IMPACT by DIFFA/Dallas

Join host Alison Volk & DIFFA Wreath Collection Chair Andy Kivilaan as they discuss the most magical holiday event of the year. Learn how to shop exclusive custom wreaths during the event while enjoying holiday cocktails and hearing beats by DJ, Jen Miller. Please join us for this festive and meaningful event that helps support organizations who serve men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS throughout the holiday season.

Need a Friday night plan? Come enjoy burgers made by renowned chefs and delicious wine pairings with your DIFFA friends!

HIV/AIDS does not care who you are-- it affects all people of all ages from all walks of life. However, it does disproportionately impact the gay, bisexual, and trans communities. Lesbians are also at risk due to low testing rates caused by a lot of HIV/AIDS messaging being geared toward people assigned male at birth who sleep with men. Host Shane Allen speaks with Prism Health North Texas CEO Dr. John Carlo about what organizations like his and DIFFA are doing to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS, the myth that it started in the gay community, and how the cure might be right under our noses.

DIFFA/Dallas' signature Fall event is back! Burgers & Burgundy Event Chair Al James joins host Shane Allen to reveal when and where this must-attend event will return, plus tips on how to get the most out of your experience. Celebrity chefs create custom sliders, each perfectly paired with a different glass of wine. Can you think of a more perfect evening?

DIFFA/Dallas is hosting a picnic, and you're invited! Join us at Klyde Warren Park on June 13 from 1pm - 4pm for a fabulous picnic benefiting HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas. The acclaimed DJ Jenn Miller will be spinning, plus a picnic blanket, food, and wine. Host Tim Garippa and event chair Jim DiMarino have the dish. Tickets and more info online at DIFFADallas.org.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, host Shane Allen speaks with Included Health's Jessica Halem about why research shows people living with HIV have a higher chance of developing mental health issues, the often unspoken trauma the community still carries from the height of the AIDS crisis, and what you can do about it. Halem served as an LGBT Advisory Committee member for Barack Obama's first campaign for president and was the inaugural LGBTQ Outreach and Engagement Director at Harvard Medical School.

On this episode of IMPACT DIFFA/Dallas, host Shane Allen talks with Haley Clark, DIFFA Dallas Board Trustee.

On this Good Friday, DIFFA/Dallas host Shane Allen talks with Founder and Worship Leader of The House Dallas Church, Chris Chism, to discuss WWJD about HIV/AIDS? Whether you’re a Christian or not—a believer or not—this will be a conversation for anyone celebrating any form of Easter this weekend.

World renowned HIV/AIDS researcher Dr. Paul Volberding told us last year that COVD-19 vaccine research had set back the cure for AIDS because many AIDS researchers were pulled away to work on COVID-19. Now that there’s a COVID-19 vaccine rollout, DIFFA/Dallas is revisiting the question: How close are we to a cure for HIV/AIDS?

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, sponsored by the Office on Women’s Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, is observed on March 10. Every year on March 10 — and throughout the month of March — local, state, tribal, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. Cheryl Edwards, CEO and founder of A Sisters Gift Women’s Center talks about the importance of this holiday, and what you can do to make an IMPACT.

Changes in charitable giving dramatically impacted nonprofit budgets in 2020. AIDS Walk South Dallas President & CEO Auntjuan Wiley joins DIFFA/Dallas vice chair Shane Allen to discuss predictions for giving in 2021, and how you can help worth nonprofits across North Texas increase their IMPACT.

Visual AIDS is continuing their yearly campaign of sending women/femme living with HIV a handmade card on Valentine’s Day as part of its LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN project. Visual AIDS leaders talk about how they pull this off, how many requests they’ve received this year, and how you might help.

It’s been an unusual fundraising season for DIFFA. While we had to postpone House of DIFFA, the must-attend Dallas event of the year, we’re still finding new and unique ways to raise money. And it’s all thanks to our patrons and donors. Special guest is Haley Clark, DIFFA/Dallas Board Trustee.

Even with COVID-19, a recent survey found 40% of Americans say they will still travel to be with their families to celebrate this holiday season. Many different things will be discussed at dinner tables during this time. In this special edition of IMPACT, find out when you should tell your family about your HIV diagnosis, how to do it, what to expect, and what to do if you need to find a support system. This story is your story to tell. We can all play a part in reducing stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS one conversation at a time.

The DIFFA/Dallas Young Professionals have begun their signature cold weather event, Winter Warmup! This annual collection of new and gently used coats and cold weather attire helps make sure every North Texan is warm. Listen for how you can help. Visit https://www.diffadallas.org/ypwinterwarmup for more information.

This year, DIFFA/Dallas has reimagined its iconic Holiday Wreath Collection like you've never seen it before. Instead of a one-night-only event officially marking the start of the holiday season, they’re expanding their auction of the most unique, one-of-a-kind DIFFA Wreaths and other holiday items to an entire week! November 9 - 13.More information at DIFFADallas.org/wreath.

Episode 25 of IMPACT features host Shane Allen with special guest Luis Mares from the Latino Commission on AIDS. October 15 is Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Shane and Luis talk about stigma, and how that might be one factor in the disproportionately high HIV infection rate in the Latinx community. Help spread awareness by sharing this episode today!

Episode 24 of IMPACT features Dr. Paul Volberding, a global pioneer in HIV/AIDS research and treatment. Dr. Volberding is the Director of the UCSF AIDS Research Institute and Founding Chair of the Board of the International Antiviral Society. He was also involved in the first clinical trials for antiretroviral therapy, and established the world's first outpatient clinic for people with AIDS back in 1983. Dr. Volberding and host Shane Allen talk about the big question: How close are we to a cure for HIV and AIDS?

Episode 23 of IMPACT features members the DIFFA Young Professionals board, as they launch their membership drive for the 2020-2021 season. Tune in to find out how you can help make a #DIFFARENCE by joining this exciting group today!

Episode 22 of IMPACT features host Shane Allen and special guest Jeanette Deas-Calhoun, Executive Director of East Texas Cares. They discuss the unique challenges for those in rural areas living with HIV, and the organizations that serve them. Learn more at easttexascares.org

Episode 21 of IMPACT features host Shane Allen and special guest Colin Quinn of Included Health. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about PrEP and why it's important. They'll also tell you what to do if your doctor has never heard about PrEP, or if your insurance doesn't cover it. You just might learn something new!

Episode 20 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and special guests from Legacy Counseling and Samaritan House discussing what happens after you or someone you know tests positive for HIV. Special guests: Natalie Cole, LPC, Legacy Counseling. Richard Barber, Samaritan House client and board member.Learn more:legacycares.orgsamaritanhouse.org

Episode 19 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and special guests from the DIFFA/Dallas board of directors as they discuss the impact ASOs make on our community. Special guests: Meagan Camp – Vice Chair Operations, DIFFA Dallas and Shane Allen – Vice Chair Communications & PR, DIFFA Dallas

Episode 18 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and special guests from The Resource Center discussing how to sustain success through virtual events. Special guests: Bill Scott – Senior Development Manager – Events and Operations, Resource Center; Trevor Frank – Development Associate, Resource Center

Episode 17 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and special guests from Nelson-Tebedo and Prism Health North Texas discussing HIV Testing Day. Tune in for the discussion on eliminating stigma, locations to get tested, how testing works, and why testing is critical. Special guests: JP Cano – Prevention Services Manager at Nelson-Tebedo clinic; Dax Bennett – Behavioral Intervention Specialist at Prism Health North Texas

Episode 16 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and special guest, Darrell Thomas - DIFFA/Dallas Young Professionals President, discussing the intersect of DIFFA, Pride, and Black Lives Matter. Find out more about what you can to promote anti-racism and join DIFFA in fighting against stigma including racial inequality.

Episode 15 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa and host Victoria Snee discussing the impact of COVID-19 on DIFFA/Dallas, local businesses, AIDS Service Organizations, and our community. Find out more about how you can help in this unprecedented time.

Episode 14 of IMPACT features host RONAK ASSADI interviewing long time DIFFA/Dallas supporter and designer about the history of the jacket collection at House of DIFFA. Special Guest Keith Carlisle

Episode 13 of IMPACT features host TIM GARIPPA interviewing DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiaries, GDMAF & A Sister's Gift, about their impact on the Dallas Community. Special Guests David Hearn and Cheryl Edwards

Episode 12 of IMPACT features host VICTORIA SNEE interviewing long time DIFFA/Dallas supporters and production partners. Hear more about what it takes to pull off the Extravaganza that is House of DIFFA. Special Guests Brian Brothers, Rhonda Sargent-Chambers, Densil Adams

Episode 11 of IMPACT features host TIM GARIPPA interviewing DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiary, Legacy counseling, about their impact on the Dallas Community.Special Guests Melissa Grove and Cody Lynch

Episode 10 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa interviewing House of DIFFA co-chairs Jim DiMarino and Justin Bundick about preparing for DIFFA/Dallas' largest event - House of DIFFA: Extravaganza.Special Guests Justin Bundick and Jim DiMarino

Episode 9 of IMPACT features hosts Reed Allen interviewing DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiaries, University of North Texas and Resource Center, about their impact on the Dallas Community.Special guests Jennifer Collins and Tess Kucera

Episode 8 of IMPACT features host Tim Garippa interviewing House of DIFFA co-chairs Clint Bradley and Brittanie Oleniczak about this year's main event - House of DIFFA: Extravaganza.

Episode 7 of IMPACT features host Al James interviewing DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiaries, AIN and Legal Hospice, and their role in breaking down access and legal barriers for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.Special Guest Miranda Grant and Joel Lazarine

Episode 6 of IMPACT features host Ronak Assadi interviewing DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiaries, AIN and Legal Hospice, and their impact on the Dallas Community.With special guests Andy Rohrbacher and Jennifer Longfellow

Episode 5 of IMPACT features one of DIFFA/Dallas' beneficiaries, Dallas Hope Charities, and their impact on the Dallas Community.With special guest Jason Vallejo

DIFFA/Dallas is excited to host the 24th annual Wreath Collection. In this episode of IMPACT, co-host Al James talks to this year's event chair as well as past event organizers about Wreath Collection and what fun and festive surprises guests can expect!

Episode 3 of IMPACT features champions in the fight against HIV/AIDS and former DIFFA/Dallas Style Council Ambassadors talking about the journey of the epidemic.Special Guests Dr. Steven Pounders and Dr. David Brehm

Episode 2 of IMPACT features nationally renowned Chef John Tesar talking about DIFFA/Dallas' signature culinary event Burgers + Burgundy.

DIFFA/Dallas launches its new podcast, IMPACT. In this first episode, co-hosts Tim Garippa, Victoria Snee, Reed Robertson, Al James, and Ronak Assadi discuss the goals of the organization and the important impact DIFFA/Dallas makes on the community.