CORD
Stone is Director of Community Impact
This is a big job, and it won't always be easy. Cord
at Evergreen, a new position designed
admits there will be bumps in the road. "There are
to improve the power and voice of the organization's
challenges," he said. "For example, in some communities
services, outreach and collaborations. "My job is to ensure
Evergreen still has the stigma of being only an AIDS
the interconnectedness of all of the programs and services
organization. We have to work hard to correct outdated
of the Evergreen Association and its affiliates (Evergreen
perceptions of who we are and what we do."
Health, the Pride Center of Western New York and
Community Access Services), internally and externally."
organization, and his new position allows him to be
Externally, Cord advocates for the organization
involved in multiple projects and see the big picture.
through conversations about the harm reduction
"I like including the community in my work and in my
philosophy and our specialty services (HIV, HCV
conversations," said Cord. "I like seeing the affiliates
and PrEP). Cord also makes sure key populations
strengthen their connections. And, I like being able
(communities of color, LGBT) that are too often
to give back to my former centers, departments and
marginalized are a part of the conversation.
communities."
Internally, Cord encourages staff participation
through one-on-one conversations about how we can all
2019: the Communities of Color Resource Group and the
have a greater impact within our respective programs and
Outreach Group. "The Communities of Color Resource
centers. He will also encourage patients to help us identify
Group will be a safe space for staff of color and allies to
areas of strength as well as those in need of improvement.
talk frankly about experiences, perceptions and feelings
"Patients will be able to participate in advisory groups
they have, internally or externally, and how they relate
that focus on a specific area or aspect of the agency," said
to the Evergreen Association," said Cord. "The goal of
Cord. "They'll be actively involved in helping to make
this group will be to listen, learn and provide support,
change within the agency while utilizing our services."
recommendations and action steps to help promote
Cord has played a variety of roles throughout the
Cord already has two new initiatives planned for
"I like seeing the affiliates strengthen their connections" change that considers underrepresented populations.
degree in public administration. After graduation he
Additionally, it will be to hold ourselves, the Diversity
was a mental health specialist for Baker Victory Services
and Inclusion Council and the Association accountable
and a records clerk at the Erie County Holding Center.
regarding areas of need." The Outreach Group will provide
He joined Evergreen seven years ago as the Corrections
support, collaboration and development opportunities
Services Specialist. He was the Correctional Services
to all staff who engage in outreach to the community.
Coordinator, Director of Behavioral Health, Senior
This includes staff who provide direct services as well
Director of Community Access Services, Executive
as those who engage and recruit patients outside of the
Director of Community Access Services and now
office. The end goal is to maximize program outcomes.
Director of Community Impact.
"Ideally, the Outreach Group will lead to an increase in
collaboration among staff and a higher level of knowledge
racial
about the agency's programs and services, including harm
and organizational performance, and ensure equity,
reduction, HIV, HCV and PrEP," said Cord. "Both groups
accessibility and voice for those who are underserved,"
are planning to start in January of 2019," said Cord. "Keep
said Cord. "All my hobbies, interests and moves are based
a look out on the Intranet and in Connections!"
on this mission." And the future? "I'm looking forward
Cord earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice
to working with all of you. I plan to meet with you all at
and sociology with a concentration in child, family
some point individually, however, if an idea, feedback or
and community studies. He went on to earn a master's
information comes up just let me know."
"My personal mission is to reduce health and disparities,
increase
collective
intelligence
Connections
Congratulations to Rose Serrano who completed her associate degree in business.
I completed my associate degree in business back in May. Now I can sleep well until January (I'm going for my bachelors next). - Rose Serrano A Earning my LMHC. Thank you SVG + RW. - Andon Ticco A 2018 was a great year for me. The top three are: I was finally healthier after a difficult 2017, my daughter and step-son both got the “grown-up” jobs they wanted, and I got a promotion here. Out of those, the only one that's really my achievement is my promotion. I’m finally doing a job that I trained for, and I love it! - Susan Buck
2018 was a significant year for me, and definitely one
my phone number on LinkedIn, so I was confused and
for the books. We often watch or hear amazing stories
totally freaking out. I logged into LinkedIn immediately.
about people’s lives. I never imagined that I would have
There was a message from the gentleman who added
an amazing story of my own to tell. When I was young
me the night before, entitled “I finally found you”. The
my mom shared many of her life experiences with me,
message said he has a photo of us together as infants.
including why she had to leave my birth father and why
He shared his name, my mom’s name, our father’s name
he wasn't involved in my life. I won't share the details,
and how he found him almost one year to the day of
but she mentioned that I had a brother who was exactly
finding me! After completely losing it, I regained my
three and a half weeks younger than me. That was the
composure and decided that there may be some truth
only information about him that I had. Some time ago
to this. We texted each other, and by that evening we
I did some research. I learned my father’s name and
had FaceTimed as well. I found out I have a sister that I
began to search for him. The search was unsuccessful,
hadn't known about. Turns out we look a lot alike!
and I thought that if I couldn't find my father I wouldn't
be able to find my brother.
having something to be thankful for. I could go on
forever if I shared every detail of the story, but I will
Fast forward to this year.
All of this, the week of Thanksgiving — talk about
11/19/18 — I had an inclination, a strong urge to create
share that the week after Thanksgiving, my brother
a LinkedIn account, so I did. I told myself to keep it
and his wife flew me to North Carolina for a reunion.
simple for now, not too many details, and I'd return
On top of that, my sister was flying in at the same time
to update it later. 11/20/18 — I received a connection
and had no clue that I'd be there. I was the surprise!
request from a gentleman from North Carolina. I
From the long overdue reunion, to the long overdue
didn’t think anything of it at the time, after all this is
introductions, to the fellowship and overall experience,
just a networking app, right? 11/21/18 — I received a
I have no words to express my gratitude. To think that
text message from a random phone number asking if
if I hadn't created that LinkedIn profile, I'm not sure he
I got their message on LinkedIn. I had never posted
would have found me.
— Tiffany Valentin
X
avier Washington is the Medical
We also do STI screening and check some organ functioning.
Technician in Evergreen's Sexual Health
For patients this means getting tested more often and being
and Testing program, working with the
linked to services much quicker." The program also provides
agency's PrEP and anoscopy patients. "I
emergency non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxes
spend a majority of the week working
(PEP) for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV.
with PrEP folks," said Xavier. "This includes getting them
"For PEP to be effective the patient should start on the
checked in for their visits, completing a medical history,
medication ASAP," said Xavier. "Ideally within 36 hours of
grabbing vitals, blood work they may need and any other
exposure. They also need to take the medication without
support the providers may need. I also link patients to
missed doses for 28 days."
other services within the agency, work with medical records
and order supplies. For our anoscopy program I support
anyone in need, and we have a team onsite to help patients
the providers during the procedures and do all the pre-
apply for health insurance coverage the same day.
prep planning of appointments including scheduling and
obtaining medical records. In my downtime I support the
anal health," said Xavier. "The focus is on monitoring for pre-
health screening nurses in our walk-in clinic. My work day
cancerous cells caused by HPV. For patients this is important
usually starts with coffee!"
because, let’s face it, that “C� word scares anyone. We monitor
for these changes before they get to the cancerous stage."
Xavier plays a large role in the success of the PrEP and
Xavier notes that Evergreen provides these services to
"Our anoscopy program screens for anything related to
anoscopy programs, both of which are critical to the health
Xavier loves his job, and working with patients. But he
of our community. "Through our PrEP program we get
also admits there are challenges. "It can be difficult managing
patients started on a medication that, if taken as prescribed,
so many different patient personalities in one day," he said.
can protect them up to 99% from contracting HIV," he said.
"Especially if you're having a bad day yourself. We have to
"For our patients this is huge! PrEP is still pretty new so
be here for patients and smile without letting them know
we spend a lot of time educating patients and getting them
anything is wrong. It can be tough at times."
started on the medication ASAP. PrEP allows them to live
their lives without the worry of contracting a lifelong virus.
satisfaction I get from work is knowing that we've changed a
These challenges come with rewards, as well. "The biggest
patient’s life in some way," said Xavier. "It might be getting
but chemistry was the death of me and that dream was soon
them started on vital medications, linking them to services,
over." Xavier switched to criminal justice. "I still loved science
or just putting a smile on their face. I've found that patients
but law was catching my attention. Then I changed majors
will be honest with you about the quality of care they are
again to focus on nursing. It took me a while to figure out my
receiving. If you're doing well they will let you know, which is
calling but at least I found it!"
nice to hear."
As the need in the community grows, so do our
and healthcare since the age of 18. "I wanted to join the team
programs and services. "I believe both the PrEP and anoscopy
at Evergreen for years before I was hired. I went to Hutch-
programs will continue to grow," said Xavier. "The need for
Tech High School, which is right across the street from us and
these services will never go away. Unfortunately, for various
I was always interested in what they did there. As I got older I
reasons, the majority of primary care offices don't prescribe
realized that a lot of my friends worked for the organization.
PrEP. We're one of only a handful of providers offering this
I heard nothing but positive things about the agency from
service. Our anoscopy program is even more rare. We're one
employees and patients. I knew this was the place I wanted
of only two providers in Western New York. If you don't live
to be. I interviewed three times before I was hired. My goal
in a larger state or city these services may not be available to
was to work here and I wasn't giving up until it happened. I'm
you. We often get calls from people living in Canada wanting
very blessed that Matthew Crehan-Higgins hired me at the
to come here for these services because they don't have access
Pride Center and opened up so many doors for me."
to them where they live. This is sad, because as we know with
cancer, the earlier the detection the better."
world," he said. "Often times identifying as LGBTQ means
Xavier was born and raised in Buffalo. "I've been
your friends are your family. I am so grateful to have them. I
fascinated with science ever since I can remember," he said.
have a cat who is also my world. He's an orange tabby and I've
Xavier majored in biomedical technology in high school. "At
had him since he was a kitten. He's five years old now." Xavier
that point I had no clue which career path I wanted to take,
enjoys cooking, gardening, video games and any outdoor
but I knew it had to be science related. I went to Canisius
activities. "Especially camping, which I know conflicts with
College for a year for pre-medicine with a focus in biology,
my love of video games!"
Xavier has worked in customer care since the age of 16,
Xavier is particularly close to his father. "He is my
Connections
Kim Brown has been chosen as the December 2019 BN360 Spotlight Professional. Spotlight Professionals are nominated and selected based on their professional motivation and successes, as well as their engagement in and commitment to the Buffalo Niagara region. Each year twelve young professionals are chosen as a Spotlight Professional. Congratulations, Kim!
Clockwise from upper left: Baby Ida enjoys her first sn
poses with their HMIS award from the Homeless Al
Team Evergreen was very well represented at the N
Epidemic summit in Albany (three pics). Proud mom
now with mom Sam Gaerte. Evergreen's Housing team
lliance of Western New York — great job, everyone!
New York State Department of Health's Ending the
m Amy Usiak shared this photo of Finn and his lizard.
The Care Coordination program mixed a bit of holiday fun with their competitive spirit for a special holiday themed door decorating contest. Shown on these pages are some of the doors from the Mathews Building, Elmwood Avenue and Bailey Avenue locations. The doors featured lots of bright paper, shiny garland and a few imaginative surprises, and the Evergreen Door Wars of 2018 were a delight for everyone involved. Kudos to our Care Coordinators, and special thanks to Teresa Lee for the Bailey Avenue photos.
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP) paid a vis photos will be used by BNP for BN360 marketing
professionals in Western New York. They're also a gr
in the community. Once again, to nobody's surprise
sit to Evergreen recently for a photo shoot. These pieces, which highlight the achievements of young
reat opportunity to show how Evergreen is involved
e, Evergreen staff shines bright!
Birthdays Jennifer Colon....................... January 1 Mustafa Abucar..................... January 1 Ann Breidenstein.................. January 1 Linda Scalise......................... January 2 Ventenese Hollins.................. January 3 Lorraine Cullis...................... January 3 Phillip Aris............................ January 4 Ronda Ivory.......................... January 5 James Thompson................... January 5 Andon Ticco.......................... January 5 Josh Matecki......................... January 6 Alecia Klein........................... January 7 Diamond Slaughter................ January 7 Tamara Strong....................... January 8 Tracy Eichelberger................ January 8 Johnathan Butler................... January 10 Christina Monroy.................. January 10 Natalie Gerdy........................ January 11 Glendalisse Vargas................. January 12 Richard Smiley...................... January 17 Jennifer Latimer.................... January 18 Murray Wire.......................... January 20 Samantha Gaerte................... January 21 Ricardo Quiros...................... January 21 Jessie Dorman....................... January 22 DeAirra Burroughs-Moore...... January 23 Annette Pabon...................... January 24 Jamie Major.......................... January 28 Gianna Puckett...................... January 30 James DeGarmo.................... January 31 Lindsey Kelly......................... January 31 Wanda Gonzalez.................... January 31
Anniversaries Ginger Smith................................ 1 year Ronda Ivory................................. 1 year Yolanda Sims................................ 1 year Joseph Osborne............................ 1 year
Did you know that your manager has been enrolled into a training program created specifically to help them improve their skills? This program currently has over 70 participants and is providing all managers with tools and resources to help increase their overall performance. Be sure to high five your manager for taking time to participate in this program! Evergreen Association employees are our greatest asset and we are committed to helping you succeed! Kudos to Andrew and Julie (left) who have already completed the training program.
Kimberly Johnson......................... 1 year Edward Wedlington...................... 1 year Kristen O'Connor.......................... 1 year Heidi Buesink............................... 1 year Kadie Desbordes........................... 2 years Katherine Mego............................ 2 years Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann............. 2 years Kimberly Clarke........................... 2 years Jessica Schanne............................ 2 years Rachel Parrino............................. 2 years Christopher Banks........................ 2 years Megan Bhatti................................ 3 years Brianna Barrett............................ 3 years Garrett Dicembre......................... 3 years Stephanie Mineo.......................... 3 years Tyrell King................................... 3 years Antione Reese.............................. 3 years Jillian Fanning.............................. 3 years Jeffrey Santiago............................ 4 years Carly Casali.................................. 4 years Grant Rogers................................ 4 years Salvatore Sciandra........................ 4 years Harold Colburn............................ 4 years Rebekah Bongiorno...................... 4 years Heather Maloney.......................... 4 years Lavine Hatten............................... 6 years Anna Ihle..................................... 6 years Magali Maldonado........................ 6 years Andrew Kiener............................. 8 years Victoria De Leon........................... 8 years Nichole Frank.............................. 10 years Damian Mordecai......................... 10 years Andrew Mattle............................. 11 years Kevin Bidtah................................ 19 years Cheryl Brunetti............................ 19 years
congratulations and thank you to everyone!
Everyone who received a High Five between 11|17 and 12|14
A Antione Reese
A Kristen O’Connor
A David Setlock
A LeAnna Shanks
A Ian Schunk
A Lori Anthony
A Ileana Hernandez
A Marielena Camacho
A James Gerwitz
A Mayerling Garofalo
A Jason Rein
A Melissa Delgado
A Jeffrey Santiago
A Rich Fleurant
A Jillian Fanning
A Robert Smith
A Joleen Rodriguez
A Teresa Lane
A Josh Matecki
A Xavier Washington
A Kimberly Harding
World AIDS Day Event Raised Nearly $3,000 for Outreach Uganda!
Marcia Derby sent us these photos of the Southern Tier's holiday celebration. "Our week kicked off with a cookie exchange. By the end of the week we were all sugared up and ready for the holiday luncheon. Staff from Care Coordination, SEP and the clinic were in attendance. There was even a special appearance from Matthew and Michael all the way from Buffalo (they told us they're coming back next year)." Marcia and her crew did a great job planning the festivities and taking photos!