Shepherd Wellness Community

Helping people living with HIV/AIDS improve their wellness.

Shepherd Wellness Community is the only AIDS Community Center in western Pennsylvania and the only AIDS community serving the 11-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania. SWC is often the first place a person seeks help after an HIV positive diagnosis.

Since its inception in 1987, Shepherd Wellness Community has offered supportive services for people living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The need for SWC wellness programs has grown as new medical treatments have enabled people with HIV/AIDS to live longer. The goal of our services is to provide the HIV/AIDS community with life-enhancing programs that promote physical, mental, social, occupational, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Testimonials

Testimonials from clients living with HIV/AIDS served by the Shepherd Wellness Community:

---I cannot begin to tell how much SWC meals and programs have helped me. There is a wonderful aura that I get to enjoy. The meals are nutritious and delicious. The conversation flows and I laugh a lot. It gets me out of the house and a way to socialize and obtain valuable information. Also, programs like art therapy and exercising are extremely helpful.

---Everything is always so good. Before coming to SWC I weighed 130-140 lbs. Since coming last August I have gained weight and am now up to 160 lbs. and my doctor is pleased. Thank you.

---I enjoy listening to the speakers at SWC. Because of the speakers, I was made aware of new medications and have been able to go on them, cutting the medications I take in half.

---The meals are always delicious and nutritious. I love coming to the support groups and dinners and have made lots of new friends. I now come to SWC three times each week.

---The meals have been very beneficial to me for my nutrition. I really enjoy the people that come here.

Comments by a board member of the Shepherd Wellness Community:

--- Dr. Kevin Seybold, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Grove City College

About 9 years ago, I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer in Pittsburgh, and in the process of researching different organizations came upon Shepherd Wellness Community (SWC).

I like working in a kitchen and had experience at our church preparing congregational meals, so when I saw that SWC was looking for volunteers to help during their Friday meals, it sounded like a good option. I also liked the fact that Shepherd Wellness is a community for people with HIV/AIDS.

As a Christian, it seems to me that the Christian community has not always displayed the love of Christ toward people with HIV/AIDS. Many of our churches are not seen as welcoming places for individuals with this disease.

I am involved with SWC, in part, because I want to do what I can to change that past. I am also involved because I believe in what SWC is doing for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, helping them to improve their wellness. SWC does this holistically by addressing the spiritual, social, occupational, physical, intellectual and emotional dimensions of life. Community is important and good for all of us. I am glad to be a part of the community at Shepherd Wellness.