St. Lucia History
After witnessing the level of discrimination and lack of resources for those suffering from HIV/AIDS, Winfrida Mwashala, RN, founded St. Lucia in December 2002, by providing Home Based Care through home visits. The goal was to provide counseling, education, and nursing care to those with HIV/AIDS. Through these visits, it became evident that a home was needed to care for those who were acutely ill, as well as care for those unwanted by their families. In June of 2004, a home was opened.
Among the needs Winfrida noted within the community for these victims and their families was a need for education, nutrition, medicine, and counseling. All of which will improve and sustain health, increase independence, and decrease a negative stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The community served is the Arusha municipality for orphan and hospice care and focused in the Baraa Wards of Arusha Municipality and Moshono Ward of Arumeru district (population over 23,000 people) for Home Based Care. These areas consists largely of the Massai tribe which are problematic in the culture related to the spread of HIV/AIDS including polygamy and alcoholism.
St. Lucia started as an adult hospice, but is now predominantly an orphanage. For example, hospice patients came with children and once deceased, the children stay in the care of St. Lucia. And, now that we are established and well known in the community, families with orphaned HIV+ children know that we are a beacon of hope for their children.
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