ALTHOUGH
Fundraising has been an essential part of our organization from its begining, changes in the
world of healthcare-especially those brought on by COVID-19-have led to changes in the way we raise money and awareness to support our mission. Evergreen Health Foundation works hard to not only react to these changes but anticipate them.
Megan Fagyas is Evergreen Foundation's Data Specialist. Compiling and tracking data,
about our donors as well as about our services, is crucial to the success of our fundrasing efforts. Megan plays a large role in making this happen.
"My responsibilities vary on a daily basis," said Megan. "I receive donations and enter
them in our system, making sure they're coded properly for Finance and reporting purposes. I send acknowledgement letters to donors and assign tasks to members of our team based on our stewardship plan."
Keeping donor records accurate and up to date is important. "I maintain our Donor
Perfect system to make sure the data is accurate and organized for reporting purposes," Megan said. "I've also been working to make our system as user-friendly as possible for everyone in the department." In addition to records management, Megan creates email campaigns in Constant Contact to send communications out to our donors. "There's the quarterly EverGrowing
>>
I consider myself lucky to be a part of Team Evergreen!
- Megan Fagyas
newsletter and save-the-dates for events such as Pride Week and Dining Out For Life," said Megan. "I also report on the campaign metrics and come up with strategies to improve our click and open rates."
Megan finds her work very rewarding. "I'm able to see first-hand how our donors make
a difference in the lives of our patients," she said. "I love hearing what our donors are passionate about and what inspires them to support Evergreen."
"The Evergreen culture is one of a kind," Megan continued. "I've truly never experienced
anything like it anywhere else. Everyone who works here is so welcoming and it truly feels like one big family. I consider myself lucky to be a part of Team Evergreen!"
Megan was born and raised in Buffalo, attended Kenmore West High School and earned
her degree from Buffalo State College. "I have an older sister and a dog," she said. "I love spending time outside in the summertime on my kayak, rollerblading or taking my dog for a walk. I also enjoy reading, shopping or getting lost in a good Netflix series."
Erie County recently passed the Health Equity Act of 2021, which establishes a Division of Health Equity under the Department of Health, dedicated to supporting, educating and planning for the provision of public health to persons from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ekua Mends-Aidoo served on County Legislator April Baskin's District 2 Cabinet to provide feedback through a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) lens. Ekua gave feedback and guidance on the law's language, including the addition of wording on sexual orientation and gender expression. The County Legislature also passed the Erie County Minority and Women Business Enterprise Equality and Modernization Act, which consolidates five previous laws centered on addressing disparities faced by minority and women-owned businesses. This law introduces a workforce component which incentivizes diversity and inclusion for work on county projects. Shown at left: Ekua was one of four speakers at a press conference announcing these new laws.
RESOURCE
groups at Evergreen not only help foster a healthy and accepting employee culture, they also help to make our
community a better place. As Evergreen has grown, so have our employee resource groups. Some of the resource groups Evergreen supports includes those focused on women in the workplace, LGBTQ+ individuals, local sustainability, employee engagement and people of color.
The Communities of Color (CoC) resource group is for employees who identify as people of color
and their allies. It’s a safe space to talk about issues in the workplace and it provides an opportunity for networking, professional development and community engagement.
Tiffany Valentin, Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager and co-lead of the CoC resource group
explained the how the group makes employees feel valued, “The CoC offers a space for underrepresented
employees to find one another and foster a sense of community. We invite employees together in a professional setting to learn and create a dialogue about issues of race and ethnic equity on campus and to enhance the visibility of achievements of people of color.”
“My hope for the group,” Valentin continued, “is to continue elevating and prioritizing the needs of
people of color in the workforce and working to create and support a work environment free of race or ethnic discrimination and harassment. We will continue working towards connecting members, supporting their career goals, fostering community and cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion.”
Community outreach is an important component of the group. This year the CoC and Community
Access Services co-sponsored the Juneteenth celebration held at the Bailey Avenue site. The event featured giveaways, the Dirty Bird Food Truck, music by DJ Eurowe, free STI testing and health information. The event was open to the entire community.
One organization which tabled at Juneteenth was MOCHA Buffalo. A supportive service at
Evergreen, MOCHA provides LGBTQ+ people of color with access to a safe space to network, socialize and access sexual health care, support groups designed by and for LGBTQ+ people of color, individual support and care management services and HIV, STI and hepatitis C testing and education. You will be hearing more about MOCHA in future issues of Connections.
Ekua Mends-Aidoo, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer and CoC co-lead emphasized the importance
of community involvement. “At Evergreen, we’re proud to cultivate spaces that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion while uplifting the communities that we live and serve in. We recognize our role in increasing health equity and access to care by meeting the community where they are and partnering with local organizations to foster and strengthen trust.”
Evergreen understands the need for safe spaces for communities that are underserved. We are
proud of the work CoC puts forth in uplifting communities of color.
- Melissa Meyer
W
hen retaining or working on a shared or department-specific document, spreadsheet or other type of electronic file, it’s most secure - and best practice - to save it on the Evergreen network, also known as the F: drive, in your department-specific folder. You should avoid saving files on your less secure computer desktop, and never save anything sensitive or containing PII or PHI on your computer’s desktop. PHI = Protected Health Information, which includes files that contain diagnoses, medical history, mental health or substance use conditions and lab results. PII = Personally Identifiable Information, which is any information that could distinguish one person from another, such as name, DOB, social security number, legal status and so on. For drafts or files that contain PHI or PII that you do not wish to save in your department network drive or, when not connected to the Evergreen network, please use the _PHI folder located in your protected personal drive; also known as the H: drive. Your H: drive is meant for temporary retention of files (no longer than 6 months). Once documents are finalized, they should be saved or archived in your department-specific folder on the Evergreen network or, if no longer required or outdated, deleted. If you have any questions about how or where to save files or when to archive or delete them, please ask your supervisor or feel free to contact me! For help with finding or mapping your H: drive and _PHI folder, please submit a Web Helpdesk request 11-Programs/Software, Folder Access “troubleshooting” ticket or contact the IT Helpdesk at x4444. - Julie Vaughan
>>
We all know that Evergreen is one of the best places to work in Western New York. Buffalo Business First has confirmed it. Evergreen placed 2nd in the Extra Large category on BBF's Best Places to Work list for 2021. Great job Team Evergreen! Watch for more photos of our staff with the BPTW award in future issues.
DINING
Out For Life (DOFL) returns to Western New York on Tuesday, October 12. DOFL takes place in more than 50 cities in the United States and Canada, raising
money and awareness for the fight against HIV. Although DOFL is an international event, all funds raised in Western New York stay right here in our community.
The concept is simple. On October 12, participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds
(usually 25%, but sometimes up to 100%) to Evergreen. Diners can also make an additional contribution directly to Evergreen using donation envelopes left at tables. This enters them into a drawing for some great prizes.
DOFL has long been one of Evergreen's most popular events. Our community has stepped up every year
to make sure it's a success. Because COVID-19 has been devastating to the restaurant community, in 2020 we encouraged people to order take-out but we didn't collect donations from the restaurants. This was our way of thanking them for many years of generous support. This year, restaurant donations are again optional.
There are several ways you can can help make this year's DOFL a success. Spread the word to your family
and friends about DOFL, including the date and participating restaurants (you can find the complete list at diningoutforlife.com/city/wny). There's something for nearly every taste and budget on our list. You can enjoy a meal at an old favorite or try something new. Either way, you're helping to support our patients living with HIV in Western New York. Best of all, you don't have to clean up! Ambassadors have a simple but very important job.
A Promote a designated Dining Out For Life participating restaurant.
A Help fill the restaurant by inviting your friends and family to dine in or order takeout from your assigned
A Approach tables, when appropriate, to thank them for dining out, explain raffle prizes and distribute
restaurant on that day. raffle envelopes on the night of the event.
It's easy, it's fun and it has a huge impact on the success of this event. For more information on how to sign
up as a volunteer, email volunteer@evergreenhs.org.
If you have any questions about COVID-19, please send an email to COVID19questions@evergreenhs.org. Mark your calendar! The submission
For questions about Evergreen’s COVID-19 vaccination program, you can email COVID19vaccinequestions @evergreenhs.org. Or, visit ADP or
deadline for the September 2021 issue of Connections is Wednesday, August 18. Be sure to get your content in before the deadline to guarantee placement. Kids, pets, recipes, your new home office we want to share them all! Send to
evergreenhs.org for more information.
EvergreenConnections via Outlook.
The BN360 blog featured Emily Oaks as their August Spotlight Professional. Congratulations, Emily!
EMILY
Oaks is Director of Health Education and Outreach at Evergreen Health, where she is responsible for coordinating and implementing community-based HIV/AIDS grant programs,
including behavioral health and sexual health education to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as high-risk individuals. Recently, Emily assisted in the transition of MOCHA Buffalo (founded as the Men of Color Health Awareness Project) from Trillium Health to Evergreen. Bringing MOCHA Buffalo into the fold allows Evergreen to reach communities of color in new ways, a crucial part of the organization’s three-year Racial Equity Action Plan, and ensures these services will be available to the community for years to come. Emily is a board member for the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) and is Secretary for the Board of Directors, where she helps to lead innovative and dynamic approaches to address economic disparity in Western New York. She is also very involved with WNY Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness and loves working with women who are new to boxing and jiu-jitsu to learn valuable self-defense techniques.
First Job: I worked the fitting room and sales floor at Target. I still fold my shirts like they’re going on display tables (if
I fold them at all).
Greatest Professional Win: When I was just starting out in my professional career I was tasked with helping provide
financial assistance and education to 12,500 low-income adults in three years. Through partnerships with incredible non-profit organizations throughout the Buffalo Niagara region we exceeded our goal!
Best Piece of Professional Advice: If you care about something, give it your full effort. This passion gets recognized
by coworkers, supervisors, and community members and will allow you to surround yourself with the change makers you want by your side.
Thoughts on Living and Working in Buffalo Niagara: Buffalo Niagara is a physically beautiful area filled with good
neighbors who know what it means to work hard, have a good time, and never change your sports loyalty. I love it here!
On Being a BN360 Spotlight Professional: I’m blushing! Thank you for the honor!
2020 Takeaway: It’s important to consistently take a step back and remind yourself of what you really want in life
and adjust your priorities accordingly.
Birthdays Shaquana Zeigler-Davis............. August 1 Emily McGorry................................ August 2 Ryan Richter.................................... August 2 Michaela Chatmon........................ August 3 Ekua Mends-Aidoo....................... August 6 Andy Anderson ............................. August 6 Alicia Kohlhagen............................ August 8 Suzanne Lambie............................ August 8 Elizabeth Danwin.......................... August 10 Charles Smith.................................. August 11 Jonathan Puma.............................. August 11 Mariana Gonzalez......................... August 12 Melissa Gulino................................. August 13 Christine Baczkiewicz................. August 13
Annual Training Time! Annual trainings are now available on Evergreen University. These trainings will take about 2 hours to complete, so please make sure you have enough time between now and
Stephanie Borowiak.................... August 14
September 20, 2021 to finish them. If you have any questions,
LeAnna Shanks.............................. August 14
contact Jocelyn Leising.
Carolee Corbitt.............................. August 14 Becky Siuta...................................... August 14 Kelly Thompson............................. August 16 Amy Usiak......................................... August 17 Michael Ludwick............................ August 20 Magali Maldonado........................ August 21 Megan Mogavero.......................... August 22 Patrick Hildenbrandt................... August 28 Arlene Andrade-Johnson......... August 30
Anniversaries Brandee Martin......................................... 1 Year Lauren Boyle.............................................. 1 Year Elizabeth Danwin..................................... 1 Year Linda Berkoh - Asamoah...................... 1 Year Kirk Scirto.................................................... 1 Year Alexandria Matyas................................... 1 Year Shateer Douglas....................................... 2 Years Abbie Burd.................................................. 2 Years Shaina Beck................................................ 2 Years Lilkizzy Tell.................................................. 3 Years Kristina Moore........................................... 3 Years Natalie Gerdy............................................. 3 Years Jasmine Padilla.......................................... 3 Years Seanna Pratt............................................... 3 Years Christina Cornell....................................... 4 Years Shirley Swenson....................................... 4 Years DeJuan Burnell.......................................... 4 Years Megan Mogavero..................................... 4 Years Lauren Voelkle........................................... 4 Years Lindsay Kelly............................................... 4 Years Leslie Lantigua.......................................... 5 Years Elizabeth Pijanowski............................... 5 Years Eliud Kosgei................................................ 5 Years Josh Matecki............................................... 5 Years Jason Rein................................................... 5 Years Aaron Spare................................................ 5 Years Ekua Mends-Aidoo.................................. 5 Years Jessica Stack.............................................. 6 Years Joseph Ryan............................................... 6 Years Brian Orlikowski........................................ 6 Years Kimberley LaVare.................................... 6 Years Melissa Talbett........................................... 7 Years James Thompson.................................... 7 Years Cecil Sutton................................................. 11 Years Murray Wire................................................ 13 Years Kate Gallivan............................................... 15 Years Richard Smiley........................................... 21 Years
l
Aanya Wood
l
Jeff Heras
l
Alex McGann
l
Justin Mu
l
Amy Usiak
l
Kaily Golb
l
Andy Anderson
l
Kaitlyn Ha
l
Arlene Andrade-Johnson
l
Kristy Ma
l
Brandee Martin
l
Kyle Berb
l
Brittany Price
l
Linda Col
l
Chelest Ponzo
l
Marina W
l
Claire Buscemi
l
Matthew
l
David Setlock
l
Robert M
l
Grant Rogers
l
Sheila Sol
l
Harold Colburn
l
Teresa La
l
Isaac Resto Reyes
Recognizing Excellent Work at Evergreen from Ju
s
ullins
ba
amm
angel
berich
lburn
Ward Faltisco
Moore
lomon
ane
une 20 - July 19
1.
Dial extension 2222.
Publisher/Layout
2. Follow the prompt to record the Code Blue or Mr. Webber and say the exact location and building of the incident.
John Carocci
3. Hang up your phone. This will prompt your message to be broadcast to all Evergreen locations.
Contributors
Copy Editor Melissa Meyer
4. The Code Blue team and Security will respond to the incident.
Jocelyn Leising Shakiya Bell Julie Vaughan Melissa Meyer
You'll have 30 seconds to record your message. If you're not done in 30 seconds, you'll be cut off and your message will be automatically broadcast. It's imperative that you say the location and building in your message: “Code Blue in the men’s lobby bathroom in the Elmwood building” or “Could Mr. Webber please come to the Mathews building counselor room?.” The Code Blue/ Mr. Webber Softkey has been removed from all phones.
Connections is the monthly newsletter for employees and board members of Evergreen Health and its affilliates, the Pride Center of Western New York and Community Access Services. Please send us your story ideas, photos, feedback or just a friendly hello at Evergreen Connections via Outlook.