HIV Support Groups

Clínica Esperanza “Knitting Group” for Patients

The Clinica Esperanza Knitting Group, founded in 2007, brings together patients with HIV and their friends and family for evenings of sharing, support and stress reduction. The group participants bring their own craft making skills and teach each other how to knit, embroider, the art of “quilling” paper and other crafts all in a space where clients can relax, meet other patients, and create community. Participants must be patients at MNHC, but they may drop-in; there is no need to register for this activity.

Hours:
Every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location:
Second floor conference room
Mission Neighborhood Health Center,
240 Shotwell Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

For more information, please call Eduardo Antonio at (415) 552-1013, extension 2310.

Clinica Esperanza Mask Making Workshops

Each year, since 2005, Clínica Esperanza unites patients, family members, partner organizations and the community to create masks to celebrate World AIDS Day (December 1st). During the months leading up to December 1st, workshop participants make casts of their face and decorate them while reflecting on the impact of HIV in the community. The workshop series culminates in the exhibition of the masks at a gallery event where a ceremony takes place to commemorate the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and to celebrate life and hope.

For more information about this year’s free workshops, please call Armando Rodriguez at (415) 552-1013, extension 2569.

The Shanti L.I.F.E.® Program at Clinica Esperanza

The L.I.F.E.® Program, the nation’s leading HIV self-management and health-enhancement program, provides participants with the knowledge, motivation, skills, and support necessary to establish and maintain health-protective habits and routines. L.I.F.E., which stands for Learning Immune Function Enhancement, focuses on improving participants’ health and immune system through an evidence-based holistic approach. Clínica Esperanza is the only site in San Francisco that offers the Shanti L.I.F.E.® Program in Spanish. Participants learn about “co-factors”, such as beliefs about HIV, self-assertiveness, health routines and stress, that impact their health and create action plans to improve their performance on each co-factor.

The program is offered in cycles of 13 weeks. Dinner is offered at every session. Clients who wish to participate need to register with a L.I.F.E. facilitator. Cycle starting dates are announced at least one month before the starting date.

For more information on the Shanti L.I.F.E Program, please visit Shanti’s website.

To register or for more information, please call Armando Rodriguez at (415) 552-1013, extension 2569.