BABES Network-YWCA is a peer-based program, a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. BABES reduces isolation, promotes self-empowerment, enhances quality of life and serves the needs of women facing HIV and their families through peer support, advocacy,  education and outreach.

Our HIV/AIDS Outreach & Prevention Education (HOPE) Project trains and coordinates people living with HIV to share their stories through media campaigns, speaking engagements and community forums in order to educate the public, combat stigma and stop the spread of HIV. 

The mission of the YWCA of Seattle · King County · Snohomish County is to advance the quality of life for women of all ages, races, and faiths, and their families. In support of this mission, the YWCA provides services to meet critical needs, promote self-sufficiency, reduce violence, and achieve equal opportunities for all people. Click here to visit the YWCA website.

We have at least one event a month that can be anything from educational forums to a family picnic, or an arts and crafts get-together to a Storm Basketball Game. Most BABES events are for HIV positive women only. At certain events and educational activities, we invite women to bring their children or other family members and friends with them. Kids Corner and transportation are provided for many of our events. To make arrangements, please call ahead of time. Check out our Event Page for info about events being offered this month at BABES.

We also offer various support groups for people living with HIV.  “BABES in Recovery” Evening Support Group for HIV positive women is held every Tuesday night from 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Dinner is served and Kids Corner is available if you call ahead. Afternoon Support Group for HIV positive women, which includes a freshly prepared lunch meal, is held every Thursday from noon - 2:00p.m.  Every third Thursday of the month, an educational speaker presents from noon until 12:30, followed by Support Group.  Our Co-Ed Heterosexual Support Group is for HIV positive women and men who self-identify as heterosexual, is held twice per month from 6:30-8pm. Check out our Event Page for info about support groups being offered this month at BABES. 

BABES also hosts two retreats each year, a one-day retreat February and a four-day retreat in July.

Peer Counseling

One-on-one support from another HIV+ woman who has faced some of the same obstacles.

Support Groups

Offering a regular opportunity for positive women to share about issues of importance to them.

Informal Gatherings

Food, fun and conversation in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Advocacy

HIV+ women providing technical assistance and leadership to help community agencies better serve the complex needs of women and families.

Self-Advocacy Training

HIV+ women experienced in dealing with systems, teaching each other how to advocate for themselves.

BABES Talking

A monthly newsletter, printed in English and Spanish, which brings women’s stories of living with HIV and important AIDS-related information to people throughout Washington State and the world.

Educational Forums

Focusing on topics of interest to BABES members including new treatments, family issues, alternative therapies, relaxation and many others.

Retreats

Offering an opportunity for HIV+ women to take time away from their busy lives and share support, information and fun in a quiet, supportive setting information and fun in a quiet, supportive setting.

"During our gatherings these special women have eased my pain with their personal stories. Their hope has become my hope. Their love has become my love. Their courage has become my courage"

"I consider this group of women a blessing"

"It is a powerful experience to walk into a room of women knowing we all understand what it is to live with this virus"

"My mommy goes to BABES and she feels better."

This is a Non-Profit Organization You can follow this link to find out more on donations: