Lifelong

Lifelong was formed in 2001, as a result of the Seattle-based non-profit organizations, Chicken Soup Brigade, Northwest AIDS Foundation, and Evergreen Wellness Advocates merger. The entities came together as a consolidated agency focused on addressing the needs of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities. Chicken Soup Brigade was founded in 1983 with its roots of passing a soup can around to collect funds for people living with HIV/AIDS. Northwest AIDS Foundation which began in 1982 (or 1983 reports vary) aimed at helping people facing critical health issues navigate governmental bureaucracy which posed barriers to disability payments. In addition, the Northwest AIDS Foundation launched educational and safe-sex campaigns geared for men promoting condom use, Seattle’s first sex-education campaign of its kind. Evergreen Wellness Advocates began as the AIDS Community Services in 1983 and assists individuals with payment of healthcare premiums.

In 2001, these organizations merged to form Lifelong with the goal of expanding their reach and impact. Since then, the number of AIDS-related deaths has declined. Lifelong expanded its services to address a broader range of health needs and inequities including food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support and housing assistance programs.