The SHARP (Society Housing AIDS Restricted Persons) Foundation was established in 1990, as a Calgary-based non-profit organization. They are committed to providing a continuum of care including: housing, healthcare, and support to those individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Their hope is that by providing these services, it will prevent homelessness and the need for more acute health care facilities. GayCalgary.com contacted the SHARP Foundation and learned how this organization came to be.
“From 1993 until 1998 The SHARP Foundation had been providing primarily palliative care, with the focus on controlling symptoms and maximizing the quality of life in a caring, non-judgemental environment. Since the mid-1990s significant breakthroughs in the management of the HIV disease occurred. Since that time the medical community has become much more effective in treating people with HIV infection. Today, with advancements in medications and treatments, people with HIV infections are living longer lives and are marginalized by society.”
“We currently operate two houses located in a Calgary residential neighbourhood. In 2004, Beswick House and Scott House care givers provided over 4000 days and 100,000 hours of care and support.” Nanica Brown told GayCalgary.com. “One of the most challenging questions we still hear is ‘are you housing, or are you healthcare?’ Our answer has changed over the years depending on the need. We have been neither and we have been both. Currently we need to be more than that because we are seeing overwhelming demand for services devoted to quality of life and the value of living. We need to provide more opportunities for self-actualization, dignity and hope for persons living with HIV and AIDS in our community.”
The SHARP Foundation is doing just that, through a Case Management Program and a Resident Life Activities Program. Nanica Brown went on to explain the latter.
“Once a month residents have the opportunity to take part in an activity that will be educational, focus on health and wellness or build social skills. The program is planned by the residents for the residents. Lisa has taken on the role of organizer of resident activities. She is the liaison between residents, staff and volunteers and with help from caregivers she researches the activities online - a task that she had never performed before. Her new skill allows her to talk to her son daily through email and her overall confidence has increased. Recently, Lisa moved from Beswick House into Scott House, our transitional living facility to further her dream of living independently.”
Nanica continued, “Last summer we began encouraging residents to invite family and friends along to enjoy these experiences. More people got involved and together we planned an amazing trip to Zoolights where families were able to enjoy the festivities together. Sarah, one of our long term care residents at Beswick House, was enthusiastic about the change and expressed how the new activity program was allowing her to build connections with her family – especially her son – in the time she has left. Her dream is to leave a legacy of happiness for her family to remember.”
As one can imagine there are a lot of personal stories that go along with any organization that deals with life change and hope. Gary Hart shared his personal story as a volunteer, caregiver, board member, and a friend to persons living with HIV/AIDS. “As a board member, I can tell you about the financial need; how much it costs to run and maintain Beswick House or Scott House, paying salaries and expenses, building and expanding programs, or establishing sustainable volunteer resources. But as a caregiver, I can tell you about the people - the individuals that I have had the opportunity and privilege to care for and how their lives and their life stories have taught me and changed my perspective on life.”
“I started volunteering as a caregiver in 1998. This was a time when AIDS-related deaths and end of life care were common, and long-term care was just beginning to surface as a trend. Kathleen was the first person to pass away after my orientation. She was a loving person, sought attention and acceptance, while being explicitly open and honest about her life experiences. Having a rather uncomplicated life, I would sit and listen in disbelief at the challenges and obstacles she had endured, and the vivid manner in which she would describe them.” Gary Hart went on to explain how Kathleen had taught him the value of being non-judgemental and taking the time to truly listen – after all, each person has their own unique perspective, and therefore a different a story to tell.
Gary continued, “Andrew was also near-death at that time. He needed assistance to get out of a chair or to walk, had difficulty eating and was always restless. But, he wanted more. He wanted to live on his own, care for himself, return to creating artwork - his life passion, and explore his spirituality. Skills learned at Beswick House helped Andrew achieve that period of independence before he returned to pass away a couple of years later – at peace with the process of dying, having had the opportunity to create a summary of his life as his last art exhibit. He taught me the value of determination and having the commitment and passion to follow your life dreams.”
“I have learned many other life skills from my work as a volunteer at Beswick House, and from the many other lives and stories I have experienced. I often visit our memorial patchwork quilt and reflect on the diverse and vibrant lives, experiences and stories that have been a part of my work with The SHARP Foundation.”
Supporting these programs means that more people like Lisa, Sarah, Kathleen, and Andrew will have access to housing and guidance to meet their needs. Nanica Brown went on to tell us how we as individuals can be a part and help this foundation, so they can continue to affect lives and offer hope.
“The SHARP Foundation is currently undergoing change and growth to better meet the community we serve. We have an ongoing need for funds and goods to maintain our current programs and services but, we also require resources for new initiatives. We are also dependent on donations to maintain the two residences, [Beswick House and Scott House], that we currently operate. This includes repairing and maintaining appliances and the elevator, painting, new linoleum flooring and small construction projects. Other needs include: Tool Boxes - complete with tools necessary for general maintenance; New and used furniture in good condition, including night stands (bedside tables), bulletin boards, dining set (table and chairs), and love seats or sofas; Large commercial coffee maker; Landscaping supplies including plants and paving stones; Refrigerator; Window coverings; Washer; Bus passes; Bed frame – double/queen; Lift chairs; Office furniture – two drawer file cabinets; and Paper products and groceries.”
Another way you can show your support is by attending Sing-a-Long Wizard of Oz. This gala event benefiting the Sharp Foundation is a first in Western Canada.
“Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz is a splashy night of theatre mixed with a festive costume-filled celebration, all in conjunction with a large-screen viewing of the classic film that continues to touch the hearts of millions. It’s the excitement of the movies as a theatre going experience, with an audience that’s thrilled to get involved and participate with their favorite characters, such as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. So focus your brain, listen to your heart and summon up your courage, Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz is about to transport you to a new, colorful world of unimaginable fun!”
Join and support the SHARP Foundation as it continues to affects lives of individuals with HIV/AIDS as they offer support, life change, and hope.
The SHARP Foundation:
Suite 530, #2, 3012 - 17th Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 0P9
www.thesharpfoundation.com
Tel: (403) 272-2912
Fax: (403) 272-9792
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