With only days until AIDS Walk, Connections is prepping for the big event by reflecting: 23 years later, why the heck do we still do this? Does it even matter anymore? Martha Sawicki asked Michael Lee, Director of Research & Business Development, and Team Evergreen Co-Captain, those very questions. And, we found that AIDS Walk definitely still matters—to Mike, to Evergreen, and to our community. Why is AIDS Walk important to you? Because it generates some much needed awareness surrounding HIV and AIDS in our region. It’s important to keep the conversations going, even though treatments have advanced, and the mortality of the disease has changed. It’s especially important to continue the conversation in the LGBTQ community, because we make up such a disproportionate amount of diagnoses. The AIDS Walk reminds us that HIV and AIDS are still out there, there’s
still no cure, and that we need to continue the fight against, not only the health aspects of living with HIV or AIDS, but also the stigma and social aspects of the disease. Why do you walk? I walk to remember and reflect upon the millions of people who have been and who are affected by HIV and AIDS. I also walk to keep hope alive that one day there will be an end to the epidemic; that a cure will finally eliminate the disease. And I walk in support of Evergreen’s dedication and care to the LGBTQ community, especially people who are living with HIV or AIDS. Do you walk in celebration of anyone? I walk in celebration of everyone who, like me, fights this disease daily, and refuses to let it keep them down or hold them back. I celebrate the people who have the courage to know their HIV status, get treatment when needed, and continue to push against the stigma of the disease. That’s who I walk for. C
The Wellness Center’s irst Poetry Slam was a success! We had a great level of participation. Several clients and staff members recited both original and popular pieces, from famous poets such as Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, and Maya Angelou. Shown at left is NU Creation, a poet who performed at the Poetry Slam. NU Creation presented three of her original pieces: El Shaddei, Redeemed, and Bro From Nazareth. She will be releasing a book of original poetry through eBooks in the Winter of 2015.
The HIV Advisory Body (HAB) is a new integrated care and prevention group of the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. The goal of the HAB is to serve as a comprehensive HIV prevention care and treatment planning body that will facilitate integration, synergy, and efficiency in responding to jurisdictional needs and federal requirements. The HAB replaces the New York State HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG) and the Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium (SASDC). Three representatives from each region were appointed to the HAB for two year terms. Two of the three Western New York representatives are from the Evergreen family: Matthew Crehan Higgins serving on Populations Committee, and Andy Kiener serving on Best Practices Committee. Andy was also elected as Statewide Community Co-Chairperson for the group. Michael Chase of the Erie County Department of Health is the third WNY representative. Congratulations, Matthew and Andy!
Birthdays
Something people may not know about me: I’m actually five cats combined together. Like Voltron. — Brendan Orrange Most people don’t know that I have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. — Sal Sciandra I love learning. — Jasiel Guzman Most people don’t know one of two things about me: either that I’m fully bilingual in English and Spanish, or that I’m a semiprofessional classically trained vocalist! Most of my music-world friends are unaware of the former, and many of my work friends are unaware of the latter! — Kyle Botsford One thing people might not know about me is that my left thumb is double jointed. — Anne Hartley Pfohl I do hair in my free time (braids, cuts, style, weaves, wigs, natural hair, color). Make that appointment ASAP! — Cord Stone I was a contestant on “Jeopardy” in the early 70’s. — Jim Sheehan What some people don’t know about me is that I love to cook. — Elisa Luciano I have a crazy obsession with Ariel from The Little Mermaid. — Mindi Mietlicki My parents caused a ruckus by ignoring the Italian tradition of naming the oldest boy after the paternal grandfather. My name should have been Celestino. — John Carocci
Jerome Robinson ................................ May 3 Lawrence Tyler .................................... May 7 Kable Kendrick..................................... May 8 James Konidis ...................................... May 9 Salvatrice Russell................................. May 9 Misty Wolff .......................................... May 9 Leonard Be s ...................................... May 10 Rosalind Townsend ............................. May 13 Brian Hoover ....................................... May 15 Ma hew Sydor.................................... May 16 Angela Torrie ....................................... May 17 Michele Ogden.................................... May 19 Kyle Botsford ....................................... May 20 Brian Kempf......................................... May 23 Grant Rogers ....................................... May 27 Derek Miller ........................................ May 30 Helene Cacciato .................................. May 31
Anniversaries Marvin Travis ........................................1 year Thomas Fronczak..................................1 year Leonard Be s .......................................1 year Seung Opyrchal ....................................1 year Rashida Williams ..................................2 years Jamie Keuck ..........................................2 years Theresa Woehrel ..................................3 years Lawrence Tyler......................................3 years Gloria Kornowski ..................................4 years Corinne Henderson ..............................5 years Julie Vaughan ........................................5 years Cornelia Meredith ................................9 years Theresa Shankland ...............................9 years Laurie Matson.......................................11 years Your Con nued Dedica on and Hard Work Are No ced and Appreciated - Management Team
thank you!
Ann Hartley Pfohl, the new Behavioral Health Educator at Evergreen Health Services, is a self-described retread; that is, an Evergreen employee who left the agency to pursue education or other employment, then returned to the fold. Here she shares the story of her journey “home�.
The familiar saying tells us we can never go home again. Well, I may be one piece of living proof that disputes that statement, because here I am. The journey that took me away so I could eventually come back started almost 20 years ago, in 1996, when I first came to work for AIDS Community Services (ACS) as a Community Educator. In 1996, harm reduction was just being introduced to ACS, and we were introducing a diverse array of programming to attract LGBT folk to our services. Community Educators were doing everything—training human service professionals to work with newly-diagnosed clients, facilitating discussion groups with clients, and even doing bar outreach. The antiretroviral combination therapy was right around the corner, but at that time we didn’t know it. Part of our work involved being trained in group facilitation with a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lee Faver. I fell in love with the process, and decided to go back to school for my master’s degree in Counseling. When I finished that degree, I decided to go on for my PhD. My supervisor at ACS, John Miller, wrote me a letter of recommendation. By fall of 1999, I was no longer at ACS—I was at the Ohio State University in Columbus, pursuing my dream to earn my PhD. What got me accepted to one of the top 5 programs in the country? It wasn’t my intelligence or my good looks. My program at OSU only accepted 4 applicants that year, and when I asked my faculty advisor why my application caught her eye, she told me it was because I knew about harm reduction and the Stages of Change model. That’s what got me in, and I had ACS to thank for it. What I learned at ACS, the support and encouragement I received here so long ago, launched me on a 19 year odyssey. I’ve used what I learned here every day of my career since I left, and it helped me live out my dreams. Life is indeed a circle, and I believe we can come home again. I am so impressed with all the changes, all the talent and passion everyone brings to this work, and I have a lot to learn from all of you! Evergreen is probably 4 or 5 times the size it was when I worked here in the 90s. I am looking forward to making new friendships with all of you, and I hope I can contribute something to this organization that has given so much to me. There’s no place like home. C (All right! Who took my ruby slippers again…?)
“the client isn’t always right, but they’re always our client” We all know the saying, “the customer is always right”. But, what if they’re not? How do you provide a good experience to a client who is wrong, or who is seeking a service that we cannot provide? Remember this: what you say isn’t nearly as important as how you say it. Even if the answer is no, there are ways for you to make the client feel heard, understood, and valued. AAAAA
Take time to listen. Find out what the client needs. If possible, don’t interrupt or cut them off.
AAAAA
Remain calm. Even if the client is emotional, use a calm, professional tone of voice.
AAAAA
Don’t react. Look beyond how the client is communicating with you (speaking loudly, swearing), and figure out what they need. Some clients might be disrespectful. Never match that behavior—even if you’re frustrated.
AAAAA
Keep it simple. Don’t offer too much information about company policies—even if they’re right. The client only cares that their immediate needs are met, not about why we can’t help them.
AAAAA
Take a break. If the client becomes too emotional, offer them a glass of water, or ask them to take a seat. If you feel like you are losing your cool, excuse yourself, and take time to reset.
AAAAA
Ask for help. If you feel like you’ve reached a stalemate with the client, ask a coworker or supervisor for support. Sometimes a fresh perspective resolves the problem.
AAAAA
Find alternatives to “no”. Turning people away is a last resort. If we can’t help, can we find someone who can? Even if you can’t resolve the situation, your kindness, compassion, and patience will be appreciated.
People come to Evergreen for help. Many of our clients are scared, overwhelmed, or have been turned away by other organizations. It’s important to remember that, and to meet everyone with patience and respect. Let’s embody a new mantra: the client isn’t always right, but they are always our client.
Corporate Challenge: This year’s J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge takes place at Delaware Park, June 25, 2015, and Evergreen will be there! The cost of the race is $34. Registration is first come/first served until the race sells out (and it ALWAYS sells out!). If you’re interested in participating, contact Tay Artis ASAP! The race is NOT competitive. You can run, walk, dance, prance, or whatever you feel to get to the finish line. Evergreen is providing food, fun and T-shirts to all participants! We hope to make an impact, and show Buffalo who we are, so sign up! You’ll receive registration information via email. Please respond no later than May 20, 2015.
Buffalo Car Share: Have you ever seen the cars around town with the leaf decal, and wondered what they were about? Are you a person who does not own a car, but would love to use one to run errands? Would you like the option of renting a more reliable car when taking a weekend trip? If so, Buffalo Car Share may be for you! Buffalo Car Share is a community-based organization that advances affordable and environmentally friendly transportation. Evergreen has entered a new agreement with Buffalo Car Share to offer this benefit to our employees! If interested in learning more about this benefit, please send Tay Artis an email at tartis@evergreenhs.org.
$500 IS A LOT OF EXTRA MONEY. WITH $500, YOU COULD BUY $.........87 Mike sandwiches at Spot $.........60 souvlaki wraps at Rachel’s $.........35 lunches at Bourbon & Butter ...........It’s easier than ever to earn ...........$500 from Evergreen’s ...........Employee Referral Program!
Here’s How: 1 ..........Refer a qualified friend 2 .........Rack up your rewards! ...........$100 after referee is ...........employed for 30 days ...........$150 after referee is ...........employed for six months ...........$250 after referee is ...........employed for one year
Don’t Forget! $.........Tell your friend to write ...........your name on their application $.........Fill out the Employee Referral ...........Form, and return it to HR $.........Enjoy 66 hot carved sandwiches ...........from Emerson on Evergreen!
THE
Center for Behavioral Health’s Mental Health Clinic (MHC) is growing, with expanded services for our clients who struggle with mental health or substance use issues. Rashida Williams, Tom Fronczak, and Roy Golia provide psychotherapy assessment, along with a variety of treatment services. They also work to develop and maintain professional relationships with area colleges and universities, and Evergreen continues to serve as an excellent real world training ground for social work and counseling interns studying at the masters level. Through the MHC’s internship program, Rashida and Tom supervise first– and second– year students from St. Bonaventure University, Canisius College and Medaille College, using a comprehensive, intensive program for interns. This program allows students to carry a clinical caseload, develop their skills in assessment and clinical intervention, and provides the opportunity to co-facilitate support groups. Students also participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences, individual supervision, and frequent staff meetings which address both administrative aspects of the work as well as clinical consultation. A monthly peer group offers support, education and guidance to MHC staff and students. We are also proud of the Clinical Education Series we have developed for students, which involves video education and sharing around topics such as transgender assessment, harm reduction, stages of change, motivational interviewing, neuroplasticity, trauma treatment, and more. Below are some quotes from our current interns. They have all made a meaningful contribution to the work we do here at Evergreen, and we have appreciated working with them! A Evergreen has been the greatest learning experience for me. My supervisors and other staff members have provided me with endless amounts of information and materials to
increase my knowledge for the behavioral health field, that will benefit my career path. Evergreen has definitely been a major factor in helping me to become a mental health counselor” – Jacob Cole, St. Bonaventure A I have spent three semesters interning at Evergreen, a place I have grown fond of. Evergreen has enabled me to gain experience while working with clients of diverse backgrounds and clinical counseling needs. The staff at Evergreen has welcomed me with open arms, making me feel as if I have belonged here, since my first day back in the spring of 2014. I have learned great skills from my co-workers, allowing me to grow as an individual in the mental health counseling field. I appreciate the Evergreen community for giving me the ability to expand my professional skills. – Abby Szal, St. Bonaventure A I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the professionals in Mental Health Counseling at Evergreen as I pursue my license in Mental Health Counseling. Everyone has been warm and welcoming, as well as dedicated and passionate about the work they do here. My fellow interns have given me tremendous support and encouragement. I have and will continue to learn so much from this caring, experienced, and compassionate group of professionals. – Ann Pfohl A It has been a wonderful opportunity to intern here with the Evergreen Health Services team for a few reasons. I have observed a strong commitment by the EHS team in helping patients and meeting them where they are in their process of change. There are so many programs here available to patients, to assist them in meeting short- and long-term goals with dignity. I’ve especially been impressed with the MHC staff ’s ability to support one another and work as a cohesive team. I’m amazed by the resources that are available to Evergreen patients and the community at large. – K.O. C
Lidia Kendrick (Administrative Assistant, Transportation)
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I have traveled to 12 different countries by land, sea, or air. Each member of my family was born in a different state. I was in the “Who’s Who of American High School Students” for my volunteer work. I can s ll fit in children’s shoes. I grow my hair to donate to cancer pa ents.
Anne Pfohl (Behavioral Health Educator)
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I am an actress and opera singer. I knit. I have seven ta oos. I love gardening. I love all things sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Monique Stays (Residence Counselor, Benedict House)
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I was born with 12 fingers. I had an opera on to remove 2. I was in New Orleans 2 weeks before Hurricane Katrina. I am a foodie. I love museums, art galleries, readings, and zoos. I was in a spelling bee in 2nd grade. I misspelled cholesterol.
“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you’ll never learn.” This is from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. – Giovanna Gasbarre Favorite Quote… “Waaaaaaaake Up!” from Spike Lee’s School Daze – Keisha Leavy “The only enemy of art is taste” (Thomas Hoving) – Sal Sciandra “We fit facts to our assumptions more often than we fit our assumptions to the facts.” (Unknown) “If you’re going to be idealistic in life, you’re going to be disappointed. But that’s not a reason to abandon idealism.” (Peter Galbraith) – Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich My favorite quote: “Nothing of me is original; I am the combined efforts of everyone I’ve ever known.” (Invisible Monsters) – Sean
Tulumello “Every human being relies on and is bounded by his knowledge and experience to live. This is what we call reality. However, knowledge and experience are ambiguous, thus reality can become illusion. Is it not possible to think that all human beings are living in their assumptions?” (Itachi Uchiha, a character from the manga/anime Naruto) – Jasiel Guzman “I was like the countryman, looking for his donkey while mounted on its back” (Don Quixote) – Justin Azzarella My Favorite Quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery… but today is a gift, that is why it is called present.” (Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda) – Steve Rein “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” (Abdul Kalam) – Anne Hartley Pfohl, PhD Our happiness isn’t anywhere or with anyone else. Happiness lies within each of us and is made real, delayed or destroyed by the choices we make. – Anne Hartley Pfohl, PhD “If you want to enjoy the rainbow, be prepared to endure the storm.” – Cord Stone “Finally, it is not a matter of reason. Finally, it is a matter of love.” (“A Man For All Seasons” by Robert Bolt) – Jim Sheehan “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” - don’t let the bastards grind you down! (The Handmaid’s Tale) – Jess Lehsten My favorite quote, that I say a lot, is: “I am a child of God and no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” – Elisa Luciano “You can turn off the sun, but I’m still gonna shine.” – Mindi Mietlicki “The world is a disco ball, and we’re little mirrors one and all.” (Stephin Merritt) – John Carocci
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Connections M AY 2015
PUBLISHER/LAYOUT John Carocci COPY EDITOR Martha Sawicki CONTRIBUTORS Tasheri Artis Ellen Kaminsky Jimi Konidis Martha Sawicki Lindsay Zasada Sal Sciandra Gary Williams Ann Hartley Pfohl Michael Lee Thomas Fronczak Connections is a monthly newsletter for the employees of the Evergreen Association (that’s you). Send suggestions, photos, story ideas, or a friendly hello to John Carocci. Let us help you stay connected to the Evergreen family!
Laurie Abbatessa Nurse Practitioner, Evergreen Medical Group
What department are you part of at Evergreen? Evergreen Medical Group. Why is this software conversion important to you? Connection to other departments and outside organizations, more complete medical records, more complete connection with patients through a productive portal, and more consistent measurement of the care we are providing. This can help in the future when reimbursement changes. What stinks the most about the software(s) we have now? The length of time it takes to complete visit notes. And, the fact that we are under-using the ability of the software. What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? The ability to track patients, and improve the care that we are providing by utilizing all resources that the patient qualifies for. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? You name it—except onions, ham, or fruit.
Maria LoTempio Senior Director, Center for Community Services
What department are you part of at Evergreen? Care Coordination in the Center for Community Services. Why is this software conversion important? It will be great to finally have systems that communicate with each other. The goal is to start to break down some barriers to communication—especially when a client is being served by multiple programs. What stinks the most about the software(s) we have now? There are way, way, way too many to name!! What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? We often speak about the client having a “one-stop shop” experience. Now, we can start to feel that way as providers as well. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? Beer—but you can just put that on the side!
Cord Stone
Andy Kiener
Senior Director, Community Access Services
Associate VP, Research and Quality Assurance
What department are you part of at Evergreen? Center for Behavioral Health. Why is this software conversion important to you? Conversion is important because it keeps the Association in the playing field with large organizations. As we continue to grow, there are aspects that the organization needs to change in order to survive. A better communication system is one of the most important, as our outcomes depend on it. What stinks the most about the software(s) we have now? The current systems that CBH utilize are for reporting purposes only; it’s not operational. This means that we cannot communicate or pull any variables or indicators outside of what our funders set for us. Also, the systems that we use are not appropriate for our center, as we have three organizations under the same center with three different systems that are not inclusive. What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? Some of the outcomes include: having consistent communication with other staff (directly and indirectly); using a holistic approach for the clients; better quality and outcomes measures; potential for additional funding because more accurate data will be available; potential to truly be a harm reduction agency by demonstrating progress over time; and, most importantly, all Evergreen staff can work together as a team! It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? I need a large buffalo chicken pizza from Gino and Joe’s with hella mozzarella cheese.
What department are you part of at Evergreen? Administration and Quality Assurance. Why is this software conversion important to you? We need it to get the true picture of all the services a client is receiving, better inter-agency communication, and the ability to extract better reporting to show the work that we do as an agency. What stinks the most about the software(s) we have now? The silo approach, that we cannot communicate within departments, and that we cannot capture what we need (i.e., sexuality, gender beyond m-f, etc.). What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? The ability to look at all services a client is receiving, and to be able to send alerts to each other when we are looking for a client or need something signed, etc. I also feel that we will be able to expand services a client receives just by seeing what they are not enrolled in, but could be. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? Just cheese.
Up For A Challenge? Come join us! We’re a group of Evergreen staff looking to get or stay in shape, get some exercise during our lunch break, and be socially connected all at the same time. We meet at noon every Monday (weather permitting) outside the front door of 206 South Elmwood, walk down to City Hall and climb all 27 flights of stairs (anything close counts. Each person walks at their own pace) up to the observation floor to take in a breathtaking view of the city. It’s roughly a 10 minute walk up the stairs – and much easier coming down, I may add! We’d love to have you join us.
Note: this is all voluntary, not associated with the Evergreen Association and without coercion or peer pressure!