Celebrating the Community in Healthy Ways October 6, 2021 at 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. MARINA DEL REY • 1 MARINA DRIVE • BRONX, NY 10465
VIPGalaLIVE.org
Thank you for joining us for our Annual Gala. Our theme, Celebrating the
Community in Healthy Ways, speaks to our commitment to providing critical and comprehensive medical, behavioral health and social services to vulnerable and at-risk Bronx residents for the past 47 years, and highlights our response to the multiple challenges of the last 18 months.
Event Committee Virginia Alter Thomas Brown Trinity Financial Dr. Henry Chung Norris Clark Princeton Strategic Communications Jared Derector Columbia Omni Salvatore Gogliormella Paul-Weiss Sharelle Hicks Interior Resources Priyank Patel Felicity Pharmacy Errol Pierre Healthfirst Silvia Ronda Advanced Medical Billing Systems Sher Sparano OneGroup
Development Committee Salvatore Gogliormella, JD – Chair Yves Filius Dennis Murphy, PharmD Amanda Parsons, MD, MBA Lilliam Perez Sara Schacter-Erenburg, MSEd, CRC
VIP Community Services Board of Directors Officers Amanda Heron Parsons, MD, MBA Board Chair William Bifulco, MBA Vice Chair Zenali Tirado, JD Secretary Lionell G. Jackson, MBA Treasurer
Chairs Emeriti Charles L. Burgess Riccardo Salmona
Directors Yves Filius Salvatore Gogliormella, JD Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD Donna Lichti, RN Tina (HsinTing) Liu, CPA, MBA Dennis C. Murphy, PharmD John P. Nero Liliam Perez Sara Schacter-Erenburg, MSEd, CRC Jodi M. Sturgeon Seth Townsend, PhD, MBA Janine Van Staden, CPA Paul L. Wilder
Directors Emeriti Virginia Bird Steve Edwards, JD Laura Parsons, PsyD
Leadership Team Debbian Fletcher-Blake Chief Executive Officer Dr. Darcia Bryden-Currie Chief Clinical Officer Opal Dunstan Chief Operations Officer Lizanne Fontaine Counsel Tabitha Gaffney Chief Compliance Officer Dr. Ernst Jean Medical Director Frank Kploanyi Chief Financial Officer Justin Mitchell Chief Program Officer Carmen Rivera Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer Inez Sieben Chief Strategy Officer
Management Team Fenesha Blanchard, LMSW, MS, CASAC-2 Program Director – 822 Outpatient Services Terence Boyd Director of Development Dana Coleman, MSW, CASAC-T, CARC Senior Director of Housing and Shelter Brenda Wine-Cooks Program Director – Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter Renato Gomes Senior Director of Health Initiatives Ellen Hoffman Senior Director of MAT Nicholas Jefferson Senior Director of Admissions Jimmy Liranzo Director of Information Technology Alison Maling, LCSW Director of Wellness Anna Otero Director of Health Services Victoria Robinson Director - 764 Residence Jonathan Robles Sr. Director of Operations (FTS – Facility, Transportation, and Security) Abdoulaye Samb Assistant Director – 764 Residence Susan Terrell Thomas Director - 716 Residence
Dear Friends: Thank you for joining our “Celebrating the Community in Healthy Ways” Gala. Congratulations to our distinguished honorees Dr. Susan Beane and the Hispanic Federation, and our award recipients Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark. Tonight, we also remember two important friends and supporters of VIP who are no longer with us, Don Ashkenase and Guy Vicinelli. We honor Don, a dedicated member of VIP’s Event Committee and Guy, former Board member and chair for 15 years. We remember the tremendous contributions they made of their time and resources to VIP and their lasting legacies, etched in our memories and our hearts. The setting for tonight—Marina Del Rey along the East River—is the perfect backdrop. Rivers and water symbolize reflection, life, and transformation. Tonight, as the nearby river runs, and the stories and conversations flow, let us take this moment to reflect and celebrate our accomplishments. We regret not everyone could join in person due to the ongoing pandemic but appreciate all who could join us, in person or virtually. Our gala is an opportunity to come together after nearly two years of adjusting to a pandemic that uncovered the magnitude of the disparities that exists locally and nationally; it reminds us each day that VIP’s work is more needed than ever. The Bronx continues to have the highest rates of opioid use and overdose deaths in the City. Homeless rates are the highest since the Great Depression, with nearly 40,000 homeless children in 2020. These situations have resulted in significant need for mental health services and have disproportionately affected communities of color with 42% of Hispanic and 39% of Black New Yorkers reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in a 2020 study. The path ahead is challenging, but necessary. We invite you to join us in our work to rebuild that which is broken and to find new and innovative ways to improve the health of the communities we serve. How will we respond? We will draw on 47 years’ experience and your support to prioritize the needs of the community. VIP offers integrated medical, behavioral health, housing, shelter, job preparation and placement, and care coordination services. We operate an Access Center that allows us to provide around-the-clock entry to care for clients with substance use disorders. VIP is one of a handful of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the nation that is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). Our housing and vocational programs are expanding to add capacity; in addition to our 48-bed women’s shelter in the Bronx, we recently opened a 100bed shelter in Queens, soon will open a 134-bed shelter in Harlem and add 66 units for supportive housing. In addition, we are adding dental services in one of our supportive housing buildings, and we are in the community providing COVID-19 education, testing and vaccinations including to home-bound seniors and areas with low vaccination rates. We are motivated by the people we serve. Most of the 3,000+ clients we serve each year are diagnosed with chronic medical conditions, mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Ninety-eight percent live in poverty; 70% are insured by Medicaid, 15% are uninsured or underinsured, more than 50% are unemployed, and over 40% did not graduate high school. Your continued support of VIP will help us change the current healthcare landscape and bring equitable services to the communities devastated by the pandemic and other social impediments. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, honorees and award recipients, event committee, development committee (chaired by Salvatore Gogliormella), Board of Directors, and staff; and importantly, to our clients for their trust and partnership. Respectfully,
_______________________ Amanda Heron Parsons, MD Board Chair
______________________ Debbian Fletcher-Blake Chief Executive Officer
THE CITY OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE MAYOR NEW YORK, NY 10007
October 6, 2021
Dear Friends: I am delighted welcome everyone as Vocational Instruction Project Community Services hosts its Annual Gala. Ensuring the health and safety of all New Yorkers is my administration’s highest priority, and as we continue to combat COVID-19, we are grateful to VIP Community Services for its efforts to protect the wellbeing of vulnerable residents in the hard-hit Bronx. Throughout this unprecedented crisis, the dedicated staff of VIP Community Services have continued to provide comprehensive medical and behavioral healthcare, housing, job training, and social services to New Yorkers in need, including people struggling with mental illness and substance misuse disorders, homeless individuals and families, and veterans. They have also been tremendous partners in our Vaccine for All Campaign, helping to increase vaccination rates among communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. As you gather to support VIP’s essential services, I commend everyone associated with this outstanding organization for their commitment to strengthen this dynamic borough and improve quality of life for at-risk New Yorkers. Together, we will defeat this virus and come back stronger and more united. On behalf of the City of New York, congratulations to all of tonight’s distinguished honorees. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful event and continued success. Sincerely,
Bill de Blasio Mayor
October 6, 2021 Dear Friends, It is a pleasure to join you to celebrate VIP Community Services’ 47th anniversary. Since 1974, VIP Community Services has provided Bronx residents suffering from substance abuse disorders with the tools and environment needed to radically transform their lives. By delivering comprehensive healthcare and behavioral services and by offering unconditional support to their clients, VIP has become an important player in our borough's healthcare delivery network. I want to offer my sincerest congratulations to this year's awardees, Dr. Susan Beane, Vice President & Medical Director of Healthfirst, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. As Chair of the Senate Health Committee and as a representative of The Bronx, I am proud to call VIP Community Services a longtime partner and I look forward to continuing working with them to improve The Bronx's healthcare landscape. Stay healthy and stay safe,
Gustavo Rivera New York State Senate 33rd District
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THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY
CHAIR Sub Committee on Micro Business COMMITTEES Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Cities Education Mental Health Small Business
CHANTEL JACKSON Assembly Member 79 District th
September 16, 2021
Dear Friends, It is an honor to join my colleagues at VIP Community Services’ 47th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the great work that the organization has done in the Bronx Borough. For almost half of a century, VIP Community Services has committed itself to helping Bronx residents lead healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives; and for this reason, I want to express my personal gratitude to the organization’s team and for the services they provide. In celebration of this anniversary, VIP Community Services is recognizing members of the community whose work has had a uniquely positive impact during the past year: Dr. Susan Beane, Executive Medical Director, Healthfirst; The Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President; The Hon. Darcel Clark, Bronx Borough District Attorney; and the Hispanic Federation. The work these individuals and organizations are doing in our community is commendable: Dr. Beane for her work helping healthcare providers adapt to the unique challenges during the pandemic; Borough President Diaz, Jr. for his work representing the Bronx within the city government; District Attorney Clark for helping reform the Bronx’s criminal justice system in the image of fairness and civility; and the Hispanic Federation for their work to empower and advance the Hispanic community through education. I believe that these individuals and organizations are living representations of the excellence found in our great borough. When I ran for public office in 2020, I centered my platform on an initiative called “W.H.E.N.” - “Wellness, Housing, Education, NOW!”. After nine months of serving as an Assembly Member, I understand that the goals of W.H.E.N. cannot be achieved without the assistance of organizations such as VIP Community Services. While I can inspire change from within the legislature, VIP inspires change from the streets, and for that reason, our partnership is critical if we hope to improve the lives of constituents in the 79th Assembly District. With these words in mind, I take great pride in celebrating VIP Community Services during their 47th Anniversary. I look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to impact the lives of residents in our community. Sincerely,
Chantel Jackson, LMSW Assemblymember District 79
ALBANY OFFICE: Room 643, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 • 518-455-5272, FAX: 518-455-5925 DISTRICT OFFICE: 780 Concourse Village West, Bronx, New York 10451 • 718-538-3829, FAX: 718-588-0159 EMAIL: jacksonc@nyassembly.gov
Program WELCOME Amanda Parsons HONOREE AWARDS Dr. Susan Beane Hispanic Federation POLITICAL IMPACT AWARD Darcel D. Clark COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD Ruben Diaz, Jr. LEGACY HONOREE Don Ashkenase MUSICAL PERFORMANCES UpBeat NYC Jerrod Sanders CLIENT TESTIMONY Curtis Rhodes
Featured Honorees:
Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Dr. Susan Beane
Hispanic Federation
Darcel D. Clark
Our MC
Dr. Bob Lee “Doctor” Bob Lee is one of the most recognized entertainment personalities in New York. For more than 30 years, he’s had a rewarding livelihood as a DJ, TV host, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Lee started out as a DJ for 88.7 WTNY Radio in 1978 while he was attending the New York Institute of Technology, where he later received his BA and MA in Communications. Lee eventually went on to be music director, program director and general manager for WTNY.
The 2021 Honoree Dr. Susan Beane Vice President and Executive Medical Director of Healthfirst
Dr. Susan Beane joined Healthfirst in 2009, bringing with her extensive professional experience in managed care. As Vice President and Executive Medical Director at Healthfirst, Dr. Beane focuses on care management and clinical provider partnerships, programs especially designed to improve the delivery of vital, evidence-based health care to our members. Dr. Beane is a strong proponent of collaborating with and engaging providers to improve health outcomes. Dr. Susan Beane leads Healthfirst in collaborating with major healthcare delivery systems, local, and national policy experts on the design, implementation, and dissemination of innovative, outcomes focused models of care. Her research contributions span health of caregivers, obesity, and maternal health. Prior to joining Healthfirst, Dr. Beane served as Chief Medical Officer for Affinity Health Plan for five years—during which time she helped Affinity’s plan become a top performer in quality and member satisfaction. Before that, she worked at AmeriChoice and HIP USA, as Medical Director. Dr. Beane is a graduate of Princeton University and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The 2021 Honoree Hispanic Federation National membership organization of, by and for the Latino community
Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, & the environment. Hispanic Federation serves as a national model for Latino social, political, and economic empowerment. With a strong presence in New York, Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and other key states throughout the U.S., HF works to uplift millions of Hispanic children, youth, and families across the country. In addition, the Washington, DC office gives HF a true national advocacy presence. HF works locally, state-wide, and nationally to strengthen Latino nonprofits, promote public policy advocacy, and bring to scale a portfolio of innovative community programs. Hispanic Federation’s effectiveness lies in its depth of relationships with Latino communities and strength of connection with grasstops and grassroots stakeholders. These strong bonds with community leaders, media, corporations, and local & national elected officials allow HF to work deeply in communities and pursue systemic change in its issue areas. VIP Community Services is privileged to honor the Hispanic Federation, with particular emphasis on the good work of the HS staff in all its regions.
VIP Community Builder Award Ruben Diaz, Jr. Bronx Borough President
Ruben Diaz, Jr. first entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1997, and is currently serving his third full term as Bronx Borough President, having been reelected in November 2017 with more than 88 percent of the vote. As borough president, Ruben Diaz, Jr. has led the implementation of a robust agenda— on economic development, housing, health and wellness, education, and public safety—in every corner of the borough. The Bronx has seen over $18.9 billion in new development of all kinds since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009. This includes more than 45,000 new units of housing, most of it built for lower-income families. Thousands of new jobs have been created in The Bronx since 2009, thanks in large part to the continued partnership between Borough President Diaz, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and those seeking to do business in the borough. As a result of those efforts, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate in The Bronx was cut nearly in half. Much of this success is driven by new infrastructure improvements, and Borough President Diaz has helped bring significant new projects to the borough. This includes the East Bronx Metro North expansion, which will bring new commuter rail service to Co-op City, Morris Park/Van Nest, Parkchester and Hunts Point; the future redevelopment of the Sheridan Expressway and the reconstruction of the historic Orchard Beach Pavilion, among others. Borough President Diaz is also working to improve the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), in order to make public housing safer and healthier for the more than 400,000 residents who call it their home. During his early childhood years the borough president lived in NYCHA’s Moore Houses in Mott Haven, and later spent a great deal of his teenage years in the former Bronxdale Houses in Soundview. Throughout his more than two decades in public service he has worked to improve the lives of NYCHA tenants. As borough president he lead the citywide charge for an emergency declaration to allow
the agency to speed the procurement process and make necessary repairs faster and convened a public housing task force to examine safety issues in NYCHA. Borough President Diaz has also put forward a robust legislative agenda, having led the charge for a new “living wage” law in New York City, which passed in May 2012 and requires developers that receive heavy taxpayer funding for their project to pay the employees of that development a “living wage.” Borough President Diaz has also put forward legislation to create a letter grading system for nail salons and other cosmetology businesses and to develop a public registry of felony gun offenders. On health, Borough President Diaz has also launched the his “#Not62” Initiative, aimed at improving social and economic factors that will help promote more positive health behaviors within for Bronx residents, including help attain better access to clinical care as well as well improve social and economic factors. In October 2015, The Bronx received The RWJF Culture of Health Prize, which honors communities which place a high priority on health and bring partners together to drive local change, in recognition of those efforts. Since taking office in 2009 Borough President Diaz has provided tens of millions in funding to projects of all types in every Bronx neighborhood, including new technology upgrades to borough schools, green roofs and boiler upgrades, park improvements and more. Prior to his current role Borough President Diaz served seven terms in the State Legislature. During that time, he earned a reputation as a champion for working families in The Bronx and across New York State. He demonstrated a passion for constituent service, social advocacy, criminal justice reform and community empowerment balanced with support for sensible, green economic development and job creation programs. He also sponsored and secured passage of important and innovative laws to address the consequences of the intolerable levels of asthma in the South Bronx, healthcare insurance fraud, and quality of life concerns. In the State Assembly, Ruben Diaz, Jr. served as Chair of the Committee on Election Law and on the Assembly’s Standing Committees on Education, Ways & Means, Children and Families, Environmental Conservation and Transportation. He was also a member of the Assembly’s Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force and the Black/Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus. A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Borough President Diaz lives in the Southeast Bronx with his wife Hilda Gerena Diaz. They have two sons, Ruben Diaz III and Ryan Isaiah Diaz. He graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York, with a Bachelor’s degree in political theory. Borough President Diaz is also the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees in civil law from Berkeley College and Mercy College, and a doctoral degree in humane letters from the Metropolitan College of New York, and the President’s Medal from Hostos Community College.
Political Impact Award Darcel D. Clark Bronx County District Attorney
Darcel D. Clark was re-elected as the 13th District Attorney for Bronx County in 2019 and began her second term on January 1, 2020. She is the first woman in that position and the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected a District Attorney in New York State. District Attorney Clark’s mission is “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” and in fulfilling that mission she has restructured the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to reflect 21st Century prosecution, focusing on fairness to defendants, assistance for victims, crime prevention and community outreach. She enacted the Vertical Prosecution model, created a Conviction Integrity Unit, a Professional Responsibility Bureau, a Public Integrity Bureau, and established a Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau to decrease violence and corruption in the jails. District Attorney Clark pioneered initiatives such as the Overdose Avoidance and Recovery Program that diverts low-level offenders at risk of opioid overdose directly into treatment, and Bronx Community Justice, which involves “circles” of community volunteers who resolve petty crimes with offenders outside of the criminal justice system. Prior to her election, District Attorney Clark served as an Associate Justice for the NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Department; a NYS Supreme Court Justice in Bronx County; and a Criminal Court Judge in Bronx and New York Counties. She spent more than 16 years on the bench.
District Attorney Clark is a lifelong Bronx, New York resident, raised in public housing and educated in public schools. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Boston College, where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, and earned her law degree at the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. District Attorney Clark returned home in 1986 to begin her legal career at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. She prosecuted drug felonies, violent crimes and homicides. District Attorney Clark served as a Supervising ADA in the Narcotics Bureau and the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Court Bureau. In 1999, she left the Office for her first judicial post. District Attorney Clark is a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association and a Board member of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. She is also a member of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence. She frequently addresses national and local legal organizations, including the American Bar Association, the National Black Prosecutors Association and the New York State and New York City Bar Associations, on a range of criminal justice topics.
VIP Community Services
Celebrates the Life of a Dear Friend Gaetano Vicinelli
Gaetano Vicinelli, known by the VIP family as “Guy,” passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 79 on Tuesday, June 1, after a long battle with cancer. He was a former chair of the VIP’s Board of Directors and was named chair emeritus after his years of Board service. Guy was born on May 1, 1942, in New York City. Born to an American mother and an Italian father, Guy enjoyed an international upbringing, including his early education in Turin, Italy and Quebec, Canada. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Following his graduation, Guy began a long international banking career, moving back and forth from New York to Milan, Italy. His banking career and love for travel also landed him in Beirut, Lebanon; Santiago, Chile; and London, England for periods of his life. While serving on VIP’s Board, Guy worked diligently to ensure the organization’s viability. He generously contributed his time and financial resources. His commitment to VIP continued with financial support several years after he left the Board and through 2020. Former Board Member and current Executive staff, Carmen Rivera, maintained her friendship with Guy since his Board tenure. According to Carmen, “Guy’s leadership and background in finances, came at a very important time in the history of VIP Community Services.” VIP celebrates Guy’s successful life with his wife Susan, his three children Stephen (Kajy), Paolo (Kara), and Cristina Magill (Walter) and nine grandchildren (Leila, Sofia, Luca, Max, Ben, and Jena Vicinelli, and Wally, Suzy, and Henry Magill.). He was dearly loved and will maintain a place in VIP’s History.
We’d like to thank our sponsors for their support:
Circle of Hope Sponsors
Circle of Love Sponsors
In Memory of Donald L. Ashkenase
Circle of Peace Sponsors
Parsons Family Foundation
Salvatore Gogliormella
Circle of Care Sponsors
Circle of Care Sponsors
ADVANCED MEDICAL BILLING SYSTEMS, INC. Silvia&Ronda, CPC Charles Kerstin Burgess
President
Lionell Jackson Sara Schacter-Erenburg
(914) 643-7318
John Nero
ambs123@aol.com www.billwithambs.com Dennis sronda@billwithambs.com
Murphy
Building a
healthier future for New Yorkers Nearly 30 years ago, Healthfirst pioneered a value-based care model to give people from all walks of life access to high-quality healthcare. Today, with more than 1.7 million members, we’ve grown into one of New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance companies. Our work, as well as our commitment to health equity, guides us as we combat social determinants of health in our diverse member communities. We’re honored to support VIP Community Services and share in its mission to improve the health and well-being of the Bronx and surrounding communities. We celebrate this year’s VIP honorees for their leadership and service: Susan J. Beane, M.D., Healthfirst Executive Medical Director Hispanic Federation, national Latino nonprofit
membership organization Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President Darcel Clark, Bronx District Attorney
© 2021 HF Management Services, LLC
Healthfirst is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Healthfirst group of affiliated companies. 1069-21
We are proud to support VIP Community Services and their Annual Gala. Congratulations to honorees:
DR. SUSAN BEANE
HISPANIC FEDERATION
VICE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF HEALTHFIRST
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION OF, BY AND FOR THE LATINO COMMUNITY
RUBEN DIAZ, JR.
DARCEL D. CLARK
BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT
BRONX COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
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CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible honorees, Dr. Susan Beane, the Hispanic Federation, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr and Bronx DA Darcel Clark! In loving memory of my brother Alexis Heron, and my friend and mentor, Don Ashkenase In gratitude for all the efforts of Debbian Fletcher-Blake and the VIP staff who provide excellent, equitable and comprehensive services every day In awe of the strength and determination of VIP clients who strive for better health and wellness In thanks to my fellow board members for their dedication to furthering VIP’s reach and impact
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To VIP Community Services’ Staff, Clients, Volunteers, Board Members, and More:
Thank You for another year of
OUTSTANDING SERVICE to the community! George A. Davidson
Montefiore-Einstein salutes VIP Community Services and proudly supports its 2021 gala. Thank you for 47 years of providing comprehensive wellness and community services to the residents of the Bronx. Your commitment is extraordinary. We congratulate gala honorees Susan Beane, MD; Hon. Darcel D. Clark; Hon. Ruben Diaz Jr.; and Hispanic Federation.
CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s Honorees: Susan Beane, M.D. & Hispanic Federation VIP Community Builder Award Recipient: Ruben Diaz, Jr. Political Impact Award Recipient: Darcel D. Clark VIP Community Services 47th Anniversary Gala Our Gratitude to the Staff and Leadership of VIP Chuck & Kerstin Burgess October 6, 2021
CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU To
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Congratulations to our honorees Dr. Susan Beane and the Hispanic Federation Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, Political Impact Award Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Community Builder Award Deep and heartfelt thanks to The Staff of VIP For its tireless work and unflinching commitment With respect and admiration for the courageous clients of VIP Derek Dorn & Salvatore Gogliormella
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Tress Capitol Advisors congratulates VIP Community Services on their 2021 Annual Gala and Gala Honorees Dr. Susan Beane and the Hispanic Federation. We also congratulate Political Impact Awardee Darcel D. Clark and Community Builder Awardee Ruben Diaz Jr.
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LAURA PARSONS ON THIS THE OCCASION OF OUR
47TH ANNIVERSARY GALA We Appreciate Your Ongoing Support and Commitment to the VIP Mission October 6, 2021
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Congratulations to 2021’s VIP Honorees Dr. Susan Beane | Honoree The Hispanic Federation | Honoree Ruben Diaz, Jr. | VIP Community Builder Award Darcel Clark | VIP Political Impact Award Honoring the Legacy of Donald L. Ashkenase
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FRONT-LINE STAFF DEBBIAN FLETCHER-BLAKE & THE HONOREES OF THE 2021 VIP GALA
Congratulations to our Honorees and Award winners. We appreciate your dedication to make Bronx Communities healthy!
Dr. Susan Beane The Hispanic Federation Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz
In recognition of the patients, staff and friends we lost over the past 18 months to COVID 19 and other causes. We remember especially, Guy Vicinelli (board member), Don Ashkenase (fund raising committee), Olga Perez (staff). Your kindness and work will be remembered.
Debbian Fletcher-Blake Chief Executive Officer
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We are proud to celebrate
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A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2021 HONOREES And a special thanks to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. On his continued dedication to the Bronx Community Best wishes and continued success to all
SALUTES SALUTES
COMMUNITY SERVICES VIPVIP COMMUNITY SERVICES
AND ISAND PROUD TO SUPPORT THE 2021 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE GALA
2021 GALA
Celebrating the Celebrating the Community Community in Healthy Ways
inCONGRATULATIONS Healthy Ways TO
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Signature Bank is proud to support the invaluable work that
VIP COMMUNITY SERVICES provides to improve the lives of the men and women of our New York City community.
David Artis Group Director – Senior Vice President (646) 746-8950 DArtis@signatureNY.com 200 Park Avenue South, Suite 514/515, New York, NY 10003 www.signatureNY.com
Member FDIC
Sincere appreciation to all
VIP STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
for providing the critical services to the community in such a time of great need. Anonymous
FROM THE SCHACTER AND ERENBURG FAMILIES IN MEMORY OF BERNICE Z. SCHACTER, PHD
Joseph Kanjamala and the Partners and Principals of Marks Paneth LLP are proud to support
VIP Community Services and congratulate the honorees: Susan Bean, M.D. Ruben Diaz, Jr. Darcel D. Clark, D.A. Hispanic Federation Joseph Kanjamala, CPA, CGMA Partner 212.503.8952 917.596.2119 jkanjamala@markspaneth.com
INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE TO D R I V E Y O U R B U S I N E S S F O R W A R D.
SUCCESS IS PERSONAL MARKSPANETH.COM
Congratulations for 47 Years of Community Service
“ Helping to Rebuild Neighborhoods One Building at a Time” 2881 Middletown Road | Bronx, New York 10461
(718) 828-5388
On this the Occasion of
VIP COMMUNITY SERVICES’ VIRTUAL EVENT A Virtual Tribute Celebrating the Spirit of those Served by VIP
I Congratulate our Honorees
DR. SUSAN BEANE & HISPANIC FEDERATION
Lionell Gregory Jackson Member, VIP Community Services Board of Directors
and to RUBEN DIAZ, JR., BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT VIP Community Builder Award Winner
DARCEL D. CLARK, BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY
VIP Political Impact Award
Congratulations To VIP Community Services’ 2021 Gala
Cicero Consulting Associates 925 Westchester Ave. Suite 201 White Plains, New York 10604 CICERO@CICEROASSOCIATES.
CONSULTANTS IN HEALTH CARE
Working together for better health At Quest Diagnostics, we believe in the value of foresight, the power of prediction, and, above all, the impact of information. That’s why Quest provides the cutting-edge diagnostics, life-changing data, and integrated services necessary to optimize health. QuestDiagnostics.com
Quest Diagnostics is proud to sponsor VIP Community Services
Ameritech Systems Corp. Providing total fire, security & communications solutions
131-35 31st Ave, 2FL, Flushing, NY, 11354 Tel: (718)353-0477 Fax: (718)353-4468 Toll Free (866)690-9988 E-Mail: Ameritechsystems@gmail.com
INSTALLATION – SERVICE- MAINTENANCE -- Video Surveillance Installations and Monitoring -- Fire / Burglar Alarms Installations -- Access Control and Card Reading System -- Audio / Video Intercom Systems -- Access Management and Control
Licensed by the NYS Dept of State: Lic# 12000262598 FDNY S97 Cert#87546263, NYC Fire Dept. Approved Company ID 248 Licensed by the NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs: Lic# 34BX00008700 NJ DFS Fire Permit: P01133 CT State Lic: # ELC.0194193-C5
‘Tired of getting burned paying for Big Sunscreen’s tiny tubes of sunscreen every other week?
$10 here, $15 there. Well, now it’s a thing of the past. Meet Shamrock Sun, your new big bottle of sunscreen delivered by subscription. Use promo code ‘VIP’ to receive 10% off through the end of the year!
SHAMROCKSUN.COM
Is proud to support VIP Community Services Congratulations to Honorees Dr. Susan Beane, Healthfirst Medical Director Hispanic Federation Ruben Diaz, Jr., Community Builder Award Darcel D. Clark, Political Impact Award
BUSINESS
Solutions from Congratulations to Our Honorees Dr. Susan Beane and Hispanic Federation and Our Awardees Ruben Diaz, Jr., VIP Community Builder Award Darcel Clark, VIP Political Impact Award. Elvis Herrera
Congratulations to Our Honorees Dr. Susan Beane and Hispanic Federation and Our Awardees Ruben Diaz, Jr., VIP Community Builder Award Darcel Clark, VIP Political Impact Award. John Nero, Member of the VIP Board of Directors
ADVANCED MEDICAL BILLING SYSTEMS, INC. Silvia Ronda, CPC
President
(914) 643-7318 ambs123@aol.com www.billwithambs.com sronda@billwithambs.com
Contributions in Honor or Memory Donor
Person Honored/Remembered
Webster Lock and David and Lauren Miller
Donald L. Ashkenase
Karen Ashkenase and Family
Donald L. Ashkenase
Sara Schacter-Erenburg
Hispanic Federation
Bernice Z. Schacter, PhD
in honor of the good work being done collaboratively by the Hispanic Federation staff in all its regions
Duro Electrical Contracting Corporation
Charles Lichti
Donna Lichti
Charles Lichti
Lynn E. Weinig
Donna Lichti
Annise Weaver
in honor of supporting Justin Mitchell’s efforts in demonstrating leadership while serving one of the most underserved populations in New York City
VIP Continues to Make an Impact • VIP delivered critical services throughout the pandemic; our doors never closed. • VIP expanded its health services to provide COVID-19 vaccines and tests in response to the high infection and death rates in the Bronx, from its headquarters on 176th Street, within its housing and shelter programs, and in homes, schools, food pantries, drug courts and other community settings. VIP worked in partnership with Bronx Rising to provide vaccinations for people in the community including those who are homebound (featured in NY Times 4-23-2021). • VIP rapidly pivoted to provide telehealth services and continues to offer care remotely to those unable to come in person or who prefer remote care. Over 6,000 patients received hybrid services (in-person and/or via telehealth) since the start of the pandemic (from March 2020 to May 2021). • The pandemic also exacerbated the opioid epidemic: VIP continued to provide addiction treatment services, and in 2020 we served 257 clients in our in-patient residences and over 1,500 patients in our outpatient medication supported recovery program. • We delivered care to nearly 3,000 patients in our Health Services, Mental Wellness, and Addiction Services in 2020, and we provided over 43,000 outpatient visits. • In addition, 400 people received job training and 250 were placed in jobs last year. Recently, fifty businesses participated in VIP’s annual job fair. • As part of our ongoing community involvement, VIP joined with a local school to develop a new mural. VIP was honored to be recognized by Castle Hill Little League in the Bronx in May 2021; additionally, in August 2021 VIP will partner with the NYPD to hold our annual Night Out.
Thank You!