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Today is World AIDs Day

Today, December 1st, is World AIDs day. Today is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. 

Make a plan to get tested today at the link below or share your story with #WorldAidsDay on social media!

To get involved today, here are some events happening in your community for World AIDs Day:

Thursday December 1st: Quilt Project Gold Coast Annual World AIDS Day Event on the steps of Ventura City Hall.

Quilt Display of all of Quilt Project Gold Coast's quilts in front of Ventura City Hall from 2:30pm - 5:30pm. At 5:30pm a candlelight vigil will be held with proclamation read by Ventura City Council member Doug Halter, Invocation by local clergy, musical performance by "I've Seen Better Elephants", and followed by the lighting of the red candles in the form of a red ribbon.

Sunday December 4th: World AIDS DAY Service and quilt display at UU Santa Paula. Service at 10:30am.

Partners in Pride

This giving season, join our Partners In Pride program to help us sustain Pacific Pride Foundation’s services and programs with a monthly gift. Your continued support allows us to expand our reach and create a vibrant, thriving, and visible community for LGBTQ+ people.

Read our statement about the tragic shooting in Colorado Springs and learn how you can support efforts on-the-ground.

December Syringe Exchange

Santa Maria (HIV Testing Available)

Every Wednesday

2-3:30pm or while supplies last*

Town Center Mall

200 Town Center E 

 Dates: 7th & 14th

Santa Barbara

Every other Tuesday

10am-1pm or while supplies last*

Carrillo Castillo Lot

400 W Carrillo St

 Date: 6th

Isla Vista

Every other Friday

12:30-2:30pm or while supplies last*

Community Room

 970 Embarcadero Del Mar 

 Date: 9th

Counseling at PPF 

Need to talk to someone? We are here for you. 

Affordable counseling is available online via teletherapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and their partners, family, and friends. 

We provide support with:

• Coming out
• HIV-positive topics
• Family/group counseling
• Couples counseling
• Gender Identity
• And more

PROUD Youth Programs

FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH AND ALLIES GRADES 7TH - 12th 

PROUD YOUTH GROUPS OFFER: 

• A fun and welcoming environment for youth to connect
• Peer support groups
• Fun field trips and group activities
• Space for BIPOC LGBTO+ youth through our PROUD Youth of Color

PROUD Youth of Color Sign Up

PROUD Youth Group Sign Up

Be on the lookout for upcoming in-person events and activities!

Questions? Email our Community Outreach and Education Manager.

2nd Annual Santa Speedo Run, hosted by Gay Santa Barbara (Benefit for PPF)

Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear a speedo/swimsuit (although it is encouraged!). Just wear fun festive gear: Santa hats, tutus, Rudolph noses/antlers, Santa suits, snowman suits etc. Just have fun!

On December 18th at 10:45am, Meet outside the Arlington Theatre on State Street. This is not a competitive event. The walk/run is down State Street to Stern Wharfs (1.5 miles).

$20 donation required to participate in the event (please bring cash)! Click here to donate ahead of time.

Let’s raise as much money for PPF as we can while having fun! 

Mpox Healing Circle: Thursday, Dec 8th at 6pm

PPF will be hosting another mpox Healing Circle event, this time for Spanish-speaking folks! The event will take place via Zoom on Thursday, Dec 8, 2022, at 6pm. This group is a chance for attendees to discuss their thoughts and feelings about mpox and its impact on Spanish-speaking folks within the LGBTQ+ community. Note that as a Healing Circle, this event is designed for processing feelings folks have about mpox – it is not intended to provide medical advice on this topic.

If you would like to register for this event, please email our Counseling Administrative Assistant Cora Danielson at cora@pacificpridefoundation.org or click the button below!

Join our Lavender Elders group!  

The Lavender Group meets every other week on Thursdays from 12 - 1:00 pm for lunch at Jill's Place and over zoom (simultaneously). This social group is for LGBTQ+ folks and allies ages 50+.

For more information or questions about how you can join the group, email our Community Outreach and Education Manager.

Join our team today! 

Serve your local community, work with passion, and join an amazing team!⁠

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Pacific Pride Foundation is looking to hire a Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for our Santa Maria office and a Behavioral Health and Wellness Manager. Click the link below to learn more about the positions and to apply today!

Additional Ways to Give!

CarEasy

Website | Car Donations

Looking for another way to support our services? Pacific Pride Foundation is now accepting car donations through careasy.org! 

Click here to schedule a pick up!

AmazonSmile

Website | Shop & Donate

Are you an Amazon shopper? Did you know that when you shop using AmazonSmile, the company will donate 0.5 percent of your purchase to Pacific Pride Foundation? Click on the AmazonSmile link to get started today and to have 0.5% of all of your purchases go directly to PPF!

Pacific Pride Foundation | Website