Monthly Newsletter

December 2023 Edition

ORNAMENT MAKING

Macedonia FACE’s Active for Life Senior Center members participated in an ornament making workshop. The workshop was led by artist, LaKeisha Wolf. The ornaments were crafted with fabric from Tanzania, which was supplied by the Ujamaa Collective Boutique, a local fair-trade business. The fabric reflects the neighborhood’s heritage. The ornaments were sent to Harrisburg and placed on the state Christmas tree on display at the Capitol Rotunda.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

STORY TIME – HDELI

Don’t forget to join us for this month’s Story Time event as the Hill District Early Literacy Initiative (HDELI) continues to promote the value of reading to children.

For families seeking support at Macedonia FACE, Dyonna is a welcoming voice they hear as a first step to having needs met. Macedonia FACE’s Intake Coordinator has been on the job for less than a year, but has brought her genuine interest in getting to know people and her passion for helping others to the position. Dyonna graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) with a degree in criminology and additional training in English, economics, and the treatment of addictions.

Dyonna says that she loves the culture of Macedonia FACE and appreciates that everyone is so nice and helpful. She is eager to learn all she can to make people feel comfortable confiding in her even when they are under significant distress. 

In addition to her people skills, Dyonna is artistic and likes to sing, dance and paint. 

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVATION – DECEMBER 1

Macedonia FACE is proud to be a provider of services to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. African Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnosis and people living with HIV compared to other races and ethnicities. Racism, HIV Stigma, homophobia, poverty, and barriers to health care continue to drive these disparities. Of the estimated 35,000 new HIV infections each year, 41% were among Black/African American people according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). While there is good news that overall infection rates are reducing, the disparities in the percent of Black Americans infected continues. 

Amy Wedner, newly appointed supervisor of Adult Case Management Services participated in the “Rock’n the Ribbon” event sponsored by the Mon Valley AIDS Initiative. The FACE team provided free HIV testing at this event. FACE also participated in AIDS Free Pittsburgh’s “The Category is RED” event to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in observance of World AIDS Day.



Look for upcoming announcements of events observing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7, 2024.

Thank you for supporting the work of Macedonia FACE.

We hope that as you consider any year-end donations you plan to make this year, that you will keep us in mind.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

In whatever way that you enjoy and celebrate the season, the staff and board of Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center wish you and yours Happy Holidays and a Joyful 2024. 

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