Dear THPeople,

It was sitting in a church pew when I first heard the phrase “nobody likes change-‘cept maybe a baby with a wet diaper”. The woman who said it had certainly seen enough seasons to make the statement with a certainty that quite dared all of us to challenge its validity.

We had been in one of those never-ending church meetings- the kind where every person in the congregation stands and says how they are feeling about the matter at hand. The pastor had recently announced his resignation and the church was deciding its next steps. It had been a tumultuous few weeks, and until Ms. Louise had spoken time was dragging so slowly it was practically standing still. When Ms. Louise stood- shaky, frail, and full of aged wisdom- we had all expected her to quote a Bible verse. When her “Southern Proverb” hit our ears, the room fell still, then swelled with laughter. We breathed a collective sigh of relief. It was funny. It was true.

Change impacts us all differently, but if we are honest, we can all agree that it is most commonly met with dislike. At the very least it is uncomfortable. At the most, it can be downright terrifying. But—change is also necessary. Exhilarating, even.  And, the process of change invites us to grow. 

At Triad Health Project we are navigating some recent changes that are all of these things: hard, scary, exhilarating. Mark Cassity, longtime steward of Higher Ground, and THP’s Executive Director of three years, has retired from service at THP. We are grateful for the years of love, dedication, and service to THP’s mission that Mark offered. 

I have taken on the task of steering the ship as we navigate the choppy waters of transition, and am honored to do so. Triad Health Project’s mission, to promote sexual health and justice through radical care, love, and equity is well in hand with staff, board, and volunteers committed as ever to see it through. Those in our community living with HIV are receiving support and care, and are more empowered than ever to find their voice and place in the work of our agency.

I am so grateful to all of you who have reached out to ask how you can support Triad Health Project during this time of transition. I want to share a few ways in which you can continue to show your care for this agency and our important mission:

• SHARE Our Story! To know THP is to love THP. We need more people in our community sharing the news about who we are, what we do, and how to get involved. There are many ways to do this. Volunteer to be a THP Ambassador and join us at community events. Throw a Heart Party and challenge friends and family to join in on the fun. Fight the stigma of HIV by telling others about our work.
• SHARE Your Time! We could use more Volunteers to join us in this good work! Want to learn more about volunteering? Every month THP hosts a two 30-minute Volunteer Orientations so you can learn more about us and about volunteering with THP. Learn more here!
• SHARE Your Dollars! This work isn’t possible without financial support. Triad Health Project offers all of our services free of charge. We are only able to do this because you, our community, have supported our efforts and given to us financially. Give to share a bag of groceries, support the cost of life-saving medication, or the gathering of a support group for someone who needs a friendly face.

As THP continues this important work in the days to come, we look to you, community, for continued inspiration and joy. I think of Ms. Louise, who in her wisdom knew that what we needed in our moment of collective questioning, was really collective laughter, joy, and reflection. So, we invite you to join us on that journey. To question all the things that need questioning. To laugh together in this very serious work. And to experience joy on this journey as we aim to fulfill our mission and envision a Future Free from HIV!

Con Respeto,
Adriana Galdo Adams
Interim Executive Director