positive focus Spring 2014
www.stapinc.org
Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
A LETTER FROM
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IT CAN BE CHALLENGING... It can be challenging in the day-to-day rush of grant proposals,
They reminded me of how important that few fleeting minutes
work plans, board meetings, strategic plans and finance reports to
with all of them was and how grateful I would be that I spent it
focus on listening to the people we work for, our consumers.
with them, rather than reviewing budgets, sometime in the future.
I was reminded again of the power of listening recently and how
They reminded me that I would always reap higher dividends by
healthy it can be both for the organization and my own mental
meeting people with love, even or especially the cranky ones.
health. I asked and was granted permission to sit in on a support group.
They showed me that life with all its pain, discomforts and disappointments, is still strikingly beautiful and to be savored.
It was wonderful. Our clients understand what is really valuable in life. Their perceptions have been focused and sharpened by the
They made me remember again why I wanted to (and still want
day-to-day realities of living with HIV. They know that there is a
to) work at STAP. We have the privilege of being with people when
limit to our lives and we should spend that limited time wisely.
they are at their best and are living life to the fullest, because they have stopped taking life for granted. And isn’t that a great lesson
They were kind enough to remind me of what is really important
for all of us?
and having realized this, I breathed a bit easier about whatever administrative task had been vexing me before I left the office.
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John
SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
Hotline (800) 333-0892
22 Riverside Drive
Phone (607) 798-1706
Binghamton, NY 13905
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATION
Jerry Halbert President Jamie Cornell Vice President Anthony Fiala, Jr. Treasurer Larry Bailey Secretary Joyce Allen Tina Chronopoulos Angelo Fiori Melissa Klinko Jorge Masdeu Erin McElroy Nancy McGowan Scott Rosman Christopher Waters Andrea Vaioli
John Barry Executive Director Michelle McElroy Director of Programs Julie Kerr Director of Finance Joseph Caminiti Director of Information Systems Mary Kaminsky Director of Development Jackie Centerwall Director of Operations Candace Phelan Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Rotella Special Events Coordinator Anne Baron Fiscal Assistant Ginny Miller Program Assistant Stacy Wright Receptionist Addie Deacon Human Resources/Administrative Assistant Jeffrey Pryor Prison Reentry Coordinator Simone Cornelius Data Assistant
CLIENT SERVICES
PREVENTION SERVICES
Stacy Nickerson Assistant Director Client Services Andrea Pinney Housing Coordinator Jennifer McKenzie Housing Specialist Alisa Reynolds Housing Case Manager Autumn Cook Medical Advocacy Kristina Hagen Client Services Data Specialist Gry Bente-Johansen Care Manager, Chemung Elke Meyer Care Manager, Chemung Jessica Thurston Care Manager, Broome Jesse Natishak Care Manager, Broome Lisa Moore Care Manager, Broome Beth Pittman Care Manager, Tompkins Stephanie Flash Care Manager, Tompkins Eric Krohn Nutrition Health Education Specialist Kate Murray Nutrition Health Education Specialist
Joe Barnett Assistant Director of Prevention Services Bryan Cook Criminal Justice Prevention Specialist Cathy Sostre Assistant Director of Prevention Services Melanie Le May LGBT Program Coordinator Charity Corman LGBT Youth Specialist Noah Cooper Mpowerment Specialist Stephen Gleason Mpowerment Specialist Haley Vasliopoulos Testing and Referral Specialist Elisa Harris Substance Use Outreach Coordinator Hanna Weiss Substance Use Outreach Specialist Kernalia Andrews Womens’ Services Coordinator Tamika Davis Womens’ Services Specialist Lillian Fan Harm Reduction Coordinator Thomas Womelsdorf Harm Reduction Specialist Emily England Syringe Exchange Technician Jessie Bonney-Burrill Syringe Exchange Technician
www.stapinc.org
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recent events
MUD GAUNTLET 2014 Mud, sweat and tears of joy were on the faces of those
Corp.). Corporate sponsorship underwrites the event itself.
completing the first ever Mud Gauntlet. What a beautiful day!
These dollars assure that the “Mudders” are safe, well
The sun was shining and the temperature was unseasonably
nourished, supported, and have a day filled with wonderful
warm. Close to 400 people participated in the inaugural
memories.
annual event. In turn, 100% of event registration fees are able to go directly This event would not have been possible without the support
to providing HIV/AIDS services without having to use any of
and backing of our major sponsor, Jarrett Newby’s Newbsanity
that money for overhead costs. With more clients than ever,
Course. What a gem we have right here in Broome County!
commitment remains solid and strong to fulfill our mission of
The course is challenging, beautifully designed, and includes
providing compassionate and caring services for people with
over 20 outstanding obstacles. Be sure to check out upcoming
HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
events on Jarrett’s website at www.newbsanity.com. We have received a great deal of positive feedback with many We would also like to thank our others sponsors, UHS, Excellus
participants telling us they can’t wait until next year and we
BCBS, WBNG TV-12, Meier Supply Company, Lindsey Lawn &
can’t either!
Garden, Wegmans, Price Chopper, and P&J (Postler & Jaeckle
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STAP’S ROCK STAR CELEBRITY BARTE We may have had hazardous traveling conditions and it was freezing cold outside, but inside Remlik’s, it was hot, hot, HOT! Thank you to everyone who came out to support STAP.
ROUND II
Our bartenders worked hard and raked in the tips. The two
$3,891.75
top tip-mongers were Shane Rosenthal, manager of Amici Pub & Pizzeria and Chris Waters, STAP Board Member, with over $4,000 between the two of them. Think you’ve got what it takes to compete? Let us know! We would love to have you come and bartend in 2015!
ROUND I $1,656.25 6
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u o y k n a th
y t i r b e l e c 2014 nders! bar te ROUND I Candace Chapman Barbara Ellis Joanie Ellis Laura Ellis Andrea Vaioli
ROUND II Brett Chellis Richard Chomyszak
ENDING BASH
Shane Rosenthal Jim Simons Tanya Wild
ROUND III DIVAS
Jason Ellis
$736.00
Michael Libous Steven Nanni Chris Waters David Vallone
DIVAS DeDe Kupps Dusty Boxx ROUND III
GRAND TOTAL
Katrina
$5,478.25
$11,762.25
Monroe Sedgewick www.stapinc.org
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upcoming events
Sign up at www.aidsrideforlife.org Or call our Ithaca office at 607-272-4098.
AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE 9.13.14 There is only really great news when it comes to anything about
Lake. It was a fun, engaging, amateur bartender competition
the AIDS Ride For Life. Entering our 16th year, we have doubled
with local celebs serving cocktails and summer non-alcoholic
the number of Riders already signed up compared to last year
beverages. Over $7,000 in tips was collected for STAP!
at this time and we expect hundreds more! The AIDS Ride For Life has grown into a celebration of what We have taken steps to create an even better, safer event
STAP can do for our community, our eight counties and all that
AND this year, we will surpass the three million dollar mark in
still needs to be done to create a world without AIDS. Riders
fundraising for the AIDS Ride For Life history! Every year, this
and volunteers participate for many reasons: for STAP and our
landmark ride around Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region
clients, to support the community in general and for the sheer
delivers a life-changing experience for hundreds of participants
love of the physical challenge.
from all backgrounds and fitness levels who are united in spirit by a common desire to do something altruistic.
You belong here with us! Please join us as a Rider or a Volunteer. Sign up at www.aidsrideforlife.org or contact Cindy Rotella at
In addition, last year, we added another promotional event to
crotella@stapinc.org or at our Ithaca office at 607-272-4098.
teach our community about STAP and promote participation in
Thank you for your support!
the Ride. The Super Star Bartender Bash on the Lake was held on June 8 at the Boatyard Grill (3-6pm) on beautiful Cayuga 8
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4 1 0 2 . 3 1 . 9 y r a s r e v i n n A h t 0 3 s ' P A T S
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go
Otsinin
alk W M A 1 • 1 n o i t a r egist R M A • 10 n o t m ingha B , k r a P
Y A D R U T A S
2 1 Y JUL
Two Mile Trek & Puptastic Post Party Exercise, Games, Lunch, Treats, Raffles, Prizes, Animal Blessings & More!
CALL TODAY! 607-798-1706 doggonefunontherun.org
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TH
2014
Fleas biting on your last nerves? Matted hair weighing you down? Ever wondered what it would be like to be the Four-Legged Prince or Princess of Bel Aire? An A-List Pup on the Red Carpet?`
The answers to all of your champagne wishes and caviar dreams:
Doggone Fun on the Run Lucky Dog Contest! If chosen, your pooch will get a first-class spa treatment on Friday, July 11th with a touch-up the following morning. But that’s not all—you and your pup will then be whisked away by limo to the Doggone Fun on the Run, the canine social event of the year, where you and your pooch will be the center of attention and the envy of all participants. Don’t miss the chance to show the ones who love you how much you love them back.
Winner will be announced on Listeners can submit their photos to BinghamtonDrive.com
July 10th!
June 23rd—July 9th
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client services
CLIENT PICNIC STAP’s second annual client picnic was held on June 11th. This event was started last year as a replacement for the client retreat. The client picnic offers a larger number of clients the opportunity to come together and celebrate the warmth and companionship of summertime. STAP staff members also attend the event, giving clients the chance to meet staff from other offices and programs, with whom they do not usually interact. Transportation is provided for clients outside of Broome County who wish to attend, lunch is served, and activities are available for those who wish to participate.
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“A REAL HOME FOR STAP” It’s an exciting time for the Client Services department, which
building that has not been recognized as the STAP building for
has relocated to their new space at the building on Riverside
nearly two decades. The Robbie’s Pantry services are now being
Drive. Many clients have now had the opportunity to visit the
provided out of this location as well, with distribution being
location and report that it feels “like a real home for STAP.”
done weekly on Tuesday afternoons. The new space offers all
Some clients have also stated they feel more comfortable in the
the same services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS as before,
new space, as it affords them greater confidentiality to enter a
as well as housing most of the administration staff. www.stapinc.org
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prevention services
RELOCATION The Prevention Services Department is also in the process of relocation. Now that they have vacated the building on Baldwin Street, they are getting ready to move into their newly renovated space at 277 Main Street in Johnson City. This new location offers many features that will benefit individuals looking to receive services. The space is designed for easy access to testing services from the front door. The location is easy to find and located very close to the bus stop. It will house additional locking storage space for program supplies (something always in short supply), as well as a separate entrance for the syringe exchange program participants. Finally, it allows for the consolidation of the Women’s Services program staff into the same building, making it easier for staff to personally refer clients to other prevention programs. It is expected that Prevention Services will reopen for business late June or early July in the new space.
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volunteer
VOLUNTEER Once again, STAP is so happy to say we have the most wonderful
administrative staff at all of our events. This included our most
volunteers. What you see above, is a small representation of
recent event, the Mud Gauntlet.
people that help our programs run smoothly. We currently are looking to expand our Buddy Program. For The volunteers have taken pictures, completed safety kits and
more information on this or other volunteering opportunities,
mailings, stocked shelves, shopped, and educated the public
please contact our volunteer coordinator, Candace Phelan at
about HIV. They have also been buddies for our Buddy Program,
607.798.1706 ext. 115 or by email cphelan@stapinc.org.
answered phones, helped us move, sent out our PAWS mailing, done taxes and entered data. Some have even put on a costume
Remember‌
and entertained at our events. Volunteers do not get paid, because they are volunteers, They work tirelessly in our prevention, education, and client
volunteers do not get paid because they are priceless!
services, as well as youth programs. Volunteers help the
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Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. 22 Riverside Drive Binghamton, New York 13905
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Albany, NY PERMIT # 197 ZIP CODE 12205
Spring 2014
STAP
is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our nearly 30 years of providing services. Say “I care” by sending your gift today. Your generosity makes a difference! Yes! I can help the Southern Tier AIDS Program continue to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provide prevention services to help reduce the rate of HIV infection in the Southern Tier. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of:
$25
$50
$100
$250
Other: $
Checks should be made payable to:
STAP, 22 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Please charge my donation to my:
Visa
Name
CC#
Address
Exp. Date
Mastercard
CVV Billing Zipcode
Signature
friends who care