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Living Faith Today

Giving Hope and Help

Ray Suttles of Wharton, New Jersey, has spent 15 years providing essential services and support to HIV sufferers in his home county under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Paterson, New Jersey. He started a weekly men's HIV Support group in 2005 and still facilitates the meeting each week; he serves as an advisor to the local HIV Consumer Advisory Committee; and he spearheads a variety of community activities and fundraisers.

Suttles also provides support to HIV families, including both parents and children of HIV-positive clients. He works tirelessly to raise HIV awareness through a regular newsletter, by fostering community involvement, and by training clients to serve as their own advocates. In 2008, Suttles' work was recognized by Catholic Charities, which honored him with the Volunteer of the Year award.