Higher Ground (support group)

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Higher Ground is a 501(C)3 HIV-AIDS non-profit support group based in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded in 2002, it primarily serves metropolitan Detroit and southeastern Michigan. It frequently receives media coverage for public service. Founder Rick Henning is a Detroit City Council 2007 "Spirit of Detroit Award" recipient.

Contents

[edit] Mission

To empower people living with HIV/AIDS by providing holistic support that develops and maintains the body, mind, spirit, and dignity of the whole person. We provide a safe and nurturing environment.

[edit] Support activities

The organization offers many activities to persons infected with HIV-AIDS.

Monday Night Discussion - This is the core foundational function of the organization and opens with a guided meditation. Everyone is encouraged to participate in discussion and to assist each other in the resolution of personal challenges. Topics of discussion often include new diagnosis, status disclosure, friends/family/workplace, doctor relationships, medication choices, dating/relationships, economic/insurance conflicts and long term challenges.

Guest Speakers - Featured almost monthly they coincide with a member potluck dinner. Previous speaker topics applied to the spiritual and physical aspect of life with HIV-AIDS and covered a diverse range of topics including:

Annual Retreat - Occurs each spring or fall depending on schedule. Previous retreats were held at the following locations: Kettunen Center 2006 and 2007 Double JJ Ranch 2008 Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center 2009. Members are encouraged to participate in activities with others also infected with HIV-AIDS and have previously included:

  • Art projects
  • Camp Fire Discussion
  • Dance Therapy
  • Group Meditation
  • Horse Back Riding
  • Ice Cream Social
  • Laughter Exercise
  • Massage
  • Nature Walks
  • Paddle Boating
  • Personal Growth Workshops
  • T'ai chi
  • Team Building Exercises
  • Yoga

Annual Blanket Drive for AIDS - Higher Ground members are encouraged to give back to the community. Blankets are collected during the Holiday season by Higher Ground volunteers. About two dozens agencies benefit including:

  • Children's Hospital of Michigan
  • The Ruth Ellis Center

Movie Night - Periodic selections are based on applications to living with HIV-AIDS. Previous viewing among others have included:

  • Deepak Chopra's Body Mind And Soul
  • Girl Positive
  • Incredible Mrs. Ritchie
  • The Secret (2006 film)
  • The 24th Day

Hatha Yoga - Practice is held on Thursday evenings for persons with HIV-AIDS.

Reiki - Practice is occasionally held in conjunction with the Monday night support meeting.

[edit] Fundraising

All volunteer organization is dependent on individual donations and corporate support:

[edit] Local partners

Businesses that have supported this organizations activities with donations, sponsorships and/or services include:

[edit] Transparency

  • 2003-2007 Average fundraising ratio of 13 cents spent for every $1 raised
  • 2003-2007 Average program expense ratio of 48.7%
  • 2003-2007 Average management expense ratio of 12.6%

[edit] Sources

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Higher_Ground_(support_group)&oldid=469210583"
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