An organization that promotes community and healthy living

Life Changes is a social networking group for gay and bisexual men, but it is open to everyone regardless of their ethnicity or sexuality. The group’s mission is to build bridges within the community by bringing people together to educate, inform, share information, and promote healthy choices in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Life Changes was started by AIDS Community Services in 2007 to address the dramatic increase in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in Western New York. Now in its second year, Life Changes has grown to more than 100 regular members as well as countless visitors. Programs like Life Changes help ACS build stronger, more influential bonds with people than simply passing out condoms or safer sex information. It’s all about building trust with people.

Meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday, 6-8pm, on the fifth floor of the Evergreen Center located at 206 South Elmwood Avenue, the home of AIDS Community Services. They are facilitated by Marcus G. May, ACS’s LGBT community outreach worker.

“Coming to a meeting may seem like a small step,” says May, “but it’s a great way for these guys to start on the right path.”

Kudos to Marcus and the Life Changes program for their efforts and achievements.

—danny winter