Shepherd Wellness Community

Shepherd Wellness Community's mission is helping people living with HIV/AIDS improve their Wellness The first dinner was held in October 1987.

In the summer of 1987, four young men living with AIDS, a social worker, and a physician met with Episcopal Priest Father Lynn Edwards to discuss the effects of AIDS and HIV infection in the Pittsburgh area. Then, as today, Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 states with the most cases of AIDS. Yet there was no place where people with this disease could socialize with their partners, families and

06/04/2026

Friday, June 5, 2026, is Long-Term Survivor Day. Every one of our members living with HIV/AIDS is a survivor, and we honor each person with deep respect and gratitude. On this day, we especially lift up those who were diagnosed before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996. For many, HAART changed the course of HIV/AIDS, transforming what was once a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. As we remain committed to supporting everyone living with HIV/AIDS, we also pause to recognize the unique journeys of long-term survivors—the hardships they have endured, the losses they have carried, and the extraordinary resilience they continue to show. June 5 holds special meaning because it was on June 5, 1981, that the CDC first reported five cases of a mysterious illness affecting young gay men. That moment is widely recognized as the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, a history marked by pain, courage, advocacy, and hope. On this special day, the staff and board of SWC reaffirm our heartfelt commitment to this our vital work and to standing alongside our community until a cure is found.

06/04/2026

Warning: Mischief alert! 🚨 These two goofballs are wreaking havoc on Ross Street between 5th and 6th Avenue at the BNY Food Truck Day for Pride in downtown Pittsburgh. Come hang out, give them a high-five, and score some amazing grub while you're at it! Oh, and don't forget to check out the awesome organizations tabling in the sun ☀️ Event ends at 2:00pm today June 4th.

06/02/2026

The Shepherd Wellness Community Staff, Board, and its members are deeply inspired to celebrate the life of our beloved friend Kathi Boyle, who passed away on Sunday, May 31st, 2026.

Kathi's remarkable years of leadership at the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Persad Center, and Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation ignited a beacon of hope for the HIV/AIDS community. She was a shining star, tirelessly advocating and promoting greater wellness and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, with a special focus on empowering women and youth. From housing to mental health to nurturing new leadership, her selfless service left an indelible mark on countless lives within our community. We are forever grateful for her unwavering care and her unrelenting passion to uplift and serve people living with HIV/AIDS in our Pittsburgh region. At this time, our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with her family and friends, especially her devoted wife, Betty.

Kathi, along with Betty, was honored at our 2025 SWC Red Ribbon Benefit for her tireless life's work, and she will always and forever be remembered as a Friend of Wellness.

05/21/2026

Pittsburgh weather, am I right? 🙄 It's like, 'Hey, let's have a BBQ... no wait, let's not... no wait, let's do it inside!' 🤣 So, we're moving our Memorial Day cookout (5/22/2026) to the cozy SWC dining room. Same grub, same vibes, just minus the umbrella hairdos. 🌂️

Memorial Day Weekend Cookout at Shepherd Wellness Community center:
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Social time, games, and prizes (because who doesn't love prizes? 🎁);
1:00pm - 1:30pm: Cookout extravaganza! Menu: Chips, watermelon, burgers, hotdogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, and cupcakes (because, priorities 🍰).

Oh, and don't forget: no Friday Night Wellness Dinner or Support Group on Fri, 5/22/26. See you there, weather or not! 😊

05/19/2026

Community support keeps SWC running. Thank you, Bazaar Bazaar, for the gift of $450 towards our Meal & Wellness programs through your raffle. We appreciate you! 💕