Share The Plate
In 2007, the members of Westside expressed concern that the church was not doing enough for the local community. To answer that concern, the Board of Trustees developed a model, presented it to the congregation, and “Share the Plate” was established. Each quarter, the BOT chooses a local charity from congregant suggestions.
This Quarter's Share the Plate Partner
Positively Living, Inc.
About Positively Living
Positively Living, Inc. was established in 1996 by a few dedicated individuals and a $25,000 start-up grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to assist in the care of those living with HIV and AIDS. In 2018 we launched our Choice Health Network to serve more people, in more impactful ways.
Today, Positively Living & Choice Health Network operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving East Tennessee’s most vulnerable populations: nearly 5,000 individuals and families struggling to survive the challenges created by HIV, homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and disabilities. We have nearly 50 staff in four cities across the state, and a budget of approximately $8 million.
Our programmatic pillars include:
A Medical Clinic that provides disease testing, treatment, and prevention along with a full service pharmacy;
Client Services which includes therapy and mental health, food, housing, and transportation support;
Our Harm Reduction program which offers a syringe services exchange, naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strips, and resources for our neighbors who use substances.
We offer a “one-stop shop” for care and address the needs of each client individually, with dignity and respect. We believe a city is better when all its citizens are healthy, active contributors.
