ANNUAL REPORT 2011
Paul Rushanski STAP Board President
John Barry STAP Executive Director
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Twenty-seven years ago, a dedicated group of volunteers formed a task force that would become the Southern Tier AIDS Program. That task force had only $50,000, three paid staff and donated office space to meet the incredible needs of those early years. As we write this, STAP employs nearly 50 people, has eight offices and an annual budget of over $3 million dollars. Our mission remains, “providing effective and innovative HIV and Hepatitis C prevention education and outreach services to individuals and communities and comprehensive and caring services to people living with HIV and Hepatitis C in our region”. 2011 was simply another great year for STAP. We continued to cut costs, use resources more efficiently and do more with less. The one area we avoid cutting is direct aid to clients. As an agency we recognize that the first priority is always the quality of service delivered to clients and program participants. Without the participation of clients in the programming that STAP offers, our jobs would not exist. STAP continues to grow and evolve to meet community needs and serve the public health. 2
We are proud of some of the following accomplishments this year: For the second year in a row, STAP’s Board President challenged his fellow Directors to be the top team at the AIDS Walk. They rose to the challenge and raised over $20,000...AGAIN! Our Development Department continues to be endlessly creative while assuring that STAP’s fundraising remains stable. This year 12% of STAP’s budget was donated by individuals and businesses. This discretionary money allows STAP to fill service gaps and to be creative in designing programs to meet emerging needs that may not be eligible for other funding. STAP’s 2011 World AIDS Day event, HairWarz fantasy hair show, broke new ground by enlisting local salons to create fantasy hair, makeup and clothing designs that were judged in a runway show. The event was one of a kind, sold out and will return next year in a bigger venue with even more salons participating.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WE WORK TO CREATE
Financial Report 4
A WORLD WHERE HIV TRANSMISSION IS RARE AND THOSE WHO ARE HIV+ LEAD HEALTHY LIVES
Client Services 6 Case Management
7
Seeing Crystal Clear
9
Medical Advocacy & Treatment
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Prevention Services 10 Once again, we raised money for the Jifahamu Kenya Foundation, our sister agency in Africa. The proceeds allow JKF to buy basic needs for children orphaned by AIDS. STAP’s cadre of accomplished volunteers was unflagging in their dedication this year. 570 volunteers donated more than 12,000 hours, estimated to be worth $250,000. The agency simply would not operate as efficiently without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. We are proud of the increasing numbers of HIV+ people who volunteer at STAP as their input and ideas are invaluable. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our community for their support. The success you see in these pages is a result of a conscious effort on the part of literally thousands of people to make our community a compassionate and caring place. We could not (and we pray we never have to) do it without you!
Criminal Justice Initiative
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Broome County Reentry Program
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Syringe Exchange Program
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Development 14 Hair Warz
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Fundraising Success
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Volunteers 19 Event Photos
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Board of Directors 22 Corporate Support
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3
FINANCIAL REPORT
REVENUE
Public Support & Donations
Comprehensive Medicaid Mgmt.
12
AIDS Institute 49 NYS
15 Other Federal & State Grants
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EXPENDITURES
Development
Services 81 Program
6 Management & General
4
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FINANCIAL REPORT THE FISCAL YEAR OF JULY 1, 2010 — JUNE 30, 2011
Grants and Program Service Revenue
NYS AIDS Institute 1,560,427 Ryan White Title II 256,620
Center for Disease Control 193,729 Housing Opportunities|People with AIDS 142,837 Broome County Mental Health 121,115
Other Grants or Revenue 48,375 Comprehensive Medicaid Case Mgmt. 470,592 Total Grants 2,793,695 Public Support
Donations and Fundraising 361,928 Direct Client Support 23,815 Total Public Support
385,743
Total Support and Revenue 3,179,438
Program and Support Services
Client Services 1,110,928 Education/Prevention Services 1,163,795
Volunteer and Other Services 127,542
Direct Financial Assistance to Clients 171,875 Administration|General Operations 401,301 Development 198,287
Total Expenses 3,173,728 5
CLIENT SERVICES
STAP CLIENT SERVICES HIV is a complex life-threatening disease that requires a comprehensive approach to care in order to survive and maintain a high quality of life.
Clients of the Southern Tier AIDS Program can expect a safe and non-judgmental environment. The staff is committed to collaborating with the client’s medical team to ensure quality HIV/AIDS care. Whatever clients need to feel well and live well is easily accessible. At the Southern Tier AIDS Program, they’ll also find, case management, medical advocacy, specialized housing services and help accessing community resources.
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Client Services offers professional clientcentered support services to people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Case managers work in partnership with clients to realize the client’s life and health goals. Case management technicians provide essential practical support with transportation arrangements and other activities of daily living. STAP’s Case Management, Medical Advocacy, and Housing programs work together and in collaboration with STAP’s Prevention Services staff to offer client advocacy, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and service referral.
2011 CLIENT SPIRITUAL RETREAT
STAP is the only primary provider of HIV/ AIDS services in the Southern Tier. Because of the rural nature of the region, STAP clients have the added challenge of isolation. STAP offered several events with the goal of assisting our HIV+ community in expanding their supports and resources through others who share in the fight against HIV/AIDS. STAP hosted the 11th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for over 100 clients and their families and friends, participated regularly in the weekly Friends Dinner program. In addition to these events, STAP also offered the annual Journey’s Spiritual Retreat at Sky Lake. The mission of this very special retreat
is to “assist individuals in finding inner strength by awakening spiritual awareness” as a means to deal with the difficulties of living with HIV and AIDS. Programs offered are designed to help our clients cope with their daily struggles and to revitalize their physical and spiritual well-being. This unique experience offers people living with a chronic illness 3 days and 2 nights of education, spiritual growth and an opportunity to meet others impacted by HIV/AIDS. Last year was our most successful retreat to-date for the 53 HIV+ individuals that attended. Clients enjoyed making new friends, learning about their own spiritual journey, and drew strength from a refreshed perspective on life. (continued on next page) 7
CLIENT SERVICES
(continued from previous page)
This could not have been possible without our community’s support and donations of financial assistance, products and services. STAP also offers programs and financial support that assist with gaps in community services such as AdoptA-Family, Robbie’s Pantry and Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS.) STAP’s Adopt-A-Family helps individuals with HIV by providing financial assistance to low-income families for things that no other resources are available. For instance, STAP has been able to provide an orphan with shoes to wear to a parent’s funeral, track shoes for a young HIV+ athlete, and a birthday cake and candles for a young single mother with little disposable income. These programs continue to support our mission of providing compassionate and lifeenhancing services to our clients. A Consumer Advisory Committee comprised of a group of STAP clients continues to meet to assist the agency by optimizing communication between consumers and the agency, advocating for consumer needs and provide input on the development of policy/procedures and educational programming.
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AS DIFFICULT AS IT MAY BE TO BELIEVE, HAVING HIV HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE— A REAL WAKE-UP CALL.
Seeing Crystal Clear For 39 years I struggled with drug addiction and lived the lifestyle many addicted women live. In September of 2009 I was getting ready to be released from jail and decided to have an HIV test on my way out. I was positive. Even though I had engaged in risky behaviors for years, I was overwhelmed as reality dawned on me. I wracked my brain trying to pinpoint the exact moment I’d been infected. Ultimately I realized how I got it was not so important as how I was going to live now—I started rethinking my priorities. When I got home I paid a visit to STAP to learn as much as I could about this disease. They helped me find a doctor and a mental health counselor, and hooked me up with a nutritionist. I joined a recovery group and kept doing the next “right thing.” I quit
smoking and even started exercising. Several months later my doctor recommended adding HIV meds; having committed to the best health possible, I agreed. Last year I went to STAP’s Annual Journey’s Retreat for clients and had a wonderful time. Encouraged, I became a regular at the Friends Dinners and support group; the friendships I’ve made sustain and enrich me. As difficult as it may be to believe, having HIV has been a blessing in disguise—a real wake-up call. Today, I am living the life I always wanted; I am a better person and am generally happy. I don’t know what the future holds, so I focus on living well today (and hopefully many days to come.) I have so much to be grateful for.
Medical Advocacy & Treatment Literacy In recognition of the increasing complexity of treatment options available for persons with HIV/AIDS, STAP created the Choosing Health Options & Improving Client Empowerment Skills (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) Initiative. HIV has been a reality for over three decades, and living with the disease becomes more complicated every year. Adherence is still in the forefront as a primary concern in improving the quality of life of those living with HIV/AIDS. Medical Advocates offer to meet with all new HIV+ STAP clients, giving the client an opportunity to discuss their concerns and ask questions about HIV in a one-on-one setting. Clients that want more education
and information can participate in the C.H.O.I.C.E.S program. The primary goal of the C.H.O.I.C.E.S program is to assist clients in exercising informed participation in whatever treatment regimen they choose in collaboration with their physicians. Curriculum offered to HIV+ clients includes topics such as: Understanding your Lab Reports, Disease Progression, and Side Effect Management. The Medical Advocates also collaborate with representatives from pharmaceutical companies and specialty pharmacies to ensure clients have access to the most upto-date treatment information. Two Medical Advocates staff the initiative. 9
PREVENTION SERVICES
Top: Joe Barnett, Criminal Justice Initiative Bottom: Bryan Cook, Criminal Justice Initiative
STAP PREVENTIVE SERVICES As part of the mission to prevent new transmissions of HIV and Hepatitis C, STAP Prevention Services staff members are dedicated to providing services where they are needed most.
Programs include the Syringe Exchange Program, and the Broome County Reentry ABLE Program, and the new Criminal Justice Initiative.
Broome County Reentry ABLE Program Logo 10
Criminal Justice Initiative The new Criminal Justice Initiative provides a host of services to individuals who are currently incarcerated in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision system within the Elmira HUB.
ensure that individuals coming back into the community are connected with necessary community services like medical treatment, housing, parole, as well as other benefit and entitlement programs.
There are a variety of programs being provided through this grant, including: Peer Training curricula, one-on-one risk assessment sessions, and group educational sessions.
In order to more effectively deliver these programs, STAP has partnered with AIDS Community Resources (ACR). The facilities being served by STAP under this grant include: Elmira Correctional Facility, Cayuga Correctional Facility, and Southport Correctional Facility. ACR is currently covering services within the remaining three facilities: Butler Correctional Facility, Auburn Correctional Facility, and Five Points Correctional Facility.
In addition to these services, which are aimed at preventing new transmissions and providing education to at-risk individuals, this grant also provides Transitional Planning services for individuals who are HIV positive. Transitional Planning services help to
Broome County Reentry ABLE Program The Broome County Reentry ABLE (Advocacy, Betterment, Learning, Empowerment) Program is a program designed to assist men and women returning to Broome County from a NYS Correctional facility transition back into society. Our mission is to aid these individuals by addressing barriers which may be present inhibiting their stabilization and a smooth transition back to Broome County. We work closely with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to ensure that public safety is at the forefront of everything we offer. STAP’s programs aim to connect the returning men and women to needed services while they are still incarcerated. This in-reach allows for a thorough assessment to be completed,
appointments to be set, and a smooth transition during this critical period of reintegration. STAP’s dedicated staff provides Cognitive and Criminogenic Behavioral Programming through intensive case management services. Each individual participates in one or more of our stabilization programs which include: Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Recovery Coaching, Peer Mentoring, and Life Skills. As a matter of intake, direct links to STAP are provided to every participant allowing for the ability to participate in risk assessments, receive educational information, and HIV testing. 11
SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM
450
400 Livonia
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50 2008
2009
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2011
GROWTH OF THE SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM (IN THOUSANDS OF SYRINGES)
The Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is a public health intervention designed to assist injection drug users in remaining disease free long enough to pursue treatment and to stop using drugs. The program has been growing exponentially since its 2002 inception in Ithaca, including the 2008 opening of a second exchange site in Johnson City. In 2011, the two sites distributed over 246,000 syringes in our 12
communities, which was almost 100,000 more than the previous year. The SEP primarily serves injection drug users that have historically been severely affected by the HIV and Hepatitis C epidemics. Current statistics show more people are dying each year from Hepatitis C than from HIV/ AIDS complications. As HIV and Hepatitis C are easily transmitted through injection supplies and among injection drug users,
IMPACT OF THE FRIEND REFERRAL PROGRAM
Referrers
Owasco
New Participants Syringe Exchange Centers Lodi Cortland Burdett
Ithaca
Marathon
Owego
Johnson City
Syringes Out Syringes In Syringe Exchanges
the SEP provides a safe space for harm reduction education and distribution of supplies. Additionally, the SEP is a community sharps disposal site and properly disposes of used syringes the participants return for new ones. In 2011, over 200,000 used sharps were collected from participants and several thousand from members of the general public.
Program and to encourage current participants to introduce other injection drug users to the service. Each new participant is asked to give a zip code for his or her current location. Using these zip codes, we are able to see the reach of our program—i.e. participants sometimes travel up to an hour to receive services.
The Friend Referral Program was started to increase awareness of the Syringe Exchange 13
DEVELOPMENT
February 25 : Cause for Celebration Mother Nature tried to foil our plans with a winter storm, but the annual Cause for Celebration went on with over 150 individuals in attendance. Elizabeth Bixler, Java Joe’s Café and PETCO were recognized for their contributions of time and resources to move the mission of the Southern Tier AIDS Program forward.
April 17 : Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash We mixed things up a bit with the annual Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash. A record breaking $11,287.82 was raised. Joanie Ellis won the coveted prize of drink naming rights and Katrina was crowned Queen. A fun time was had by all in attendance!
2011
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN April 21 : AIDS Walk Run JUL Now in its fifteenth year, the AIDS Walk Run has become a highly anticipated event by our community. We were delighted to have a 63 degree day. Hundreds came out to support STAP and we raised over $58,000!
December 4 : Hair Warz There wasn’t even standing room at Remlik’s when we hosted our first annual Hair Warz fantasy hair show. Fifteen local salons competed in this event. It was a close one, but the Mark Anthony salon came out with bragging rights!
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AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
April 2 : StarCrazy Female impersonator, Lee Byar, performed StarCrazy to a sell-out crowd at the Lost Dog Café. The crowd was delighted with the celebrities on hand, including Marilyn Monroe, Carol Channing, Bette Davis, and Judy Garland!
September 10 : AIDS Ride for Life Another huge success! The day was simply beautiful in terms of the weather, and the 350 cyclists and 150 volunteers made the day incredibly special! Whether they rode 40, 50, 90 or 100 miles, the finish line at Cass Park celebrated their accomplishment! Together as a community, we raised $220,000 dollars!
September 25: Miss Richfield 1981 On September 25th we were delighted when Remlik’s hosted Miss Richfield 1981. The crowd was thrilled with her antics and wished the show didn’t have to end. What a fun show!
It has been another busy year in the Development Department. There was recognition, cabaret, bartending, walking, running, cycling, fantasy hair and yes, even dogs, which resulted in another very successful year of fundraising. Thanks to all of our supporters we raised in total $329,424.30. Your dollars mean: Helping individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS cope with their disease Educating our communities about the risks of HIV infection and staying free of AIDS Responding with transportation to critical medical appointments Providing nutritional food Assisting with heat, utilities, and the daily realities of living Helping people deal with the complexities of treatment options
October 1 : Doggone Fun on the Run We weren’t sure what to expect at Otsiningo Park as the weatherman was predicting more rain and it was just a couple of weeks after Hurricane Irene devastated our area. We were delighted when 67 of our 4-legged friends came out in the pouring rain to support the PAWS program. Over $10,000 was raised!
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HAIR WARZ
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A Casa Di Bella Salon 1504 Pine Street Endicott, NY 13760
D Acacia Aveda 1308 Vestal Pkwy East Vestal, NY 13850
Mark Anthony Salon
B Cachet Beauty Salon 2102 East Main Street Endicott, NY 13760
E JLP Hair Design, LLC 560 Harry L Drive Johnson City, NY 13790
C Diane Testani Hair Salon 3523 Country Club Road Endicott, NY 13760
F Les Beaux Gens 365 Harry L Drive Johnson City, NY 13790
290 Grand Ave. Johnson City NY 13790
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G Friends & Co. Hair Salon 365 Harry L Drive Johnson City, NY 13790
J Miracles Beauty Salon 157 Main Street Binghamton, NY 13905
M Patrick J. Cleary Designs 297 Robinson Street Binghamton, NY 13904
H White Rose Hair Design 1101 Bunn Hill Road Vestal, NY 13850
K Lesha’s & Beverly’s Hair 4 You 56 Henry Street Binghamton, NY 13901
N Studio 307 307 Conklin Avenue Binghamton, NY 13903
I Colour an Inspired Salon 4700 Vestal Pkwy East Vestal, NY 13850
L Hair and Beyond 143 Robinson Street Binghamton, NY 13904 17
FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
$220,000 RAISED
AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE
OUTSPOKIN’
350 CYCLISTS & 150 VOLUNTEERS
ELIZABETH BIXLER JAMES ORCULT
DAVID BRUMBERG
$2,765
$2,839
$7,6 75
TOP FUNDRAISING INDIVIDUALS
VET SCHOOL BIKERS
TEAM GIMME!
$9,847
$11,989
TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS
$58,163 RAISED
AIDS WALK RUN
$18, 727
STAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOEY RANDALL RYAN SICILIANO
PAUL RUSHANSKI
BRIAN NAYOR MICHAEL GRASSO
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1
3
TOP THREE RUNNERS
DOGGONE FUN ON THE RUN
$2,0 55
JOSHUA LUDZKI $3,717
$7,301
TOP FUNDRAISING INDIVIDUALS
$10,839 RAISED
KIDS WHO CARE
BEARS OF BINGHAMTON
$1,934
$2,070
$20,178
TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS
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TOP DO G GE
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67 OF OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS CAME OUT IN THE POURING RAIN TO SUPPORT THE PAWS PROGRAM! 18
FAMILY MEMBER OF STEPHANIE & ANGELA GIOVANNONE
VOLUNTEER
QUESTION ANSWER Who are among the most happy, fun-loving, productive people in the Southern Tier of NY?
The 570 people that volunteered at Southern Tier AIDS Program in 2011, that’s who!
They laughed, they promoted, they donated, they played, they worked hard, and in the end we were grateful for all of it. Believe it when we say we cannot do what we do in our communities without the 12,500 hours given by our volunteers with a value at over $252,000.00. If you want to be part of this wonderful experience contact Candace Phelan at cphelan@stapinc.org or call 1.800.333.0892 ext. 225.
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EVENT PHOTOS AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE
AIDS WALK RUN
DOGGONE FUN ON THE RUN
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Back Grant Best, Jamie Cornell, Jerry Halbert, Jason Pickart, Larry Bailey, Angelo Fiori Middle Tony Fiala, Joshua Ludzki, Kristen Harding, Nancy McGowan, Joyce Allen Front Michael Grasso, Paul Rushanski, Christina Ruocco-Dolan, Pam Mischen Not Pictured Helen Higgenbotham, Ralph Klotzbaugh
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CORPORATE SUPPORT
3i Graphics & Signs
Glimmerglass Festival
Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar
A Frame Shoppe
Hair and Beyond
Robbie’s Wine and Liquor
Acacia Aveda
Health Beat
Roberson Museum
America’s Attic
Hickey’s Music Center
Service Master
Animal Care Council
Hot Cuts
Sip of Seattle
Anthony Brunelli Gallery
Houndstooth
SPEAK
Arnot Health
Hypnosis for Healing
Star 105.7
BAE
Ideal Lanes
Starbucks
Beet-N-Path
Iron Design Inc.
Studio 307
Binghamton Philharmonic
Ithaca Bakery|Collegetown Bagels
Subway
BingSpot
Ithaca Cayuga Optical Service
Sugar Mountain
Bklyn Fire Fighters Hall of Fame
J&K Plumbing
The Anderson Center
BoatYard Grill
Java Joe’s
The Baseball Hall of Fame
Borg Warner
JC Penney
The Beveled Edge
Boscov’s
JetAway Travel
The Binghamton Zoo
Butcher Boy
JLP Hair Design, LLC
The Broadway Theatre League
C.S.P. Management
John Burns Reality
The Cider Mill Play House
Cachet Beauty Salon
Keri’s Salon & Spa
The Drain Brain
Camelot Jewelers
Lama Real Estate
The Drum Zone
Candace Design
Laughing Moss Glass Studio
The Ellis Brothers
Casa Di Bella Salon
Leather Bound
The Gold Smith
Cayuga Medical Center
Les Beaux Gens
The Magic Paintbrush
Cayuga Ski and Cyclery
Lesha’s & Beverly’s Hair 4 You
The Pharmacy
Chenango County Council of the Arts
Lost Dog Café
The UPS Store Vestal
Cider Mill PlayHouse
Lourdes Hospital
The Vitamin Shoppe
Cold Water Creek
M&T Bank
Time Warner Cable
Colour an Inspired Salon
Maguire Family of Dealerships
Tompkins County Amateur Radio Club
Conti Jewelers
Mark Anthony Salon
Tompkins Trust Company
Corner Store Catering
Michael LIbous Salon
Tranquil Bar & Bistro
Courtyard Gifts
Midway Lanes
Trumansburg Rotary
Delhi College Golf Course
Miracle’s Beauty Salon
UHS
Diane Testani Hair Salon
Nail Trix
Upstate Office Furniture
Dogs on the Run, LLC
Nezuntoz Café
Uptown Style and Spa
Don’s Auto Parts
NYC DEP
VanZanbergen Photography
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Old World Deli
Visions Federal Credit Union
Finger Lakes School of Massage
One Next Generation Condoms
Wegmans
First Niagara
Outback Steakhouse
Weiss Markets
Friends & Co. Hair Salon
Patrick J. Cleary Designs
White Rose Day Spa and Hair Design
Frito-Lay
PETCO Foundation
WICZ Fox 40
Full Belly Deli
Plato’s Closet
WVBR
Game Stop
Price Chopper
YMCA
Garland Gallery
Pronto Cucina
Zales Jewelers
Gimme! Coffee
Rasa Spa
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WE WORK TO CREATE A WORLD WHERE H I V T R A N S M I S S I O N I S RARE AND THOSE WHO ARE H IV+ L EA D H EA LT H Y L IVES . WE C U LT I VAT E I N D I V I D U A L A N D COMMUNITY STRENGTHS TO IM P ROVE T H E P U B L IC H EALTH .
w w w. s t a p i n c . o r g SERVING BROOME, CHEMUNG, CHENANGO, CORTLAND, D E L AWA R E , O T S E G O , T I O G A & T O M P K I N S C O U N T I E S