ARE and The R.I.S.E. Center

n this episode of The Spectrum, we visit the R.I.S.E. Center at the AIDS Response Effort (ARE) in Winchester, Virginia. Executive Director Katie Vance and Co-Director Matt Buracker share the inspiring story behind ARE’s 35-year mission to support people living with HIV and to build community through the newly established LGBTQ+ R.I.S.E. Center. Learn how ARE provides medical and non-medical case management, free HIV and STI testing, harm reduction programs, and vital community resources like a food pantry, LGBTQ+ library, and gender-affirming clothing closet. Katie and Matt also discuss the challenges of funding cuts, the importance of inclusive spaces, and how people can help sustain this vital community work through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. 👉 Learn more: https://aidsresponseeffort.org 👉 Donate: https://aidsresponseeffort.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=25863 👉 Volunteer or get involved: https://aidsresponseeffort.org/get-involved/ If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness of the important work being done by ARE and the R.I.S.E. Center.