Positive Focus

positive focus Winter 2014

www.stapinc.org

Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties

A LETTER FROM

the executive director

I HAVE EXCITING NEWS! After more than twenty years at 122 Baldwin Street in Johnson

In addition to being a good economic move for the agency, it is

City, the Southern Tier AIDS Program will be moving to a new

a beautiful space that we hope will feel more “homey” for our

location. On November 19th we officially closed on our purchase of

visitors. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and complement

22 Riverside Drive in Binghamton.

the house. The location places us closer to where many of our clients live and the other agencies we regularly interact with. We are also

This was the culmination of a two year search process. We were

very pleased to be able to care for and enjoy a historic Binghamton

fortunate to have the active and involved guidance of our Board

property and invest in the continuing revival of Binghamton.

of Directors and the input of staff & clients throughout the search.

We assessed our space needs, carefully considered the benefits of

Stay tuned for more information about an open house in the Spring

buying versus renting and made sure that we would be getting the

after we complete some minor repairs and move in. We think you

“most bang for our buck.”

will be pleased with our new home and would love to hear your thoughts after you visit.

I am happy to report that this move will result in a significant reduction in our monthly occupancy costs, especially when the

Warmly,

rent from the carriage house on the property is factored in. The money saved can be funneled back into the important work we do and continuing to meet client needs.

2

| positive focus

John

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

Hotline (800) 333-0892

122 Baldwin Street

Phone (607) 798-1706

Johnson City, New York 13790

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Jerry Halbert President Jamie Cornell Vice President Anthony Fiala, Jr. Treasurer Larry Bailey Secretary Joyce Allen Angelo Fiori Melissa Klinko Nancy McGowan Christopher Waters Andrea Vaioli

John Barry Executive Director Michelle McElroy Director of Programs Mary Kaminsky Director of Development Julie Kerr Director of Finance Joseph Caminiti Director of Information Systems Jackie Centerwall Director of Operations Candace Phelan Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Rotella Events Coordinator Anne Baron Fiscal Assistant Ginny Miller Program Assistant Stacy Wright Receptionist Addie Deacon Human Resources/Administrative Assistant Jeffrey Pryor Prison Reentry Coordinator

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 Case Manager, Chemung Elke Meyer Case Manager, Chemung Jessica Thurston Case Manager, Broome Jesse Natishak Case Manager, Broome Lisa Moore Case Manager, Broome Beth Pittman Case Manager, Tompkins Stephanie Flash Case 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 Gleason Mpowerment Specialist Stephen Gleason Mpowerment Specialist Elisa Harris Substance Use Outreach Coordinator Hanna Weiss Substance Use Outreach Specialist Kernalia Andrews Womens’ Services Coordinator Tamika Davis Womens’ Prevention Specialist Lillian Fan Harm Reduction Coordinator Terri Shields Substance Use Outreach Specialist Thomas Womelsdorf Harm Reduction Specialist Katie Johnson Harm Reduction Specialist Emily England Syringe Exchange Technician Jessie Bonney-Burrill Syringe Exchange Technician www.stapinc.org

|

3

recent events

AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE 2013

4

| positive focus

15 Years of gratitiude There is always cause for a little extra celebration – this year we

we think about the 350 registered Riders who rode 34,000 miles,

celebrated the Ride’s fifteenth anniversary! No small feat in the

the 300+ volunteers who marshaled, decorated, fed and cheered

eyes of our Founders, Jerry & Russ. They never dreamed that

our Riders around Cayuga Lake and as they crossed the finish line

this fundraising event would be going strong so many years later.

at Cass Park, the participating sponsors and vendors, and the

We celebrated all around the community, promoting STAP’s Ride

thousands of dollars raised! Our hope is that the 800+ people

at local events with new additions of Movie Night, Bike to Work

who participated in large and small very great ways to make this

Day, Super Star Bartender Bash on the Lake and we published a

year such a success truly know how much we love and appreciate

commemorative anniversary fifteen month calendar. This year’s

every one of them. Save the Date! September 13, 2014! The Ride

total raised is $251,608 with a fifteen year total of $2,950,000!

continues! www.aidsrideforlife.org

Now, on the other side of the 2013 AIDS Ride For Life, with gear

~ Cindy Rotella, Very Proud Ride Coordinator

stored and inventory completed, we are still in grateful awe when www.stapinc.org

|

5

Thank you, so very much to our wonderful, dedicated Riders who went the distance. YOU made this all happen!

Thank you to Steve Flash, the sole Rider who rode the distance all fifteen years! Two times around in 2013!

Thank you to our highest fundraisers, Rider Elizabeth

Bixler

with

$8095

and

Team

Outspokin’, who’s 21 members raised $26,251!

Thank you, to the 49 High Gear Club fundraisers who each raised $1000 or more!

Thank you to our many Sponsors! They didn’t bat an eye when writing checks to help pay Ride expenses, donating food and beverages, or creating promotional materials.

Thank you to our wonderful, cheerful, hard working

Volunteers,

located

all

around

Cayuga Lake!

Thank you to our Safety Crew! They are the amateur radio group and the safety & gear motorcyclists who monitor the entire route all day long looking out for our Riders.

Thank you to our Founders, Jerry Dietz & Russ Traunstein, who had the foresight to see the need fifteen years ago!

Thank you to our fabulous ARFL dedicated committee community members , including Adam Brumberg, Patty Clark, Drew Noden, Ben Stewart , and of course, Founders Jerry Dietz and Russ Traunstein for their continued enthusiasm and commitment!

And thank you to the ARFL staff committee: Candace

Phelan,

Volunteer

Coordinator;

Cath Perkins, Assistant Ride Coordinator; Stephanie Flash, Ride Assistant; and Ginny Miller, Program Assistant, for their focus and dedication to the mission of the Ride!

Save the Date! September 13, 2014! The Ride continues! www.aidsrideforlife.org

6

| positive focus

www.stapinc.org

|

7

HAIR Warz 2013 Over 850 people attended the sold out 2013 Hair Warz show right

raffle ticket crew), Michael Libous & Tracy Gooley for managing

on World AIDS Day, December 1, at Binghamton’s Doubletree

back stage, John Penird Creations for decorating the space, Elisa

Hilton Hotel. Upon arrival, ticket holders were thrilled to

Harris, Park Lane Fashion Director for providing jewelry for the

receive a beautiful gift bag filled with top-of-the-line products

models, opening act performers: Ridge Prince, Alery Patton,

from our sponsors, A&A Beauty Supply & Design, Goldwell

Stefanie Jump, Mike Carlson & Justin Eckert, choreographers:

New York, and L’Oreal. Our presenting sponsor, A&A Beauty

Noah Cooper, Candace Phelan & Alery Patton, Costumes: Candace

Supply & Design, delighted attendees when they handed each

Phelan, Photographers: VanZandbergen Photography, Bunn Hill

one a gift bag with a full can of Lanza Keratin Healing Oil

Photo, Angelo Fiori & Josef Sofka, sound & lighting: Terry Burke,

Lustrous Finishing Spray, which retails for $28.00. Twenty salons

Emcee: Doug Mosher, graphic design: Obiru Labs, hostesses:

participated in the event. The hairstyles were amazing. It was

DeDe Kupps, Katrina & Virginia Ham, Tri-Cities Opera singers

clearly evident that the stylists and make-up artists had put so

Jenny Gac, Jake Stamatis, Michael Celentano, and Michael Lewis

much of their hearts, souls, (and paychecks) into this event. It

for surprising the crowd with one of their “FLASH MOBperas”,

certainly wasn’t easy for our judges to pick the winner.

judges: Chiala Marvici, David Vallone & Simone Karns, sponsors: A&A Beauty Supply & Design, Goldwell NY, Excellus BCBS, L’Oreal,

An epic event such as this takes dozens and dozens of STAP

Lost Dog Café & Lounge, Double Tree by Hilton & Obiru Labs.

Friends to make it happen. Special thanks to all of the participating salons and their models, our volunteers (cigarette

And special thanks to the Hair Warz committee members: Tina

girls, the Rosie’s, security, doormen, the stage assistants & our

Barber, Michael Libous, Candace Phelan & Cindy Rotella.

8

| positive focus

www.stapinc.org

|

9

WORLD AIDS DAY

MISS RICHFIELD 1981

A song is saved for me With lyrics I hold dear.

Now empty is the dance floor My friends no longer there.

Allan was the first to leave Then Tom made his exit, too.

Ken followed, So did Matt Then Jimmy, Phil and Drew.

SWEET AND SOUR RICHFIELD: MADE IN CHINA Once again, we send out a huge and personal thank you to our 2012 Outstanding Community Partners, Sylvia Vestey, Eddie Wesoloski & Kelley Holbert of Remlik’s

Always in my thoughts And wishing they could be Dancing through the night again To the song they saved for me.

Grille & Oyster Bar for fully sponsoring the cost to bring

When next that song is sung, And those lyrics sent to me.

I'll dance again, through the night, Into eternity.

Miss R has quite the knack at insulting everyone

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 for the agency at this event.

in the most “innocent” of ways.

Her quick wit and improv skills had the packed crowd laughing from the beginning, to the end, and even afterward in to the fabulous after–party hosted by Remlik’s, which she attended and took hundreds of photos with all of her fans.

James Micali 10

| positive focus

upcoming events

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION stap’s 30th anniversary, 1934–2014

6 PM FEBRUARY 7, 2014 Binghamton Club 83 Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARDS

LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS

WBNG TV-12 | Tompkins County Amateur Radio Association

Diane L. Brown | Paul D. Rushanski

Our annual Outstanding Community Partner Awards honor

Our quinquennial Legacy Awards honor individuals that

those people and organizations who have stepped forward to

have demonstrated a significant long term commitment

improve their communities and assist STAP in accomplishing

to people with HIV, their families and the public health.

its mission. They have given generously of time, money and

Their contributions have improved both the quality and

personal influence to make sure that STAP has the resources

quantity of life for HIV+ persons in our area. While they

to meet the support and prevention needs in the Southern

may have focused their efforts primarily for the benefit of

Tier. They have sacrificed significant personal capital and

STAP, the impact of their actions has rippled out and made

chosen to further something larger than themselves.

our entire community a markedly better place to live in.

Register now at www.mudgauntlet.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH | 790 DUNHAM HILL RD, BINGHAMTON, NY | 9 AM—2 PM Patterson’s Punisher meets Newbsanity to bring you the 2014 Mud Gauntlet. The Mud Gauntlet will be Broome County’s first ever hardcore outdoor obstacle course. Participants can expect a day that will challenge every muscle in their body! www.stapinc.org

|

11

12

| positive focus

www.stapinc.org

|

13

holiday dinner & housing program

CLIENT holiday dinner

HOUSING PROGRAM

STAP recently celebrated the Client Holiday Dinner.

In the 2013 calendar year, STAP's Housing

Many of you are already aware of this annual event,

Program helped to assist thirty seven HIV+ clients

which has been going on for more than a decade now!

with moving into permanent, stable housing,

This gathering provides many clients the opportunity

that met their individual medical needs.

to reconnect with each other, meet other clients’ family members, and network with new individuals.

Individuals were assisted in a variety of ways, including apartment searches and viewings,

This year’s event was attended by almost 150 clients and

negotiations with landlords regarding lease amounts,

family members, with attendees from all eight counties

financial assistance with security deposits, first

that STAP serves. Clients without access to transportation

month's rent, and moving assistance including truck

are brought by staff members from the satellite offices,

and laborers to help those that were not physically

and all the clients have a chance to enter raffles for

capable of moving their belongings on their own.

themed give-away baskets. The supplies for this dinner are donated by staff members, who also donate their time

The program provided financial assistance with

to cook and decorate the venue. As always, everyone has

rental/mortgage and/or utility arrears to fifteen

the chance to leave with a full belly, a warm heart, and

clients and their families in an effort to help

a renewed sense of connectedness to their community.

prevent homelessness, as well as administering two rental subsidy programs that help very low income folks with ongoing monthly rental assistance to an additional fifty clients.

We also began working to update and improve on housing educational curricula. These curricula are offered in both group settings, as well as one-onone educational sessions, in order to better fit the needs of our clients. We intend to continue to expand the educational curricula portion of our program as we move forward into 2014.

14

| positive focus

volunteer

Winter…

Enough said Do you enjoying talking on the phone? Love driving and taking short road trips?

Have a special talent or knowledge on a specific topic you want to share?

The Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) is the place for you to go!

We here at STAP have the perfect opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and volunteer for an organization that provides services to over 300 clients who are living with HIV/AIDS. Currently volunteers help make safety kits, provide transportation for clients to and from the doctor, cover our reception desk, and help staff with specific activities. We have an increased need for people to help provide transportation.

We are increasing our Buddy program. This is a one-onone service provided to our clients. Outside of the office, STAP needs volunteers to work at display tables at colleges, festivals and events. We also need help at our “FUNdraisers”.

Opportunities are available to individuals and groups in the eight counties we serve: Otsego, Chenango, Cortland, Tompkins, Chemung, Tioga, Broome and Delaware. All of these opportunities are a great way to get involved. It helps spread knowledge of HIV/AIDS and prevention in the community and is a great venue to make friends all while providing service.

If any of this is peaking your interest or you are curious to know more, please contact: Candace Phelan, Volunteer Coordinator Call 1-800-333-0892 or email cphelan@stapinc.org

www.stapinc.org

|

15

Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. 122 Baldwin Street Johnson City, NY 13790

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Albany, NY ZIP CODE 12205

Winter 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:

DONATE ONLINE

STAP, 122 Baldwin St., Johnson City, NY 13790 Please charge my donation to my:

❑ Visa

Mastercard

Discover

AMEX stapinc.org/get-involved/donate

Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

CC#: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

______________________ __________________

Signature:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

friends who care