Boston Living Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Victory Programs' Boston Living Center never meant to be around for 25 years. In 1989, when New England's largest community and resource center for people living with HIV/AIDS opened its doors, the hope was that a cure for this mysterious, deadly disease would quickly be discovered. Although 25 years later, a cure has yet to be found, there is much to be celebrated in that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence to the more than 1 million people nationwide who have been diagnosed.

On Thursday, October 16, Victory Programs' Boston Living Center celebrated its 25th Anniversary of providing a safe, supportive place for the more than 15,000 people in Massachusetts living with HIV/AIDS with Still Shining at 25, a cocktail party and reception at the Center's Stanhope Street location in Boston's Back Bay.

The more than 100 guests included a mix of 25 years' worth of Boston Living Center supporters, members, staff and friends. Among those present were the Shining Stars of the BLC, a select group of individuals who have made a significant impact on the BLC throughout its history and have, in one way or another, improved the lives of our members living with HIV/AIDS.

Victory Programs' President and CEO, Jonathan Scott addressed guests with great thanks for their support over the past 25 years and announced the establishment of the Here Until the End Fund that will ensure that anyone living with HIV/AIDS that walks through our doors will continue to receive the highest quality care and support possible.

"In its 25 year history, the robust, compassionate and deeply effective peer-led services at the Boston Living Center have attracted thousands of members," said Scott. "Whether they stay for community meals and nutrition, health education and support groups, or housing assistance and holistic care, all entry doors at the BLC lead to the single road of maintaining one's optimum health and stability. Most of all, the single gift every BLC member discovers at the center is the uncompromising promise of hope."

The Boston Living Center (BLC), located on Stanhope Street in Boston's Back Bay, is a nonprofit community and resource center that fosters the wellness of all HIV positive people and responds to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS community. Through peer leadership and support, the BLC strives to enhance and enrich the lives of its members by providing education, treatment information, and support services with the goal of empowering members to live productive lives and participate within their families and communities. The BLC officially merged with Victory Programs on March 1, 2012.

Victory Programs, now in its 38th year, is a human services organization with 18 individual programs offering a variety of heath and housing services to people dealing with issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental and chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS.

For more information, visit www.vpi.org.