Welcome to Siloam Wellness
Siloam was born in 1996 during one of the most challenging chapters of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Cofounded by Sister Bernadette Kinniry and Father Don Reilly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the organization emerged as a sanctuary of hope, healing, and holistic care. At a time when stigma engulfed those affected by HIV/AIDS, Siloam stood as a beacon of compassion, offering a mind, body, and spiritual wellness haven to individuals whose lives were upended by the epidemic. From its inception, Siloam sought to transcend traditional medical care, nurturing the dignity, strength, and humanity within every person who walked through its doors.
Over the past three decades, Siloam has profoundly changed the lives of thousands, evolving and expanding its suite of support groups and programs to meet the multifaceted needs of its community. By fostering connections and prioritizing holistic well-being, Siloam demonstrated that healing extends beyond physical care. The organization’s commitment to addressing the emotional and spiritual dimensions of health helped create an environment where individuals not only survive but thrive.
Our Trauma-Informed Focus
Siloam’s mission centers on two interconnected areas of focus: primary and secondary trauma-informed care and HIV wellness, awareness, and advocacy. We recognize that unaddressed trauma is a root cause of poor health outcomes — it shapes behaviors, limits access to care, and contributes to chronic stress, which in turn increases vulnerability to conditions such as HIV and other co-morbidities. By addressing trauma at its core, Siloam helps individuals build emotional resilience, restore trust in healthcare, and improve long-term health outcomes. Our HIV-informed wellness programs further this work by providing education, holistic support, and advocacy that empower individuals to live healthy, dignified lives. In uniting trauma care and HIV wellness, Siloam is not just responding to illness — we are breaking the cycles that create it.
Impact, Community Transformation & Vision for the Future
By prioritizing trauma-informed care, adopting the Sanctuary Model of Care, and addressing the interconnected factors shaping health and wellness, Siloam has built a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. The organization’s holistic approach empowers individuals to embrace long-term healing and transformation. Participants have gained the tools and support necessary to overcome barriers, achieve sustainable health, and rediscover their potential for happiness, peace, and success.
Siloam’s goal is to create a society rooted in whole-body health and wellness—a society where individuals nurture their well-being and inspire those around them to do the same. At its core, Siloam is more than an organization; it is a family. Everyone who joins the Siloam community finds not just care but a place where they are embraced, valued, and supported.
The Whole-Person Approach:
Mind & Spirit
Nurturing emotional and spiritual health through individual counseling, spiritual direction, and professionally facilitated support groups (Grief, Trauma, Men's/Women's groups).
Body & Wellness
Physical and integrative therapies, including massage, Reiki, Yoga, Chi Kung, Pilates, and nutritional support through our dedicated food pantry.
Community & Education
Creating vibrant networks through community building events, educational workshops, retreats, and crucial prevention programming.