Altrusa International Foundation

The Altrusa International Foundation is a not-for profit, philanthropic corporation established in 1962 by Altrusa International, Inc., a world-wide volunteer service organization devoted to contributing to human well-being through the development and implementation of effective local community service programs. Altrusa International supplements its direct contributions to society through a philanthropic program of cash grants to individuals and Altrusa clubs that provide meaningful support in communities throughout the world.

Local clubs also have local Foundations which operate under the umbrella of the International Foundation. The following communities in District Eight have local foundations. Please contact the local Foundation for more information.

During the 2007 Columbia, MO District Conference, we gained 23 new members for Club 21 and renewed 38 existing members. Below is information on Club 21. If you would like to join this club or renew a current membership, please contact our District Foundation Liaison Sue Hart at crzy4cy@everestkc.net

Altrusa International Foundation - CLUB 21

The name Club 21 was chosen to emphasize the Foundation's commitment to being involved in a major international health concern into the 21st century. Club 21 is unique in that contributors are a part of a "club," with a membership and their own pin. Through an annual contribution of $21 (US) or more, you can become a part of the foundation's effort to support children infected with HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS are global epidemics affecting people in all countries and from all walks of life, but it is the innocent children who bear the brunt of this disease. Club 21 is the opportunity to extend your hand to these children and their families.

As a member of Club 21 you will receive the special gold and white Club 21 Pin, signifying your participation in a program that every Altrusan will be proud of. Club 21 - a way for you to make a difference.

The attention given by the professional staff lets the children know that there are people who understand and care about then. Camp Safe Haven provides a busy, fun-filled experience, giving the children the sense of belonging and acceptance.

Camp Safe Haven, a camp created for children with HIV and AIDS was founded by Tony Lombardi and Dave Butler. Often these children are subject to horrible stigmatization and prejudice. There are children who have had their houses burned, cars destroyed and lives threatened. Children have been kicked out of school, banished from neighborhood playgrounds and entire sports teams refusing to play against a team with an MV-positive athlete, forcing the child to quit his dearly loved sport for the sake of his teammates.

Every aspect of Camp Safe Haven is focused on one idea, FREEDOM. Camp Safe Haven has created a camp/retreat experience that goes beyond the traditional. Everyone gets involved and the message that the children come away with is it's okay to be who you are here, just come and have fun. Children leave Camp Safe Haven with the sense that there are people in the world who do understand and care for them, not because of their illness, but in spite of it. In this way, the children are offered a little hope and perhaps, for some a reason to on, so they can come back to SAFE HAVEN again.

Camp Safe Haven engages children from all over the United States and other countries in activities which promote a sense of community and well being in spite of their infection with HIV/AIDS.

Camp sessions are held in April on Martha's Vineyard and in August at another site in New England. Different from other camp experiences, Safe Haven does not isolate the children, but instead incorporates their activities into a community setting, thus giving the children a sense of belonging and acceptance. Camp Safe Haven is not just another camp, it is an ongoing support system for these children, who come from many different places and their families.

The organizers and other staff members also talk with these children throughout the year to offer support, encouragement and perhaps just a shoulder to cry on. Safe Haven sponsors an annual winter holiday party for the children and their families, provides opportunities for teens who are not infected to be of service to those who are, provides education about HIV/AIDS to communities, and provides memorial scholarships to deserving students.

While there is no cost for a child to attend Camp Safe Haven, housing, meals, activities, medical supplies, and transportation amount to approximately $1,000 per child per week. The entire staff, which includes doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other volunteers donate all of their time and services.