And access to preventions like testing, counseling, PrEP and PEP will prevent transmission to those who do not have the virus or do not know their status.
Comma, because this is ongoing and keeps our communities healthy…
(SHORT PERSONAL STORY to illustrate)
If you are proud of these achievements or know how anyone has benefitted from them
TAKE OUT YOUR PHONES, CLICK www.njaidswalk.org/bp25 AND REGISTER or DONATE to the NJ AIDS WALK.
and then text your friends that same link. THANK YOU!
D! We will be here to defeat this virus!
We will continue doing our work no matter what, but we realize we may need your help reshaping and regaining the care and contribution from our community… individuals, businesses, organizations and faith communities.
Your contribution will be written on the hearts of our survivors and on the souls of generations who will never have to face this disease. Exclamation! Because when this is over you will be invited to a huge celebration of our accomplishments!
. , !
REGISTER for free. Engage, and creating a team. Donate!
Women & Girls HIV Awareness Day – March 10th
March is Women’s History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NWGHAAD | MARCH 10th
Theme
Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage.
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leads National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NWGHAAD).
In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV are women and, in 2021, women made up 20 percent of new diagnoses, according to CDC data. The highest number of new diagnoses were among women ages 25 to 44. Advances in testing, treatment, and prevention have resulted in progress toward the nation’s goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
The theme for NWGHAAD 2024 is: Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage. OWH continues this theme to reemphasize the need to further prevention efforts and ensure equity in HIV care and treatment. NWGHAAD focuses efforts on three of the priority populations outlined in the NHAS; Black women, and youth aged 13-24 years.
You can learn more and find additional resources from OWH here. View additional data for women and girls through the AHEAD dashboard here.
HIV is NOT a Crime
Support the NJ AIDS WALK now: www.njaidswalk.org/bp25
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February 28 is HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day, which was first observed in 2022 by the Sero Project in collaboration with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. This awareness day is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who have been criminalized based on their HIV status.
Living with HIV is not a crime, but in more than 30 U.S. states, people are being imprisoned due to their HIV status. HIV criminalization laws consist of using a person’s positive HIV status in a criminal prosecution, increasing charges or punishments because the person has HIV.
Theme:
You care about ending HIV criminalization. You just don’t know it yet.
If someone is UNDECTECTABLE they are also UNTRANSMITABLE U=U!
This science has been verified without fault. Yet, people have been put into prison just for being HIV+ and having sex.
The following video by the CENTER for HIV LAW & PRIVACY can hopefully give you a better understanding as to why this is an important HIV Awareness Day: WATCH VIDEO NOW
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) and The Sero Project have partnered together to announce that February 28th is the first official HIV IS NOT A CRIME Awareness Day.
The date is significant as it ties a symbolic bow to the closing of National Black History Month and the beginning of National Women’s History Month – two demographics that are disproportionately impacted by both the HIV epidemic & HIV criminalization. This date is also a symbolic nod to the legacy of ETAF Founder, Elizabeth Taylor following the day of what would be her 90th birthday. Elizabeth had a tireless commitment to bring awareness and to fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS globally. So, this February 28th, the Sero Project and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation are proud to declare in unity that HIV IS NOT A Crime.
Thanks to scientific advancements, HIV is no longer a death sentence. And with the right medications, the risk of transmitting HIV from one person to another is nearly zero. Despite this therapeutic progress, people living with HIV in more than 30 states are being charged and branded as criminals because of their status, even when there is no risk of HIV transmission.
According to the CDC, these laws discourage HIV testing, increase stigma, and exacerbate disparities, noting they are outdated and do not reflect the significant advances to treat and prevent HIV transmission, such as effective therapeutics that can suppress the virus to the point of it being virtually undetectable, and therefore untransmittable (U=U). After over 30 years of HIV research and significant biomedical and pharmaceutical advancements to treat and prevent HIV transmission, many state laws are now outdated and do not reflect our current understanding of HIV.
Please take a stand with us today – add your name to our petition and receive news about HIV Is Not A Crime from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation: (CLICK HERE)
With support from Gilead Sciences, Inc and the collaboration of the Health Not Prisons Collective, ETAF has made the HIV IS NOT A CRIME campaign its priority advocacy initiative within the organization.
National Black AIDS Awareness – FEB 7th
As we move toward Black History Month, it is important to recognize and engage in
National Black AIDS Awareness
Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), which was first observed in 1999. This observance is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people.
Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the healthcare system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care. NBHAAD is an opportunity to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among Black communities.
For more resources, you can check out our NBHAAD resource blog here. You can also share and use use CDC’s NBHAAD digital toolkit for social media posts in English and Spanish.
NBHAAD Videos and Blogs
During a recent visit to the historic Frederick Douglass House in southeast Washington, DC, the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) Director, Kaye Hayes, MPA, shared her thoughts for this blog about NBHAAD, community engagement, and its importance in ending the HIV epidemic. You can read more in our blog post here.
Ms. Hayes was joined by Dr. Timothy Harrison, OIDP’s Principal Deputy Director, and LCDR Neelam “Nelly” Gazarian, PharmD, MS, AAHIVP, Policy Analyst, OIDP, and they shared information about scaling up access to HIV prevention tools, such as PrEP, NBHAAD, and challenges we face in 2024. You can read more in our blog post here.
HOLIDAY HOURS
REOPENING with regular hours and services
on JANUARY 2, 2025
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