8 GAY PEOPLE'S Chronicle AUGUST 7, 1998

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IN BOX

Therapist helps couples cope when a spouse comes out

by Doreen Cudnik

Akron-A made for cable movie that details the emotional chaos that erupts in one family when a married man realizes he is gay hit close to home for area therapist Carolyn Helmuth. The Lifetime original movie, Change of Heart, first aired in July and continues through August.

Helmuth is the state referral contact for the international support network Straight Spouse Network, the only support network in the world for straight women and men formerly or currently married to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender partners.

"Many of the issues gay-straight couples must deal with during separation and divorce are the same ones straight couples encounter, but in gay-straight relationships, the situation is compounded by the stigma of homosexuality," Helmuth said. She added that the film very realistically mirrors the emotional rollercoaster ride that gay-straight couples experience when one of them comes out as gay, from the shock, anger and confusion to hopefully, acceptance.

"Even though Change of Heart is a movie, it parallels situations where the outcome isn't always destructive, because the spouses and children can grow from the situation," Helmuth said.

In her capacity as a referral therapist source for SSN, Helmuth will provide confidential support, guidance and information for the families and loved ones of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals, a role that she is looking forward to.

"Helping people to accept who they are and to live more authentically is something that makes me happy."

Helmuth can be reached at New Beginnings Counseling for Change and Growth at 330869-5279; or by email at chelmuth@msn.com The web site for SSN is www.ssnetwk.org

Calling all women golfers, runners and volleyballers

Cleveland-The largest annual fundraising event benefiting the Women's Center of Greater Cleveland-run, jane, run-will take place at various locations around the city beginning on August 15. In 1997, approximately 850 women and girls participated in the event and raised $27,000 to support programs and services at the Women's Center, including the center's Should I Be Tested? HIV/AIDS education program. Over 1,000 women and girls are expected to participate this year. Why not be one of them?

The run, jane, run Women's Sports Festival features a 6-woman team volleyball tournament on August 15, and the 4-woman team volleyball tournament on August 16. Both tournaments will be held at Softball World. The golf tournament is scheduled for August 21 at the Links Renaissance Golf Club, and the 5k run/walk is scheduled for August 23 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The WNBA Cleveland Rockers are among the corporate

sponsors of the event. Participants for the volleyball and golf tournaments must preregister. For more information about run, jane, run, or to register a team, call the Women's Center at 216-651-1450.

Nutrition programs for PWA's benefit from grant dollars

Columbus-Project OpenHand's nutrition and intervention program for people living with HIV or AIDS in Franklin County will no doubt get a huge boost from the nearly $55,000 in grant money awarded to the organization by one national and two local foundations.

Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, awarded Project OpenHand $5,000 to help provide free nutrition counseling and education to people living with AIDS. Mazon (which means "food" in Hebrew) is one of the largest privately supported philanthropic organizations addressing hunger in America.

A $25,000 grant from the Columbus Foundation's Alice and Robert Estrich Fund will provide general support for Project Open Hand's home-delivered meals and nutrition education programs. Another grant totaling $24,978 from the Columbus Medical Association Foundation will benefit Project OpenHand's Pantry Plus program.

"We are honored to have the support of these prestigious foundations behind our mission of enhancing wellness through nutrition," said executive director Andrea Timpeiro.

Since 1994, Project OpenHand has provided more that 40,000 nutritionally-balanced meals to nearly 400 HIV-positive people in Franklin County, and has provided nutrition and education counseling programs to more than 100 HIV-positive persons and their families and caregivers. With money from fundraising events, and private and corporate donations, Project OpenHand is able to provide all of its services free of charge to those living with HIV.

Clients sought for advisory board

Cleveland-The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland has been providing services to people living with AIDS longer than any other agency in the Greater Cleveland area. Services include case management, support groups, social activities and access to Ryan White funds. The client advisory team, which is comprised of clients, Taskforce board members and some staff members, is looking for more client participation in an effort to provide an opportunity for active client involvement in the organization's decision making process. Many suggestions contributed by clients have led to the resolution of some day-to-day operational problems that affected clients. In addition to the advisory team, The AIDS task force also operates a suggestion line, where clients can leave a message. The suggestion line number is 216-556-2858; or to become an advisory team member, contact Ed Gemerchak at 216621-0766.

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