Jayne
From the priority area Community Wellness

Jayne's petite frame is deceiving. Beneath the surface of this woman lies a lifetime of battling against the odds. When giving birth to her fourth child Jayne required a blood transfusion. That was more than twenty years ago, and what should have been one of the happiest moments for Jayne and her husband turned into the event that would shape her physical and emotional well-being forever. Soon after the transfusion, changes occurred in Jayne's body and she began losing weight. However, it took several years for her doctor to diagnose her with HIV.

"At first I thought, 'no way,'" says Jayne. "I'm from a small town and these things don't happen." It didn't take long for the news of Jayne's condition to spread quickly through that small town and people were buzzing about it. She became depressed and withdrew into herself. Even though she had family around Jayne says they were just making ends meet and couldn't offer much assistance. Worst of all, during the gap of time between the blood transfusion and her eventual diagnosis, Jayne's husband acquired HIV as well. He passed away seven years ago.

Jayne moved to Southeastern Connecticut from Pennsylvania just over one year ago to be with one of her four grown children. But before she left she accepted one piece of advice that would make a big impact in her life. That advice was to contact Alliance for Living, a United Way partner program.

"The fact that Alliance for Living is here, dedicated to the cause and offering so many services and programs is so valuable," Jayne says. "I feel comfortable at this place and meeting with other members." She participates in many of the programs that the agency offers including art therapy, Essentials for Life (access to the food pantry and personal care and household items), smoking cessation support groups, and creative writing. The agency has a library where members can borrow books and movies. A hair stylist and massage therapist volunteer to provide their services. In addition, the agency assists with housing and rent subsidies based on income for their members.

Jayne is doing more than simply getting by now; she is thriving. Thanks to Alliance for Living she is receiving the support and strength she needs. She is giving back when she can by volunteering at Alliance for Living. Jayne also recently spoke at her high school in Pennsylvania about HIV. Even though she will live with this condition for the rest of her life, Jayne is upbeat. "I feel like I have some kind of purpose," she says. "I'm not sure what that is yet but I know things happen for a reason."