Camp and Retreat Info

Twenty-five years into the HIV epidemic we find ourselves with lots of positive advances and treatments in the war on this disease. At the same time we find ourselves facing issues that those involved in this crisis could have never imagined. We have over 100,000 orphans due to HIV in the United States, today. We have 1 million people living with HIV in the US. In the state of Florida 1 in 163 people are HIV positive, from Orland to Key West the statistic jumps to 1 in 100 and alarmingly 1 in 46 African American males in the state of Florida are HIV positive today. This translates to hundreds of families dealing with lots of very difficult issues or in many cases not dealing with. This epidemic has created many new and different types of families in its wake and each of them need help. Friends-Together’s goal is to help empower, mentor, educate and network these families. Many of the families created are dealing with secrets, grief, death and dying, as well as poverty, educational barriers and isolation. It is our belief that with support systems based in knowledge, people take power over their lives.

Our day retreats consist of empowerment workshops for adults and older teens, as well as fun activities for children. It is time for people to come to a safe place and meet other people dealing with the same issues. Local volunteers, teachers, counselors and other persons with life expertise, staff our retreats. The retreats are free for all participants.

Our longer retreats or camps are held over a long weekend and are geared for the whole family. For the adults, we have life skill trainings, including wills, guardianships, accessing services, managing money etc. We also address issues surrounding living with the disease, disease progression and care both physical and mental. For teenagers and young adults we have programs that focus on dealing with tough issues, secrets, illness, grief and guilt, we also have classes that focus on the whole body dealing with the art of meditation and stress reduction. For our youngest visitors we focus on fun. Our camps and retreats are held at locations where outdoor activities are readily accessible and scheduled into the programs for all who wish to participate.

Our curriculums for each event vary based on the needs of our participants. Our number one goal is that people leave with a sense of empowerment and the realization that they are not alone. We are always looking for volunteers and sites to host local events. We rely solely on your support and donations to fund these activities so we can continue to offer them free to all participants. We are always looking for massage therapist, healers and practitioners to donate their time.

 For more information please contact us at 863-686-7475 by email at HIVeducation@aol.com or by mail at Friends-Together Inc c/o Jon Hermelbracht Edward Jones Investments, 1904 S Florida Av, Lakeland, Fl 33803