Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennice Jackson.
Hi Jennice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Salvation After HIV/AIDS Destroying the Stigma One Person at a Time!
I was diagnosed positive in 2005. My testimony!
I was out preaching my summer Crusade in South Park of Houston, Texas when a group of insurance salesmen approached me about life insurance. I ask them to come back on the final night of the Crusade and I would apply then. They came out as promised. I filled out the application, took a mouth swab test, and gave them my check. A few weeks passed and instead of a policy, my check was returned and the policy was denied due to confidential Lab reports. I knew what I was tested for but it didn’t stop me from searching for the paper for the proof. I didn’t receive my lab reports through the mail. They told me that the result had to be sent to a PCP (primary care provider) or the CDC (Center for Disease Control). Since I didn’t have insurance they were sent to the CDC. It wasn’t until November that I received my results. The longest 5 months of my life.
When I got the call, I hurried to that office. They sat me in a room that just had a desk and chairs. No pictures were on the wall. Minutes later a woman entered and asked me my name and if I knew what I was tested for. I said yes! She opened a folder and told me that I was positive for HIV. Then ask me to name everyone I had been with in the last 10 yrs. Nothing could prepare me for this day. I mean nothing! It really became real when I had to look in the eyes of my child and tell them that I am HIV Positive!
I went into a depression. I was a preacher that couldn’t find refuge in the Church. People that I had prayed for turned away from me. Hugs turned to handshakes and visits stopped. The things that people said about me, oh the things!
It was not until one Sunday sitting in a church service, did I get my breakthrough!
My Pastors Words Were!
If No One Loves You, God Does!
More to the story…but know this
There is Life After Any Diagnosis!
I started this org after a dating experience that lead to me sharing my status. The rejection was devastating. The next couple of days were spent bringing people together for a Crusade of educating Churches on how to minister to people who are positive.
We did concerts, health fairs and I shared my testimony everywhere we went. We settle in the Church Trinity East United Methodist Church and joined their Thursday night and Saturday outreach. Today, we are still on the move.
Salvation After HIV/AIDS was formed because there is a major need for Education, Support and Awareness in the Christian Community. This Organization will show the importance of testing, getting educated, and showing support and acceptance for those that are living with any illness.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a struggle when it comes to people that will receive us. The stigma is real. At first, some of the churches didn’t invite their congregations. Then we lost our spot at Trinity and I have had to run this through just a page on Facebook. it’s a struggle now to attract people who are positive. We are currently without a headquarters so that really restricted what we can offer positive people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our mission is to bring awareness, educate, and destroy stigma in the Body of Christ and provide a support system and therapeutic opportunities for those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Art
Sewing
Fitness
Nutrition
Resource Sharing/Toiletry and Food Pantry
Support Group
PSA’s
Music
Health Fairs… Educating Destroying The Stigma
I am proud of the lives we have changed through just caring. We set out to form a family of people that can encourage uplift and motivate us to live.
Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to have a Community facility totally dedicated to the cause. There will be art classes, a music studio, a photography studio, and all sorts of classes to educate our community. Community Events… Oh, I have a big vision for Salvation After HIV. Toiletry Pantry, Resale Shop and Food Distribution for our Community, and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: salvationafterhiv.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/salvationafterhiv
- Facebook: facebook.com/salvationafterhiv
- Twitter: twitter.com/AfterHiv
Image Credits
Salvation After HIV
