The Shanti Model^TM

Founded in 1974 by Dr. Charles Garfield, Shanti has been at the forefront of a growing national movement to enhance the quality of life for persons living with life-threatening or chronic illnesses by providing volunteer-based emotional and practical support.

Shanti is a Sanskrit word meaning "inner peace" or "tranquility". It is an appropriate name since, ultimately, all of Shanti's direct service and educational programs are aimed at easing the burdens and improving the well-being of people in difficult life situations.

Key to the success of Shanti's mission is the Shanti Model of Peer Support, which is both a philosophy and a set of techniques that are used throughout our work. It is a way of being with another person that frees both parties to be fully who they are and communicate their feelings to one another. It is a way of being which allows two persons to meet as equals. It is a way of relating to others that is characterized by certain values and attitudes.

Definition of Peer
We define peer as someone who is not necessarily like us in obvious ways, but is someone with whom we share a basic humanity; someone with whom we are equals. All people share universal human experiences. By virtue of this shared humanity, we are all peers. The Shanti Model of Peer Support is based on this equality.

Values Underlying the Shanti Model of Peer Support

• mutual respect 
• positive regard 
• empowerment of the client (the assumption that the client has the solutions to his or her own problems and does not need your advice of direction) 
• genuineness (being oneself, authenticity) 
• acceptance of differences (does not mean agreement, but acceptance based on respect) 
• empathy (allowing oneself to feel with another person) 
• intention to be of service

Techniques and Activities to Realize the Shanti Model of
Peer Support

• Listening from the heart (listening with an open heart, being willing to be touched by another, willing to engage with another person's emotions)
• Speaking from the heart (speaking authentically, honest self-expression)
• Acting from the heart in service to another person (acting based on compassion, caring, and an intention to be of service)

Shanti's continuum of services for people living with HIV/AIDS are designed to provide:

• Knowledge about HIV disease and treatment, and how to enhance health outcomes and increase quality of life, based on the latest medical research and health information.
• Client Advocacy to assist navigation through the health care system.
• Emotional and practical support through the Drop-in Service Center, peer support groups, individual health counseling, and the Shanti Peer Support Volunteer Program.
• Health-enhancement workshops that support clients in addressing the biological, psychological, and social issues that can impact overall health and quality of life.

Client Services

The Drop-in Service Center.
Open Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 AM — 12:30 PM.

The Drop-in Service Center is a comfortable and safe gathering place where clients can drop-in and:

• Meet and connect with peers.
• Receive emotional and practical support from a Client Advocate, or Shanti Peer Support Volunteer.
• Access resource materials or referrals regarding HIV medication/treatment trials and studies, housing, medical and mental health care, food and nutrition, support groups, counseling, free showers, and other community services in San Francisco.
• Access complimentary local phone service, coffee and pastries (when available), clothing and books (when available).
• Just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Shanti Peer Support Volunteer Program

Shanti peer support volunteers are trained in the Shanti Model of Peer Support. Volunteers are then matched with a single client, and provide weekly emotional and/or practical support, based on the individual client's needs. Practical Support may include assisting with laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, medication pick-up and delivery, and assisting with the completion of forms related to housing, disability, medical and mental health services, etc.

Individual Health Counseling

Shanti offers individual health counseling for people who are interested in making health-supporting changes in their lives. The goal of individual health counseling is to support clients in developing health-protective routines and addressing the psychological, social, and biological Cofactors that can impact overall health and well-being. Although individual health counseling is emotionally supportive and caring, it is not psychotherapy. Referrals for mental health counseling can be made during your health counseling session.

Client Advocacy

Client Advocates have intimate knowledge and experience with HIV disease and treatment, other HIV-related health issues, health-enhancement strategies, and navigation through health care system for persons with HIV/AIDS, and support clients by:

• Assisting clients in evaluating their needs, including those related to medical or mental health care, food, shelter, clothing, transportation, substance use treatment, and benefits, and connecting clients with the appropriate vital support services.
• Providing support with treatment adherence or medical appointment compliance (including accompanying clients to medical appointments, and advocating with medical providers).
• Providing harm reduction counseling.
• Providing general emotional and practical support, including assistance with medication pick-up and delivery and completion of forms related to housing, disability, medical and mental health services, etc.

For more information regarding Client Advocacy, contact (415) 674-4760.

Groups and Workshops

Shanti offers a number of support groups, seminars, and workshops for individuals living with HIV. Our groups address a variety of goals, including building support among peers, increasing knowledge about HIV, treatment, and wellness, and improving psychological and physical health outcomes.

Drop-In Groups