The Journey Continues…

Faces and Voices 2025

Faces and Voices 2025—The Journey Continues is HOCC’s evolving web page dedicated to keeping women connected to each other and informed about their health, wellness, and their community. Meeting women when and where they are is our goal for keeping our web page up to date and ready for visitors. There, people can see our most recent health and wellness information, share in women’s wisdom and voices, and appreciate our sisters’ smiles—and even sometimes, tears. Welcome to HOCC’s Faces and Voices Part Two–The Journey Continues!

Faces and Voices:

January 2025 – December 2025

Save the Date

July 14, 2025

“Interprsonal Violence and Abuse Acrossnthe Lifespan”

=========================================

June 9, 2025

“HOCC’s 28th Anniversary”

with HOCC Women

HOCC’s 28th Anniversary!!!

28 Years and Over 3,500 Women a Part Of HOCC

HOCC Getting Anniversary Started

HOCC Remembers Our HOCC Sisters

VOICES

“HOCC gives me support in accessing different kinds of services and care for women living with HIV. I am with my family, I am safe here, I am loved here.”
“I loved the music and videos especially the one that acknowledges missing my friends – missing my mother – HOCC helps us feel when we sometimes try not to feel things.”
“It’s amazing all of the awards and recognition HOCC gives us! Where does that happen other than HOCC!!!”
“HOCC means so much to me, it’s my family, my sisterhood, my community, and where I have learned more about me then any other time in my life – thank you HOCC!”
“It is so great to be celebrating each other with love and respect for each other.”
“HOCC is family orientated – If you have a problem, we have your back always!”
“HOCC means celebrating women (not just today but every second Monday) it is a safe place to be me.”
“When I think of HOCC (and I do just not once a month) I think of love and happiness – even on some dark days.”
“HOCC is like a rock in the community and it would be nothing without the brick that holds it all togther.”
“HOCC is an awesome community event each month for women – by women – not just once a year!”
“HOCC has an amazing team of women – All volunteer! that makes HOCC so special!”
“Women inspiring women – it works!!!”
“HOCC is knowledge and friendships.”
“When we are gone from this world HOCC will always remember us and feel love for us – this is so special!”
“HOCC is unconditional love no matter what.”
“In the room we are all togther – care about each other and look forward to come back and do it all again the next month.”
“I look forward coming to HOCC every month.”
“Back when I first started coming to HOCC I was kind of afraid of women living with HIV but now it doesn’t make any difference we are a family and love each other regardless of HIV.”
“Reading the inspirational cards is so meaningful to me, hearing the words of others which uplift our hearts – it’s an equalizer and powerful!”
“ I always wish I had lot’s of friends and sometimes sad I don’t but when Rochelle said “Who needs friends when you have a whole room full of friends at HOCC”
“It’s so special that HOCC celebrates us every year for now 28years – who does that?”
“I love having HOCC start with a pause before we start and focus on the here and now – it settles me into the program.”
“HOCC is the power of women with one body with many members making us unstoppable!”
“It’s a new dawn – a new day and I am feeling good – I am at HOCC!!!”
‘HOCC is a space that educates, uplifts, and brightens the days of women.”
“It was so moving to hear the touching story of how someone’s life and wellbeing has improved due to HOCC.”
“HOCC is a community program for us by us creating leadership and education to this community – really creating purpose for women and ALL volunteer based!!!”
“HOCC is a safe place to be true to self.”
“The one thing HOCC could do is be around for the next generation of women!”
“HOCC means a lot to me for my mom can
“HOCC is my life, my family.”
“I love the start of the program – very grounding before we start.”
“HOCC is all about how best to take care of ourselves – I am a good mother and know how to take care of all of them but not so good about taking care of me – thank you HOCC – I am learning about self-care!!!”
“My mom took me to HOCC when I was young – it always made her happy and I understand that now – it makes me happy too!”
“I have grown old with HOCC but I feel younger today because of the lessons I have learned about self-care.”
“HOCC is a safe place to go and feel safe and learn how to care for yourself and help others and accept help from others.”
“HOCC gives me 2 hours a month that is just for me and my friends – Thank You HOCC!!!”
“Going to HOCC I have learned to live long and healthy.”
“It would be good to have more women afraid of people living with HIV to come to HOCC because I learned to really love all those who live with HIV and hugging shows that love.”
“You don’t feel alone in the fight anymore with HOCC having our back!”
“HOCC is really about love and appreciation for each other.”
“I love this PLACE!!!”
“Love Meghan bring mindfulness to the beginning of our program,”
“HOCC needs more days and time for our sisters to be learning, laughing and just coming together – especially now!”
“So much LOVE!!!”
“HOCC is a safe place to learn, grow, have and make friends and acquaintances – a safe place for me to be me…”
“HOCC is really for all women!!!”
“The awards are so reassuring from surviving to thriving – it gives me hope and the “umph” to keep going through a difficult time in my life.”
“HOCC I feel is everything to me ! Love-love-love-love this program!”
“You dear HOCC you brought me back to life – the only place that gives me hope – my family now.”
“HOCC means everything to me!”
“HOCC means understanding women and diversity -coming to HOCC is having a whole new family.”
“HOCC is stability and hope throught health.”
“Thank you HOCC and Happy Anniversary to all of us!!!”

JUNE ZOOM Meeting:

Monday, March 19th @ 12:00-1:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

Ellie Enichen, BS

==========================================================

May 12, 2025

“Embracing a Healthier Me

and Creating a Supportive Health Care Team”

Tamara Jimah, PhD

HOCC Getting Starting

with Mindful Medatation

Program Discussion:

FACES:

VOICES:

“The information was great today – love the Journal”.
“The self-care theme for 2025 was a wonderful reminder from the beginning of the program, mindful breathing , and a great presentation – this so important to me for I always take take of everyone before!
“HOCC is always on point to what I need to hear about – and how to get there!”
“I am so tired that mt health care team doesn’t listen to me – but here at HOCC they do!”
“Today the whole program was very helpful from start to finish!”
“It was great to have the several resources here today and that will be important for me to help me.”
“All was do helpful – Tamara and her team from NEU were fabulous!”
“They topic was great and the journal will help be practice at home.”
“The information is always so good at HOCC and timely.”
“I really liked talking about the different aspects of health that included spiritual and emotional – never thought about that was an important part of my health”
Thank you for the discussion today and the journal that will help me put it all together.”
“When I walk through the door at HOCC I feel like I am coming home- it’s been a bad week and I feel better now.”
“Loved all the community services in the room today – no barriers at HOCC.”
“Love the breathing and stretching exercises – great way to get us started today.”
“Learning about the bone strengthening exercises was really helpful!”
“It was really helpful to hear about post-menopausal and how it can cause low bone strength!”
Thank you – it was great to have NEU team join us today – love we have the experts join us! We get the best at HOCC!!!”
“The presentation was really helpful and using the slides to help my understanding of how to use my new journal to use at home.”
“Thank you Tamara for today – and glad to hear you are on HOCC’s board now.”
“It was hard to hear about Brandy – HOCC really loves us all!”
Thank you HOCC & staff for the vital support – your love is so unique and spiritual”
“Everyone at HOCC is so helpful to me – it’s without judgement – I feel comfortable listening, speaking, and learning.”
“I liked the vibe of today’s presentation.”
“It was great to have the all the resources here today – HOCC is my connector to what I need for my health and wellness!”
“Staring HOCC with the meditation is so helpful and helps us settle in.”
“Reviewing the Self-Care 8 different ways so really helpful.”
“HOCC is so helpful to me and I use what I learned at home,”
“Thank you – always the best when there is so little in our community today!”

May ZOOM Programming

Wednesday, May 7th 2025 @ 12:00-1:30pm

HOCC’s 11th Annual Virtual Health Fair

==================================================================

April 14, 2025

“Paving the Path to Wellness”

Beth Frates, MD

HOCC Gets Ready for Today’s Program:

Program Discussion:

FACES

SPRING BEGINS AT HOCC

VOICES

“I think the doctor was positively great and a real health guru! I am really hoping and it would be so great if she could come back!!! Thank you for scheduling her to speak with us all!”
“HOCC is always helpful to me and each time I come to the group I learn something new.”
“The information is always great but today was even greater!”
“I love HOCC’s “self-care” theme this year from head to toe, body, soul , and mind, and today we got the roadmap – the pathway!”
“Excellent speaker today – thanks!”
“What I liked the most were the steps, ants, and paving.”
Liked hearing about food choices and health affected wellness!”
“There were lots to digest but my take home is when you are paving your way through your life make sure you have guardrails in place to support changes.”
“Start eating healthy – and the importance of sleep – I hear these things but today I heard these things.”
“Everything was great, the information about nutrition and mental health was helpful. Thank you for providing our community connections to other people!”
“Everyone needs to chill daily and we got some evidence today.”
“Attitude and gratitude was a big take home message.
“Another helpful day at HOCC – we have such quality speakers at HOCC – thanks!”
“We are so lucky to have HOCC and the community of women that join us each month!”
“HOCC really knows what we need with the selection of topics and speakers – thank you for another great program!”
“I really like to the new start of HOCC programs, the music, the breathing moment and always the inspirational exercise – today – the optimism steps were great!”
“Today was really helpful and the speaker was great!”
“HOCC’s self-care slides and breathing exercise was just what I needed.”
“Not sure how HOCC does it – programs seem to be changing or going away BUT at HOCC we can count on learning something, eating well, having wonderful speakers, and lot’s of smiles!”
“The doctor was amazing today – thank you!!!”
“The whole program today was wonderful – wish we had more time to hear more.”
“What was most helpful was hearing how we need to focus on ourselves instead of always taking care of others all the time. – Sorry I can’t say more need to go pee!”
“I liked the whole program – very very helpful!”
“HOCC is always helpful – I always get something out of each program and I certainly did today too.”
“Thanks Ellie for bringing the speaker today – she was great!”
“Thank God HOCC is secure and we don’t have to worry about another loss!”
“Great program today – thank you HOCC for always being there for us!”

April ZOOM Programming

Monday, April 28th @12:00-1:00pm

“Eating Healthy as We Age” with Jul

Jul Gerrior Schofield, MA, RD

====================================

March 10, 2025

HOCC’s 20th Annual

“National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day”

with Jackie Chu, MD – MGH Infectious Diseases

Jackie, Chu, MD

Program Discussion:

FACES

March 10 marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a day to recognize the unique challenges women face in the fight against HIV and to highlight the urgent need for equitable access to prevention and treatment.

VOICES

“Here at HOCC we learn from everything that is presented every month and I am grateful.”

“It’s amazing to see a doctor so involved and caring and helping us – Dr Jackie – thank you!!!”

“Thank you for setting the stage today with music and laughter – I needed that!”

“We got lot’s of information today and encouragement to make it happen.”

“Thank you HOCC for being a lighthouse for us.”

“It truly felt like the doctor cared about all of us and so supportive to share how to know about aging and help us navigate our way forward by knowing more.”

“HOCC women are so helpful all of the time but today I felt we were all helping each other.”

“I am getting older – I feel it and today I got some good information to understand how I can get age better.”

“As a group we have strength and lot’s of hope and HOCC makes sure we continue to.”

“The most helpful part of HOCC is connecting, networking, socializing, meeting our peers, all in a non-judgmental place.”

“Today HOCC was very helpful I got a lot of information and very good information about aging and useful.”

“The questions were great and the answers were detailed and very helpful.”

“The reminders of self-care are very helpful and good reminders.”

“Women sharing their experiences with their healthcare was really helpful to hear and I certainly related to it and having the doctor to kind of empower us to have better experiences.”

“It was a great presentation today – thank you!”

“This program was so helpful and really helped us!”

“I am jealous about seeing a doctor so caring and smart – she is great.”

“It’s a pleasure and honor to be a part of HOCC!”

“I loved today!!!”

“I really enjoyed HOCC today!”

“It was a great to have us all together to hear about the early days of women living with HIV- so many longtime survivors.”

“It made me feel better that HOCC will not be affected by all the changes and funding stuff.”

“The more I come the more I learn – today was great – I am inspired to work more on my Health!”

“It was very helpful to hear about the women’s different opinions regarding health issues.”

“The whole program was so good – starting with music – it made me smile.”

“Having a doctor presenting this program was so helpful – it focus on aging was perfect!

Dr Chu was very knowledgeable, informative, and caring and made aging less scary.”

“Positive thinking really helps.”

It was important for the doctor to stress the importance of community in terms of staying healthy – HOCC is my community and it never fails me – I don’t feel alone and I always day, March 5th @ 12:00pm – 1:0opm

“Taking Care of Your Mental Health” with Jennease Hyatt, BS

Jennease Hyatt

————————————————————–

Monday, March 31st @ 1o:00-11:00am

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

Ellie Enichen, BS

===================================================================

February 10, 2025

HOCC’s Annual

“Matters of the Heart – Heart Strong / HOCC Strong”

with Sara Looby, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN

PROGRAM DICUSSION

SETTING UP THE ROOM

FACES

VOICES

“All the trainings are very knowledgeable – you learn so much!”
It was really helpful to hear the signs of heart attacks and stroke!”
“HOCC is so helpful every month and Matters of the Heart is very special with Sara!”
“Taking a moment in the beginning of the program by starting with a mindful breathing exercise was so helpful.”
I learn something every month and I share with my family”
The music was great and lifted all of our spirits.”
“Things have been so heavy to carry on with but today with the music, singing and dancing to “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” really lifted me up and it helped!!!”
“Sooo Much STRESS these days – but not today!”
“It was so helpful to hear about our heart and what we can do to keep us healthier and care more about matters of the heart.”
“The strech bands for exercising are so great – it has inspired me to exercise more like Sara suggested.”
“Thank you Sara and HOCC for having such a fun day – having a cup of “HOCC Chocolate” tonight!!!”
“Meghan’s mindful breathing was helpful today and going to use it for all of these stressful days ahead.”
“Great reminders about the importance of Self-Care – We all need to remember that we matter!”
“Thank you for the evaluation – it helped me review my risks and think more about my heart and talk with my doctor!”
“I really need to stop smoking but it helps me manage my stress – coughing through the breathing exercise was I good reminder to stop!”
“Seeing everyone today lifted my spirits!”
“This was such a good reminder of taking care of my heart and myself in total!”
“I really learn from the speaker and all of the women’s questions.”
“The SPIRIT of HOCC was in the HOUSE today!”
“I really got it today – how my eating has a direct assault on my heart – I am going to loose weight by eating better starting tomorrow.”
“Hearing about too much sugar linked to the heart health and the signs of nausea can be a sign of pending heart attack was really good to know.”
“I will continue to strive to be a good person.”
“Stress is over the top for me now and today helped lift up some of it.”
“I learned how I can help lower my blood pressure – it felt empowering!”
Learning about cholesterol was really helpful”
“We really have to remember about self-care – I certainly know how to take care of others but forget me – I am going to try better about my own care!”
“My biggest take away was learning that women die more from heart disease than cancer – I need to pay attention to all of my body instead of fearing I might get cancer someday.”
“Eating right each day is living longer each year”
“Love having our pictures taken and singing together was fun – I need more fun!”
“Love you HOCC family!!!”
“We need to dance next time we meet for a song or two – it was just what I needed!”
“Each time we have matters of the heart program I learn something new each time – thank you Sara!”

——————————————————————————————————-

January 13, 2025

“Oral Health = Overall Health”

with Henry M. Goldman: B.U. School of Dental Medicine

Program Discussion:

Oral Health Screenings:

FACES

VOICES

“Good to be back at HOCC and happy BU Dental school joined us today!”
“Head to toe – HOCC’s Oral Health Program is a great way to start 2025!”
“What a good reminder to stay on top of our oral health.”
“Didn’t know your mouth has so much to do with the rest of our bodies.”
“ I am one of those women who was referred to get an HIV test over 30 years ago because of a wild yeast infection – thank goodness I went to the dentist and found out she was correct – I was HIV positive!”
“For 2025 I am making a promise to myself to go to the dentist more.”
“The slides were really interesting!”
“It was great to hear all about oral health from fluoride to flossing!”
“I didn’t know not to use tooth paste on my dentures!”
“So important to take care of all of my health!”
“We always get great tips to keep us healthy.”
“The best thing that happens at HOCC is that we come together as a family every month.”
“Taking to my doctor this week about what I learned today about my oral health.”
“Telling my family about the value of flossing.”
“Interesting link about oral health and addictions.”
“I am making a pledge to focus on my health beyond HIV like oral health and nutrition – thanks for today’s program.”
“Insurance is an issue for my oral health care needs.”
“More time at HOCC so we can have more conversations which are so valuable.”
“Fluoride information was really important – concerned that politics could get in the middle of our oral health.”
“Ok I get it – I need to watch out for my oral health AND that was a very important message to hear today – thank you!”
“Great program and a wonderful way to start 2025!”
The slides were really good to see what could happen if I don’t care for my oral health!”
“Adding dental appointments twice a year to my health and wellness calendar for 2025.”

The Journey Continues…

Faces and Voices 2025

Faces and Voices:

January 2025 – December 2025

Save the Date

July 14, 2025

“Interprsonal Violence and Abuse Acrossnthe Lifespan”

=========================================

June 9, 2025

“HOCC’s 28th Anniversary”

with HOCC Women

HOCC’s 28th Anniversary!!!

28 Years and Over 3,500 Women a Part Of HOCC

HOCC Getting Anniversary Started

HOCC Remembers Our HOCC Sisters

VOICES

“HOCC gives me support in accessing different kinds of services and care for women living with HIV. I am with my family, I am safe here, I am loved here.”

“I loved the music and videos especially the one that acknowledges missing my friends – missing my mother – HOCC helps us feel when we sometimes try not to feel things.”

“It’s amazing all of the awards and recognition HOCC gives us! Where does that happen other than HOCC!!!”

“HOCC means so much to me, it’s my family, my sisterhood, my community, and where I have learned more about me then any other time in my life – thank you HOCC!”

“It is so great to be celebrating each other with love and respect for each other.”

“HOCC is family orientated – If you have a problem, we have your back always!”

“HOCC means celebrating women (not just today but every second Monday) it is a safe place to be me.”

“When I think of HOCC (and I do just not once a month) I think of love and happiness – even on some dark days.”

“HOCC is like a rock in the community and it would be nothing without the brick that holds it all togther.”

“HOCC is an awesome community event each month for women – by women – not just once a year!”

“HOCC has an amazing team of women – All volunteer! that makes HOCC so special!”

“Women inspiring women – it works!!!”

“HOCC is knowledge and friendships.”

“When we are gone from this world HOCC will always remember us and feel love for us – this is so special!”

“HOCC is unconditional love no matter what.”

“In the room we are all togther – care about each other and look forward to come back and do it all again the next month.”

“I look forward coming to HOCC every month.”

“Back when I first started coming to HOCC I was kind of afraid of women living with HIV but now it doesn’t make any difference we are a family and love each other regardless of HIV.”

“Reading the inspirational cards is so meaningful to me, hearing the words of others which uplift our hearts – it’s an equalizer and powerful!”

“ I always wish I had lot’s of friends and sometimes sad I don’t but when Rochelle said “Who needs friends when you have a whole room full of friends at HOCC”

“It’s so special that HOCC celebrates us every year for now 28years – who does that?”

“I love having HOCC start with a pause before we start and focus on the here and now – it settles me into the program.”

“HOCC is the power of women with one body with many members making us unstoppable!”

“It’s a new dawn – a new day and I am feeling good – I am at HOCC!!!”

‘HOCC is a space that educates, uplifts, and brightens the days of women.”

“It was so moving to hear the touching story of how someone’s life and wellbeing has improved due to HOCC.”

“HOCC is a community program for us by us creating leadership and education to this community – really creating purpose for women and ALL volunteer based!!!”

“HOCC is a safe place to be true to self.”

“The one thing HOCC could do is be around for the next generation of women!”

“HOCC means a lot to me for my mom can

“HOCC is my life, my family.”

“I love the start of the program – very grounding before we start.”

“HOCC is all about how best to take care of ourselves – I am a good mother and know how to take care of all of them but not so good about taking care of me – thank you HOCC – I am learning about self-care!!!”

“My mom took me to HOCC when I was young – it always made her happy and I understand that now – it makes me happy too!”

“I have grown old with HOCC but I feel younger today because of the lessons I have learned about self-care.”

“HOCC is a safe place to go and feel safe and learn how to care for yourself and help others and accept help from others.”

“HOCC gives me 2 hours a month that is just for me and my friends – Thank You HOCC!!!”

“Going to HOCC I have learned to live long and healthy.”

“It would be good to have more women afraid of people living with HIV to come to HOCC because I learned to really love all those who live with HIV and hugging shows that love.”

“You don’t feel alone in the fight anymore with HOCC having our back!”

“HOCC is really about love and appreciation for each other.”

“I love this PLACE!!!”

“Love Meghan bring mindfulness to the beginning of our program,”

“HOCC needs more days and time for our sisters to be learning, laughing and just coming together – especially now!”

“So much LOVE!!!”

“HOCC is a safe place to learn, grow, have and make friends and acquaintances – a safe place for me to be me…”

“HOCC is really for all women!!!”

“The awards are so reassuring from surviving to thriving – it gives me hope and the “umph” to keep going through a difficult time in my life.”

“HOCC I feel is everything to me ! Love-love-love-love this program!”

“You dear HOCC you brought me back to life – the only place that gives me hope – my family now.”

“HOCC means everything to me!”

“HOCC means understanding women and diversity -coming to HOCC is having a whole new family.”

“HOCC is stability and hope throught health.”

“Thank you HOCC and Happy Anniversary to all of us!!!”

JUNE ZOOM Meeting:

Monday, March 19th @ 12:00-1:00pm

“Mindful Movement” with Ellie Enichen

May 12, 2025

“Embracing a Healthier Me

and Creating a Supportive Health Care Team”

Tamara Jimah, PhD

HOCC Getting Starting

with Mindful Medatation

Program Discussion: