Higher Ground (support group)

Higher Ground (support group)
Higher Ground is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in Royal Oak, Michigan providing a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. The organization was founded by 2002 by Rick Henning, who received a "Spirit of Detroit Award" from the Detroit City Council in 2007, in part for his work on Higher Ground.
Support activities
The organization offers many support services to persons living with HIV-AIDS.
Monday night discussion
This is the primary function of the organization. It opens with a guided meditation, afterward everyone is encouraged to participate in discussion and to assist each other in the resolution of personal challenges. Topics of discussion often include new diagnosis, status disclosure, friends/family/workplace, doctor relationships, medication choices, dating/relationships, economic/insurance conflicts and long term challenges.
Guest speakers
Featured almost monthly they coincide with a member potluck dinner. Previous speaker topics focused on the spiritual and physical aspect of life with HIV/AIDS and covering topics such as:
Accupunture
Buddhist meditation by The Muddy Water Zen Center
Financial planning by Advisor Reid Beyerlein
Kabbalah
Nutrition by Holistic Practitioner Stefan Brink
Legal issues by The Law Office of Kendra S. Kleber
Annual retreat
Occurs each spring or fall, depending on schedules. Previous retreats were held at Kettunen Center in 2006, Double JJ Ranch in 2007, Ronora Lodge in 2008, and Retreat Center in 2009. Members participate in activities with others also living with HIV/AIDS and have previously included:
Annual blanket drive for AIDS
Higher Ground members are encouraged to give back to the community. Blankets are collected during the Holiday season by Higher Ground volunteers. About two dozens agencies have benefited including:
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Ruth Ellis Center
Movie night
Periodic selections are based on applications to living with HIV-AIDS. Previous viewing among others have included:
Deepak Chopra's Body Mind And Soul
Girl Positive
Incredible Mrs. Ritchie
The Secret (2006 film)
The 24th Day
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga practice is held on Thursday evenings for persons with HIV-AIDS.
Reiki
Reiki practice is occasionally held in conjunction with the Monday night support meeting.
References
Between The Lines Newspaper November 13th, 2008
Pride Source June Banquet 2007 Spirit Of Detroit Award recipients
CW50 TV News Events
WDET 101.9 FM Radio Events
Michigan HIV News October 2008
Royal Oak Mirror News November 16th, 2008
City Of Detroit Health Department World AIDS Day Event Press Release November 25th, 2008
Soho Bar Fund Raiser Event Metro Times 2008
Detroit Free Press December 7th, 2008
93.9 FM The River Detroit Radio 2007 Blanket Drive support
World AIDS Day Campaign 2006
Oakland County Mental Health Agencies And Organizations
Red Ribbon Bowl To Throw A Strike For HIV/AIDS, Between The Lines, March 5th, 2009
FGI gundraiser, Hometown Life News November 12th, 2009
External links
Higher Ground Website
HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States
Non-profit organizations based in Michigan
Support groups