Risk-To-Resilience (R2R) Outreach Program

The R2R Program originated through Wellness Networks, funded by a grant from the Michigan AIDS Fund (MAF). The program then was moved to the Grand Traverse County Health Department. It would be funded for another three years by the Michigan AIDS Fund (MAF).

In 2006 the Michigan Department of Community Health awarded the program a 3-year grant to continue the program. As part of the new grant, we have added prevention for HIV Positive MSM, along with the original MSM population, regardless of sexual self-identity.

The program's goal is to educate MSM/Participants on personal responsibility and personal risk reduction plans. We accomplish this through education and intervention venues, such as: group or one-on-one skills building, bar/special events outreach, our weekly RAP Group, HIV/AIDS 101 presentations, HIV testing and counseling referrals, The program also distributes all your free safer sex supplies, which include; condoms, water-based lubrications, along with educational and informational pamphlets. We also host a weekly group at Jubilee house on Washington Street (next to Grace Episcopal Church) on Monday Nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. There is a potluck every 3rd Monday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

R2R Outreach Program Staff

Brian Simerson serves at the Outreach Coordinator of the R2R Outreach Program. He started with the program as the only outreach worker. As the program evolved and developed he worked closely with other agencies within the community and has become a bridge among the few remaining organizations in the community who serve the GLBTQ&A.

He has helped facilitate several community events over the years that have included; The Gay Prom, the Northern Michigan AIDS Walk, NMC's Day of Tolerance, Spectrum Halloween Dance, R.A.P. Group, G.U.Y.S. Group, Monthly Potluck Mixers, Gay Volleyball, Fall Hike, Annual Sledding Party/Chili Cook-Off, Monthly Dinner/Social Outings, NMC's Spectrum Support Group, Bar Outreach Events, and much more.

He served over 5 years as the primary HIV Counselor and Testing at the Traverse Health Clinic, formerly the Community Health Clinic. He has recently decided to reduce his hours at the clinic and is now primarily doing testing at special Saturday clinics. Brian also was a founding member of the Boyz Of Oz Social Group, formed following the demise of Friends North, our area's only Social Support Group for the GLBTQ&A Community.

As the program continues to evolve, we added a new element of prevention for positives; which is aimed at HIV positive MSM. He and several state experts in the HIV field helped create the TJCC Initiative, which is a rural prevention program, designed specifically for our area.

Jeph Welch serves as Outreach Worker for the R2R Outreach Program. Currently Jeph hosts our weekly group event called G.U.Y.S. Group, which stands for Gays Understanding Your Sexuality. Each week is a themed event, aimed at helping you to be a better person and member of the community. He also heads up an Outreach program in many venues in and around northwest Michigan. He has recently stepped into the position as Primary HIV Counselor and Tester at the Traverse Health Clinic. Jeph brings new ideas and opportunities to the community and this vital outreach program.

Flint Horton serves as a volunteer with the R2R Outreach Program. He also currently serves as webmaster of this website. Flint also serves the Traverse Health Clinic as a volunteer receptionist, and as a data entry specialist. Flint helps out the program in a variety of capacities, and is steadfast in his commitment to GLBTQ&A community. We are lucky to have Flint on board with this program, and he will remain a vital component of the program.