ANNUAL REPORT 2013
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT & THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerry Halbert, President Jamie Cornell, Vice President Anthony Fiala, Jr., Treasurer Larry Bailey, Secretary Reverend Joyce Allen Angelo Fiori Melissa Klinko Erin McElroy Nancy McGowan Scott Rosman Christopher Waters Andrea Vaioli
DESIGNED BY OBIRU LABS
After a two year process of looking for a new home for STAP’s main office, we are pleased to announce that on November 19, 2013, we closed on the purchase of 22 Riverside Drive in Binghamton, at the corner of Oak Street.
With the capable assistance of our Board of Directors, staff, and clients, we deliberated about what we wanted, what we needed and what we could afford. The good news is that we were able to find almost everything we wanted and will be saving a significant amount of money annually, while acquiring a beautiful new space. Our monthly mortgage payment is 35% less than we currently pay in rent. The property also boasts a carriage house, whose tenant pays two-thirds of the aforementioned mortgage. We understand that ownership entails new expenses, but we are now well situated to handle those, given the decrease in our monthly occupancy costs. This move is in line with our ongoing strategy to examine and reduce costs whenever possible in order to concentrate resources toward our mission of preventing new infections and assisting people living with HIV. We want to be explicit about this with our donors and supporters. Beautifully rebuilt after a fire in 1989, our new location is a circa 1890 home that has been used by a law firm for the last forty years. It has a homier feel than our current space, is in closer proximity to many of our partner agencies and should be easier for many of our clients to travel to. It is a lovely light filled space and we can’t wait to share it with you all. You should expect an invitation in late spring/early summer for an open house. Thank you for your continued faith, support, trust, volunteer hours and donations. STAP is a successful organization because so many people in our communities give and help. So, as you read this report, please take note of our many successes and gloat just a bit at whatever part you play in them. And for those of you who haven’t yet played a part, come join us soon, there’s always room for one more! Warmly, Jerry Halbert, Board President John Barry, Executive Director
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
JULY 1, 2012 — JUNE 30, 2013
Grants and Program Service Revenue REVENUE
NYS AIDS Institute
2,313,934
Ryan White Title II
199,378
59%
NYS AIDS Institute
Center for Disease Control
73,646
13%
Comprehensive Medicaid Case Management
Housing Opportunities/People with AIDS
162,644
10%
Donations and Fundraising,
Broome County Mental Health
101,760
5%
Ryan White Title II
Comprehensive Medicaid Case Management
516,946
4%
Housing Opportunities/ People with AIDS
Other Grants or Revenue
157,149
4%
Other Grants or Revenue
3%
Broome County Mental Health
Total Grants
3,525,457
2%
Center for Disease Control
Public Support Donations and Fundraising
388,944
TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE
$3,914,401
EXPENDITURES
Program and Support Services Client Services
1,145,861
Education/Prevention Services
1,354,409
Volunteer and Other Services
75,320
Direct Financial Assistance to Clients
346,714
Administration/General Operations
476,469
Development
227,008
TOTAL EXPENSES
$3,625,781
81%
Program Services
13%
Management & Central
6%
Development
CLIENT SERVICES This year, the Client Services department once again expanded the range of services offered to clients. The department continues to provide a wide range of services from basic one-time advocacy services, to intensive care management, nutrition education, and housing assistance. Staff members have adapted to the ongoing changes in funding by playing to the strengths of each team member, thus ensuring access to necessary services for their clients.
For many clients, a successful relationship with a care management staff member is the foundation on which they build continued success.
An excellent example of this is the Nutrition Health Education program. Although there were clients who had received nutrition services before from a different agency, they were provided with financial assistance to purchase certain foods but received limited individualized instruction about how to make sure those foods met their health needs. Now clients are provided with financial assistance to make healthy food selections, receive instruction on cooking methods, and also have the information tailored to their health conditions or diagnoses. The housing program has enhanced their services to include additional supportive case management services and educational curricula. Many clients report that prior to receiving housing assistance, they were chronically unstably housed, often facing evictions, homelessness, and loss of personal belongings several times in the preceding year. The Treatment Literacy program provides individual and group educational sessions on a variety of medical topics, including: HIV disease management, diabetes, stress management,
cholesterol, kidney and liver health, etc. Clients who are interested in sharing their knowledge with others also have the option to complete a series of modules in order to graduate as a peer. For many clients, a successful relationship with a care management staff member is the foundation on which they build continued success. A variety of care management options exist, from shortterm supportive services to long-term intensive models, so that all clients have the opportunity to access a staff member to assist them with reaching their identified goals. During 2013, STAP provided care management services to over 150 individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Health Homes The newest element of the Medicaid Care Management program is an initiative called Health Homes. In recognition of the work that STAP has done to provide quality care management services throughout our history, the agency has also been offered the opportunity to participate in this new program. The Health Homes model extends services that were previously only available to select individuals (individuals living with HIV/ AIDS and individuals living with a Serious Mental Illness) to many other individuals who are living with a chronic illness. The agency is performing this new work under the DBA designation Southern Tier Care Coordination, in order to serve as many people who would benefit from services throughout our service region. 7
PREVENTION SERVICES Over the past year, the Prevention Department continued its critical work educating individuals throughout the service region about HIV, Hepatitis C, and relevant techniques to reduce their personal risk. Every year, this department reaches a large number of individuals representing diverse backgrounds. This year was another example of their fine work and dedication.
Many participants report that Identity is one of the few places they can go and feel like they are truly accepted and welcome.
In 2013, over 1,600 people participated in an individual or small group session with a Prevention Specialist. Additionally, over 14,000 individuals were reached through broader spectrum activities in our communities. The Prevention staff members work diligently to reach individuals throughout the service region who are often chronically underserved. Prevention programs prioritize individuals of greatest need, including: active substance users, LGBTQ populations, youth, incarcerated individuals, and Communities of Color. An excellent example of these services is Identity, a center for LGBTQ youth and their allies, ages 14–20. Identity has been open to the public for almost five years now, and was just awarded another five year grant contract by the New York
State Department of Health. Strategically located in downtown Binghamton on State Street, the center engages in community building and awareness activities by participating in Binghamton’s First Friday events. In order to increase the capacity of our community to serve LGBTQ populations, the center also does trainings on LGBTQ topics to local high school and college students, as well as interested health and human service providers. In just 2013 alone, Identity served over 60 youth and trained over 350 community members. The center provides a safe and accepting location for youth to come, play, learn, and make connections with peers in their community. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of structured and unstructured activities designed to encourage overall health and wellness. Some events, like two semi-annual safer sessions, provide information to prepare youth to make informed decisions about their behaviors. Other sessions, like movie night or crafts, allow participants to interact with peers, socialize, and build their natural support systems. Many participants report that Identity is one of the few places they can go and feel like they are truly accepted and welcome.
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CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION On January 25th, we recognized those individuals, businesses and organizations in our community that have contributed significantly to STAP’s mission of HIV prevention and assisting those with HIV/AIDS in living healthier lives.
2013 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNERS Gregar & Vicki Braus, College Town Bagels Jennifer O’Brien, The Magic Paintbrush Project James Micali & Lee Byar
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AIDS IS A DRAG Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar was the place to be on February 17th when we held our first annual AIDS Is A Drag show. Our professional drag queens, DeDe Kupps, Dusty Box, Katrina, Virginia Ham, and Seymour Bush, along with female impersonator, Lee Byar, helped local celebrities bring their inner diva to life. The audience was delighted with newcomers, Eddie Wesoloski from Remlik’s as Harriett Testease, Shane Rosenthal from Amici Pub & Pizzeria as Gloria Hole and Nicole Howard from Lost Dog Café as Nick McKnight.
ROCKSTAR CELEBRITY BARTENDING BASH On March 24th, the annual Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash took place at Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar. Our hostesses, the fabulous DeDe, Katrina & Dusty Boxx, kept the crowd entertained while fifteen bartenders competed to earn bragging rights. Raising over $4,000, Michael Libous, once again, earned the title of Top Bartender. We raised over $17,000 total—breaking a new record! 13
AIDS WALK/RUN The 2013 AIDS Walk/Run was held on April 21st at the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex. Participants chose their challenge and either walked, ran or those looking for a bigger challenge, took part in Patterson’s Punisher. Some even participated in more than one event.
AIDS WALK/RUN 2013 RAISED OVER
$50,000!
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SUPER STAR BARTENDER BASH ON THE LAKE On June 9th, we hosted our first annual Super Star Bartender Bash On The Lake in Ithaca. Several hundred supporters gathered at the fabulous Boatyard Grill on the Cayuga Lake Inlet for delicious food, great music and the chance to cheer on some of Ithaca’s brightest stars as they engaged in a friendly bartending competition. A total of $8,900 was raised!
BROADWAY BRUNCH On May 4th, Tranquil Bar & Bistro & STAP came together again for a sassy, campy, funfilled brunch fundraiser. VJ Alex spun the tunes from some of our favorite Broadway musicals. Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch, mimosas and wonderful live performances. Tranquil Bar & Bistro donated 100% of the proceeds to STAP! 17
DOGGONE FUN ON The eleventh annual Doggone Fun On The Run was held on July 13th at Otsiningo Park. Over one hundred of our four-legged friends came out to support the PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) Program. It was a beautiful day for the event and everyone enjoyed all of the festivities.
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO REPORT THAT THIS POPULAR EVENT RAISED OVER
$16,000! 18
THE RUN
MISS RICHFIELD 1981 Once
again,
our
2012
Outstanding
Community Partners, Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar fully sponsored the cost to bring in nationally known character actor, Russ King, as Miss Richfield 1981, to Binghamton on September 29. Only because of such generosity, would STAP still be able to clear expenses and not to mention, still raise a few thousand dollars for the agency at this unique and entertaining event.
STARCRAZY On June 14th, female impersonator, Lee Byar performed his Swan Song, and for the last time delighting the crowd with his StarCrazy show in its entirety. The show was held at the Lost Dog CafĂŠ. Lee has worked tirelessly to help STAP and our fundraising efforts. We were delighted that he honored us by performing his last show for our benefit. 20
AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE There is always cause for a little extra celebration. This year, we celebrated the Ride’s fifteenth anniversary, no small feat in the eyes of AIDS Ride for Life founders, Jerry Dietz & Russ Traunstein. They never dreamed that this fundraising event would be going so strong, so many years later. We celebrated all around the community, promoting STAP’s Ride at local events with new additions of Movie Night, Bike to Work Day, Super Star Bartender Bash on the Lake and we published a commemorative anniversary fifteen month calendar.
THIS YEAR’S TOTAL RAISED IS
$251,608! WITH A 15 YEAR TOTAL OF $2,950,000!
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HAIR WARZ On December 1st, STAP held the 3rd annual Hair Warz event at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Hair Warz is a fantasy hair competition that had 20 local salons developing creative, over-the-top hair and make-up reflecting the theme of their choice. Hair Warz Winner:
Ms. Judy’s Hair Plus
Ozi Award:
At-L-Ya Studio
People’s Choice:
Patrick J Cleary Designs
Salon’s Choice:
Ms. Judy’s Hair Plus
Runner Up:
Spencer’s Hair Studio
3rd Place:
JLP Hair Design
WE SOLD OVER 850 AVAVILABLE SEATS & RAISED AN AMAZING
$22,000! 25
FROM CHARLOTTE “I truly appreciate all that STAP does for me. The staff and their extended programs have reshaped my world. I have continued support in many different areas of my life. My family and I are grateful for the services provided by case management, medical advocacy, housing, volunteers and the many others who donate their time, money and efforts! Without everyone I would not be where I
The staff and their extended programs have reshaped my world. I have continued support in many different areas of my life.
am today. That’s why I love to give back by participating in events and donating what I can. Thank you!”
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A LETTER TO OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear John, I wanted to contact you to say thanks for helping to get my daughter back on the track to a healthy life. You will probably recall her condition (and my condition), when I first contacted you. We really thought that we would lose her. If it had not been for your calm advice and your staff’s persistence, I do not know what my wife and I would have done. The doctors you recommended were fantastic and they managed to completely turn her health around. Your staff’s advocacy in dealing with the doctors and social services including obtaining health insurance was essential, and the key to getting her better.
WHY STAP IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY
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If it had not been for your calm advice and your staff’s persistence, I do not know what my wife and I would have done.
VOLUNTEER OUR VOLUNTEERS DONATED 11,000 HOURS OF THEIR PRICELESS TIME AND EFFORT AT A VALUE OF $316,000!
In 2013, the volunteers of Southern Tier AIDS Program were amazing. We had help at every event beyond what we thought would be possible. The day to day work that looks effortless is because of the support of our volunteers. It is their tireless effort that makes events like Hair Warz and our AIDS Ride For Life absolutely fun to orchestrate. We also want to be sure to recognize the eighteen interns who faithfully came to STAP and made a difference. If you would like to be a volunteer at STAP or complete an internship with us, feel free to contact Candace Phelan by calling (607) 798–1706 extension 225, or by emailing cphelan@stapinc.org.
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