Mission
RAIN Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to compassionately serve individuals and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases through education, volunteerism and coordinated access to healthcare and support services.
RAIN Oklahoma is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization providing HIV education, testing, housing assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS, ADvantage Medicaid case management and Ryan White case management services throughout Central and Western Oklahoma.
History
In the late 1980s in New Orleans, Louisiana, Margaret Austin, while completing her Clinical Pastoral Education at a local hospital, noticed certain rooms remained unvisited with their doors perpetually closed. Upon learning that the patients secluded behind these doors were suffering from AIDS, she inquired about their pastoral care and discovered that, often, they had none.
In Oklahoma, Mary Catherine Smothermon was confronting her son’s AIDS-related illness. After his passing, she felt a compelling urge to care for those with HIV/AIDS, an urge that persisted. She acted on her conviction, left her job, and started preparing for her next “mission.”
Months of study, mourning, prayer, certification as an AIDS Educator/Counselor, and volunteering for the AIDS Support Program ensued. In early 1990, with RAIN ready to launch in Oklahoma, the paths of the two women crossed. The dream of one answered the other’s calling, and RAIN Oklahoma was established.
The program’s approach was straightforward. Through education and training, we aimed to alleviate the fear associated with HIV/AIDS and provide compassionate individuals to assist with essential support tasks crucial to the well-being of someone living with HIV/AIDS. These tasks included meal preparation, errand running, house cleaning, lawn mowing, transportation to medical appointments, pet care, and offering emotional support.
A RAIN Team often became like family to someone with HIV/AIDS, providing the crucial emotional support needed by those battling the disease.
In 2005, RAIN joined forces with CarePoint, Inc., an entity offering free HIV testing, Ryan White Services, housing, and education. Renaming itself the Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network, the merged entities enhanced their capacity to serve HIV/AIDS clients. With new medications available, clients’ needs could be more effectively met.
Through the commitment of Mary Catherine Smotherman and many volunteers and staff, RAIN Oklahoma employs 17 full-time staff members who offer comprehensive case management, assistance with housing and utilities, transportation services, dental care, the services of a full-time dietitian, support with medications, a full-time Healthcare Marketplace Assistor, and a monthly food pantry. FreshLife Market provides a selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthier food choices, catering especially to individuals with chronic health conditions.
Contact our staff
- Julie Lovegrove, Executive Director
- Daniel Hardt, Chief Financial Officer
- Nita Mustin, Information/Referral
- Kathy Ackerman, Ryan White Supervisor
- Lisa Chamberlain, Housing Specialist
- Tracy Ecker, ADvantage Supervisor