December 2018 Connections

E

vergreen has always known that safe, secure

staff of 19 and serves approximately 200 patients.

housing is essential to good health. Our

Housing Services program helps patients find

same busy schedule as she did in 2005. "I work with

and maintain stable, appropriate housing so that they can

patients seeking emergency assistance with a variety of

focus on taking control of their health. Keisha Leavy is

housing issues, including security deposits, first month’s

Evergreen's Housing Services Coordinator... again. "This

or past due rent, mortgage payments or past due utility

is actually the second time that I’ve had this position,"

bills. Our goal is to help the individual either maintain

said Keisha, who started at Evergreen in 2005. "I saw

their current place or obtain more suitable housing."

an ad in the paper and applied for the Administrative

Assistant position for Housing and Nutrition Services.

closely with patients, service and medical providers,

Evergreen was AIDS Community Services at that time

landlords and property managers, the Department of

and the Human Resources department was on West

Social Services, Section 8 providers, utility companies

Tupper Street. I had three interviews and was thinking

and community resources. "It's definitely a group effort,"

wow, this must be a really important position."

said Keisha. Of course, the results are worth all that

As an Administrative Assistant, Keisha processed

effort by everyone involved. "When someone doesn't

applications, worked with patients, assisted with monthly

have a roof over their head, they can't begin to even

reports, helped with the food pantry and organized

think about focusing on and addressing problems in

patient events such as the holiday party, summer picnic

other areas of their lives. I remember a few years ago

and Adopt-A-Family program.

when I first heard someone say, 'housing is healthcare' at

"The Nutrition program hired an admin during my

a training. I was thinking 'what are they talking about?'.

first year here," said Keisha. "I stayed with the Housing

But when I thought about it, it made perfect sense. One’s

program where I've been going strong ever since! In

health — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual —

fact, I think I may have had just about every position

does not and cannot thrive when a basic need such as

in Housing at some point. The program has grown so

housing is lacking. Having safe and appropriate housing

much... it was just me and my supervisor (Brian Planty)

is an essential part of a person’s well-being."

for a very long time." Today the Housing program has a

As Housing Services Coordinator, Keisha has the

Collaboration is a big part of Keisha's job. She works

Keisha notes that many of our patients face a variety turn the page for more >>

of obstacles to the safe, appropriate housing that is so

Housing and Retention Services and Keisha's supervisor.

important. "One of the ongoing challenges is finding

"Even when she has a long list of tasks to complete, she

quality housing at affordable rents," she said. "Also,

shows our patients her full attention, making them feel

not being able to help everyone who comes in or calls

comfortable and heard. If you mention her name to any

us because they may not meet eligibility requirements.

of our patients, they will have a huge smile each time."

That’s one of the toughest parts of my job. I want to

help everybody but it's not always possible." Keisha says

"South Ozone Park, to be exact," Keisha said. She worked

she would like to help more people meet their housing

at Randa Corporation, a men’s accessories manufacturing

needs in the future, especially with regard to housing

company in New York City before moving upstate. "I

opportunities for low income people. "Not an easy feat,"

moved to Buffalo in 2005 in search of affordable housing

she admitted. "But so necessary."

(how ironic) and stability for myself and my 4-year-old

daughter. I never knew this part of the state was called

Despite the challenges, Keisha enjoys her work,

Keisha was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens.

and the overall Evergreen culture. "I love that we accept

Western New York until I moved up here."

people for who they are," she said. "That is the most

beautiful thing! I always try my best to treat our patients

sociology through Ashford University's online program.

as people – forget about all of the labels, all of the ailments

"It was a very proud moment for me," Keisha said. "I was

and diagnoses. I want everyone to feel comfortable, safe

finally able to obtain my bachelor's degree, which I had

and respected when they walk through my door. It's

put on hold when I became a mom."

important to me that I treat them with the dignity they

deserve. I’m so appreciative to be in a position where I

brother," she said. "He's autistic and has an intellectual

can share my experience and knowledge with so many

disability." In her spare time Keisha enjoys concerts and

people. But most of all I have learned so much from the

comedy shows. "The best concert has to be the OTRII

individuals we serve on a daily basis, they have touched

at New Era field this past August," she said. "I love old

my life more than they will ever know!"

school hip hop. 80s and 90s are the best!" She also enjoys

the beach. "My favorite place on Earth is the beach, any

"Keisha has been an essential part of the housing

team for many years," said Matthew Sydor, Director of

In 2011 Keisha earned her bachelor's degree in

Keisha's daughter is now 18. "I also care for my

beach. I wish I could live on a beach!"

Connections

Don't forget! Mandatory annual training modules are available now on Evergreen University. All training modules must be completed by December 31, so be sure to give yourself enough time to finish them.

If you have any questions or need additional help, please contact Jocelyn Leising, Training Support Assistant.

Connections

The Fun Collective (FunC) celebrated the arrival of colder weather with Evergreen's first Fall Fest! Staff enjoyed delicious autumn-themed treats — pie, donuts, apples for the health conscious and cider (both warm and cold). Fall Fest was held at three separate Evergreen locations: the Staff Lounge at 206 South Elmwood, Community Access Services on Bailey Avenue and Southern Tier Services in Jamestown. Kudos to Fun Collective members for putting on another great event, and watch for details about future FunC events coming soon. A special thank you goes out to Jocelyn Leising for sharing these great photos!

Connections

The snow! Falling snow makes me feel like I'm in a snow globe. I also love the way it sparkles at night.

— LeAnna Shanks v Winter is my favorite season.

Cross country skiing at night with my dogs when the

snow muffles all sound is so peaceful. — Rob Baird v I love the snow when it is falling and sticking to the

trees. What I hate about the winter is when the snow becomes slushy and dirty. — Magali Maldonado v I love when it snows and it makes the world look

anew, especially on a sunny day. — Rachel VoelkleKuhlmann v I dislike cleaning off my car!! —

Kimberly Brown v I hate the snow and the cold. A lot of people don’t know this but I get really depressed

to the point that I want to pack my things and go to a warm, hot place. — Glendalisse Vargas v I hate

salt stains on the back of my pant legs! — Matthew Crehan Higgins v Baking. — John Carocci v I love winter because I don't feel guilty about staying

indoors under my blankets all day. — Nichole Frank

Evergreen offers a wide variety of services and

be used as well. A Introducing yourself with your

resources to transgender and non-binary patients.

pronouns is a great way to create a safer space for

To help create a more welcoming and respectful

our patients and help them feel comfortable sharing

environment, we're now offering pronoun stickers

their own pronouns. It also helps challenge the norm

at the Primary and Specialty Care front desk. All

that pronouns can be assumed. We encourage you

patients, regardless of their gender identity, are

to introduce yourself with your pronouns and ask

encouraged to write their pronouns on the sticker

“every patient every time.� A We're also excited

so that they'll be addressed respectfully and

to announce that Medent is now using a patient’s

appropriately. Pronouns matter! A Pronouns are

affirmed name (as opposed to legal name) to provide

words we use to identify ourselves. For example,

appointment reminders by phone call or text. This

she/her/hers are typically feminine pronouns and

will be implemented agency-wide in departments

he/him/his are typically masculine pronouns.

that use Medent, including Primary and Specialty

However, some individuals are more comfortable

Care, mental health and substance use counseling.

with gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them/

Please advise patients that if it isn't safe for them to

theirs. While they/them/theirs are the common

receive calls or texts with their affirmed name, they

gender-neutral pronouns, there are others that can

can opt out of these reminders. Thank you!

Evergreen and the Drug Policy Alliance presented the first Western New York Harm Reduction Conference in November. The event featured panel discussions about exploring innovative Harm Reduction initiatives and was very well attended. Kudos to everyone involved in making the conference a huge success!

Birthdays Adam Costanza..................December 1 Jacob Perrello....................December 1 Jessica Stack......................December 1 Brian Orlikowski...............December 1 Ginger Smith.....................December 3 Anna Ihle..........................December 3 Kristen Rickert..................December 3 Steven Rein.......................December 5 Julie Mayer........................December 5 Valerie Francis..................December 5 Susan Hanners..................December 7 Suzanne Brown.................December 7 Theo Herman....................December 8 Tyrell King........................December 10 Andrea Karash...................December 11 Kadie Desbordes................December 12 Christina Carter.................December 12 Daniel Auflick...................December 13 Rose Serrano.....................December 13 Carly Casali.......................December 14 Gary Nigro........................December 15 Daniele Verzelloni.............December 15 Matthew Crehan Higgins....December 15 Thomas O'Kell...................December 15 Michael Canty...................December 16 Shaquita Wilson................December 16 Brianna McKay..................December 16 Brittani McKay..................December 16 Andrew Kiener..................December 16 Melissa Delgado................December 17 James Gerwitz...................December 17 Ryan Trubits......................December 20 Carmela Green..................December 20 Anthony Roth....................December 20 Stefanie Warnick...............December 21 Angela Fanale....................December 21 Jillian Fanning...................December 22 Josephine Rivery...............December 22

Sergio Ponce.....................December 22 Toni Hernandez.................December 23 Christina Turner................December 24 Laura Pasquarella..............December 25 Justin Azzarella.................December 27 Anabel Rivera....................December 27 Xavier Washington............December 28 Stephanie Sly.....................December 28 Courtney Bradley...............December 28 Shelby Arena.....................December 28 Alex Marranca...................December 30 Nancy Colon......................December 31 Kristina Moore..................December 31

Anniversaries Arti Gupta.................................... 1 Year Adria Reed................................... 1 Year Joleen Rodriguez.......................... 1 Year Heather Fangsrud......................... 1 Year Valerie Francis............................. 1 Year Jesse Gasbarro.............................. 1 Year Andrea Ace.................................. 2 Years Andrew Verity.............................. 2 Years Jacquelynn Brink.......................... 2 Years Brodie Skowronski........................ 2 Years David Setlock............................... 3 Years Cathleen Niedermayer.................. 3 Years Rosemary Roche........................... 3 Years Lisandra Rivera............................ 3 Years Ventenese Hollins......................... 3 Years Glendalisse Vargas........................ 3 Years Debora Johnson............................ 4 Years Angela Torrie............................... 7 Years Nicole Coonly............................... 8 Years Laura Pasquarella......................... 11 Years Rosalind Townsend....................... 13 Years Johanna Aponte............................ 14 Years Helene Cacciato........................... 14 Years Maria Lotempio............................ 16 Years

NEW STAFF ORIENTATION SCHEDULE FOR 2019 January 7 & 8 February 4 & 5 March 11 & 12 April 8 & 9 May 13 & 14 June 10 & 11 July 8 & 9 August 12 & 12 September 9 & 10 October 7 & 8 November 11 & 12 December 9 & 10

Here's everyone who received a High Five in the past month.

A Alex Marranca

A Jonathan Butler

A Amanda Thornton

A Josh Matecki

A Andrea Ace

A Julie Rapp

A Antione Reese

A Kim Clarke

A Brianna Cabrera

A LaTanya Walton-Brown

A Dan Verzelloni

A Maria Cruz

A Deion Simmons

A Matthew Edson

A DeJuan Burnell

A Michael Canty

A Emily Oaks

A Quinn Lee

A Gideon Belin

A Rachel Parrino

A Greg Fulgham

A Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann

A James DeGarmo

A Shari DeMarco

A Jennifer DeMarsh

A Suzanne Weessies

A Jocelyn Leising

A Teresa Lane

A John Atkinson

A Xavier Washington

The new year brings change for the better, and 2019 will be no exception. Evergreen is pleased to announce the Communities of Color Resource Group. Watch future issues of Connections, your email and the Intranet for more details as they become available. Thank you Cord Stone for the heads up on this exciting change!

The snow is here, reminding us that it's important to protect ourselves (along with coworkers and patients) from illness. These tips for staying healthy work no matter the time of year, but they're especially important to follow during the winter. A Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm. A Clean hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. A Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Make it difficult for germs to enter your body! A Get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet. A Dress appropriately for weather. A Don't share food, cups, dishes, utensils, etc. A Minimize time in common spaces such as break rooms or copy areas. A Because most germs that cause illness are transmitted by hands, wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially: after you shake hands, before you eat at your desk, after getting coffee or visiting shared areas, after using the restroom, after handling money and when you or someone near you coughs or sneezes. We can't control the weather (we're working on it), but these precautions can help us make cold and flu season healthier.

Connections