THIS
year in celebration of Nurses Week, we are highlighting one of our most dedicated team members. Victoria De Leon has been with Evergreen since she graduated from the University at Buffalo (UB) in 2007. She started with
Evergreen as an Assistant Case Manager and a few years later decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. She went back to school while continuing to work at Evergreen. She’s known as an excellent patient advocate who has directly contributed to positive health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients. Can you tell me about the work you do at Evergreen? I work as a registered nurse. I take care of patients’ medical needs. Well, not just their medical needs but their psychological, mental health and other needs that they have. You work as a bilingual nurse, right? Spanish is my native language. I learned English when I moved to the United States when I was 10. I’m from the Dominican Republic. How do Spanish-speaking patients react when they meet you? They’re like, ‘Oh wow! Thank goodness someone speaks Spanish!’ and they feel more comfortable talking. When something psychological is going on, it’s very distressing. You’re in pain and you have to find the right words to describe that and translate what you really want to say in another language. It causes a lot of stress for patients. I hear you have a long history with Evergreen. Can you tell me more about that? I graduated from UB with a Health and Human Services degree and this was my first job out of college. I started working as an assistant case manager then I became a case manager. That was in 2007. As the agency grew, more opportunity came along. I started applying for different jobs and I always wanted to be a nurse so I decided in 2010 or 2011 that I wanted to go back to school to be a nurse. So, here I am! Evergreen gave me the opportunity to work part-time here while I was back in school. I like it here. They give you room to grow. It was very wonderful that they were able to accommodate me because going back to school was very demanding.
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What drew you to this type of work? You said you always wanted to be a nurse. Yeah. I always wanted to be a nurse. When I was back in the Dominican Republic, my aunt had some complications during her delivery with her first child. A nurse used to come to our house and give her IVs. As a little kid I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, that is so wonderful! I want to do that!’ I played with dolls and pretended I was the nurse. I always wanted to be a nurse; it was my dream.
As a case manager, I wanted to help my patients on an every day basis. I saw that many of their
psychological problems had to do with their physical — if they’re not taking care of themselves. I explained to them that this one thing can cause another. Little things like not sleeping enough or vitamin D being low, people don’t realize that can impact them. You need to take care of your body to function. Do you have any patient stories that have left an impact on you? One in particular that I remember was a mom who had her first son when she was young and started using drugs. It was when I was a case manager. She was in an abusive relationship and just lost herself completely in that relationship. She was trying to get herself back on her feet but when you don’t have help in recovery, someone supporting you, it’s hard. There’s going to be a lot of falls. Some people just give up. Having someone there that is supportive of your recovery makes a big difference. I saw with her, being compassionate, being helpful and working on her level, she was able to recover, get a job, get an apartment and get her son back because she lost custody of him. Once everything was taken care of, once her health was in a good place, she was able to take care of herself. It takes a lot of patience and a lot of support. As a case manager, I was able to provide her support.
Even as a nurse, teaching patients to take their medication the right way and letting them know what
needs to be done is essential. Education is very important when it comes to patient health. They may be taking the medication but if they’re not taking it properly, it’s not going to help them. What is your favorite thing about working at Evergreen? I feel like it’s a little community. That’s my favorite thing about working here. I love when patients say, ‘This is my home.’ It’s a very good feeling when you
"I love when patients say, 'This is my home.'" - Victoria DeLeon know you’re a part of something good. What’s a recent lesson you’ve learned? That everything is changing! The most important thing with this whole pandemic is that sometimes you want to know everything but you just have to keep yourself updated. Everything is moving. Everything is changing. You just have to adjust and learn new things. I love it. That’s what life is about. You grow! What has working throughout COVID-19 been like? I took it day by day, I really did. You do get thrown back by all the news that is out there but I take it day by day and just follow the guidelines. I do the best I can with what is given to me. What do you do for self-care? I try to stay within a routine with myself. Going to the gym and taking ‘metime.’ I spend time with my family and my son. Seeing my son smile after a hard day just makes you think, life is not that bad! What do you like to do when you’re not working? I have a little hobby: I do woodworking. I’ve done a couple of tables. I started during the pandemic and watched a lot of YouTube DIY videos. It keeps me busy. Gardening, I love gardening. I do that every year.
Thank you for being an invaluable member of Team Evergreen, Victoria. Evergreen would not be the same without you!
Photos from 2019's Juneteenth Celebration
Watch for information on the CAS Juneteenth event, coming soon!
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Food Pantry program has been a staple of Evergreen Health for more than 20 years, providing patients and community members, as well as their households with a 2-3 day supply of food. Before the pandemic, our pantry
had a waiting room where 30-40 patients and community members per day would sign in, choose what food they wanted from a shopping list and wait for their bags to be filled.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have shifted operations to a curbside pickup model, as have
many food pantries around Western New York. We now serve patients and community members by having them call the Food Pantry. They can complete their intake process on the phone and pick up their food at the pantry side door on Chippewa Street. Our phone lines and hours of operation run MondayFriday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Grocery bags are pre-packed with food, but we will work with patients who have food allergies or intolerances to make sure they are receiving nutritious food that they and their families can eat. We offer a variety of products, including grains, canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, beans, nuts, juice and frozen meats. Our inventory can change over quickly, as we order nearly 8,000 pounds of food per month!
With our new model, we have been able to serve patients and community members more quickly,
as they can call and come for pickup the same day with little waiting. Our referral process is still in place, with patients able to use the service once every 30 days. Please send us a pantry referral for your patients who are interested in using the pantry via Medent or the Intranet. Importantly, please remind your patients to call us when they want to schedule their pickup, as we are not contacting patients ourselves upon receiving the referral due to the volume of patients using the service.
We’ve made a lot of changes over the last year as we have worked to keep pantry services safe
and accessible for everyone who needs it. With so many patients and community members using the pantry, even small incremental changes can be a big lift to get everyone on board! Please contact us (Clarissa at x5818 or James at x5814) with any questions you may have.
- James Thompson
<< James Thompson and Clarissa Fischer in front of pre-packed food bags in the Food Pantry
Photos from past Pride celebrations
Check the Buffalo Pride Week's website for a complete list of Pride 2021 events. www.BuffaloPrideWeek.com
Mark your calendar! The submission
If you have any questions about COVID-19, please send an email to COVID19questions@evergreenhs.org. For questions
deadline for the July 2021 issue of Connections is Wednesday, June 16. Be sure to get your content in before the deadline to
about Evergreen’s COVID-19 vaccination program, you can email COVID19vaccinequestions@evergreenhs.org. Or, visit ADP or www.evergreenhs.org for more information.
guarantee placement. Kids, pets, recipes, your new home office we want to share them all! Send to EvergreenConnections via Outlook.
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Proud Employees Resource Group (PERG) is Evergreen's group for LGBTQ+ staff and their allies. As we begin our second virtual Pride celebration, Connections chatted with
PERG leaders Emma Hathaway and Zachary Rombough to learn more about the group and how they're helping to make Evergreen the most welcoming and positive place it can be for LGBTQ+ staff. Tell us about the Proud Employees Resource Group and what you do. Zachary: PERG lets LGBTQ+ employees and allies alike share ideas, experiences and discussions with others. We aim to help make Evergreen the best it can be by creating a visible (and lately, virtual) space for people to freely and openly talk about policy, current events, personal experiences and usually a little trivia. Emma: We’re still new and growing, so right now we’re looking to expand membership and begin setting up annual activities and observances for different heritage months and observed days like Pride Month and Trans Day of Visibility. We’re also here to discuss issues we face and ways we’d like to see them improved, even offering guidance on policy and procedures. We want staff to be PROUD to work here! Why is the PERG important, even in a place like Evergreen that's already supportive of the LGBTQ+ community? Emma: No place is perfect. Every place can strive to do and be better. It’s invaluable to have a channel for employees to voice the issues they experience and the changes they’d love to see. It’s always healthy to have a space to ask “who are we forgetting? And what can we do to help?” Zachary: It’s important to have this social net of support for people, even if they don’t need it now and even if they already feel supported in the workplace. What does the group mean to you personally? Why did you get involved? Emma: There is something that really soothes the nerves about gathering in a group with fellow LGBTQ+ folks—there’s an inherent level of understanding each other and our shared history that just makes it feel easier to me than interacting with straight folks (no offense straight folks—some of my best friends are straight!). I was an overly enthusiastic “ally” in my high school GSA and then coming out as queer at a women’s college I found myself surrounded with other LGBTQ+ folks and loved getting to work with and know them. This felt
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"Every place can strive to do and be better." - Emma Hathaway
like a natural extension of that energy, especially in the wake of so much aggressive violence (physical and political) being hurled at our community in the past four years. It made it easier to bear when I had a space to come to where I knew I wasn’t the only one coming to work that day exhausted and angry and maybe even feeling hopeless. I’m often afraid for my family’s safety, but I come to this space and feel like all of this is acknowledged and understood—and then we get to sit down and talk about what we can do to push for things to be better. Zachary: When I first joined Evergreen in July 2020, I was excited to see this resource group. It was just an email I read at first, but then I started to talk more with employees and members and became more and more attached with the idea of being involved. What direction(s) would you like to see the PERG go in? What accomplishments would you like to see? Emma: More and bigger actions! I want us to do some really cool things to celebrate and honor this beautiful community here. Yes, we’re eager for in-person celebrations and events again, but also I can’t wait for us to really dig in on making Evergreen the most inclusive and welcoming place it can be.Zachary: I would like PERG to flourish into something that is around for years at Evergreen–a group that creates ideas for events and policy brainstorming alike. I would love for us to have a float in the Pride Parade one year or host an event like Drag Bingo in-person. Anything else you want to say? Emma: When more folks participate, we can do more. Don’t hesitate to drop in or reach out with questions or items you’d like the group to discuss—I promise we don’t bite! Zachary: Working at Evergreen has been such a blast and I cannot wait to see our organization expand even further. I don’t think there’s another place like it in Buffalo and I really do feel so proud to work here.
Birthdays Elizabeth Whipple................................... June 1 Kristy Mangel............................................. June 2 Alyssa Sherman........................................ June 4 Sashira Quintana...................................... June 5 Kimberly Smith.......................................... June 5 Ileana Hernandez-Cromer................... June 6 Tara Monaco............................................... June 6 Dennis Kraft................................................ June 7 Shontae Scott............................................ June 10 Stephanie Simmons................................ June 12 Nicole Jones............................................... June 13 Maggie Barnett......................................... June 14 Abbie Burd.................................................. June 15 Alan Jacyszyn............................................ June 16 Katherine Marrero.................................... June 16 Jason Perez................................................. June 16 Kimberly Martin........................................ June 17 Stephanie Mejia......................................... June 18 Brianna Cabrera....................................... June 19 Ashley Kuss................................................. June 19 Dawn Ganoe............................................... June 20 Sandra Aviles............................................. June 20 Shateer Douglas....................................... June 20 Sharon Yager.............................................. June 23 Emily Oaks................................................... June 24 Alice Ayala Larregui................................ June 25 Eliud Kosgei................................................ June 25 Jacob Marsh............................................... June 26 Kyle Berberich........................................... June 26
Anniversaries Kyle Botsford............................................. 1 Year David McCready....................................... 1 Year Anneliese Bienko..................................... 1 Year Jaclyn Gynan.............................................. 1 Year Mel LeMay.................................................... 1 Year Richard Ridenour..................................... 1 Year Christian Rossman................................... 2 Years Kimberly Smith.......................................... 2 Years Elizabeth Woleen..................................... 2 Years Alan Jacyszyn............................................ 3 Years Matthew Edson......................................... 3Years Kaily Golba.................................................. 3 Years Michele Messina........................................ 3Years Jonathan Puma......................................... 3 Years Marcia Derby.............................................. 3 Years Alicia Williams............................................ 3 Years Nicholas Maggi.......................................... 3 Years
Annual Training Time!
Christina Monroy...................................... 4 Years
It’s almost time for the 2021 Annual Trainings! These trainings will be
Kaitlyn Gately............................................. 5 Years
rolled out in two sections again this year and will serve as a refresher
Erika Szymanski........................................ 4 Years Robert Smith.............................................. 5 Years
Jessie Dorman........................................... 5 Years Julie Mayer................................................... 6 Years
for company policies, procedures and updates. All trainings will be
Jacob Perrello............................................ 6 Years
completed through your Evergreen University profile. There will be
Liza Pereira.................................................. 6 Years
more communication to come, so keep an eye out!
Carolee Corbitt......................................... 6 Years Kristen Bechdel......................................... 7 Years Kathryn Diebold....................................... 10 Years Ray Ganoe................................................... 15 Years Elisa Luciano............................................... 21 Years
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next time your Evergreen network (computer sign-on) or Medent password expires, you will be required to create a new password that is 12 characters long instead of eight. This requirement was implemented by our IT Security
Program to provide more robust security to our assets and information. While this change requires a longer, “harder to guess” password or passphrase, you will only have to change it every 6 months. In the past year, cybersecurity attacks increased by 300%. Strong passwords are the first line of defense against these incidents. Here are some tips for creating a strong password and keeping it secure: v Mix letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols v Never use a dictionary word v Don’t use names of people, places or pets v Never use the same password twice v Don’t use a series of letters adjacent on your keyboard (qwertyui) v Use passphrases instead of words – “This is the way” or "{Th1siSthe3w@y!" v Use brackets ([{<>}]) v Misspell words v Never store passwords on your computer or network drive in plain text or word document;
or, on visible/unsecure sticky-notes around you workspace
It’s sometimes hard to think of, or remember your many passwords. There are a variety of (paid subscription) password creator and saver applications available: Dashlane; LastPass; NordPass; KeePass; Strong Password Generator and 1Password are examples. Stay Safe Everyone! For any questions, please contact director of IT, Alan Jacyszyn.
- Julie Vaughan
Each year, Buffalo Business First publishes a list of the Best Places to Work in Western New York. This list recognizes companies that create-and take pride in-a positive work environment for their employees. Evergreen has consistently ranked in the top five, and this year we're the second place winner in the extra large category (companies with between 250 and 599 employees). Thank you to everyone who completed the employee survey and helped us place so high. The Connections camera crew will be making the rounds soon, taking photos of Evergreen staff with our award. These photos will be published in upcoming issues.
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American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as a mental health profession that uses the creative process to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It's based on the belief that the creative process
involved in artistic self expression helps people resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness and achieve insight. Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.
In the THRIVE Wellness program, I utilize two approaches that are integral to art therapy. Small groups will employ
an art psychotherapy approach where the art created is explored and discussed as a reflection of the inner self with the goal of gaining personal insight. In larger groups the creative process itself is the therapeutic venue and is rooted in the belief that making art has inherent healing power.
The Art Therapy program can also be a resource for patients who lack the means to support their own creative
efforts. In addition to access to materials, this may include visits to local galleries and museums and contact with local artists when we're able to do so safely. We are currently partnering with Queen City Fine Arts to bring work with clay to the Art Therapy program at THRIVE Wellness. Creating with clay in either ceramics or sculpture is a physical and mental experience. It’s tactile and engages muscles, fine motor skills, vision and imagination. Clay is tangible and changeable and under the control of the creator in a world that often feels out of control, imparting a sense of mastery. It physically exercises the hands, wrists and arms so it gently strengthens these areas of the body. It encourages active decision making and, like any creative endeavor, can act as a metaphor for less conscious feelings and inner experiences. Its malleable nature lends itself to the venting or expression of anger and reduction of stress/anxiety. Working with clay can be a way to “get out of your head" and participants often describe a meditative or Zen-like experience. One creative was quoted as saying, “Pottery makes me step away from the need for instant gratification because there’s a lot of waiting for completion.” There can be up to ten steps between preparing the clay and glaze firing and there can be hours or even days between these steps. Working with clay is usually a solitary process but takes place within the context of a class or group. This can help relax social anxiety and foster a sense of community.
Any patient that participates in the THRIVE Wellness Program can attend Art Therapy groups. Please contact
Laura (x5816) or James (x5814) at THRIVE Wellness for more information.
- Laura Pasquarella
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Recognizing Excellent Work at Evergreen from Ap
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Oaks
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ereira Publisher/Layout
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pril 20 - May 19
John Carocci
1.
Dial extension 2222.
2. Follow the prompt to record the Code Blue or Mr. Webber and say the exact location and building of the incident.
Copy Editor Melissa Meyer
Contributors
4. The Code Blue team and Security will respond to the incident.
Jocelyn Leising Shakiya Bell Melissa Meyer Julie Vaughan Laura Pasquarella James Thompson Tiffany Valentin
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.
3. Hang up your phone. This will prompt your message to be broadcast to all Evergreen locations.
THRIVE Wellness is offering Reiki to patients. Reiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.
Clockwise from top left: Evergreen marked Hepatitis C Awareness Day with tabling and outreach at 206 South Elmwood Avenue. Evergreen's Souther Tier staff participated in the Stand Against Racism event in Jamestown. Yolanda shows off the Best. Mask. Ever.