Thirty-Five Years

Jimmy O

“I came to ActionAIDS back in November 1990 a couple weeks after my life partner and forever love, Antonio, passed from HIV. He had been diagnosed several years earlier, and had a mental breakdown after being told. I had to place him in a facility for a month. After he exited there and was well, he said he wanted to help others who were going through the same thing, so he volunteered for the Buddy Program. He got trained, but unfortunately, he got too sick too quickly to take on the role. I took care of him the next few years until he passed and then decided to take up his mantle and joined the Buddy Program in his memory.

I have been in the program, as I said, thirty five years. I have had nine clients in that time. Many were very challenging. It was a different landscape for HIV back in the ninetys. More than half my Clients have passed away during that time. But, this program has given my life meaning and a Purpose I never dreamed of. I hope I have been of service to all my Clients, each of them is special to me and I cherish their memory.

I can’t recommend the Buddy Program enough to everyone. You are needed. You will also find a purpose, I’m sure. Be well.”

Leah C

“For the past 35 years, my life has been enriched by Action Wellness. I became a Buddy because I wanted to help my community and to help those affected by AIDS. I have continued to support the volunteer program, the staff and Board for the support and care provided to their clients and will continue as long as I can.”

 Twenty Years

Richard B

“I’ve received services from Action Wellness throughout the years, because of their kindness its been always my pleasure to give back by volunteering. Thank you, Action Wellness.”

 Fifteen Years

Ronald M

Glenn H

“To me, the Buddy program means being a consistent, positive presence in the life of someone in need. It’s being a singular support system for that person and demonstrating that you have an unshakeable belief in the power of kindness.”

Messapotamia L

Howard T

“Volunteering has certainly been quite a ride. I once told Robb Reichard that I was actually very nervous when I began volunteering. I was concerned that I just wouldn’t fit in. But everyone was always friendly and welcoming. I always felt accepted, appreciated, and like a true part of the organization.”

Ten Years

Harley M

Jonathan W

“Action Wellness is such an important resource for vulnerable populations here in Philly. It’s been an honor to work with them to bring a little brightness into the lives of people who need support.”

Matthew S

“I greatly appreciate being able to contribute to Action Wellness for the past decade and being part of an organization with such a strong commitment to a whole person and whole community approach. With a background in both public health and theater, and my years as a stay-at-home parent, collaboration and inclusivity have been important to me personally and professionally. It has been gratifying to grow and change individually as we grew and changed as an organization and community.”

Ian M

Five Years

Tanya H

“Volunteering at Action Wellness has giving me such great joy and purpose! I am truly grateful to have be a part of such a wonderful program and organization!”