2017 Grace Project Conference
GRACE PROJECT
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
FOR WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
2017
Fr i d a y M a y 5 th – S u n d a y M a y 7 th
T h e We s t i n D a l l a s P a r k C e n t r a l
12720 Merit Dr, Dallas, TX, US, 75251
Grace Project
Welcome!
Welcome Wonderful Grace Project Ladies to “Building Tomorrows”,
We are so happy you are here this weekend for this great conference. This 3-day event is
for you and about you. Many people work hard all year to make this conference available
to you - because you deserve it! Everyone involved tries to make it bigger and better for
you each year. So, whether this is your 1st conference or your 17th, we want you to have
a wonderful time.
This is your weekend to: connect with old friends and make new friends; enjoy a weekend
dedicated to only you; learn from speakers and fellow attendees; share your experiences
with fellow attendees. Each of you has a unique life experience. Each of you are in your
own place in living with HIV+. This conference was created to support all of you in your
journeys.
When the conference is over, we hope you are already looking forward to the 2018
conference. We hope you feel connected to and inspired by the women you meet here.
And, it would be wonderful if you were inspired to begin your own mission to help other
women living with HIV+.
Have a great time!! I hope I get to meet you here this weekend.
Sincerely,
Pat Salvaggio
Pat Salvaggio
Conference Cares Committee Coordinator, Legacy Counseling Center
Grace Project
Building Tomorrows Schedule of Events
Friday May 5, 2017
3:00-7:00 PM Registration Opens
3:00-6:00 PM Interest Rooms Open (see below, some rooms have certain times they will be open)
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The Source of Hope Makeover room (Grapevine A/B)
Margit Haegele Photo Room (Texoma B)
Clothes Closet open for shopping (Tenison)
Knitting Lounge (Canyon)
3:00-6:00 PM Dolls of Hope (Degolyer)
3:00-5:00 PM Focus Group (Texoma A)
4:00-6:00 PM Texas Instruments Computer Lab contest registration (Foyer)
-Get a free email and enter to win door prizes and giveaways
• 5:00-6:00 PM Talent show auditions (Marsalis)
6:00-6:20 PM Kickoff Welcome* (Salon A/B/C/D)
Words of Welcome: Building Tomorrows
Dr. Barbara Cambridge PhD, ACSW, CPLC
Melissa Grove M.S., LPC, Executive Director of Legacy Counseling Center
6:20-6:30 PM Remarks from Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins of Dallas County
6:30-8:00 PM Welcome Dinner*, Sponsored by ViiV Healthcare (Salon A/B/C/D)
8:00-8:15 PM Break
8:30-8:50 Meet with Team Leaders
9:00 PM “Jackie’s Circle of Trust”: A New Play by Bonnie Samuel (Johnson) (Salon A/B/C/D)
Artists for Action Theater Group starring Ashley Polk, Patricia Brinkley, Helen Turner Goldenberg,
Bonnie Samuel, Johnny R. Lewis.
9:30-10:30 PM Karaoke (Salon A/B/C/D)
DOOR PRIZE DRAWINGS are when you see a *
When you see a *** that’s the big drawing! Don’t miss it!
Grace Project
Saturday May 6, 2016
9:00-10:00 AM Continental Breakfast* “HIV and Your Body” Presented by Claudia Martorell of
Theratechnologies*
In honor of Barbara McElwee
10:00-10:40 AM “Understanding the Journey: From Domestic Violence Victim to Survivor”*
(Salon A/B/C/D)
Debra Mitchell-Ibe, LMSW, The Family Place. This interactive presentation will provide information
what is domestic violence, red flag signs, impact of domestic violence on women and children, why
people stay in relationships that are abusive, and supporting victims-physical and emotional safety
planning.
11:00-11:30 AM “HIV and Pregnancy”* (Salon A/B/C/D)
Emily Harris Adhikari, MD, UT Southwestern Medical Center. This talk will inform you about what
to expect in pregnancy for a woman with HIV. This talk will also discuss safe conception and
recommend some ways to prevent undesired pregnancy.
Noon-1:00 PM Lunch – Sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation* (Salon A/B/C/D)
1:10-1:30 PM Team Rally – Group Pow-Wow
1:30-5:00 PM Interest Rooms Open (see below)
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TI Computer Lab (Gallery Foyer)
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2:00-4:00PM Lotería Mexicana ¡Viviendo Valiente! (Solo para Español) (Texoma A)
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Legacy Listening Room (Texoma B)
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TBD (Marsalis)
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Grapevine HIV/AIDS prayer room (Meredith A)
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The Source of Hope Makeover Room (Grapevine A/B)
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Knitting Lounge (Canyon)
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Clothes Closet (Tenison)
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TBD (Degolyer)
DOOR PRIZE DRAWINGS are when you see a *
When you see a *** that’s the big drawing! Don’t miss it!
Grace Project
1:30-4:00 PM OPTIONAL TALKS IN SALON A/B/C/D
1:30-2:00 PM Sobriety: Finding Your Happiness and Purpose Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Stephen Knight, LCDC. Legacy Counseling Center, this workshop that will motivate the
participants who are in recovery to set goals to obtain independence, happiness and courage to
find their purpose and destiny in life through their recovery.
2:00-2:45 PM Personal Testimony
Twana Lawler will share her testimony of how she beat AIDS and Dementia. She went from
wheelchair to books, plays and more. She will share what has happened in her life since the
last time she spoke at this Conference.
2:45-3:25 PM Things You Need to Know
Veronica F. Jacobs, J.D., Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Topics to be discussed include; (1) Factors
to consider before revealing your status in the workplace, (2) When to Apply for Social Security
Disability, (3) Planning for the future: Advance Directives; Medical Powers of Attorney, HIPAA
Releases, Declarations of Guardianship, Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney, Wills, etc. (4)
Questions and Answers regarding probate matters (5) Questions and Answers regarding Family
Law matters
3:30-4:00 PM Flip the Page
Porsha Hart, MA, GCCM, GCNM, Amariah’s Legacy. Flip the Page, is a women’s empowerment
session that will encourage and motivate women who have experienced adversity to not
only persevere, but move forward. This session will use spiritual and Erickson’s Stages of
Psychosocial Development theory to equip women for holistic victory. There is life after the
storm, are you ready to flip the page?
5:00-6:30 PM Dinner, “Genvoya” Sponsored by Gilead* (Salon A/B/C/D)
Sha L. McCoy MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, AAHIVS
6:30-7:30 PM Free Time
7:30-8:00 PM Modeling Lessons (Salon A/B/C/D)
Any woman interested in being in the Celebratory Fashion Walk is welcome. Wear your nicest outfit,
so you can strut your stuff in the fashion walk! Lessons by Jennifer Jackson, Ms. Texas Elegance
Woman 2015
8:00-8:20 PM “#Move!” (Salon A/B/C/D)
Dr. Jennifer O. Jackson
8:20-10:30PM Celebratory Saturday Night Events (Salon A/B/C/D)
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The Fashion Walk, featuring women of the Grace Project
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Talent Show, featuring women of the Grace Project
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Dance Party
Grace Project
Sunday May 7, 2016
7:30-8:30 AM Grapevine HIV/AIDS Church Service (Optional) (Salon A/B/C/D)
9:00-10:00 AM Continental Breakfast*, “Becoming Empowered Today to Live Better Tomorrow”
(Salon A/B/C/D)
J Michael Cruz, PhD, MA, LPC, Prism Health North Texas.
10:00-10:40 AM Health and Beauty, Inside and Out* (Salon A/B/C/D)
Quỳnh Châu Stone, President/Founder of The Source of Hope.
Panelists include: Kim Ovalle Cummings, Cordia Leung, Joshua Rossignol, Bridgett Ladawn
Washington, Anita Hawkins
10:40-11:15 AM Women’s Empowerment* (Salon A/B/C/D)
Marsha Jones, Executive Director of The Afiya Center.
11:15-12:00 PM Graduation*** (Salon A/B/C/D)
Photos from photo shoot will be available, big door prizes, goodie bags, awards!
With Words of Welcome by Sue Wyll and Jerianne Ranieri-Wyll
Closing Remarks: Pat Salvaggio, Conference Cares Committee Coordinator, Legacy Counseling Center
CO-PRESENTING SPONSORS
AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Legacy Counseling Center, INC.
L E G A C Y
Grace Project
FOUNDATIONS/GRANTS/MAJOR GIFTS
ORIX Foundation: $5,000 Efficiency Grant
Steve Grow and Ricky Jesser: $2,000
AIDS Healthcare Foundation: $5,000
Theratechnologies/Wendy Knight: $2,500 and a speaker
Texas Instruments: $1,000
Sue Wyll & Jerianne Ranieri-Wyll: $750 Sunday Graduation
Sabrina Harrison: $1,000
Westcott Foundation/Kameron Westcott: $1,000 Educational Program Sponsor
Dr. Emily Adhikari, in honor of Barbara McElwee: $2,000
The Zimmermann family: $1,000
PHARMACEUTICAL MEAL SPONSORS
ViiV Healthcare, Friday Dinner
Theratechnologies, Saturday Breakfast
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Saturday Lunch
Gilead Sciences, Saturday Dinner
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
Amber Griffin Ennis • Brandi Redmond • Veronica Baughman • Melissa Dominguez
Carmen Surgent • Michelle Prince • Danette Galvis • James Lester • Alison Johnson
Valeria Steel • Amy Vanderoef • Heidi Dillon • Sanka & Brett Stalcup • April Lafitte
Tina Craig • Vinita Schroeder • Dan Pritchett • LeeAnne Locken • Juliette Bouchard
Sister Patricia Ridgley • Steve Kemble • Mike Sullivan • Dr. Robert True • D’Andra Simmons
Angelia Harris • Sisters of St. Mary of Namur • Donald Graneto
Grace Project
GRACE PROJECT CONFERENCE DIRECTOR
Melissa Grove M.S., LPC, Executive Director of Legacy Counseling Center
GRACE PROJECT COMMITTEE
Angela Huddy, VIP Coordinator
Pat Salvaggio, Conference Cares Coordinator
Gregg Gunter, Exhibit Hall Supervisor
Tammy McCormack, Check-in Supervisor
Brooke Nickerson, Clothes Closet Coordinator
Helena Davidson, Talent Show Coordinator
Steve Weir, Printing Coordinator
Michael Whiteside, Graphic Designer
CONFERENCE CARES COMMITTEE
Angela Huddy • Chantil Bounheuangvilay • Cristina Myers • Ginny Johnson • Hayley Buckles
Helen Goldenberg • James Tyler • Julie Esstman • Laura Gibson • Louisa Weindruch
Nicole Banks • Nina Ojeda • Pat Salvaggio • Sister Patricia Ridgley
GRACE PROJECT INTERNS
Riyan Wilson • Nicole Banks • Chantil Bounheuangvilay
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
Anita Burnett, Door prize and Clothes Closet coordinator
Bonnie Samuel (Johnson), Playwright
CJ McLaurin, Major Clothes Closet Contribution
Westin Park Central Hotel, Venue sponsor
Lead Concepts Inc., Printing sponsor
The Source of HOPE, Makeover room and goodie bag sponsor
Dolls of Hope, W.O.R.L.D.
Grapevine HIV/AIDS, Prayer room and church service sponsor
Margit Haegele, Photo Shoot sponsor
Bryan’s House, Goodie bags
Texas Instruments Employees
PRISM Health
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Pharmacy
AVSD Pro and Richard McClure
Grace Project
A special thank you to all of our speakers listed below, interest room leaders,
volunteers, donors, Legacy board members, & staff!
Friday, May 6th
Dr. Barbara Cambridge is a social worker, psychotherapist, certified
personal life coach, author, lecturer, consultant, and storyteller. She retired from
U.T Southwest¬ern Medical Center in 2013, where she served for 44 years as an
Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her work
in the Department covered a wide range of mental health and social support
services for women and their families. For the past 27 years she provided
therapeutic counseling support for women living with HIV/AIDS.
Melissa Grove, M.S., LPC, Executive Director of Legacy, has a
background in Geri-Psychiatrics, Supported Housing, and Mental Health
management. Ms. Grove has worked with Legacy since 1992 and opened and
managed Legacy Founders Cottage since its inception in 1996. Prior to her
position at Legacy Counseling Center she managed a sixty bed psychiatric unit
for ADAPT of Texas, Inc. Other experiences include working with clients with
schizophrenia, emotionally disturbed children, alcoholic Mescalero Indians,
adults with retardation, terminally ill elderly and Haitian families. She has done
research on the computerized DSM program, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for
Veterans, and attachment disorder. A therapist herself, Ms. Grove mans the 24
hour a day suicide crisis line for Legacy.
Ratonia C. Runnels, PhD Originally from Dallas, TX, Ratonia C. Runnels,
PhD is a Licensed Master Social Worker and full-time faculty at Baylor University
in the School of Social Work. Dr. Runnels is also founder of TrinityVision
Consulting, author of the online devotional entitled Living with Victory!, and
founder and facilitator of Get Lifted!©, a long-standing peer-led inspirational
group for women living with HIV. She has maintained consistent interaction with
the Austin and Waco communities having worked professionally as community
outreach worker, counselor, case manager, educator, trainer, and advocate in
the fields of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention. Dr. Runnels served
for five years in state government in state government and has worked as a
consultant for community based and national organizations, and the Texas Department of State Health
Services. She has also presented at several national and international conferences, served in various
capacities with faith-based health initiatives, and published scholarly works on topics related to cultural
competency, mental health services for African-American women, spirituality among trauma survivors
and women with chronic illness, as well as faith-based outreach and mental health programs.
Her message is one of hope and healing that promises to inspire and revolutionize how we perceive
obstacles and dis-ease. Through faith, patience, perseverance, determination, and unshakable selfworth, the realization of dreams has become her reality.
Grace Project
Saturday, May 6th
Debra Mitchell-Ibe, LMSW currently holds the position of Senior
Director of Training and Community Education for The Family Place. Debra has
over 25 years of experience working in the human services field and 20 years
of experience training on the issues related to domestic violence.
Debra has extensive experience in program design, development, management
and marketing. She has designed programs to reach African American and
Latino victims, and implemented a partner contact program that worked in
partnership with a Batterers Intervention and Prevention Program. Debra has
been a consultant in the development of a Texas Department of Protective
and Regulatory Services funded after school program to reach at risk youth, a
trainer/group facilitator for the Healthy Marriage Initiative, chaired federal grant review panel for family
violence funds, and coordinated case management services for parents with children under age one.
She has provided workshops and trainings, local, state and national, on a variety of topics to including:
teen dating violence, diversity, men as victims, family violence 101, bullying, workplace violence, crisis
intervention, and other issues that impact families.
Debra has a BBA from Texas A& M-Commerce and a MSW from The University of Texas at Arlington. She
is a licensed social worker. Married to Emmanuel Ibe. Mother of three sons-Emmanuel Ibe, II, Peter Ibe
and Alexander Ibe.
Dr. Emily Adhikari is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and
Assistant Instructor at UT Southwestern Medical Center who will complete her
fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in mid 2018. As a fellow physician
staffing the maternal-fetal medicine clinic at Parkland Hospital for the past
2 years, she is dedicated to caring for pregnant women with HIV and other
infections during pregnancy. Over the past 2 years, Dr. Adhikari has given Grand
Rounds and Continuing Education lectures for both UT Southwestern and the
AIDS Education and Training Center on the management of HIV in pregnancy.
Her current HIV research focus is on the continuity of care among pregnant
and postpartum women, and on antiretroviral pill burden and virologic control
during pregnancy. Under the tutelage of Dr. Arti Barnes and Barbara McElwee,
WHNP, Dr. Adhikari has committed her career to improving the immediate and long-term health of both
pregnant women living with HIV and their children. Dr. Adhikari received her medical degree at UT
Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Stephen Knight is a License Chemical Dependency Counselor and
Coordinator of the Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Program at Legacy
Counseling. Stephen worked for Homeward Bound for three years prior to
Legacy Counseling as a Counselor Intern for the HIV Inpatient Program at
Homeward Bound. Stephen is also the Founding Executive Director of Dogs
Matter, an award winning non-profit that provides temporary Foster Care for
Dogs of Addicts/Alcoholics going into substance abuse treatment. Stephen
has a total of 20 years working in social services and helping underserved
populations.
Grace Project
Twana Lawler is the founder/CEO of “Don’t Die Stay Alive Ministries”
an HIV/AIDs ministry. Twana is the writer of “STIGMATIZED The Play” she
has also has written from Darkness to His Marvelous Light, Silence of Liberty,
“Heaviness of My Heart” and a couple of children books. Twana placed third in a
Gospel Stage play contest. She also placed third in the LA Screenwriter contest.
Her love of stage plays is very adamant. Her wit in these plays will have you
crying so hard you may leave needing stitches. She wrote Love Happened by
Chance, Christmas Time, Dinner with the Johnson’s and working on another
“Matters of the Heart”. Three of her plays are on DVD, that’s “Who Did I Marry?
God’s Precious Jewels and “When a Woman’s Fed Up” Her story is unbelievable
and her desire is to share and help. Twana has poet, playwright, screenwriter, Gospel Songwriter and
Motivational Speaker to her BIO. You can go to https://www.mylifeautobiography.com and check her out
and to find out where she will be next go to www.dontdiestayaliveministries.com
Sha L. McCoy MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, AAHIVS has practiced in primary care with an emphasis
in HIV and mental health since 2008. She received her education and training as an advanced practice
nurse from the University of Texas at Austin and is recognized as a HIV specialist through the American
Academy of HIV Medicine. She is an active Board Member on her local Association of Nurses in AIDS
Care (ANAC) chapter and has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
since 2006. Sha’s interest in HIV grew as the virus became a glaring health disparity and leading cause of
death among communities of color. Currently, Ms. McCoy provides HIV care to incarcerated individuals,
and is working on her doctoral degree through the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
(UT Health). She has been on the National Speakers Bureau for Gilead Sciences since 2014.
Veronica F. Jacobs, J.D. is a graduate of South Texas College of Law.
She is the Director of Legal Services and a staff attorney at Houston Volunteer
Lawyers (1994-present). In addition to supervising a staff of 9 attorneys,
Veronica represents low-income persons in civil matters including persons living
with HIV/AIDS. She is the recipient of awards from the State Bar of Texas, the
Houston Bar Association, South Texas College of Law, Harris County Retired
Teachers Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the NAACP. Veronica
has worked with and supported organizations in various capacities in the
communities of Houston and Galveston. She is a member of The Texas Bar
College Board, serves on the Advisory Board of RSVP, and is a member of the
board of Access Care of Coastal Texas.
Grace Project
Porsha Hart, MA, GCCM, GCNM is a dedicated public servant whose
passion is to aide in the restoration of girls, women, and municipalities by
utilizing interdisciplinary frameworks, education, public policy, spirituality
and diplomacy. She received her Bachelor of Science, Graduate Certificate
in Nonprofit Management, and Graduate Certificate in Conflict Mediation and
Masters of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies all from the University of Arkansas
at Little Rock. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in health studies with an
emphasis in population health from Texas Woman’s University.
Ms. Hart has served during the State of Arkansas former Governor Mike
Beebe’s era as Governor’s Advisory Council Member to the Division of Nonprofit
Management and during the City of Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola’s era as a Little Rock Sister
Cities Commissioner. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Invest Early
Coalition, Sister Cities of Houston and United Nations Foundation. In addition, Ms. Hart served as a
2016 United Nations Women Association CSW60 Delegate and City of Houston’s Citizenship Month
Steering Committee. In addition, Porsha Hart is the founder and executive director of Amariah’s Legacy,
a nonprofit committed to the holistic cultivation of women and girls, the Co-Chair of United Nations
Association Women and a licensed and ordained minister.
Ms. Hart enjoys spending her time serving and advocating for vulnerable populations, traveling, cooking,
entertaining, exploring the arts and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Jennifer O. Jackson is a true product of the Piney Woods of
East Texas. She was born and raised in Longview, TX to educators Wilbert
and Earline Rollins. Dr. Jackson was reared and rooted at Bethel Temple of
Longview in Ministry. The calling on her life was affirmed as she learned the
value of tarrying at the alter and in the back rooms of BTL.
Dr. Jackson’s studies began at Prairie View A&M University where she earned
a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. In pursuing to fulfill her
childhood dream of being an active health care advocate, she later completed
her Doctorate in Pharmacy at Hampton University School of Pharmacy in
Hampton, VA.
Dr. Jackson currently lives and practices in Tyler, TX. She joyfully serves her community as a Pharmacy
Manager/Pharmacist for Wal-Mart, a college professor, and is an active participant in many service and
social organizations. She is the Founder/CEO of The Tiffany’s Breakfast: A Women’s Bridging the Gap
Non-Profit for the young and the young at heart. She works as a Global Healthcare advocate for the
up and coming God’s International Leading Ladies Project and enjoys keeping others informed writing
articles for magazines.
In May of 2015, Dr. Jackson was crowned Ms. Texas American Elegance Woman and went on to win the
National Crown/Title Ms. American Elegance Woman 2015-16. She now reigns as Ms. American Elegance
International 2016-17. She works relentlessly to share her platform, #Move, to a variety of audiences
and mentees.
Dr. Jackson is the proud wife of Bishop Laramie Jackson, I and mother of the tenacious Laramie “LJ”
Jackson, II and the beautiful, Yasmine. She is the First Lady of The Covenant Churches of TODAH
(Temple Of Deliverance And Healing) and the CCOT International Director for Women’s Ministries and
Global Ministries.
Grace Project
Sunday, May 7th
J Michael Cruz, PhD, MA, LPC is an applied sociologist. He spent 18
years teaching sociology at various universities and studying gay male domestic
violence, aging gay men, and HIV/AIDS. His last academic post was at SMU
in Dallas, teaching there from 2005 to 2013. In his academic work, he always
engaged in public service, and in 2013 decided to join the non-profit sector
full-time. He spent five years working at Legacy Counseling, providing mental
health services to bilingual clients and he worked at Resource Center, running
their LGBTQ youth program. He is currently the Director of Project Connect at
Prism Health North Texas, and provides oversight to a team engaged with HIV
testing and outreach, linkage to medical care, comprehensive risk counseling
services, condom distribution, and HIV community mobilization. In his spare time, he volunteers with two
animal rescue groups: DFW Rescue Me (a dog rescue) and provides support to the SPCA of Dallas. Here,
he takes care of cats at a local PetSmart.
Quỳnh Châu Stone is a mother, educator, entrepreneur and advocate.
As the president and founder of The Source of Hope, a 501c3 non-profit
organization with more than 4 years of tireless service to Dallas-Ft. Worth
underprivileged communities, Quỳnh Châu tackles the critical issues of how to
restore “under-dogs” hope to start all over again. With Quỳnh Châu’s direction
and leadership, The Source of Hope collects, distributes and donates food and
groceries to those in need through a network of charitable organizations. The
Source of Hope delivered over 1000 meals monthly to the homeless and actively
works with partner organizations to serve the most vulnerable in the Dallas –
Ft. Worth communities. Her relentless drive has won her the trust and respect
of a broad based coalition of community partners that work exclusively with
The Source of Hope to provide the necessary food, education and jobs training to those that critically
need help and a second chance.
Grace Project
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Confidentiality: Confidentiality means that personal information is private and may not
be shared without permission. The confidentiality of a person’s HIV status is of the utmost
importance to us. All staff, volunteers, speakers, and persons involved in the Grace Project must
uphold our standards of confidentiality by:
• Not revealing the identity or any personal information of any Grace Project woman,
their families, or significant others to any outside party (e.g., volunteers, friends,
family, employers, etc.) without the woman’s written consent.
• Not using cell phones to take pictures of fellow women at the event.
• Not having “casual” conversations with other volunteers, staff, friends, family, etc.
about a Grace Project woman or any of her personal information/issues.
*These rights are protected by federal law. Violation of this policy will result in immediate dismissal.*
Medical: Participants should bring all of their medications with them from home. No staff
member will dispense or distribute any medications or medical treatments. In the unlikely event
of an emergency, 911 will be called and the participant will be taken to the nearest hospital for
treatment.
Meals: Your conference fee covers all meals, speakers, goodie bags, door prizes, photo shoot and
photo, a t-shirt and fun! All breakfasts are continental (pastries, juice, fruit, coffee) and there is a
hotel restaurant and numerous restaurants within walking distance, if you would like something
more substantial. We end at noon on Sunday and NO lunch is provided.
Electronics: Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the
conference, including texting. Exceptions are in your room and during breaks. Let’s all respect
confidentiality and be in the moment!
WE HAVE A NO-TOLERANCE POLICY FOR ANY BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY
OR CELL PHONE POLICY. NO PICTURES OF WOMEN WILL BE TAKEN AND CELL
PHONES ARE NOT TO BE USED DURING SCHEDULED EVENTS.
ANY BREACH OF CELL PHONE POLICY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE
REMOVAL FROM THE CONFERENCE AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL.
Grace Project
Feeling overwhelmed or ill?: If you feel emotionally overwhelmed or physically ill, please
contact the registration desk on the second floor for help.
Photos: The photo session will take place Friday, May 6th from 3-6 pm and photos will be
available for pick up Sunday, May 8th at noon after graduation ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS. You
will NOT be able to get your pictures after Sunday, May 8th at noon.
Door Prizes: If you see a * by a talk, we are doing a door prize drawing. You must be present
to win and if we draw your number and you miss it, it is out of the running for future prizes
so please make sure you are on time for talks with a *. If you see a ***that means it is a mega
drawing for bigger prizes.
Breakfast: Breakfast is continental which means coffee, juice, and pastries. If you need a more
substantial breakfast, the hotel has a restaurant and there is a Jack in the Box in walking distance.
We also provide a limited number of snacks so you may want to save them. Lunch will be served
two hours after breakfast and so that can tide you over.
Parking: If you are driving, park ON THE SOUTH SURFACE LOT for FREE. Otherwise,
underground parking is $15.00 a day at the hotel
Help desk: If you have a question you can ask a volunteer or go to the help desk which is where
you checked in.
Room charges: Each person is responsible for damages and charges to the room.
As always, please RESPECT our venue space, hotel rooms, roommates,
volunteers, and staff as well as be ON TIME to each activity. All year, volunteers
and staff have been putting together this one-of-a-kind event just for you. So,
let’s make this the best year ever by showing respect and courtesy to all of those
involved.
Thank you for coming! Let’s have a great time!
Grace Project
L E G A C Y
Grace Project
The Grace Project was inspired by Grace Hunt, a loving and
generous woman who counseled women with HIV/AIDS.
The program seeks to encourage hope and hold families together through a supportive
net of services including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, support
building, and education as women are the fastest growing population of new HIV
infections. The conference is the centerpiece of the program.
Celebrating the conference’s 17th year, the event is designed to bring formerly isolated
women living with HIV together. The goal of the conference is to SEE (Support, Educate
and Empower) each woman and create future advocates for HIV prevention, health
education and awareness.
GRACE PROJECT CONFERENCE
FOR WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
4054 McKinney Ave. Suite 102 • Dallas, TX 75204-2050
Phone: 214-520-6308 ext 384 • Fax: 214-521-9172
legacygraceproject.org • legacycares.org