Bebashi - Transition to Hope 2019-2020 Annual Report

Sexual Health

Social Services

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2020

Hunger Relief

Health Care 1

A WORD FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR Bebashi’s overarching goal is to eradicate poverty, and to achieve this goal; we must treat the underlying causes. When we opened our doors in 1985, we were the first and only African American organization in the United States to address the AIDS epidemic in urban communities. Over the years, we have evolved into what we like to call a “trailblazer.” What makes us a trailblazer is our commitment to expanding into other services that speak to the health disparities afflicting the communities we serve.

Philadelphia is the poorest large city in the nation, with nearly one-in-four of residents living in poverty. That’s about 400,000 Philadelphians who are in dire need of services.

So, how do we empower and give people the resources to get out of poverty? It’s a challenge, and we can’t service every Philadelphian in need. However, by utilizing a data-centered approach, Bebashi remains at the forefront of addressing the myriad of needs of Philadelphians living in poverty.

As a grantee of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services for the Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ), we provide healthy and nutritious meals to 14 designated HEZ zip codes in North and Northwest Philadelphia. We have also partnered with three elementary schools in the city to provide on-site pantries that include non-perishable food items for children and their families.

This year, one of our most significant projects is the expansion of our FoodFirst Pantry, one of the largest food cupboards in North Philadelphia. We will remodel the FoodFirst Pantry to represent a client choice model, which will reflect a supermarket shopping experience, where clients can choose items off the shelves.

As an organization built on the foundation of providing care to the most vulnerable communities, our uninsured clients and any Philadelphian who needs it, can receive free primary care, sexual health HIV/STI testing and treatment, and breast health referrals at the Bebashi Wellness Clinic.

Furthermore, in 2019, we provided outreach and sexual health education to 8,000 high-risk LGBTQ+ individuals. We will continue to be a leader in the community by providing medical case management, navigation services, and support programs for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized individuals.

We've done a lot in the last 34 years, and none of this would have been possible without our supporters, funders, and champions. We are grateful to all of you who have helped us come this far and who continue to support Bebashi’s life-changing work.

Sincerely,

For example, food insecurity continues to grow in Philadelphia. One in five Philadelphians do not know where or how to get their next meal, and more than 215,000 children live in food-insecure homes, according to a 2018 Greater Philadelphia Report Issued

by Hunger Free America. To help combat this, we are increasing our hunger relief efforts.

Linda Marshall, M.B.A. Board Chair

2

WE’RE MORE THAN JUST HIV Many people know that Bebashi has been a long-time provider of HIV prevention, testing, and medical case management. However, Bebashi also provides a host of other services to help economically-challenged Philadelphians improve their overall quality of health and well-being, as well as address the social determinants that impact our community.

Volunteers packing meals for housing unstable Philadelphians.

OUR MISSION To empower people to enhance the quality of their health and overall well-being by providing access to culturally-sensitive high quality healthcare, HIV/AIDS services, health education, and social services.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sheryl Lee Ralph Honorary Board Member

Dr. Marcine Pickron-Davis Vice President

Shirley Gregory Emeritus Board Member

Chris Landtroop Secretary

Linda Marshall President

Karen Downer Treasurer

Greg DeShields

David Grant

Antonio Fanning

Raymond Hayward

Pedro Gallegos

Hon. Shanese I. Johnson

Dr. Monique Gray

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OUR SERVICES FoodFirst Pantry The FoodFirst Pantry offers fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as nonperishable items and food vouchers, for economically-challenged individuals and their families.

To help our clients eat more nutritiously, FoodFirst Pantry staff and partners offer workshops and easy-to-prepare healthy recipes that can be made with the items clients receive. We also provide ready-to-eat meals for homeless or unstably-housed individuals.

HIV Medical Case Management Bebashi provides an array of social services to help HIV+ individuals access care and adhere to treatment with the goal of achieving viral suppression, as well as obtain resources and supports to improve their physical health and overall quality of life.

Our support groups help HIV+ clients achieve these goals and cope with the emotional and physical challenges related to their diagnosis. Support groups feature regular medical updates about new treatment options, coping with side effects, as well as strategies to improve their health and well-being.

Primary Care Services We’ve partnered with Miriam Medical Clinics, a nonprofit organization run by volunteer physicians and other health professionals who provide access to healthcare to underserved citizens who would otherwise not be able to obtain affordable care.

Annual State of the Union presented by Philadephia’s Office of LGBT Affairs

Resource Navigation Services Bebashi’s navigation services help economically-challenged individuals access basic needs such as housing, transportation, toiletries and clothing. The program also provides referrals to critical resources and supports such as job training, employment assistance quality and culturallysensitive healthcare, and behavioral health services to help individuals navigate these complex systems and help them on their rise out of poverty.

Identification Services Bebashi helps individuals living in deep poverty pay for and obtain a state photo identification card, which is necessary to access benefits, human services, education and employment.

Hepatitis C Services Bebashi’s services aim to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C while improving the health outcomes for individuals living with the virus by providing testing, communitybased health education, and linkage to quality treatment.

Pardon Hub Criminal records are considered by employers, landlords during background checks, as well as credit agencies, retirement homes and assisted care facilities. Criminal records exclude people from thousands of jobs, professions, schools and trades. To empower and educate the community, Bebashi has partnered with The Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity and The Philadelphia Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia to provide pardon education. These “Pardon Hubs” are seminars in which Bebashi staff and clients learn more about the pardon application process, the steps necessary to complete the application, and tips to prevent application denials.

Confidential and Anonymous Testing Counseling and testing for HIV and other STIs, pregnancy and Hepatitis C is provided at our office on Spring Garden Street, as well as at partner locations throughout the city.

Trans Necessities Closet

LGBTQ+ Services

DISTRIBUTED NEARLY

137,000

POUNDS OF FOOD TO 4,550 ECONOMICALLYCHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS

OUR MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM SERVED

607

INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV

OF HIV+ MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT CLIENTS ACHIEVED VIRAL SUPPRESION

.........................

86%

.........................

Bebashi’s services developed for the LGBTQ+ community focus on HIV and STI prevention, sexual health education, increasing access to ongoing, culturallysensitive care, improving overall health outcomes and promoting health equity among LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Services help clients to overcome barriers by linking them to a host of resources and social services.

Bebashi also hosts a support group for LGBTQ+ clients to help them connect, share stories, and build community.

BY THE NUMBERS

TESTED

2,295

INDIVIDUALS FOR HIV AND OTHER STIs

PROVIDED NEARLY

$5,000 IN EMERGENCY FUNDS TO 103 CLIENTS

PROVIDED OVER

700

MEALS TO CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES AT OUR FIRST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-BASED PANTRY

...................................

The first of its kind in Philadelphia, the Closet enables transgender people to obtain free gender-affirming items such as clothing, cosmetics, wigs, prosthetics, binders and other necessities.

Clients are also linked to resource navigation to ensure that their full spectrum of needs are met.

OFFERED LEGAL ADVICE TO

35 INDIVIDUALS IN OUR PARDON HUB WORKSHOPS

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENDITURES AND SUPPORTERS At Bebashi, we ensure that donations are spent wisely and responsibly. In fiscal year 2019, nearly 84% of our funds were spent providing comprehensive health services and education to economically-challenged Philadelphians.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENDITURES

4%

TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Bebashi has a staff of 46 dedicated employees who are passionate about our clients, the Philadelphia community, and bridging the health equity gap.

Development / Fundraising

12%

84%

Management / General

Programs

SUPPORTERS AccessMatters Adam Funck AIDS Healthcare Foundation Alan McAllister Alicia Cassey Alisha Willis Alston-Beech Foundation Amanda Finnell Amanda Fox-Rouch Amazon Smile Amber Hikes American Express Charitable Fund American Express Employee Giving AmeriHealth Caritas Amryl Ward Angelo Moore Anonymous Ava Haits Barbara Bungy Bass Benevity Fund Beth J. Stearman Blake A. Rowley Capital Genealogy Carl Oxholm Carla Marshall Carol Henri-Lanier Carol Henry Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Chris Landtroop City of Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office Community College of Philadelphia Congregation Rodeph Shalom Corey B. Stone Creative Wraps Dave Bodoff David Valentine D’Brickashaw-Ferguson Foundation Deborah Roundtree

Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Delisa Noble Dennis Caldwell Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Dr. Charles Bolger, Jr. Dr. Michele M. Angello Dr. Susan Domchek Dr. Vivan D. Price Einstein Healthcare Network Ellen Tedaldi Elton John AIDS Foundation/AIDS United Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Erica Young Eustance M. Francis Eve Hickson Fox Rothschild, LLP Frank Paden Frank Worts Gail Brown Gail Hill Gary J. Bell Gilead Sciences, Inc. GLBT Fund of America of the Philadelphia Foundation GoodShop Green Standards Gregory Haroutounian Harley Miller Health Partners Plans Helen Dow Ivy Inspiration, LLC Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Jason Bell Jeffery Bussmann Jerome Napson Jetti Newkirk Jik the Barber Joanna McClinton John Snow Inc. Jone Magagna Joseph Elliot

Joyce Miller Julie Schwartz Karen Chesson Karen Downer Karen Moore Kati Gray-Sadler Keia Chesson Kenneth Darby Kramer Portraits Kristin Buckley Kyle Kinsman LaRessa Tate Leo and Peggy Pierce Foundation Liberty Mutual Foundation Life Tree Pharmacy Lily Furniss Linda Marshall Linda Siegel Linda T. Martin Lisa Dugan M.A.C AIDS Fund Maceo Hood Mark G. Cornish Mark Waltman Mazzoni Center Michael McAdam Michael Reed Moody Family Dental Morgan Wade NABFEME, Inc. Nancy Alston National Philanthropic Trust Network for Good Nneka Pettigrew Norma D. Thomas North Philly Pharmacy PaceButler Corporation Pamela Ray-Palmer Paypal Charitable Giving PECO - An Exelon Company Pennsylvania Care Associates Pennsylvania Department of Health and

Human Services R. Perry Monastero PharmBlue Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia Foundation Philadelphia Health Management Corporation Philip Chan Philly AIDS Thrift PHL Diversity Pierette Downer Publicis Health Media Rachel Barnes Rachel Simmons Schade Robert Ambrose Roberta Gallagher Sea Glass Fine Art Photography Hon. Shanese I. Johnson Sharmain Matlock-Turner Sherri Hall Stockton University Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Affiliate T. Nickets Insurance Agency TD Bank The Roz Group, Inc. Thomas C. Roby Tina Powell Top Notch Computer Solutions Tracey Rouse Trend Eye Care II Troy Wilson Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books United Way University of Pennsylvania Health System Vertex Insurance Group ViiV Healthcare W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Wawa Foundation William Martin YourCause, LLC Trustee for Vanguard

FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY THROUGH MULTIPLE EFFORTS Philadelphia’s food insecurity is a growing problem. On average, the majority of our clients have an annual income of less than $5,000 and live in deep poverty, as defined by federal guidelines.

As a grantee of Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) funding, through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services, our goal is to mitigate the symptoms of multigenerational poverty by addressing food insecurity, while working to increase access to quality healthcare and assistance programs. Bebashi does this through one-to-one resource navigation with direct linkages and referrals for HEZ residents in 14 designated zip codes in North and Northwest Philadelphia.

Residents in these zip codes are more likely to experience deep poverty. The U.S. Census Bureau defines “deep poverty” as having an income less than half the official poverty income threshold. A three-person family with a household income that is less than $19,105 in 2016 would be deemed officially poor. If their income is less than half of $19,105 (i.e., less than $9,552.50), then the family would be counted as living in deep poverty.

The coalition of health and government officials that created the North Philadelphia Health Enterprise Zone initiative cites that life expectancy of many residents in some of the HEZ zip codes is 20 years shorter than the life expectancy of residents in some wealthier city zip codes.

To address food insecurity in high-risk neighborhoods, Bebashi’s peer support workers have partnered with three elementary schools in the areas: Frances E. Willard Elementary, Memphis Street Academy and Laura W. Waring School. Through these partnerships, Bebashi has helped create onsite food pantries for children and their families.

Children living in homes struggling with inadequate nutrition are impacted the most. More than 215,000 Philadelphia children are food insecure, and when they go to school hungry, they are unable to concentrate and excel in studies.

The students’ families who select to enroll in the program, are given bags of non-perishable groceries to take home. Our peer support workers go to each school twice a month to distribute the bags of food. Students are given one bag for a family of two to three, and two bags for a family of four to nine. Peer support workers also help stock some of the schools’ pantry shelves. On average, our peer support workers pack 80 bags of food per school per visit.

“When we go to the schools, it’s so nice to match the children’s faces with the names,” said Janice Tosto, HEZ Project Coordinator. “I had an incident where a child came up to me and thanked me for feeding her and her brother that day because they were hungry.”

“Families here are living below the poverty line and we’ve had donations from staff, but it wasn’t enough for the children and their families,” said Teresa Bronte, a school counselor at Frances E. Willard Elementary. “We are so thankful to have partnered with Bebashi because now we are getting a nice variety of foods for the pantry so the families can make more nutritious meals."

Bronte noted that the children were given the choice to select the types of foods they wanted. The majority of children requested more macaroni and cheese dinners and canned fruits.

“It’s such a blessing to have this. I had one child come in with an empty lunchbox because her mom and brother had nothing to eat. This is a wonderful resource,” said Bronte.

Stacie McIntosh, a security guard at Willard Elementary is also the mother of a six-year-old girl at the school. McIntosh, a single parent, who, in addition to working at the school, has two additional jobs, is also enrolled in the school pantry program.

“It’s hard making ends meet when you’re a single parent household. Living paycheck to paycheck doesn’t help pay for rent, car insurance and more. Sometimes you need assistance.

Being able to get the food I need from this pantry helps me out,” said McIntosh. “My daughter loves the noodles and rice we get in the bags of groceries. I just add a little spice and it’s a delicious meal.”

There are about 720 kindergarten - 4th grade students at Williard Elementary. In the third week of the school pantry program, 130 students were signed up. Bebashi will continue to partner with other schools in the city.

In addition to the school pantries, we are also revamping our FoodFirst Pantry, which on average serves 3,500 people a year since its inception in 1998. It is one of the few cupboards in the city open five days a week, offering a variety of meats, produce and other non-perishable items.

The pantry is also stocked with healthy ready-meals and given to the homeless and others who lack the means to store and/ or cook food. The FoodFirst Pantry will be modeled like a self-serve supermarket in which clients will be able to come in and select their groceries.

PROVIDING HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS

Rising from the Ashes: Shula’s Story She calls herself Shula, which in Arabic translates to flame or bright light. The name is fitting because when you see her cheerful smile and wide eyes, you can feel her warmth.

On April 23, 2019, Shula’s light went dim. She was homeless and looking for emergency shelter. Every day, she would line up outside a shelter in West Philadelphia before 4 pm to try and get a cot for the night, a shower and a meal. By 6 am, she would pack up her belongings in a suitcase and go to work. She did this every day for nine weeks.

“

“I just wanted to stay working. The only thing that was going to get me to where I wanted to go was employment, but it was challenging, especially when you need to bathe, iron clothes and carry a suitcase everywhere,” said Shula.

Permanent shelter didn’t come that easy for Shula. Days turned into weeks and she still wasn’t placed in a home. It wasn’t until a very hot day in July when Shula met Keira Ragsdale, Bebashi’s Prevention Education Services Supervisor.

Shula came to Bebashi for assistance where she met with several people and filled out applications for permanent housing.

Immediately Bebashi found Shula transitional housing.

“Bebashi is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me.

Bebashi is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. If I had not met Keira that day, I don’t know where I would be now. It was like a rope had been thrown over a boat. She completely saved my life.

Keira was driving in the area when she noticed women standing in line to get into a building. She stopped her car to talk with them. The women told her it was a shelter and they were waiting to get a bed for the night. The sun was scorching that day and many of the women were hungry. They told Keira that the shelter did not allow food inside the facility. Keira went back to the Bebashi food pantry to get a stack of ready meals for the women, which consisted of crackers, tuna, fruit cup and juice box. She fed about 50 women that day.

Shula approached Keira and asked if she could help her find a home. Keira gave Shula her card and told her to call her. Shula was hesitant to call Keira, but when she saw her come back again for the next few days to feed the women, she knew she could trust Keira.

If I had not met Keira that day, I don’t know where I would be now. It was like a rope had been thrown over a boat. She completely saved my life,” said Shula.

Shula, who now works at the Free Library of Philadelphia shelving books in the children’s area, has a permanent bed to go home to every night.

“My experience being homeless has changed me to be more compassionate, be more caring, be better at preserving myself more. It’s been my nature to take care of others, neglecting my own care.

This situation has taught me that I’m first, and without my own selfcare, I wouldn’t be able to come this far. When I leave this planet, I know I made a change and didn’t wallow in self-pity," said Shula.

Her goal now is to have a home of her own. She’s working with Bebashi to find her affordable housing.

While Shula is waiting for a place of her own, she wants to give back to others. She regularly gives basic necessities, such as socks, to Keira to share with other clients who come to Bebashi.

“I want people to know they can be challenged in life, and they can take those challenges head on and get through it,” said Shula.

SUPPORTING LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF HIV

The Face of Courage: Gladys Story

“

I survived breast cancer twice. I’ve been through a lot and Bebashi has been there every step of the way. I can call anybody there and the caseworkers will drive over to see me.

A long-term survivor of HIV for 35 years who has also beat breast cancer twice, Gladys is truly resilient.

Gladys was all too familiar with HIV/AIDS because it had afflicted many of her family members. Her uncle died of AIDS, her brother was HIV positive, and her sister also tested positive for HIV, but committed suicide shortly after her diagnosis.

Gladys contracted HIV through a blood transfusion.

When she found out she was positive for HIV, she cried, but she was determined to fight this. Her first step was taking the medication. She started taking 21 pills in the morning and 19 at night religiously. Her second step to stay alive was to get sober. Gladys, a recovering alcoholic for 19 years, entered Gaudenzia for treatment.

The rehabilitation center placed her on the eighth floor, which was designated for HIV patients.

“When I was at Gaudenzia, I had a favorite aunt come and visit me and it hurt my feelings because she would put paper towels on the chairs to protect her from catching HIV,” said Gladys. “That’s the first time I felt the stigma about HIV.” After her stay at Gaudenzia, the rehab referred her to Bebashi, where she would get the resources and supports to improve both her physical health and overall quality of life. Bebashi holds several support groups led by HIV medical case managers to help people cope with physical and emotional challenges related to their diagnosis. Gladys was diligent about going to the women’s support group every other Wednesday, and she still attends to this day. In addition to the support, Bebashi paid for Gladys to get her HIV medication.

Bebashi also helped Gladys find housing, bought her a refrigerator when an apartment didn’t have one, and paid her electric bill.

Gladys is very good about taking her medication and sets an alarm as a reminder every day. Today, she’s only taking three pills in the morning and two at night – a major decrease from the 40 pills she took when she was first diagnosed. Her CD4 count is good and the virus is undetectable, which means it cannot be transmitted to another individual.

“I want to let people know that having HIV is not a death sentence and I want them to see how far I’ve come,” said Gladys.

Another Hurdle In 2006, Gladys was on the floor playing with her grandchild when she felt a pain in her breast. She went to the doctor who discovered a cancerous lump.

Gladys underwent surgery and had a mastectomy.

Six years later, Gladys was attending a breast health function at Bebashi and the physician felt a lump. She had it tested further, and it was cancer.

“I survived breast cancer twice. I’ve been through a lot and Bebashi has been there every step of the way. I can call anybody there and the caseworkers will drive over to see me,” said Gladys.

Today, Gladys is living with her family and working in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Her strength and willingness to never give up is a true inspiration to everyone at Bebashi.

HELPING INDIVIDUALS GET BACK ON TRACK

Brenda’s Story Brenda knows she has made some poor decisions. She ran with the wrong crowd, and 30 years ago, she was arrested and charged in Chester, PA for accompanying someone who had a weapon with the intention of assault.

That landed Brenda in jail for a while. She did her time, cleaned up her act and reentered society with the goal of leading a productive life.

It hasn’t been easy for Brenda. She can’t find a job or a home. This isn’t uncommon for many people reentering the world after prison. For those who have turned their lives around and want to find employment or housing, it may be harder with records hanging over their heads.

It doesn’t have to be . . .

Last year, Bebashi launched the Pardon Hub, a free legal clinic offered to those reentering society and those with records. The clinics are held each month through a partnership with The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. and the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

Brenda reached out to Bebashi for help earlier this year.

Brenda’s story is unlike any other client Bebashi and its partners have worked with. Her story highlights the inadequacies that exist in the legal system.

In 2013, Brenda went to a realtor to find an apartment.

When the realtor did her background check, it showed that she pleaded guilty for murder.

“I went to try and rent an apartment and I couldn’t because they told me I had a murder charge. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so I went down to the Delaware County Common Pleas Court to try and fix the problem,” said Brenda.

The courthouse criminal records showed that Brenda was an alias of Thomas Vile.

Vile, formerly of Ridley Township, fled to Canada after the 1987 murder of his former girlfriend, and daughter of television director Dick Darley. He was arrested in Toronto and extradited to the U.S. where he pleaded guilty on the first day of testimony in his non-jury trial in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.

Vile was sentenced to life in prison.

Brenda and Vile do share one thing in common – the same birth date. Somehow, the court’s computer system mixed up the records based on the birth date.

For years, Brenda has been trying to get her record cleared of this murder charge. Even throughout this time, Vile wrote a letter from prison that Brenda was not an alias.

Brenda was referred to us and we continue to assist her in getting her record resolved.

How The Pardon Process Works According to the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, people think it’s almost impossible to get a pardon in Pennsylvania. The numbers suggest why: of more than 3,000 Applications for Clemency distributed by the Board of Pardons in any one year, the highest number of pardons recommended in any one year by the Board was just 288.

What many people don’t realize is that the Board approves over 80% of the applications that make it through the “merit review” stage. The issue is that only 75% of the applications are officially filed. Most people don’t file the application correctly and it gets rejected.

The application for applying for a pardon changed last summer to be shorter and more user friendly.

Although, for many people, it can still be a confusing process. Completion of the form also requires someone to take full responsibility of their past.

Bebashi’s workshops provide assistance with the application process so that all paperwork is completed and submitted correctly.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Local Fraternity Gives Back We are thankful for the many volunteers that come through our doors each day who are committed and devoted to the Bebashi cause.

Drexel University’s Delta Epsilon Psi comes in regularly to help out in the FoodFirst Pantry stocking bags of food that go to clients, the community and school pantries.

As the largest South Asian fraternity in the nation, Delta Epsilon Psi’s common goal has always been to strengthen and establish a strong presence in its local communities while developing a strong national image as dedicated servants to its community.

“Part of our philanthropy is giving back to children in need. We know the bags of food we are packing are feeding children and their families, and that’s what we are extremely passionate about, said Gunpreet Singh.

“Bebashi’s hunger relief efforts align with our mission.”

Several times a month the crew comes in working hard to fill bags. The group packed 300 bags in two hours one day.

We are grateful to have volunteers like Delta Epsilon Psi.

BEBASHI WELLNESS EXPANDS TO OFFER FAMILY PLANNING Bebashi Wellness has expanded to offer family planning services. We recently appointed Physician Assistant, Alvin Kingcade as Practice Manager.

Kingcade has an extensive background in medical treatment and care, nonprofit organizations, social services, program evaluation and case management. He received his Post Bachelor Certification in Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia University and his Masters of Public Health from Touro University.

Along with Kingcade, we plan to bring on a nurse practitioner this year who will spearhead most of the family planning patients, and an education navigator who will divide time scheduling and executing in-school sexual health workshops and breast health workshops for women of color aged 35 and over.

All services are free regardless of insurance status.

Bebashi will continue to work in collaboration with the healthcare providers at Miriam Medical Clinics who will provide most of the primary medical care services, while Bebashi will continue its efforts in HIV/STI testing, education and prevention, Hepatitis C testing and treatment, as well as family planning services.

Family planning services that will be offered include oral contraceptives and gynecological services, such as cervical exams and pap smears. All prenatal care patients will be referred to other Philadelphia Health Centers that have collaborations with hospitals across the city and access to OB/GYN physicians.

With more staff on board who have the authority to prescribe medication, we will capture more clients who would benefit from PrEP, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, a prevention drug given to an HIV negative person that is used to protect the individual from being exposed to HIV/AIDS. Our resource navigators will also be out in the field educating more people about sexually transmitted diseases and PrEP.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS Bebashi works with dozens of corporate and non-profit partners to provide a variety of services and combined programming.

Through these partnerships, Bebashi is able to services more people in need and expand the wide-range of services the organization offers.

North Philadelphia Pharmacy

Glendale Pharmacy

RXD Pharmacy

Host a Bebashi Food / Toiletry Drive Bebashi’s FoodFirst Pantry is one of North Philadelphia’s largest food pantries. We provide food and basic personal care items to over 3,500 people per year.

25% of Philadelphians experience food insecurity. Help Bebashi lower this number by hosting a food / toiletry drive in your community High-Priority Food and Personal Care Items: The list below includes some of our most needed items. Please request products that are in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not ideal because of their short shelf life.

All items should be recently purchased and in good condition.

Requested Food Items

Breakfast Cereal / Oatmeal Canned Fruit Canned Meats / Fish Canned Stew / Chili Canned Veggies Granola Bars Macaroni and Cheese Nuts / Trail Mix Pancake Mix / Syrup Pasta Sauce Peanut Butter / Jelly Shelf Stable Milk Unsweetened Applesauce Whole Grain / Wheat Pasta 100% Juice

Requested Toiletry Items Deodorant Feminine Hygiene Products Shampoo / Conditioner Soap / Body Wash Toothpaste / Toothbrushes Razors / Shaving Cream

Please do not donate

Food High in Sugar Items Containing High Fructose Corn Syrup Items High in Sodium / Fat Soda and Other Sugary Beverages

Tips for a Successful Drive • •

• •

Hold a kickoff event of a party where guests are required to bring a high-priority item Promote your drive on social media and feel free to mention Bebashi and link to our social media Get creative! Make your own flyers, decorate your collection box, etc.

Incentivize giving by offering a prize for the individual or team that collects the most items.

GET INVOLVED

Visit www.bebashi.org to learn more and sign up to volunteer or donate.

Volunteer

Host a Food or Toiletry Drive Donate

HOURS OF OPERATION

Become a Board Member

Monday | 9 AM - 5 PM Tuesday | 9 AM - 5 PM Wednesday | 9 AM - 5 PM Thursday | 9 AM - 8 PM Friday | 9 AM - 5 PM

TESTING HOURS Monday | 9 AM - 4 PM Tuesday | 9 AM - 4 PM Wednesday | 9 AM - 4 PM Thursday | 9 AM - 7 PM Friday | 9 AM - 4 PM

SUPPORT GROUP HIV Co-ed Support Group Tuesdays | 1:30 - 3 PM Thursdays | 5:30 - 7:30 PM 1235 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 215-769-3561 www.bebashi.org

HIV Women’s Support Group 2nd and 4th Wednesdays | 10 AM - 12 PM LGBTQ+ Support Group 1st Wednesdays (During Kiki Lounge) | 5:30 - 6:30 PM