Ongoing Programs Update
POZabilities maintains a robust portfolio of recurring programs. From our original coffee gathering that has been meeting Wednesdays and Saturday mornings from the beginning, to newer programs like our monthly bike ride these recurring events provide a way for the community to gather together in a stigma free environment. All are welcome to attend any of these events as there is no membership needed to participate. We occasionally charge fees to offset expenses but no one is ever denied access for a lack of ability to pay. We also don’t discriminate due to health status. Many of our participants are HIV+ but others are not and are supporters of our community. We welcome everyone who supports our efforts to join our events!
Weekly Coffee Gathering
When a group of San Diegans decided to find a place to meet away from the bars they formed a coffee group that has been meeting continuously for the past 25 years. We currently meet at Lestat’s in Hillcrest every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 10 to catch up, gossip and enjoy each others company in a stigma free environment. Each month we celebrate birthdays, hold an opportunity drawing for gift cards to local establishments and share information on local events.
Friday Morning Zoo Walk
Every Friday morning at 9 a group meets near the entrance to the San Diego Zoo to walk through the park. We are sure to check out the locals and tourists who wander the paths and enjoy watching them struggle to wrestle strollers up and down the hills and puzzle over their maps and apps. We catch up with the docents we see each week and of course keep tabs on the animals and plants as they thrive in the zoo environment. Each month we check progress on the Orchid house and its keepers. Following our walk we will gather for lunch at one of several local restaurants.
Nutrition and Exercise Training (NExT)
Many studies have shown that one of the best things we can do as we age is to focus on diet and exercise. This is especially important to the HIV+ community to address frailty, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular Disease among other issues. Last year we started the NExT program to offer a way for folks to learn how to make these changes in their lives. We offer a series of nutritional classes in partnership with Mama’s Kitchen and then a choice of 6 month programs of T’ai Chi or strength training with a local trainer. Almost to a person participants love this program and the positive impact on their lives, often starting workout or diet changes on their own.
HIV Heroes
A new program, HIV Heroes is a way to celebrate and remember those who have lost their battle with HIV, who are living with HIV today and who are active supporters of the HIV community. We remember these heros with stories and pictures so ensure that the memories remain and are part of the history of the epidemic in San Diego. Anyone can submit stories through the web site, https://hiv-heroes.org
Bonfire
The last Tuesday of every month and New Years Eve we gather at Vacation Island for a bonfire and potluck Lots of fun and storytelling into the night as well as fun food and desserts to share. On New Years Eve, we have a ball drop (usually a disco ball on a fishing pole) to ring in the new year somewhere off of the east coast…
In addition to these major program efforts, we also offer a number of other programs, created and led by members of the group.
Pride Parade Long Term Survivors contingent. We were awarded second prize for our contingent in 2024.
Monthly Bike Rides. Every third Sunday, weather permitting, a group of cyclists take to the streets to explore our city. We normally take a leisurely pace and ride for 2-3 hours to places like Mission Beach, Cabrillo National Monument, Sunset Cliffs, around the Bayshore Bikeway, UTC or just around neighborhood streets.
Movie Mavens. Based on what is out in the theatres, this intrepid group will meet for dinner and a movie. Lots of fun and a chance to see the latest offerings in local movie theaters.
Theatre Tickets. The Old Globe, Trinity Theatre, Diversionary and others occasionally offer us tickets to their stage presentations. We greatly appreciate the gnerousity of these organizations and their support to allow our folks to attend these wonderful shows.
Balboa Park Walks. Balboa Park has graciously provided a number of Explorer Passes through their Community Access Program to the group. A group has recently started using these passessIf to visit one museum each month as a walking group. This is a great way to see more of this local jewel and the exhibits they offer.
Bingo. A group of folks at the LGBTQ Senior building have organized a monthly Bingo game.
The regular programs are supported based on interest from the group. New programs are added as members of the group decide they want to form an event and if it catches on and stats to happen on a regular basis, we will support and advertise the event on their behalf. So there programs are both by and for the group members.
