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As students head back to school, children and young adults in Kenya, India, and Rwanda are also beginning a new school year filled with hope and opportunity. Thanks to your generosity, they have access to tuition, school supplies, uniforms, nutritious meals, tutoring, and the encouragement they need to pursue their dreams.
As we celebrate the forthcoming joy of autumn and a changing of the seasons, one thing remains constant: your compassion continues to open doors to brighter futures for people impacted by HIV and AIDS.
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September 17: 20th Anniversary Celebration | |
September is a time of celebration as the Center marks its 20th Anniversary with a special dinner and program September 17 at Denver’s Jewish Community Center.
We will honor the dedicated partners, volunteers, and supporters who have made two decades of life-changing collaboration possible. Please consider a donation or sponsorship in honor of our 20th anniversary, or better yet, join us in person!
Sponsorships, tables, and individual tickets are now available.
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Meeting for the First Time | |
In 2020, Larry Muthuri began pursuing his dream of becoming a nurse by enrolling at the Kenya Medical Training College. Thanks to the generous support of Patti and Clyde Oakley, who provided funding for his tuition and living expenses through the Center, Larry was able to complete his studies and graduate as a certified nurse in December 2023.
This past July, Patti and Clyde traveled to Kenya with a team from Hope United Methodist Church. During their visit to the Methodist Treatment Centre in Meru, they experienced the joy of meeting Larry in person—now serving as a full-time nurse. It was a powerful reminder that donor generosity doesn't just help students earn degrees—it transforms lives and strengthens communities. Thank you, Patti and Clyde, for investing in Larry's future and helping make this remarkable story possible.
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Understanding HIV in 2026 | |
The Center has organized a FREE workshop on Wednesday, September 23 for the community to be held at Park Hill United Methodist Church. People living with HIV will share their experiences of transmission, prevention, and treatment in Colorado, along with a discussion regarding HIV testing and PrEP. The conversation will be led by experts from Colorado Health Network and Vivent Health.
Also this fall, workshops on LGBTQ+ histories and futures (October 21) and stigma and discrimination (November 18).
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Back to School and Breaking Down Barriers | |
For many young women around the world, going back to school is a time of excitement, possibility, and hope for the future. But for too many girls, something as basic as not having access to sanitary supplies can become a barrier to their education. Without adequate menstrual hygiene products, girls may miss school, fall behind in their studies, or even lose confidence in their ability to succeed.
The Center for Health and Hope is working to change that. In Kenya and India, our programs provide sanitary pads and hygiene kits to hundreds of girls, while also offering education about menstrual health, hygiene, and life skills. Your support helps ensure that a girl's period doesn't have to mean missing a day of school—or a chance at a brighter future.
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The founder of the Center has a new book! Making a Difference: From Prairie Roots to Global Outreach is Don Messer's memoir, covering his many years of dedication to justice, equality, peace, and freedom.
Copies will be available for sale at the September 17 Celebration or get yours on Amazon today!
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Healthy Minds, Hopeful Futures | |
With support from the Center, our partners at GECC in Maua, Kenya, collaborated with the Ministry of Health AIDS & STI Control Programme to provide psychosocial support sessions for children and teenagers living with HIV. Eighty participants engaged in topics aimed at strengthening emotional wellbeing, treatment adherence, self-care and ability to cope with the challenges of living with HIV. Walking alongside these brave young people is a privilege.
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National Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day | |
Sunday, August 30 was National Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, a day that emphasizes the role of faith communities in promoting compassion, care, and fairness for people living with HIV.
We invite you to join the Center this fall for our workshops focused on HIV education, stigma reduction, and LGBTQ+ history.
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The Center is happy to share it has a new website! Not only is the website mobile friendly and streamlined for our future, it was built by Ekai Ebei, a digital strategist based in Meru, Kenya.
Pictured with Ekai, is Justin Levy, the Center's Executive Director, and his wife, Cari. Participants on the Center's 2025 trip to Kenya had the pleasure of meeting Ekai last summer. We are grateful for her skill and talent.
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Invest in People Impacted by HIV & AIDS |
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Online at Center for Health and Hope | Donate
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With a check sent to:
Center for Health and Hope, P.O. Box 202977, Denver CO 80220
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Through a donor-advised fund - our EIN is 20-4199173
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Through an IRA distribution if you are 70 1/2 or older
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Through a stock transfer - contact us at centerforhealthandhope@gmail.com
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By joining the Center's Legacy Circle - Dedicate part of your legacy to helping those impacted by HIV and AIDS. Bequests of all sizes are welcomed. Contact Justin Levy at centerforhealthandhope@gmail.com to discuss options for planned giving.
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