STAP Fall Newsletter 2011

positive focus Winter 2011

www.stapinc.org

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

from the director ADMINISTRATION John Barry Executive Director Jackie Centerwall Director of Operations Mary Kaminsky Director of Development Julie Kerr Director of Finance Joseph Caminiti Director of Information Systems Candace Phelan Volunteer Coordinator Kim Conrad Special Events Coordinator Anne Baron Fiscal Assistant Ginny Miller Program Assistant Glenda Oliver Receptionist Katrina Roehrig Human Resources | Administrative Assistant

THERE ARE MANY

UNSUNG HEROES HERE AT STAP

especially among the

ranks of our volunteers. Within our volunteer corp, there is a small group of 18 individuals who quietly assure that STAP continues to be solvent, well managed and visionary. This is our Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are responsible for fiscal and programmatic oversight for STAP,

CLIENT SERVICES

assist with agency fundraising and act as ambassadors in the

Gayle Pado Director of Client Services Stacy Nickerson Assistant Director of Client Services Wendy Hitchcock Assistant Director of Client Services Teresa Wage-Harrington Housing Coordinator Andrea Pinney Housing Specialist Michael Leahey Housing Specialist Wixie Skellett Medical Advocate Autumn Cook Medical Advocate Kristina Hagen Client Services Data Specialist Gry Bente-Johansen Case Manager Chemung Jean Wilson Case Manager Chemung Terri Shields Case Manager Broome Jennifer McKenzie Case Manager Broome Elizabeth McDonald Case Manager Broome Cassandra Aikman Case Manager Tompkins Juan Rios Case Manager Tech Elke Meyer Case Manager Tech Beth Pittman Case Manager Tech Jeffrey Pryor Prison Reentry Coordinator

community promoting STAP and its good work. People chosen to serve on STAP’s Board of Directors share their expertise in areas like living with HIV, politics, law, spirituality, fundraising, nonprofit administration, insurance, healthcare, media and many other areas. They bring to STAP community connections that benefit the agency’s development and growth.

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM 122 Baldwin Street Johnson City, New York 13790

Most of the directors are people with very busy lives and yet,

questioning in their area of expertise by staff on a regular basis,

they generously find just those few more hours to share their

which they gladly offer without complaint. They align their own

passion & talents to make sure that STAP continues to grow

professional reputations with the reputation of STAP and bring

and provide high quality service. They are a divergent group

the issue of HIV/AIDS into their own circles to raise awareness

in terms of age, gender, race, HIV status, sexual orientation,

(and often money). STAP’s Board of Directors has raised over

religion, profession and political outlook who work together

$40,000 in the last 2 years through their AIDS Walk team. This

to place the needs of STAP and those we serve first on their

is a stunning accomplishment.

collective agenda.

I have many friends and associates who work in nonprofit

Many people are under the impression that serving on a Board of

organizations and tell me on a fairly regular basis how lucky STAP

Directors is glamorous and I suppose there are those moments,

is to have the cooperative and productive board we do and all I

but make no mistake the majority of the time it is real work.

can do is agree wholeheartedly. It is true that great leadership

Directors spend a lot of time completing important, but

produces great outcomes and at STAP that great leadership

somewhat tedious tasks such as reviewing financial statements

begins with the Board of Directors. Their example sets the tone

& the annual financial audit, reviewing policy & procedure

for the work that is done throughout the organization. Their

and evaluating the Executive Director. Their toil is rewarded

commitment informs our own and we strive every day to live

by those times they provide crucial input into STAP’s strategic

up to the standard they set for us. They are a group that I am

planning and future directions that yield new programs. Here

genuinely proud to work with.

at STAP we ask Directors to make a minimum commitment of 3 years and we encourage them to stay with us for 6 years if they can, so while it is a volunteer job, the commitment is significant. Serving on the Board makes Directors fair game for 2

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From both the staff and myself a heartfelt thanks to the Board of Directors. Your efforts are noticed and appreciated. We truly could not do it without you.

Hotline: (800) 333-0892 Phone: (607) 798-1706

PREVENTION SERVICES Michelle McElroy Director of Prevention Services Lawrence Parham Assistant Director of Prevention Services Amy Henry Assistant Director of Prevention Services Alisa Reynolds Substance Use Outreach Coordinator Joe Barnett Assistant Director of Prevention Services Cathy Sostre Womens’ Outreach Coordinator Saleem Diaz Substance Use Outreach Educator Emily Cowan Substance Use Outreach Educator Chalanda Graham COC Educator Renee Whitaker COC Educator Kernalia Andrews Womens’ Prevention Educator Jeff Dunlap LGBT Youth Educator Lillian Fan Harm Reduction Educator Thomas Womelsdorf Syringe Exchange Technician Jesse Naitshak Syringe Exchange Technician Hanna Weiss Syringe Exchange Technician Bryan Cook Criminal Justice Services Specialist Noah Cooper Mpowerment Assistant

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recent events

Doggone Fun on the Run 2011 On October 1st, the annual Doggone Fun on the Run took place

personal blessing. The walk/run went on without a hitch.

members: Anne Baron, Carrie Juraska, Hope Woodcock (the

at Otsiningo Park. We weren’t sure what to expect as the

Participants raced around the 2-mile walk, searching for the

Raffle Table Queen), Jackie Centerwall, Juan Rios, Paula

weatherman was predicting a rather wet day and it was just a

hidden bones in hopes of winning one of the three spa packages

Collier, Terri Shields, Sharon Arney, Rebecca Medina, and

couple weeks after Hurricane Irene devastated our area.

available.

Mary Hubschmitt. All teams need a leader and we have the best Volunteer Coordinator in town. Thank you to Candace

You can imagine our surprise when 67 of our 4-legged friends

After the walk/run participants enjoyed the contest

showed up and registered for the event. What an incredible

and games. Participants enjoyed delicious food and beverages

day.

provide by our hospitality sponsors:

Phelan for all of her hard work and dedication.

and then he offered each participant the opportunity for a

sign up to help us. Special thanks to our Doggone Fun committee

United Health Services Visions Federal Credit Union Dogs on the Run, LLC

The rain came as expected, but it did not dampen our spirits.

This event is made possible by the numerous volunteers who

Excellus BCBS

UPS—Vestal Store

Outback Steakhouse, Frito-Lay, Starbucks and Price Chopper.

The Rev. David A. Drebert performed a Blessing of the Animals,

SPONSORED BY

SPEAK, Inc. The 2011 Doggone Fun on the Run raised

$10,838.97

The Magic Paintbrush Project Star 105.7 3i Graphics & Signs NYC DEP

Miss Richfield 1981

Bing Spot Remlik’s

So Much Fun! I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard.

What a blast, I love her!

These were just a few of the many comments we heard after the Miss Richfield 1981 performance. The crowd was delighted with her antics and we wished the show didn’t have to end. She was fabulous and we can’t wait to have her back again! Thank you to the UPS store in Vestal for sponsoring the event and to Remlik’s for hosting the show.

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2011 Top Dog, Gemma, is a family member of Stephanie & Angela Giovannone

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We had a fabulous day for the 13th Annual AIDS Ride for Life

17.6 miles

There were rest stops every 15-20 miles.

87.8 miles

on September 10th! Our riders rode 100 miles, the weather was phenomenal and our volunteers, staff and supporters were on hand to make the day even more beautiful. We had 350 riders on the road that day and over 800 people showed up

for

our

celebration

dinner in Stewart Park.

If you’d like to see some pictures, please check out Facebook and look at the Southern Tier AIDS Program page!

You

raised

over

$215,000 dollars for people living

with

HIV—Thank

you!

At 59.3 miles. I missed the stop at 45.9 miles. Never saw it! My legs started cramping up pretty bad around 57 miles so I wolfed down a granola bar I was carrying and some gatorade. I didn’t stop.

Then to the finish, where the organizers provided a wall of

75.7 miles. At this rest stop they had free 5-minute massages and whatever she did made the calf cramps go away. My left knee still hurt and sometimes went numb on and off the rest of the ride.

We all survived, more or less. I feel pretty good. My knees are on ice, though. I have to lead a beginning kayak trip tomorrow. Hope I’m up for it!

cheering people on either side.

One of our dedicated riders was Angela Baldo. She shares her story here with some wonderful comments on her experience.

Her blog can also be found at: http://www.sparkpeople.com/ mypage_public_journal_summary. asp?id=4A-HEALTHY-BMI

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33.3 miles

giving

thanks

Give the Gift of Family What do you get the person who has everything this holiday season?

Why not adopt an entire family in their name by making a

Family gives priority to families that were not able to access

donation to STAP’s Adopt-A-Family program?

other community resources to ensure these families are not forgotten and fill this gap. Depending on the circumstances,

Adopt-A-Family provides HIV+ families living in poverty with

Adopt-A-Family may provide a tangible gift or a gift card to

an opportunity to spend quality time together, giving them a

the family, typically for $15 per household member. Clients

chance to rebuild the family bond the virus has torn apart by the

do not apply for the program, but are anonymously referred

continuous worry of finances, medications and medical bills. It

by a STAP case manger when circumstances are appropriate

also provides empowering financial assistance for parents that

and a need is identified. Adopt-A-Family is not funded by

may be struggling to provide simple pleasures for their children

a grant, or a foundation, but rather is the combined efforts

due to the constant struggles of surviving with HIV/AIDS.

of STAP employees and generous community members.

THANK YOU

Thank you for being there when we needed you. Thank you for answering our telephones.

Thank you for transporting our clients. Thank you for getting that mailing ready. Thank you for serving on our committees and Board of Directors. Thank you for riding your bicycles. Thank you for serving food. Thank you for donating to Robbie’s pantry. Thank you for walking your dog. Thank you for setting up and taking down what feels like a million chairs and tables at our events. Thank you for signing in and tracking your hours. Thank you for chaperoning.

Thank you for dancing and singing. Thank you for your clapping and encouragement at the pit stops. Thank you for the filing, data entry and clerical work you do. Thank you for walking with your family for our cause. Thank you for being on all the cleanup crews. Thank you for smiling. Thank you for packing up and unpacking trucks and vans at events. Thank you for putting together the safety kits. Thank you for sitting at a table and selling coupons. Thank you for wrapping gifts for tips. Thank you for assisting in outreach. Thank you for being a buddy. Thank you for the massages. Thank you for placing and collecting all the yard signs, posters and post cards. Thank you for making the best ever raffle baskets and auction items.

we could not do it without you.

The Adopt-A-Family program is an affordable way for almost

PLISOAs (Persons Living In Spite of AIDS) are PERSONS first and foremost: persons who have families and loved ones, persons who have dreams and hopes and fears, persons who laugh and cry, persons who deserve the same respect and love as you and I. —a fiesty long-term survivor

anyone to make a huge difference in the lives of families in their own community. Not only is your contribution tax deductible (to the extent allowable by law,) but you’ll be glad to know that

Want to be a volunteer?

Contact Cadance Phelan at cphelan@stapinc.org or call 607.798.1706 ext. 225

100% of your donation will benefit families in your community.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to change the impact of poverty on a family!

If you are interested in donating to this life-enhancing program, please call Gayle Pado at 1-800-333-0892, or send your donation to:

Imagine having a life threatening illness and not having enough money to celebrate your child’s birthday with a cake and candles, or celebrating Christmas with no apparent visit from Santa Claus. For many families living with HIV/AIDS, such

We would like to welcome Amy Henry as the new LGBT Program

artwork you no longer display, extra throw pillows, or some

STAP, C/o Adopt-A-Family

Coordinator. She has assumed Erin Gotthardt’s position at

art project supplies? Additionally, Identity is always looking for

122 Baldwin Street

the Identity Youth Center is planning some redecorating

new mentors, who help support programming and the youth at

Johnson City, NY 13790

this fall. The center has been open for a few years now

Identity. If you are interested in donating items, or becoming

and the youth would love some new gear for their space!

a mentor, please contact Amy Henry or Jeff Dunlap at the

Would you like to donate some items to liven it up? Do you have

Identity Youth Center (607) 651-9120.

simple pleasures are too expensive. While there are various local programs that provide holiday assistance, Adopt-A8

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Due to HIV/AIDS confidentiality laws, it is not possible for donors to meet the families that participate in the Adopt-A-Family program.

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upcoming events

STUDIO 65 IS COMING

DECEMBER 31, 2012

YES, THAT IS CORRECT—DECEMBER 31, 2012.

HIT THE BACK OF YOUR CLOSETS, FIND YOUR FINEST DISCO GARB AND SEND IT TO THE CLEANERS.

WE WILL SEE YOU IN DECEMBER 2012!!!

Are you ready for April 22nd?

We’re taking HIV and AIDS head on, and we’re not going down without a fight. It’s gonna get rough, tough, and downright dirty— Have you got what it takes?

This ain’t your mama’s walk!

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122 Baldwin Street Johnson City, NY 13790

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Albany, NY PERMIT #58 ZIP CODE 12202

Winter 2011

STAP is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our 25 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, 122 Baldwin St., Johnson City, NY 13790 Please charge my donation to my:

❑ Visa

❑ Mastercard

Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

CC#: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

______________________ __________________

Signature:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

friends who care