Voices from the Foundation: Stepping Out from Behind the Screen

Written by Melanie Clement, Head of Digital

As Head of Digital at the Elton John AIDS Foundation, much of my work is spent behind a screen - sharing stories, highlighting impact, and finding new ways to connect with our supporters. But a true highlight of my role is stepping away from the digital world and meeting our grantees in person. On a recent trip to Texas, I had the privilege of visiting some of the incredible organisations we support. Seeing their work up close, hearing directly from staff and community members about their goals and dreams, and witnessing the energy and compassion they bring to their mission was deeply inspiring.

Behind every statistic and every social post that comes from the Foundation, these are the real people making change happen every day. Reflecting on this visit, I want to share a few moments that stood out and the lessons I took back to London.

I joined the teams from San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) and Corazón Ministries for one of their outreach events, West Side Wednesdays, which provides essential support to people who are unhoused in a neighborhood where many face high levels of poverty and marginalization. It was a window into the kind of care that can’t be measured in metrics alone. SAAF and Corazón bring HIV testing, prevention kits, and safe syringe exchange services directly to community members who are experiencing homelessness—Individuals that often don’t have access to traditional healthcare.

Watching our partners interact with the community, patiently answering questions, offering support, and building trust, was incredibly moving. These are moments we try to capture and share with you through our storytelling, photography, and video but even the best posts can’t fully convey the impact of the small gestures like a friendly face, much needed hug, or the sense of dignity restored when someone is met without judgment.

After the outreach event, we headed back to Corazón’s day center, home to their safe syringe exchange program supported by the Foundation. It was here that we met Sandra, whose warmth and energy lit up the room and brought a smile to everyone around her.

I had first heard about Sandra in January 2024, after my colleagues visited Texas, and seeing her in person was a truly special moment. While she is still unhoused, her health has improved dramatically thanks to the compassionate support of our partners, and she no longer injects drugs. She continues to come to the center not just for her HIV medication, which the staff safely hold for her to prevent it from being stolen, but for a place that is safe, warm, and welcoming. Sandra credits the care from Corazon to her ability to break from the cycle of injectable drug use, adhere to her HIV treatment and receive critical health services that have empowered her to envision a future of hope.

At this point I’d like to pause to appreciate one of my favourite photos our brilliant photographer, Cubby Graham, captured of Sandra and Madelein (Director of Harm Reduction & Wellness at Corazon). This photo embodies the connection, joy, and dignity that Corazón fosters every day that is truly lifesaving. Madelein has known Sandra for years and her undeniable connection to Sandra was a demonstration of how community resources help uplift individuals by meeting them where they are – without stigma or judgement. Madelein was emotional as she shared how proud she was of Sandra’s progress – there was not a dry eye to be seen between the crew.

Another inspiring part of our trip was seeing trauma-informed care in action, and how it transforms not just services, but lives. At the heart of this work is the idea that care is most effective when it’s grounded in empathy, understanding, and respect for the experiences people bring with them.

BEAT AIDS is one of the organisations benefiting from the Trauma-Informed Care training program offered by the University of Houston, a partner of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. While in San Antonio, we visited their transitional housing program, Newly Empowered Women (NEW), which supports women living with or affected by HIV as they rebuild their lives. Walking through 618 Hudson Street, it was clear that the support these women receive can’t be reduced to providing a roof over their heads. Each woman has her own room that she can make her own, filled with small touches that bring comfort and belonging. It’s more than just a place to get a good night’s sleep; it’s a place to exhale, to feel safe, and to begin again. Beyond those four walls, the women are nurtured, guided, and supported to rebuild their confidence, learn life-long skills, and reconnect with a community that truly sees, values, and believes in them.

Sitting down with Michele Durham, Executive Director of BEAT AIDS, she described her work as “life-giving,” and it was easy to see why. Every interaction we saw, every conversation we heard, reflected care that goes far beyond services—it’s about building trust, and creating hope.

Visiting our partners in Texas was a powerful reminder of why the work of the Foundation matters so deeply. The partners we work with are driving life-saving change, often under challenging circumstances, and their dedication deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported.

As Head of Digital, I can’t wait to share the stories of the people we met, the teams we spent time with, and the incredible resilience, courage, and hope we witnessed. These moments are what make our work meaningful, and they’re the stories I’m proud to bring to a global audience.

Photos by Cubby Graham.