Meet Kristen Klaassen of Angels Unaware

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Klaassen.

Kristen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 1993, I was in graduate school at the University of Colorado at Denver. A friend of mine in school decided to be a foster/adopt parent to a little boy named Raymond with AIDS. I helped take care of him – taught him to swim and ski as well. Sadly, he died within eight months of Barb adopting him after getting strep throat. Barb said we have to create a camp for children and families with HIV/AIDS. Within 14 months we had hosted our first Camp Ray-Ray in 1995.

At that time there were no support camps for FAMILIES facing this deadly disease – there were support groups and camps for adults only, children only but nothing for families. Camp Ray-Ray was the first camp in the country for families. August of 2019 marked our 25th Camp Ray-Ray, bringing 20-25 families to the Colorado Rockies for a family fun weekend. I have been part of organizing Camp since our inception. I have introduced my husband to our unique community, raised my children coming to Camp each year (and volunteering), and am now the President of Angels Unaware.

In 1995 Angels Unaware – the non-profit – offered support groups for families. They invited and added Camp Ray-Ray to the activities provided. We operate with no paid staff, everyone is voluntary. We raise $25,000 every year to pay for Camp, minor business expenses, and flowers to families for celebrations and times of struggles.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Many struggles! First and foremost, we were interested and cared deeply for a population that was disliked, distrusted, even hated at times. HIV/AIDS in the early to late 90’s was an unknown and scary to most people. Many of our families told stories of how they were humiliated and discriminated against. In addition, Barb and I knew nothing about raising money or creating a camp.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
We support children and families who have been infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. We offer an annual weekend Camp Ray-Ray that costs families $35 or free if that is too much. There is no other Camp like this in Colorado and very few in the country. We are run solely by tireless efforts of volunteers!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Angels Unaware and Camp Ray-Ray success:

** Children and families feel safe and relaxed in the mountains.

** Children and families feel love and compassion from each other and volunteers working the weekend – and feel it year-round.

** Volunteers learn about and demonstrate empathy and compassion when working with families struggling with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

** We raise enough money year to year to pay for camp – some years this has been a real struggle (especially since HIV/AIDS has taken a backseat to so many other illnesses or current events).

Pricing:

• $35 per family to attend Camp Ray-Ray, fee is waived if requested by family.
• Annual fundraiser — Murder Mystery to support Camp $45 per person – held March 20,2020, “Case of the Missing Dead Guy”.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6370 Union Street
  Arvada, CO 80004
• Website: www.AngelsUnaware.net
• Phone: 303-420-6370
• Email: angelsunaware@att.net
• Facebook: Angels Unaware Colorado

Image Credit:
Volunteers, Families of the 25th Camp.
1st photo –
Shannon VanDevener – Camp Activities Coordinator
Stacy Severin – Camp Coordinator, Family Coordinator
Michelle Bills – Camp Volunteer Coordinator
Kristen Klaassen – Camp Coordinator

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