August 24, 2006

In 1983, Daniel Warner opened the doors of LA Shanti-the first volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, AIDS service organization in Los Angeles County, dedicated to providing emotional support services to a frightened and neglected gay community. As the most sprawling urban center of the country, Los Angeles would present untold challenges as people of different cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds came forward in need of support. Despite scarce resources and stiff competition for government funding, L.A. Shanti continued to grow and expand its programs in an effort to meet those challenges. For twenty-three years, the agency-and its vanguard of committed volunteers- nurtured and supported thousands of people through the power of compassionate presence. This simple offer of being wholly present with compassion would prove to be not only essential in the beginning of the epidemic, but timeless in its power to guide the agency's services throughout its history.

After a proud legacy of service, the staff and board of directors of L.A. Shanti bid farewell to the organization as it closes its doors, effective August 22, 2006. Yet as one door closes, a window opens.

Recognizing the remarkable work of The Life Group LA (www.thelifegroupla.org) and its fiscal partner, Being Alive LA (www.beingalivela.org), LA Shanti has requested-and The Life Group LA's Executive Director, Sunnie Rose Berger, has graciously offered-to provide ongoing support services to LA Shanti clients and volunteers. Sunnie, together with Associate Director Ric Parish and LA Shanti board member Mark Lonergan, are working together to ensure a smooth transition with uninterrupted continuity of service to the clients. Many of the staff and volunteers of The Life Group LA have close personal histories with LA Shanti and fully embrace the Shanti Model of Compassionate Presence. The spirit of Shanti rests firmly in their hearts, and the depth of their commitment is immeasurable.

We hope you will hold on to the image of Shanti at its best. "Shanti" in Sanskrit translates to a sense of inner peace which is achieved through fuller understanding. We will always have the memories of the hundreds of people that we have met during the journey. Our inner peace comes in part from believing that our being there for them offered a place of light in their lives.

Please help the spirit of Shanti live on. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to visit The Life Group LA at www.thelifegroupla.org, and become a donor.