Table of Contents
- A Night to Remember
- Vanderburgh County Jail and Matthew 25
- Investing in Sustainability & Access
- Kentucky State Representative Visits Henderson Clinic
- New Services
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A Night to Remember in Indiana
We’re thrilled to unveil our inaugural BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque event—coming to Indiana for the first time on Saturday, September 20th! This one-of-a-kind evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of flavor, entertainment, and purpose.
Savor the Flavors
Savor the smoky goodness of local favorites—Thomason’s BBQ, Homer’s BBQ, and Lonestar BBQ—perfectly paired with tasting experiences from top-tier bourbon brands like Green River Distilling, Hard Truth, and Cedar Ridge. A full cash bar will feature signature bourbon cocktails that are sure to impress even the most seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.
Exclusive Finds & Dazzling Entertainment
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Our silent auction will showcase 50 exclusive bourbon packages, offering guests the chance to bid on rare finds and curated collections.
Taking center stage for the evening is The Drop Dead Darlings, delivering a dazzling burlesque variety show full of energy and vintage flair.
A Celebration with Purpose
While September is celebrated as National Bourbon Heritage Month, it’s also Healthy Aging Month—a timely reflection of our organization’s growing commitment to supporting our aging population. This event highlights the expanded services and reach we now provide across 12 Indiana counties, ensuring more individuals receive the compassionate care and support they deserve.
Secure Your Spot!
Tickets and sponsorships are available now—secure your spot at this premier fundraising event and help us continue making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Vanderburgh County Jail and Matthew 25 Collaborate to Offer Free, Confidential HIV and Hepatitis C Testing
We have partnered with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana to provide free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing to individuals currently incarcerated at their facility. This joint initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to public health by expanding access to early diagnosis, education, and medical care for those most in need.
On-Site Testing and Immediate Support
Testing is conducted on-site by trained Matthew 25 staff using quick and reliable finger-prick tests, with results available in as little as 15 minutes. Individuals who receive a reactive result are immediately offered support services, including counseling, medical referrals, and case management to ensure access to appropriate follow-up care.
A Shared Commitment to Public Health
“This partnership is about more than just testing, it’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the tools and support necessary to protect their health,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “Public health and public safety go hand in hand. By identifying and addressing these conditions early, we’re not only supporting individual well-being, but also reducing risk to the broader community.”
Broader Community Impact
The collaboration seeks to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases both within the jail and after release, reinforcing the principle that effective correctional health care benefits the entire community. It also reflects a broader goal of promoting the well-being of all members of the community, whether incarcerated or not.
We will be going to the jail twice per month, for 3 hours at a time.
In just the first month, we tested 19 people and did 38 tests.
Facilities Update: Investing in Sustainability & Access
We’re excited to share that the final contractor for our mobile unit will be on-site tomorrow, officially marking the completion of this important project! This space will allow us to better protect and maintain our mobile unit, increasing our reach to those most in need throughout the region.
Honoring Our Local Partners
This project was made possible by the incredible work of several local partners:
- Keystone Construction built the garage structure.
- Tompkins Construction completed the exterior concrete and resurfaced the entire construction site.
- Combs Excavating dug trenches for necessary electrical work.
- Tom Demar & Sons, led by Gary Daniels, completed all electrical installation.
- Adrian Garage Doors installed the garage door opener.
Enhancing Our Henderson Location
In addition to the garage, we’ve completed a full conversion to LED lighting throughout our Henderson location, thanks once again to Tom Demar & Sons. This upgrade not only reduces our energy costs but also supports our commitment to environmental sustainability.
And finally, Tompkins Construction has helped improve access to our modular buildings by spreading gravel to improve drainage and ensure safe, convenient entry from both ends.
These upgrades are part of our continued efforts to steward your generosity wisely while creating safe, efficient, and welcoming spaces for the people we serve.
Community Conversations: Listening to Lived Experience
Image features Matthew 25 mental health counselors from right to left: Jake Kiper, Tonya Dixon, WadeMcGuire.
On Friday, July 18, our Henderson clinic welcomed a representative from the state of Kentucky as part of the “Community Conversations” initiative—a state-funded program focused on gathering critical insight into the social determinants of health. This session brought together members of our monthly support group to share their lived experiences, particularly in relation to HIV, as well as broader challenges related to housing, nutrition, and daily life.
Facilitated Discussion
Facilitated by Jake Kiper, the 90-minute discussion was guided by a set of state-provided questions designed to spark meaningful dialogue. Angie Poe and the state representative listened closely, taking detailed notes as clients candidly shared their stories and perspectives.
Valued Insights
The input provided by our clients offered valuable, firsthand understanding of the real-world barriers faced by people living with HIV—insight that is often overlooked but essential for shaping effective, compassionate care. In recognition of their time and contributions, each participant received $75 in Walmart gift cards.
We’re grateful to our clients for their honesty and openness, and proud to partner with the state in efforts to build more responsive and informed support services across Kentucky.
Clinic Update: Advancing Care & Expanding Services
We’re excited to share some important updates that reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care for our community.
Faster STI Testing Now Available
Very soon, our Henderson & Evansville clinic locations will be equipped with advanced molecular lab analyzers that allow us to test for certain STIs and deliver results in under an hour. This means patients will receive faster diagnoses and can begin treatment the same day—helping us stop the spread of infections and provide peace of mind sooner. Due to the expensive nature of the equipment, there are plans to add them at all locations, including the mobile clinic, over time.
Now Offering PEP Starting August 4
Beginning August 4, we will officially offer PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)—a vital HIV prevention tool for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure. Patients can walk in or schedule an appointment to see our provider, get lab work done, and leave with a prescription the same day.
Expanded HIV Testing Capabilities
We’re proud to share that all clinic staff at our Henderson and Owensboro clinics are now officially trained HIV testers.