Achieving excellence |
Derrick |
Derrick is a regular volunteer and smiling face at Tulsa CARES - a United Way partner agency that services people throughout northeastern Oklahoma who are living with HIV/AIDS. But the reason that Derrick volunteers is that he has been there. He has needed Tulsa CARES and still relies on their services as he navigates life after he received an HIV diagnosis in 1988. "They've been there - all along," he says. "They took the mystery out of the process to get what I needed." Derrick has visited the Tulsa CARES food pantry, received help with his medications and utility bills. "They help you navigate the process," he says. "I can make one phone call and they will figure out how to get me what I need." As for others who find themselves in this situation, he recommends reaching out to Tulsa CARES. He says they can provide assistance determining what to do next after this life-altering diagnosis. He says, "Tulsa CARES has always been there for me and helped me keep the hope alive." |