Stap Spring 2014 Newsletter

positive focus Spring 2014

www.stapinc.org

Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties

A LETTER FROM

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IT CAN BE CHALLENGING...

It can be challenging in the day-to-day rush of grant proposals,

They reminded me of how important that few fleeting minutes

work plans, board meetings, strategic plans and finance reports to

with all of them was and how grateful I would be that I spent it

focus on listening to the people we work for, our consumers.

with them, rather than reviewing budgets, sometime in the future.

I was reminded again of the power of listening recently and how

They reminded me that I would always reap higher dividends by

healthy it can be both for the organization and my own mental

meeting people with love, even or especially the cranky ones.

health. I asked and was granted permission to sit in on a support group.

They showed me that life with all its pain, discomforts and disappointments, is still strikingly beautiful and to be savored.

It was wonderful. Our clients understand what is really valuable in life. Their perceptions have been focused and sharpened by the

They made me remember again why I wanted to (and still want

day-to-day realities of living with HIV. They know that there is a

to) work at STAP. We have the privilege of being with people when

limit to our lives and we should spend that limited time wisely.

they are at their best and are living life to the fullest, because they have stopped taking life for granted. And isn’t that a great lesson

They were kind enough to remind me of what is really important

for all of us?

and having realized this, I breathed a bit easier about whatever administrative task had been vexing me before I left the office.

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John

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

Hotline (800) 333-0892

22 Riverside Drive

Phone (607) 798-1706

Binghamton, NY 13905

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Jerry Halbert President Jamie Cornell Vice President Anthony Fiala, Jr. Treasurer Larry Bailey Secretary Joyce Allen Tina Chronopoulos Angelo Fiori Melissa Klinko Jorge Masdeu Erin McElroy Nancy McGowan Scott Rosman Christopher Waters Andrea Vaioli

John Barry Executive Director Michelle McElroy Director of Programs Julie Kerr Director of Finance Joseph Caminiti Director of Information Systems Mary Kaminsky Director of Development Jackie Centerwall Director of Operations Candace Phelan Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Rotella Special Events Coordinator Anne Baron Fiscal Assistant Ginny Miller Program Assistant Stacy Wright Receptionist Addie Deacon Human Resources/Administrative Assistant Jeffrey Pryor Prison Reentry Coordinator Simone Cornelius Data Assistant

CLIENT SERVICES

PREVENTION SERVICES

Stacy Nickerson Assistant Director Client Services Andrea Pinney Housing Coordinator Jennifer McKenzie Housing Specialist Alisa Reynolds Housing Case Manager Autumn Cook Medical Advocacy Kristina Hagen Client Services Data Specialist Gry Bente-Johansen Care Manager, Chemung Elke Meyer Care Manager, Chemung Jessica Thurston Care Manager, Broome Jesse Natishak Care Manager, Broome Lisa Moore Care Manager, Broome Beth Pittman Care Manager, Tompkins Stephanie Flash Care Manager, Tompkins Eric Krohn Nutrition Health Education Specialist Kate Murray Nutrition Health Education Specialist

Joe Barnett Assistant Director of Prevention Services Bryan Cook Criminal Justice Prevention Specialist Cathy Sostre Assistant Director of Prevention Services Melanie Le May LGBT Program Coordinator Charity Corman LGBT Youth Specialist Noah Cooper Mpowerment Specialist Stephen Gleason Mpowerment Specialist Haley Vasliopoulos Testing and Referral Specialist Elisa Harris Substance Use Outreach Coordinator Hanna Weiss Substance Use Outreach Specialist Kernalia Andrews Womens’ Services Coordinator Tamika Davis Womens’ Services Specialist Lillian Fan Harm Reduction Coordinator Thomas Womelsdorf Harm Reduction Specialist Emily England Syringe Exchange Technician Jessie Bonney-Burrill Syringe Exchange Technician

www.stapinc.org

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recent events

MUD GAUNTLET 2014 Mud, sweat and tears of joy were on the faces of those

Corp.). Corporate sponsorship underwrites the event itself.

completing the first ever Mud Gauntlet. What a beautiful day!

These dollars assure that the “Mudders” are safe, well

The sun was shining and the temperature was unseasonably

nourished, supported, and have a day filled with wonderful

warm. Close to 400 people participated in the inaugural

memories.

annual event.

In turn, 100% of event registration fees are able to go directly This event would not have been possible without the support

to providing HIV/AIDS services without having to use any of

and backing of our major sponsor, Jarrett Newby’s Newbsanity

that money for overhead costs. With more clients than ever,

Course. What a gem we have right here in Broome County!

commitment remains solid and strong to fulfill our mission of

The course is challenging, beautifully designed, and includes

providing compassionate and caring services for people with

over 20 outstanding obstacles. Be sure to check out upcoming

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

events on Jarrett’s website at www.newbsanity.com.

We have received a great deal of positive feedback with many We would also like to thank our others sponsors, UHS, Excellus

participants telling us they can’t wait until next year and we

BCBS, WBNG TV-12, Meier Supply Company, Lindsey Lawn &

can’t either!

Garden, Wegmans, Price Chopper, and P&J (Postler & Jaeckle

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STAP’S ROCK STAR CELEBRITY BARTE We may have had hazardous traveling conditions and it was freezing cold outside, but inside Remlik’s, it was hot, hot, HOT! Thank you to everyone who came out to support STAP.

ROUND II

Our bartenders worked hard and raked in the tips. The two

$3,891.75

top tip-mongers were Shane Rosenthal, manager of Amici Pub & Pizzeria and Chris Waters, STAP Board Member, with over $4,000 between the two of them.

Think you’ve got what it takes to compete?

Let us know! We would love to have you come and bartend in 2015!

ROUND I $1,656.25 6

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u o y k n a th

y t i r b e l e c 2014 nders! bar te ROUND I Candace Chapman Barbara Ellis Joanie Ellis Laura Ellis Andrea Vaioli

ROUND II Brett Chellis Richard Chomyszak

ENDING BASH

Shane Rosenthal Jim Simons Tanya Wild

ROUND III DIVAS

Jason Ellis

$736.00

Michael Libous Steven Nanni Chris Waters David Vallone

DIVAS DeDe Kupps Dusty Boxx ROUND III

GRAND TOTAL

Katrina

$5,478.25

$11,762.25

Monroe Sedgewick www.stapinc.org

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upcoming events

Sign up at www.aidsrideforlife.org Or call our Ithaca office at 607-272-4098.

AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE 9.13.14 There is only really great news when it comes to anything about

Lake. It was a fun, engaging, amateur bartender competition

the AIDS Ride For Life. Entering our 16th year, we have doubled

with local celebs serving cocktails and summer non-alcoholic

the number of Riders already signed up compared to last year

beverages. Over $7,000 in tips was collected for STAP!

at this time and we expect hundreds more!

The AIDS Ride For Life has grown into a celebration of what We have taken steps to create an even better, safer event

STAP can do for our community, our eight counties and all that

AND this year, we will surpass the three million dollar mark in

still needs to be done to create a world without AIDS. Riders

fundraising for the AIDS Ride For Life history! Every year, this

and volunteers participate for many reasons: for STAP and our

landmark ride around Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region

clients, to support the community in general and for the sheer

delivers a life-changing experience for hundreds of participants

love of the physical challenge.

from all backgrounds and fitness levels who are united in spirit by a common desire to do something altruistic.

You belong here with us! Please join us as a Rider or a Volunteer.

Sign up at www.aidsrideforlife.org or contact Cindy Rotella at

In addition, last year, we added another promotional event to

crotella@stapinc.org or at our Ithaca office at 607-272-4098.

teach our community about STAP and promote participation in

Thank you for your support!

the Ride. The Super Star Bartender Bash on the Lake was held on June 8 at the Boatyard Grill (3-6pm) on beautiful Cayuga 8

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4 1 0 2 .

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9 y r a s r e v i n n A h t 0 3 s ' P A T S

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go

Otsinin

alk W M A 1 • 1 n o i t a r egist R M A • 10 n o t m ingha B , k r a P

Y A D R U T A S

2 1 Y JUL

Two Mile Trek & Puptastic Post Party Exercise, Games, Lunch, Treats, Raffles, Prizes, Animal Blessings & More!

CALL TODAY! 607-798-1706 doggonefunontherun.org

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TH

2014

Fleas biting on your last nerves? Matted hair weighing you down?

Ever wondered what it would be like to be the Four-Legged Prince or Princess of Bel Aire? An A-List Pup on the Red Carpet?`

The answers to all of your champagne wishes and caviar dreams:

Doggone Fun on the Run Lucky Dog Contest!

If chosen, your pooch will get a first-class spa treatment on Friday, July 11th with a touch-up the following morning. But that’s not all—you and your pup will then be whisked away by limo to the Doggone Fun on the Run, the canine social event of the year, where you and your pooch will be the center of attention and the envy of all participants. Don’t miss the chance to show the ones who love you how much you love them back.

Winner will be announced on Listeners can submit their photos to BinghamtonDrive.com

July 10th!

June 23rd—July 9th

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client services

CLIENT PICNIC STAP’s second annual client picnic was held on June 11th. This event was started last year as a replacement for the client retreat. The client picnic offers a larger number of clients the opportunity to come together and celebrate the warmth and companionship of summertime.

STAP staff members also attend the event, giving clients the chance to meet staff from other offices and programs, with whom they do not usually interact.

Transportation is provided for clients outside of Broome County who wish to attend, lunch is served, and activities are available for those who wish to participate.

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“A REAL HOME FOR STAP” It’s an exciting time for the Client Services department, which

building that has not been recognized as the STAP building for

has relocated to their new space at the building on Riverside

nearly two decades. The Robbie’s Pantry services are now being

Drive. Many clients have now had the opportunity to visit the

provided out of this location as well, with distribution being

location and report that it feels “like a real home for STAP.”

done weekly on Tuesday afternoons. The new space offers all

Some clients have also stated they feel more comfortable in the

the same services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS as before,

new space, as it affords them greater confidentiality to enter a

as well as housing most of the administration staff. www.stapinc.org

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prevention services

RELOCATION The Prevention Services Department is also in the process of relocation. Now that they have vacated the building on Baldwin Street, they are getting ready to move into their newly renovated space at 277 Main Street in Johnson City.

This new location offers many features that will benefit individuals looking to receive services. The space is designed for easy access to testing services from the front door.

The location is easy to find and located very close to the bus stop. It will house additional locking storage space for program supplies (something always in short supply), as well as a separate entrance for the syringe exchange program participants.

Finally, it allows for the consolidation of the Women’s Services program staff into the same building, making it easier for staff to personally refer clients to other prevention programs. It is expected that Prevention Services will reopen for business late June or early July in the new space.

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volunteer

VOLUNTEER Once again, STAP is so happy to say we have the most wonderful

administrative staff at all of our events. This included our most

volunteers. What you see above, is a small representation of

recent event, the Mud Gauntlet.

people that help our programs run smoothly.

We currently are looking to expand our Buddy Program. For The volunteers have taken pictures, completed safety kits and

more information on this or other volunteering opportunities,

mailings, stocked shelves, shopped, and educated the public

please contact our volunteer coordinator, Candace Phelan at

about HIV. They have also been buddies for our Buddy Program,

607.798.1706 ext. 115 or by email cphelan@stapinc.org.

answered phones, helped us move, sent out our PAWS mailing, done taxes and entered data. Some have even put on a costume

Remember‌

and entertained at our events.

Volunteers do not get paid, because they are volunteers, They work tirelessly in our prevention, education, and client

volunteers do not get paid because they are priceless!

services, as well as youth programs. Volunteers help the

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Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. 22 Riverside Drive Binghamton, New York 13905

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Albany, NY PERMIT # 197 ZIP CODE 12205

Spring 2014

STAP

is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our nearly 30 years of providing services. Say “I care” by sending your gift today. Your generosity makes a difference!

Yes! I can help the Southern Tier AIDS Program continue to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provide prevention services to help reduce the rate of HIV infection in the Southern Tier. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of:

$25

$50

$100

$250

Other: $

Checks should be made payable to:

STAP, 22 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905

Please charge my donation to my:

Visa

Name

CC#

Address

Exp. Date

Mastercard

CVV Billing Zipcode

Signature

friends who care