Rise n' Shine steps up for kids

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Robert L. Jamieson Jr.

Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Rise n' Shine steps up for kids

By ROBERT L. JAMIESON Jr.
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER COLUMNIST

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith nailed it.

"The experience of being a teenager," the rock star once said, "is like taking a test before you've been given the lessons."

It can be an awkward time -- akin to trying to dance on a wax-slick gym floor wearing your dad's clunky shoes. Confusion, hormones and anxiety about fitting in are adolescent crosses to bear.

But imagine how much more complicated the burden of the "wonder years" becomes when HIV or AIDS is thrown into the mix.

The emotional and psychological freight of the disease can crush even the strongest of young people.

That's where Rise n' Shine comes in -- to offer a helping hand.

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The Seattle-based organization provides support and stability for children and teens affected by HIV or AIDS. The agency also relies on the generous support of people who contribute to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Readers Care Fund.

Rise n' Shine currently serves 147 young people, from newborns to people 21 years of age. Six percent of the clients are infected themselves; more than a third live with infected mothers; 13 percent live with infected fathers; and 11 percent reside with two infected parents.

The rest live with someone else who has the disease. Some are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Regardless of the circumstances the kids come from, the aim of the organization remains the same. "Rise n' Shine supports you whenever you need it," sums up 18-year-old Colette Penketh, whose father died from AIDS. "They are a safe place where everyone loves me and I am free to be who I want to be -- and I won't be judged for it.

"I don't know where I'd be without them," Colette says. "Probably dead."

Beyond its life-affirming mission, the agency appreciates the unique terrain traversed by teens approaching adulthood.

So program officials created a new program called "Stepping Up."

"AIDS adds a serious dimension to their lives," explains Janet Trinkaus, founding director of Rise n' Shine. "But they still have to deal with being teens."

"Stepping Up" tackles "the victim mentality" that can seize young people living in the shadow of AIDS.

Some Rise n' Shine clients face disadvantages -- arising from poverty, race or a lack of education -- that add to their sense of shame or feeling of alienation.

Those sentiments can lead to anxiety and anger, in addition to fueling depression, suicidal feelings and self-destructive behavior, such as irresponsible sexual conduct or substance abuse.

The new program works by stepping up -- and out.

The kids go on a retreat to a serene location; the first "Stepping Up" retreat occurred this August on Lake Wenatchee. The gathering featured typical camping stuff -- canoeing, arts and crafts, sitting around with buddies.

But the young people also delved into discussions about safe sex and their life aspirations. They heard from a motivational speaker who told them nothing is impossible if they set down goals and pursue them.

And in one session, Rise n' Shine brought in a martial arts expert, but not just any martial arts expert. Several years ago, the man had been shot in the back of the head. The bullet robbed him of his eyesight and doctors said he would never walk again. He showed the doctors.

The blind man's story about prevailing in the face of adversity allowed the kids to understand that the biggest limitations in the world are the ones we impose on ourselves.

"It gave them tools so they don't have to see themselves as victims," says Rise n' Shine program associate Danica Smith.

It boils down to unleashing the power within.

"The martial arts guy was sooo strong. And he was still happy and stuff," marveled 16-year-old Jaimee Zook, who was at the retreat.

"It just goes to show how you can go through things but those things don't have to ruin your life."

Jaimee, whose dad passed away from AIDS, says she also learned "a lot" during the retreat's sexuality workshop. She learned even more, though, by being around people from different cultures and backgrounds who share the language of AIDS.

"I'm white," the young lady from the Oak Harbor area says matter-of-factly. "I live in a small town. There are no people I know who've had HIV affect their family. When I come to Rise n' Shine, I can talk to people."

Smart and articulate, Jaimee is well on her way to becoming yet another Rise n' Shine success story. She wants to go to college and pursue a career that helps people and children.

She's also thinking about the Peace Corps. "I'm partial to Eastern Europe," giggles the high school junior, who has been to Bulgaria.

Jaimee sees the world as her wide, open playground.

No limitations.

That's the precise lesson Rise n' Shine officials hope to teach teens preparing for the biggest dance of all -- the rest of their lives.

P-I columnist Robert L. Jamieson Jr. can be reached at 206-448-8125 or robertjamieson@seattlepi.com

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