Legacy

Christie's Place is dedicated to the memory of Christie Milton Torress, a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Without her loving guidance, support and perseverance this haven would not be possible.

Christie Milton-Torres dreamed that one day there would be a haven for women and families living with HIV/AIDS. In 1985 at age 20 Christie was diagnosed with HIV and her husband, Angel, was diagnosed two months later with AIDS.  Fortunately, their only child was born HIV negative even though at that time there were no medications developed to prevent mother-to-child transmission. In 1987 Christie took the lead in addressing HIV after providing an interview portraying what life was like as a wife and mother living with HIV in San Diego.  
 
At a time when very few women were speaking out about their experiences with HIV, Christie became a spokesperson and advocated for the needs of families living with HIV/AIDS. In an early interview with El Sol del San Diego newspaper Christie talked about what life was like for a family living with HIV.  She said, "HIV doesn't discriminate." Christie knew that long before others were recognizing it. She was a tireless advocate for the needs of women, children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.  Christie buried her husband in 1992 and died of complications due to AIDS in 1994.

April 2009 marked thirteen years since Christie’s parents, Irene and Doug Milton, made her dream a reality by founding Christie’s Place. Christie’s legacy lives on as Christie’s Place transforms lives by providing education, advocacy and support services to women, children and families living with HIV/AIDS. What started as a small grassroots organization has grown into a comprehensive support center guided by its mission. With only a staff of 11 as well as significant volunteer support our center now receives more than 10,000 visits annually and serves over 1,100 clients.
 
We utilize a wrap-around psychosocial and multidisciplinary model of care that serves the entire family, not just the infected person. At Christie’s Place clients can access a substantial range of services provided by expert staff and a network of collaborative partners that empower women and families to help themselves and each other.