Since 1987, the Shepherd Wellness Community has been a safe haven and lifeline for people living with HIV/AIDS in Western Pennsylvania. Born in the height of the AIDS crisis, Shepherd Wellness Community has grown from a handful of community dinners in Hazelwood to a thriving center in Bloomfield, offering holistic programs that nurture body, mind, and spirit.
Today’s Episode is sponsored by: Brianna’s Mobile Workshop! Pittsburgh’s Premier Queer Contractors.
On the latest episode of Pride Matters, we sit down with Richard Krug, Executive Director of Shepherd Wellness Community, to talk about the organization’s past, present, and future. Richard shares the moving origin story of Shepherd Wellness Community.
From those early days of loss and stigma to today’s thriving programs, Shepherd Wellness Community continues to center care and connection. Their offerings include:
- Wellness dinners
- Support groups
- Health education
- Transportation and outreach
- Social events and fundraisers
Two big fundraisers are keeping the spirit alive this fall:
- Outrageous Bingo – Pittsburgh’s original drag bingo, a monthly night of campy fun that benefits both Shepherd Wellness and the Pittsburgh Equality Center. Tap here to learn more!
- The Red Ribbon Benefit: An Evening of Community & Culture – a dazzling October 9th showcase featuring live performances and more, hosted by Dixie Surewood. Tap here for tickets!
Richard also shares his personal journey stepping into leadership in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and how Shepherd Wellness Community has continued to grow attendance and programming despite challenges.
For Richard, the heart of Shepherd Wellness is always the same: community.
“For some of our members, we are their family,” he says. “It’s about being a safe and welcoming place where people can live well.”
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Pride Matters and learn how you can get involved at SWConline.org.
Stay proud, Pittsburgh!
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more queer news, advocacy, and stories from the Pittsburgh LGBTQ community!
