Pathways

1 SPRING 2013

2 SPRING 2013

pathways VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1

Published by Evergreen Health Services

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from the president

SPRING 2013

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PRESIDENT & CEO/Ronald T. Silverio EDITOR/ART DIRECTOR/John Carocci COPY EDITOR/Kate Gallivan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Justin Azzarella, John Carocci, Kimberly Harding CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER John Carocci ____________________________________________________

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING/716-847-0315 FACSIMILE/716-847-0418 E-MAIL/publications@evergreenhs.org ON THE WEB/www.evergreenhs.org _________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 by Pathways, all rights reserved. Published by Evergreen Health Services, 206 South Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14201. Pathways circulation is 5,000. Pathways is received by request by donors and supporters. Distribution is by mailing list and placement. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Publication of any person or organization in articles, advertising or listings in Pathways is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or members of such organizations. Pathways cannot acknowledge or return unsolicited manuscripts unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Pathways’ mailing list is never shared. Pathways urges readers to consult their medical practitioners about any therapies or treatment strategies in this publication. To be put on the Pathways mailing list call 847-0340 or email jcarocci@ evergreenhs.org.

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inside this issue From the President / 3 Pathways Profile: Michele Ogden / 4 Health Homes: the New Model for Healthcare / 6 Dining Out for Life Returns to Buffalo / 8 The Hope Blooms Garden at the Victorian / 10 AIDS Walk 2013 Preview / 11 AIDS Walk 2013 Registration Form / 12 From the Field: HIV Testing in Buffalo Schools / 14 Mending of the Hearts / 16 News from the Pride Center: Pride 2013 / 18 World AIDS Day and Cause for Mass Appeal / 20 Exciting Changes at Evergreen Commons / 22

ON THE COVER

Dining Out for Life Returns! - See Story on Page 8

Jim Rolls

“Our Man for All Seasons” Some years ago, our friend Jim shared with us that he had never expected to live past his 25th birthday — and that once he passed it, he resolved to live each day as if it was the last one he had. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Jim — either personally and/or professionally — know how true he was to that resolve. His open-hearted and gentle love of his family and friends was remarkable. He was devoted to his partner and husband, Michael.

He loved being a grandfather. He traveled widely, enjoying national and international vacations that he loved to talk about. He loved the arts and was a generous patron and participant of a wide variety of art venues. Jim was a champion of those who needed help — whether it was legal, financial, or personal. His activism in promoting human rights and values throughout our communities is well known. His commitment to providing leadership and his personal commitment for equal opportunity and justice had far-reaching results, particularly in the HIV/AIDS field and the LGBT communities. We here at the Evergreen Association were fortunate to have him serve as Co-Chair of the Association Board of Trustees, Chair of our Pride Center Board, and Chair of our Finance and Personnel committee. He also served as legal counsel for our corporations. He always combined solid professional and legal direction with great attention to the very human and personal dimensions of our various “service” businesses. We will especially miss his sense of humor and generous spirit. We feel fortunate to have been part of his “living every day to the fullest”. - Ron Silverio

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Michele O M

ichele Ogden took a slightly complicated route to her position as the Transportation Services Coordinator at Evergreen Health Services. Born and raised in Buffalo, Michele earned her degree in Media Studies at UB, and began a decade-long career working in the human services field. "I worked with all different populations," says Michele, "from youth to families in crisis."

After four years in Washington, D.C. Michele was ready to return to Western New York. She began hearing good things about a place called Evergreen Health Services from a friend in New York City who worked in the field of HIV care.

"When I started to research this Evergreen place online, I realized it was the address for AIDS Community Services. I didn't know they'd changed their name. I was definitely interested in finding out more!" And that's just what she did. Now Michele oversees the agency's Transportation Services program, which assists clients who are unable to get to their medical, counseling, or other health-related appointments due to a lack of transportation.

Many clients, particularly those in the Southern Tier, live in rural areas where access to HIV-specific medical care, support groups and even pharmacy services is very limited. Going to Buffalo for an appointment can mean a trip of 60-80 miles, a daunting journey for those with no car and an expensive one even for those who do have their own vehicle. Clients who live closer can struggle with

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Ogden: Empowering Mobility transportation issues, as well.

"Buffalo's public transportation system isn't the greatest," Michele notes, "but we can't change that, so we have to empower our clients in other ways."

The Transportation Services program supplies gas cards to clients who have their own automobiles, and either tokens or a bus pass to others depending on their need. Clients need to have 12 or more signatures (verified eligible appointments) each month in order to qualify for a bus pass. Those who have fewer than 12 signatures will get tokens for their appointments. The program also assists eligible clients in securing reduced-fare bus passes.

"We want them here rather than sitting home and not going to their appointments," explains Michele. "So we allow some flexibility in what qualifies as a signature." Trips which contribute to a client's overall health, such as to a substance abuse support group, are usually approved. "Their status is re-evaluated each time they come in," says Michele.

"A client might go from needing a bus pass one month to just needed a few tokens the next, and back again as their situation changes."

The program currently provides assistance to approximately 150 HIV+ clients, with about 100 in the Buffalo area and 50 more in the Southern Tier.

Michele says many of the program's clients come in for more than just tokens and gas cards.

"Many of our clients have not disclosed their HIV status to family or friends. They have nobody in

their lives to talk to about the issues they're dealing with, and so they come to us for someone to talk to and emotional support."

And it works. Michele tells of a client who became estranged from her family after disclosing her HIV status. This led to a number of problems, including a relapse in her substance abuse recovery, which had a severe detrimental impact on her health.

"I walked her down to the Wellness Center," remembers Michele. "Now she's enrolled in the transportation program and coming to the Wellness Center all the time. She considers herself an 'old timer' now and helps welcome new people to the Wellness Center. None of this would be possible if she couldn't get here."

Michele's approach is all about empowering our clients, and she has some big dreams for the future of the program.

"I'd love to see a program which helped clients study for their drivers' license, or even assisted them in obtaining a vehicle of their own. Enhanced van services would be great, too, especially for our clients who don't have a good support system."

The Transportation Services program is relatively new, but making a giant impact in the lives of our clients. Mobility is something that's easy to take for granted, but not having it can mean the difference between showing up for an appointment or staying at home; between adherence and noncompliance; between sickness and good health. P

The Pathways Profile: Michele Ogden and the TransportaĆ&#x;on Services Program Photo and Story by John Carocci

6 SPRING 2013

HELPING PEOPLE FIND THEIR WAY TO BET TER HEALTHCARE

CHANGE!

It has been one of the few constants in the world of HIV and AIDS for more than three decades, and just when you think you have your bearings, here comes change bringing a new set of challenges to the table.

But change can also bring opportunities, and fresh ways of thinking about old problems, both of which are essential parts of not just surviving, but thriving and adapting to the needs of the communities we serve.

Our recent name change from AIDS Community Services to Evergreen Health Services was, in part, laying the foundation for an agency structure designed to maximize our ability to adapt to

and take advantage of coming changes in the overall healthcare system. Gone is the agency's Medicaid funded COBRA program, which had been providing case management services to HIV+ individuals and their families for close to thirty years. In COBRA's place is the new Health Home system, designed to increase communication and cooperation among service providers with the ultimate goal of better care for clients. It's also designed to reduce healthcare costs, as better care for clients will lead to savings via fewer hospitalizations or emergency room visits.

Evergreen Health Services Case Managers are now Care Coordinators, and while the Health Home system has brought a number of changes to their job

description, Care Coordinators are still the glue that holds everything together.

"Care Coordination is the key to the whole Health Home system," say Angela Palmer, Vice President of Community Services at Evergreen Health Services. The Care Coordinator identifies which services a client needs (medical, housing, legal, psychiatric, chemical dependency, etc.). Then, with the client, the Care Coordinator develops an Individualized Care Plan and helps the client access those needed services. So far, that doesn't sound terribly different from Case Management under the COBRA program. But there are some new twists. First off, Care Coordinators are no longer working with

an exclusively HIV+ client base. Our Health Home serves clients dealing with a variety of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes), mental illness and substance abuse along with HIV disease.

It has been an adjustment, but Palmer notes that our staff had already been dealing with most of these issues on a daily basis. A larger change comes in the ways a Care Coordinator is involved in the client's care.

They can now assist in court cases, for example, and are involved from the beginning in discharge planning for clients who are hospitalized. Care Coordinators can also utilize the resources of the entire Health Home to make sure all the client's needs are met.

So what exactly is a Health Home? Health Homes are structured groups of service providers working together as a mini-network to meet a client's medical, social and behavioral needs. Our Health Home is called Health Home Partners of Western New York, LLC, and is comprised of Evergreen Health Services, Catholic Health, and Spectrum Human Services.

Once a client enters the Health Home system, we are often able to "fast track" them into services offered by one of our Health Home partners. We are also able to share information, including the client's Individualized Care Plan, with other providers in the Health Home electronically (with the client's consent), making it easier for everyone to be on the same page and prevent anything from falling through the cracks. If an issue arises, the client's providers will receive alerts through the IT system. In a way, the Health Home is really a larger-scale version of the "one stop shopping" model we've used at the Evergreen Center for years; a model that has emphasized communication and collaboration to meet the client's needs.

Of course, no matter how carefully we plan, such a large-scale change is going to lead to growing pains and a bit of chaos. The change from COBRA Case Management to Health Home Care Coordination is no exception, and our staff is working hard to adjust to a different set of rules and an increased workload, much of which is due to a dramatically increased client base. Medicaid and local managed care organizations provide our Health Home with a list of potential eligible clients on a quarterly basis. It is then our responsibility to contact people on the list and "pitch" the Health Home concept, which is likely a change from what they are used to. That is in addition to creating Individualized Care Plans for new clients, and learning to work closely with the other Partners in our Health Home. Changes galore! But one thing has not changed: our commitment to our existing (and new) HIV+ clients and their families. HIV care will continue to be a critical part of the work we do at Evergreen Health Services, from the new Care Coordination program, to our medical facility, to the pharmacy; from Buffalo to Jamestown and the entire eight county Western New York region. Watch future issues of Pathways for updates on the new Health Home program! – John Carocci

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www.DiningOutForLife.co Above: a delicious meal awaits at Sample in Allentown. Photo by John Carocci.

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Dining Out for Life has become one of Western New York's most popular fundraising events, in large part because it's so easy to participate. All you have to do is go out to lunch or dinner at a participating restaurant on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Each restaurant will donate a minimum of 25% of your food bill to Evergreen Health Services. That's it. No small print, no registration fee, no pledges to collect, and best of all, no piles of dirty dishes to wash. Just eat.

Response from the public has been phenomenal, and DOFL has grown each year as diners embrace this fun, low-impact fundraiser. Everybody wins with Dining Out for Life. Diners enjoy a delicious meal, and restaurants get to show off their menu to new customers who just might become regulars. Our HIV+ clients and their families win too, as funds raised on April 9 will help support the many programs and services they depend on every day.

Volunteer ambassadors will be stationed at each restaurant on April 9 to greet patrons and let them know their meal is helping Evergreen Health Services provide essential services to the thousands of Western New Yorkers affected by HIV and AIDS. Ambassadors also offer

diners an opportunity to enter a free raffle, ask questions or make an additional contribution. This personal connection is a great way to thank patrons directly for their support and raise awareness among those who might not have previously known about the event (so that’s why the parking lot was full on a Tuesday!) or about the impact HIV continues to have on our community.

Dining Out for Life is an international organization, with events held in dozens of cities around the world each year, but all money raised in Western New York stays right here in our community. Buffalo is a food town, so it's no surprise that our event is one of the fastest growing. Close to 100 restaurants in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties will be part of Dining Out for Life, offering choices for nearly any palate or budget. See the complete list at www.diningoutforlife.com (be sure to check for last-minute updates). Restaurants will be busier than normal, so reservations are highly recommended.

Call today to reserve your place at the table, and join the fight against HIV and AIDS in Western New York. And don't forget to save some room for dessert!

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10 SPRING 2013

THE

Hope Blooms Garden at the Victorian has been providing a place of peace and serenity for Evergreen Health Services clients, staff and visitors for many years now.

This small, awkwardly shaped plot of land in downtown Buffalo was transformed into a lush garden sanctuary that has become a favorite gathering spot during the Spring and Summer months for those seeking a moment or two of relaxa on. The Garden has also become one of the highlights of Buffalo's annual Garden Walk.

Each July, thousands of visitors tour the Victorian grounds on Garden Walk weekend, marveling

at the lush perennials and showy annuals, and, if they're lucky, catching a glimpse of the Koi in their peaceful pond. The Garden has served as our calling card, making it possible for us to introduce ourselves to thousands of Western New Yorkers who would otherwise not know of our existence, our mission, or what we do for the community. Time has taken its toll, however, and the Hope Blooms Garden is in desperate need of some a en on. The pond's liner has deteriorated past the point of repair, and must be completely replaced. The pond also needs to be restocked with Koi, and pond plants pur-

chased to shelter the pond and protect the fish.

The mad riot of colorful flowers that bloom for months on end have almost completely depleted the Garden's soil of nutrients. If nothing is done, plants will soon be unable to thrive there.

Lastly, a thick layer of mulch is needed around the bases of the Garden's perennial plants to protect them from the snow and frost of Buffalo winters. If you would like to contribute to the Garden restora on, complete the form below and send it to us, then watch for status reports on the Garden at the Victorian in future issues of Pathways Magazine.

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$15 $25 $35 $50

FLOWER FRIEND LADYBUG FANATIC BUTTERFLY ENTHUSIAST GIFTED GARDENER Your dona on of $50 en tles you one admission cket to our evening cocktail event being held in the garden on July 27.

$100 PEACEFUL POND LOVER Your dona on of $100 en tles you to two admission ckets to our evening cocktail event being held in the garden on July 27.

$___ GARDEN SUPPORTER

I would like to volunteer my me to maintain the garden.

Please contact me at (email/phone):

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Even the longest journey begins with a single step. Each year, hundreds of our friends and neighbors come together to prove this old saying true. On Saturday, May 18 we invite you to take that first step toward changing the lives of those who are struggling with HIV/AIDS in our community. Walk with us at AIDS Walk 2013. AIDS Walk is, of course, an important fundraiser for Evergreen Health Services, but it's also much more. It's a chance for people from all over Western New York to gather in honor of those we've lost, and support those who are still with us. Each walker has their own unique story to tell, but we all share the same goal: eradication of this deadly disease once and for all. AIDS Walk is also a visible reminder to the community that HIV simply cannot be ignored, that everyone is at risk, and that, as bleak as things can sometimes appear to be, there's always hope for the future. As

usual, this year's AIDS Walk will feature some new surprises along with the traditions that have been part of the Walk for many years.

The event will begin with our traditional flower launch at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park, and then walkers will embark on the five-mile route through some of Buffalo's most beautiful neighborhoods. Walkers will then return to Delaware Park for a picnic-style lunch and awards ceremony for top fundraisers and prize winners. One thing that won't change is the feeling of satisfaction walkers enjoy, knowing they have helped improve the lives of those in our community who depend on Evergreen Health Services and people just like you who are willing to walk that extra mile or two to make a difference. Like every other journey, that extra mile starts with a single step. Turn the page and register to walk with us, or visit our website at www.aidswalkbuffalo.kintera.

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With Us on May 18!

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You can make a difference by joining hundreds of other Western New Yorkers taking part in the annual AIDS Walk on May 18, 2013. The funds you raise will help support critical programs and services our clients depend on, including medical care, home delivered meals, counseling and so much more.

Every step taken, every dollar raised helps fight AIDS and raises community awareness of this deadly disease. Raise money by asking friends, relatives, classmates, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you. Use this registration form to chart the donations you collect. You can walk solo or even organize a team! The AIDS Walk website has tools to help you manage your team and collect pledges online... it’s fun and easy! Visit www.aidswalkbuffalo.kintera. org to get started. On the day of the Walk plan on arriving at Lakeside at Delaware Park at 9:00 a.m. Bring this completed form and your pledges with you. Once you have turned in your pledges, relax and get ready for the Walk, which kicks off promptly at 10:00 a.m. The Walk route will take you through some of Buffalo’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and after the Walk there will be a free picnic-style party as our way of thanking you for your efforts. In addition, great prizes will be awarded to the top teams and individuals who raise the most money. The Walk is a rain or shine event. We welcome your questions, comments and concerns! Please visit the Walk website at www. aidswalkbuffalo.kintera.org for more information, or call us at 716-847-0340.

May 18, 2013 at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park Registration at 9:00 a.m., Walk Step-Off at 10:00 a.m.

2013

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I

was standing in the lobby of the Statler Towers on a gray November afternoon, alone where only moments before a small army of AIDS Community Services staff and volunteers had been hard at work setting up for the final Cause for Celebration. It wouldn't be long before throngs of party-goers arrived to enjoy the evening, but for now everything was calm and quiet and still. It didn't last, of course.

Signs of life began to reappear and the spell was broken. Trucks arrived loaded with dessert deliveries: exquisite pastries, tarts, pies, and luscious cakes. Thousands of twinkling lights were turned on, candles were lit, the band warmed up, and the building itself seemed to hold its breath as we prepared to open the doors and welcome guests to Cause for Celebration one last time.

That grey November afternoon was almost five years ago, but the memory is as clear and sharp as if it happened yesterday. I felt like I was witnessing the end of an era, and in a way, I was.

Cause for Celebration was one of Buffalo's most popular winter social events for close to two decades, and standing there in the Statler lobby waiting for guests to arrive my mood was definitely bittersweet. There were a lot of great memories crammed into those Cause for Celebration years, memories of friends old and new, of dancing, laughing, of pieces of dessert snatched on the sly, and who could forget the

year the coat racks collapsed like a row of giant fur-covered dominos? I knew I was going to miss Cause for Celebration.

Well, it turns out I wasn't the only one.

Agency fundraising staff quickly grew used to hearing "so when is Cause for Celebration coming back?" from people in the community, and now, after a five year hiatus, we've decided it's time to bring Cause back to Buffalo!

The legend returns in grand style (of course), bringing the glitz and glamour of old Las Vegas to the Connecticut Street Armory on November 19, 2011 from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. We'll have all the things that made Cause for Celebration so special for so long: music, dancing, tables covered with desserts prepared by the area's finest bakeries and restaurants, live entertainment, casino style gaming, a silent art auction and cash bar. There will also be a few surprises that you'll just have to see to believe, including the first ever Vegas Wedding Chapel performing real, honest to gosh weddings (if you've already tied the knot, you can renew your vows)! We'll take care of the details for the ceremony. Invite your friends and family to share your special event, and we'll provide the built-in reception that will knock their socks off!

Simply ask them to make their wedding gift in your honor to AIDS Community Services.

There's a saying "the more things change the more they stay the same." The details may

change from year to year, but Cause for Celebration will always be about people from all over Western New York coming together to celebrate how far we've come in the fight against AIDS, to remember those we've lost, to cherish those who are still with us, and to renew our commitment to ending this deadly pandemic once and for all. Cause for Celebration 2011 will be a trip down memory lane for some, and an exciting new experience for others. But whether you’re a friend old or new, you won’t want to miss this very special evening... the beginning of a whole new era of Cause for Celebration in Buffalo. I’ll meet you by the desserts!

P Note: we spend a lot of time talking up all the fun, glamorous aspects of Cause for Celebration, but it plays a very serious role for our agency as well, raising much-needed funds (more than $1 million since 1989) to help support the programs and services our clients and their families depend on every day. As the needs of the communities we serve grow, and resources remain steady or even shrink, events like Cause for Celebration become even more important in our fight against HIV and AIDS in Western New York.

We hope you and your friends will join us on November 19 at the Connecticut Street Armory from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. If you'd like to participate in the Vegas Wedding Chapel please contact our office at 716-847-0340 for details or

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Editor's Note: there are some fundamental changes taking place in the way Buffalo Public Schools address issues surrounding sexuality and sexual health.

Evergreen Health Services recently began a revolutionary in-school HIV testing program in select Buffalo schools.

Future issues of Pathways will spotlight the progress of this much-needed program, as well as its effect on the physical and mental health of our young adults. To see a complete report on the Buffalo Schools' Youth Risk Behavior survey mentioned in this article, visit www. buffaloschools.com.

It has always been difficult for adults to address the risk factors faced by young people. Most of us haven’t fully addressed our own issues around sexuality, substance use, rela onships and fear even though we inhabit a society that bombards our senses with ritualis c Pavlovian sexual imagery at every turn. Selfcare has seemingly given way to self-exposure, through the explosion of social media and the ability to put oneself on display. Young people, whose bodies are changing and who are s ll developing their decision making processes, are o en subject to inaccurate and incomplete informa on about sexuality.

For all of the talking young people are doing, too o en they are not talking with their partners

or people who can help them address sexual health issues in their lives. They are talking to strangers, peers, or anyone but the person they may be sharing their bodies with. We have all been socialized that talking about “sex, drugs and rock and roll” is not okay; and so we fail to teach our young people the informa on and skills they need to make healthier choices.

I came to Evergreen Health Services fresh from seven years of working in Buffalo public schools. I began as an English teacher, and learned very quickly that my strength was in talking to young people rather than trying to help them pass the Regents exams. When it was me for them to write, we would read things like Tupac Shakur's book, The Rose that Grew from Concrete, a story that touches some of the deepest issues of life and humanity. The conversa ons that came from that book were unreal. My students may not have wri en many essays, but reading, talking and telling stories together helped them explore their feelings and learn about themselves.

I con nued to work in some of Buffalo's lowest performing schools, which the media o en calls “dropout factories.” Many of my students came from broken homes and impoverished neighborhoods, complete with

substance use, gangs, crime, etc. Most of them had already experienced lots of death and loss.

It was common, especially among my male students, to not expect to live past the age of 18. Having sex is a very accessible way to escape.

Every spring I saw staggering numbers of baby bumps in the hallways; blatant visual reminders of the decisions being made every day. Few of these youth had any protec ve factors in their lives like posi ve adult role models, good resources or good self-esteem, and were more likely to engage in high risk behaviors that would endanger their futures.

There are thousands of similar stories among the youth in our schools. Our world grows harder to compete in every day. If we truly care about our young people it is negligent to not give them whatever informa on they need to protect themselves, along with condoms and services such as screenings for HIV, pregnancy and Sexually Transmi ed Infec ons (STIs).

In 2011, the Buffalo Public Schools administered a Youth Risk Behavior Survey which was completed by 11,000 students in grades 6 through 12. Created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the purpose of the survey was to measure student engagement in various health-risk behaviors that contribute to

declines in overall wellness of students and put them at risk for dangerous or life-threatening outcomes. The results of the sexual behavior sec on of the survey speak volumes about the need for more educa on: • Over half of Buffalo Public School students report ever having had sexual intercourse, 20% higher than the New York State level.

• Nearly 2 out of every 5 BPS students are currently sexually ac ve (38% reported having had sexual intercourse with at least one person during the 3 months prior to the survey), 18% higher than the state level.

• Over 10% of BPS students report an early ini a on of sexual ac vity (before 13 years of age), which is 64% higher than both state and na onal levels.

• One out of every five BPS students report having had four or more sexual partners during their life, 41% higher than the state level.

• Only 31% of sexually-ac ve BPS students reports not having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse, which is 5% lower than the state level and 23% lower than the na onal level.

• BPS students are less likely to report having learned about HIV and AIDS in school than students na onally.

While these results may be shocking, significant progress is finally being made in local schools related to sexual health services and educa on. Groups like the Buffalo Public Schools’ Sexual Health and Wellness Commi ee and the Adolescent Health Alliance bring together community professionals working in health and educa on with parents and students to iden fy issues and resources. These groups have been relessly laying the groundwork needed to implement a comprehensive sex educa on curriculum.

Through our work with these groups, Evergreen Health Services is now offering free, confiden al rapid HIV tes ng every week in two of Buffalo's high schools - Tapestry Charter School and, Benne High School through their Kaleida Health Clinic. Along with the finger s ck test, students are provided with risk reduc on counseling, informa on and linkages to other services if needed. Since December of 2012 we have conducted HIV tes ng with more than 100 students in these two schools. While the incidence of HIV is rela vely low among high school youth, the experience of having an HIV test and the opportunity to ask ques ons and talk about sexual health with qualified professionals are key ac vi es to changing their sexual risk behaviors. Evergreen Health Services is proud to be part of this important movement to change and improve the lives of youth in our communi es.

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Selections from the Mending of the Hearts Memorial Project

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19 SPRING 2013

There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Pride!

PCWNY Announces Expansion of Pride Festival to One Full Week of Events On February 1, a group of “Fearless” volunteers hit the streets to promote the launch of www.BuffaloPrideFes val.com as well as the expansion of Buffalo and Western New York's Pride Fes val to encompass a full week’s worth of celebra on, advocacy and community engagement.

With several new events, a new website and an empowering theme – fearless – Pride Week 2013 is gearing up to be the largest Western New York Pride event to date.

“The strength of and support for our region’s LGBTQ community has shown remarkable growth and we felt that it was important for the fes val to grow as well,” said Event Coordinator Jus n Azzarella. “It’s cri cal to us that we con nue to celebrate Buffalo and Western New York pride in a visible and meaningful way.”

Official Pride Week 2013 events are scheduled from May 28 to June 3, and were created based on par cipant feedback from 2012 surveys. “New ac vi es like the Gay

5K and Beach Day ranked very high in our online event survey,” said Azzarella, “and they diversify the week’s schedule of events so that there truly is something for everyone.”

In upcoming weeks, volunteer outreach teams will travel to Rochester and St. Catharine’s, Ontario to con nue to promote Pride Week and regional tourism. Addi onally, a “Gay, Stay & Play” package has been created through a partnership with Comfort Suites Downtown and Visit Buffalo Niagara to further a ract travelers. The package includes discounted hotel rates, a pack of City Dining cards and a cket voucher for $20 worth of food and/or drinks at the Allen Street Fes val and Pride Fes val at Canalside.

So be sure to mark your calendars now, because June, warm weather and Pride Week will be here before you know it!

VisitBuffaloPrideFes val.com for addi onal informa on on Pride Week events, hotel packages, or for details on how you can get involved by volunteering. - Theresa Woehrel

2013 PRIDE EVENTS Flag Raising Ceremony Tuesday, May 28th LGBT Art Opening Wednesday, May 29 Gay 5K Run Thursday, May 30 Dyke March Saturday, June 1 Allen Street FesƟval Saturday, June 1 Pride Parade Sunday, June 2 Pride FesƟval at Canalside Sunday, June 2 Beach Day Monday, June 3

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21 SPRING 2013

Top: Evergreen Association President & CEO Ron Silverio speaks to the press on World AIDS Day. Bottom Left and Center: Cause for Mass Appeal filled Evergreen Commons with people, fun and fashion.

Bottom Right: Local favorites the Albrights played at the Cause for Mass Appeal after party. For more Cause pics visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXbn-bxayv8

22 SPRING 2013

Exciting Developments Ahead for Evergreen Commons

by Jus n Azzarella

IF

you frequent Buffalo’s historic West Village neighborhood, you’ve no doubt no ced the numerous exterior improvements at Evergreen Commons (the former Prospect Avenue Bap st Church). The installa on of drama c architectural ligh ng, new sidewalks, a completely resurfaced parking lot, stabiliza on of exterior walls and new roof sec ons have enhanced the building’s curb appeal, much to the delight of our clients and neighbors.

Our vision for Evergreen Commons has evolved to include space for storage, special events and offices for nonmedical support staff.

Interior construc on is on course to begin in early spring. Changes to the building’s interior will largely consist of accessibility improvements.

Wheelchair obstacles will be addressed by connec ng the lowest eleva on of the main sanctuary to meet the highest eleva on of the first floor mul purpose room. This rise in eleva on will be accomplished through the

construc on of access ramps behind the main sanctuary, connec ng the sanctuary to the first floor mul purpose room. A.D.A. compliant bathrooms will also be constructed. A new cooling system will be installed throughout the building to ensure the comfort of our staff, clients and guests.

Improvements to the main sanctuary are minimal thanks in large part to the building's history of splendid upkeep. The aisle and rear por ons of the sanctuary will receive new carpe ng. Original hardwood floors will be uncovered and refinished surrounding the stage. Water damaged por ons of the ceiling and balcony walls will be plastered and painted.

The basement level of the sanctuary – currently empty and unfinished – will be transformed into a water ght storage area accessible from within the building or through an exis ng exterior basement door on the Prospect Avenue side of the property.

In contrast to the sanctuary, the first floor of the building’s large mul purpose room will receive a greater amount of investment. The ceiling will remain vaulted with the addi on of a layer of insula on and drywall between each of the large beams that support the roofline; the beau ful wooden beams will remain exposed.

New flooring and ligh ng will be installed and the en re room will receive a fresh coat of paint.

A series of “window walls” in the upper por ons of the mul purpose room will be uncovered and restored to allow outside light to reach the core of the main room. The mezzanine level will remain open with the installa on of modular work sta ons and a small conference room.

Watch for reports in future issues.

P If you would like more information about Evergreen Commons please contact Justin Azzarella, Associate Vice President for Community Development by email at jazzarella@evergreenhs.org.

23 SPRING 2013

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SPRING 2013

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