For 37 years, Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) dedicated itself to improving the lives of individuals impacted by HIV and AIDS. We couldn’t have accomplished our mission without the support of our clients, community and donors. You’ve trusted us to prioritize the needs of our clients and demonstrate stability, both financially and administratively.
Over the past two years, we’ve been unable to maintain that focus due to unprecedented circumstances . We are truly sorry for the harm caused to clients as well as staff, and to the confusion in the community that ensued.
As a result of these unprecedented circumstances, PCAF lost critical financial support and the organization became essentially nonoperational. After 37 years of reputable and commendable service, PCAF lost not only funding , but the trust of clients, staff and the community. Clients were transferred to the Department of Health. Staff lost their jobs. The state of HIV services in Pierce and other South Sound counties deteriorated. Next came the necessary and challenging steps of dissolving the organization.
PCAF’s Board of Directors and remaining staff have worked incredibly hard over the last seven months to ensure a successful transition for our clients and to invest in the future of HIV services in Pierce County.
Here’s what lies ahead: We have sold our building to AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) as the global nonprofit take over our previous services in Pierce County. We are confident the agency will provide quality services and programming for those impacted by HIV and AIDS in Pierce County.
In saying goodbye to PCAF, we give heartfelt thanks to the clients, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, vendors and community members and partners who have stood by us and with us through the years. Thank you so much for joining us in our mission and for helping to make a difference. Your support has been instrumental and noteworthy.
In 1987, PCAF began with just six individuals as a community response to the AIDS crisis here in Tacoma. Nearly four decades later, we have served over 3000 clients in the South Sound region and helped to dismantle HIV-related stigma and discrimination. We are proud of our legacy and recognize that we couldn’t have done it without you and your contributions.
PCAF’s records and historical documents have been archived and transferred to the NW Collections Room at Tacoma Public Library. Historical items and objects have also been archived and are now a part of the permanent collection at Tacoma Historical Society. Meanwhile, PCAF’s rich art collection will be safeguarded by AHF. Artworks can be viewed within AHF’s office, including the 10th anniversary memorial tiles.
Please join us in welcoming AHF to Tacoma. We appreciate your loyalty during this transition, and we look to the future as AHF opens its doors and pledges to care for and support those impacted by HIV.
While change can be challenging, we trust it can bring transformation and growth.
PCAF’s Board of Directors is Will Wayburn, President; Judi Billings, Secretary; Amee Kerr,Treasurer; Stan Flemming, Member at Large; Jill Royer, PCAF Community Advisory Board Member.
PCAF’s Board of Directors is responsible for governing PCAF, advocating for PCAF’s mission in the community, and promoting the just and fair treatment of individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Duties include public awareness and fundraising efforts, an annual board review, and ongoing assessment and accountability in accordance with PCAF’s bylaws.
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