SPRING 2006
pathways
pathways VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
from the pathways president
Published by The Evergreen Association of WNY, Inc. ____________________________________________________
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SPRING SPRING 2010 2006
PRESIDENT & CEO/Ronald T. Silverio EDITOR/ART DIRECTOR/John Carocci COPY EDITOR/Kate Gallivan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jorien Brock, John Carocci, Don Letta, Ron Silverio, Christopher Voltz CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Carocci, Christopher Voltz ____________________________________________________
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING/716-847-0315 FACSIMILE/716-847-0418 E-MAIL/publications@aidscommunityservices.com ON THE WEB/www.aidscommunityservices.com _________________________________________________
Copyright 2010 by Pathways, all rights reserved. Published by The Evergreen Association of Western New York, Inc., 206 South Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14201. Pathways circulation is 15,000. Pathways is received by request by donors and supporters. Distribution is by mailing list and placement. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Publication of any person or organization in articles, advertising or listings in Pathways is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or members of such organizations. Pathways cannot acknowledge or return unsolicited manuscripts unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Pathways’ mailing list is never shared. Pathways urges readers to consult their medical practitioners about any therapies or treatment strategies in this publication. To be put on the Pathways mailing list call 847-0340 or email jcarocci@aidscommunityservices.com.
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inside this issue From the President / 1 Pathways Profile: James Hill / 2 Annual Report Highlights / 3 Dining Out for Life Returns to Buffalo / 4 ACS Shines in National Spotlight / 6 AIDS Walk 2010 Preview / 7 AIDS Walk 2010 Registration Form / 8 How Project SAFE Makes a Difference / 10 Alianza Latina Update / 13 Pride Center Update / 14 Evergreen Center Gets Facelift / 15 Don Letta Revisits the Club / 16 ON THE COVER
Project SAFE, Buffalo's Syringe Exchange Program
constantchange Editor's Note: Evergreen Association President & CEO Ron Silverio made the following remarks at the Association’s 27th Annual Meeting and Reception Event held in the Wellness Center.
2009
was a challenging year. The Evergreen Association and its affiliate organizations faced the ever-increasing needs of more than 6,000 consumers, many of whom were struggling with homelessness, hunger, legal problems, new illnesses and a vast array of other obstacles. At the same time, we found our resources shrinking at the state and local level, as donors found themselves with fewer financial resources to share. Despite the contradiction of having to do more with less, we all did our best! When I look back a year - or maybe ten – a few things jump out that are worth noting. Our success in the fight against HIV and AIDS here in Western New York is due largely to the dedication, commitment and immense generosity of our trustees, volunteers, staff, and wonderful community partners. Their energy is priceless, and continues to animate our enterprise. There is a lot written about vision - about how it needs to be clear and focused to be effective; but I think vision also needs to be constantly evolving, especially as the world around us changes on a daily basis. We started as a group of volunteers, sitting on the floor trying to figure out how to help our friends who were dying of a mysterious and fatal illness. Over time, we realized that the skills, talent, and resources we attracted could do more and more. Today the vision is about developing, promoting, and providing a variety of medical, social, and environmental initiatives for the thousands of people who come through our doors – gay youth, HIV+ seniors, injection drug users, homeless families, young moms from the West Side and always hungry folks. The vision now is about how we can create healthy communities and help them stay that way. None of this is possible without some good old fashioned grit. Nobody gives not-for-profits a free ride anymore. We are pushed and sometimes rewarded for being resilient, creative, and adaptive. We need Boards of Trustees who keep their eyes on this vision, and encourage that evolution while staying true to our core values. We are very lucky that trustees from the Pride Center, Alianza Latina, the Evergreen Association and AIDS Community Services are those kinds of people – visionaries with an appetite for adventure. We are grateful for their many years of support and participation. Finally, congratulations to Ray Ganoe, Vice President of the Division of Health Promotion, for being chosen as a recipient of the 2009 New York State Health Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Service in the field of HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades Ray has worked tirelessly and passionately in Western New York to improve HIV/AIDS services and to develop effective prevention and harm reduction programs. We are proud of his many accomplishments and grateful for his contributions to this community!
4 pathways
2006 SPRING 2010
" I S TA R T E D A S
WHAT
Pathways Profile and Photo by John Carocci
is the force that motivates a person to volunteer his time and talents at AIDS Community Services? There is no one answer, of course. Every one of our hundreds of volunteers has his or her own story, their own reasons for joining the fight; reasons they may not be able to express or even be aware of. James Hill doesn't struggle to explain his reasons for volunteering with the Nutrition Services Program at ACS. "I want them (program clients) to understand they're not alone. We're here for them on the personal level," says James, now in his fourth year with the program. Since 2006, James has played a variety of roles in the Nutrition Services Program. He has served food in the daily lunch program, and inventoried and organized the agency's food pantry. He also prepares nutritionally balanced food bags for the 25-30 clients who utilize the food pantry each week, and helps with distribution when the Food Express truck comes to the Evergreen Center each month. It's unusual to see James standing still, and even more unusual to see him without a smile or a friendly greeting to everyone in the Evergreen Center. "I'm happy when I can give people what
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SPRING 2010
K I N G W H A T I C O U L D D O , I F I C O U L D H E L P O U T . I S T A R T E D V O L U N T E E R I N G ."
they need," says James. "I see clients coming in who are in the depths of hell. We can help them, keep them focused and coming back; help them become responsible for themselves. I know what it's like." James knows what it's like because at one time he was in that same place — dealing with a daunting array of hardships which included illness, poverty, alcohol and substance abuse. He often didn’t know where his next meal was coming from, if it was coming at all. "It was ugly," James recalls, speaking softly. "It was not a pretty picture. I wanted to make some changes. I heard about AIDS Community Services and I thought it would be just another in-and-out mill. But Cindy and Rosalind helped me find my place. They really cared." As James worked to turn his life around, he began to see the Evergreen Center as a refuge, a safe place where he could focus on improving his life and stay away from bad influences. "I liked it here. I didn't want to go home," says James. "I started asking what I could do, if I could help out. I started volunteering." That might just be the understatement of the century. James began coming in to work in the Nutrition Services Program five days a
week, six hours a day, and before long he was an integral part of the program. James also became active in ACS’ Partners Group, which meets monthly to discuss client issues and offer valuable feedback to the agency. People couldn't help but notice his dedication. A co-worker in the Nutrition Program wrote: "James is the backbone of our department. His help is crucial in the day to day tasks, and his spirit is inspiring. Clients and staff alike depend on his smile and humor to brighten their day." In February, James was honored at the Evergreen Association's Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, receiving the 2009 Volunteer Service Award. Perhaps most impressive of all was the honor James received when A&U Magazine honored him as one of their “Heroes" in the December 2009 issue. James' profile in A&U included this quote from Christopher Voltz, Director of Marketing & Special Projects: "AIDS Community Services serves 13,000 meals a year. James is responsible for many of them." In February, James entered yet another phase of his involvement with AIDS Community Services, and joined the staff of the Wellness Center as a Peer Educator. This position
has brought with it a whole new set of duties, challenges and rewards. Wellness Counselor Justin Haag reports that James has adapted beautifully to his new role. "I’ve watched many a client walk through our doors with hesitant or skeptical looks on their faces," says Haag, "but as soon as they see James, they smile. You can see them become more comfortable instantly." As a Peer Educator, James provides information and support to Wellness Center visitors, engaging them and helping them acclimate to the space. He also assists with the intake process, and serves as liaison between clients and the rest of the Wellness Center staff. "James keeps people in good spirits and is constantly working to improve the Wellness Center." Haag says. "He has been a key part of our successful first month of operations." His job description may have changed, but James Hill brings the same energy, dedication and compassion to his work at AIDS Community Services, no matter what part of the Evergreen Center he happens to be in. P Editor's Note: Stay tuned for more information on AIDS Community Services' new Wellness Center in the next issue of Pathways!
PHOTO AND STORY BY JOHN CAROCCI
800 Maple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 688-4437 Allen Street Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-8843 Alton's Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681-7055 Amaryllis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .878-2741 Amici Ristorante & Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . .874-0143 Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant . . . . . . 854-9463 Bel Cibo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-1841 Betty’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362-0633 Bijou Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1512 Bings Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839-5788 Blue Lantern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 652-2583 Boomerang's 5 & 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-0408 Brennan's Bowery Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633-9630 Brodo (Elmwood Avenue) . . . . . . . . . . . . 881-1117 Brodo (Snyder). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635-1117 Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . 876-9464 BW's Smokin' Barrels Barbecue (Elm.) . 824-7455 Café Banchetti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 691-5500 Café GarAngelos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 875-8940 Cafe in the Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839-5330 Campus House Club at BSC. . . . . . . . . . 878-3300
Caz Coffee Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825-7806 Cecelia's Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-8066 Century Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 853-6322 Chef's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 856-9187 Cole's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-1449 Cozumel Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-3866 Creekview Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632-9373 DiGiulio & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446-1673 Duo Restaurant & Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858-4370 EM Statler Dining Room (ECC City) . . . . 851-1092 Empire Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446-0700 Fanny's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 834-0400 Fat Bob's Smokehouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 887-2971 Fiamma Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 834-2662 Fiddle Heads Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-4166 Filippo's Ristorante Italiano . . . . . . . . . . 447-5683 Fortuna's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282-2252 French Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668-8080 Giacobbi's Pasta & Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . 649-8882 Globe Market (Elmwood Avenue). . . . . . 886-5242 Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 825-3675
for more information about Dining Out for Life or
pathways
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SPRING 2010
DINING OUT FOR LIFE RETURNS ON APRIL 27 As a child, the surest sign of spring’s arrival was my school’s annual chocolate sale. Each April Sister Margaret would distribute boxes filled with Worlds Finest chocolate bars (“finest” being a matter of opinion) and let us loose on unsuspecting relatives and neighbors. I did my best, but I could never inspire the sense of guilty obligation necessary for brisk sales. Invariably, I had to purchase most of the inventory myself. This meant long months without movies or trips to the arcade, but I always had plenty of chocolate. Now, as an adult working for a nonprofit agency, I've accepted my fate: one hand will always be extended, asking for help from friends and neighbors. That's why I love Dining Out for Life. For one day each year, I get to put my hand away. In just six years, Dining Out for Life has become one of AIDS Community Services' most popular fundraisers, in large part because it's so easy to participate. If you want to join this great event, all you have to do is go out to lunch or dinner at one of the participating restaurants on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Each restaurant will donate a minimum of 25% of your food bill to ACS. That's it. No small print, no registration fees, no pledges to collect, and no overpriced chocolate bars to purchase. Just eat. Everybody wins with Dining Out for Life. Diners enjoy a
J.P. Bullfeathers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-1010 Jovi's Italian Grille & Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . .874-9103 La Cascata at Seneca Niagara Casino . 299-1100 La Dolce Vita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446-5690 La Scala Ristorante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213-2777 La Tee Da Café (Wednesday April 30). . 881-4500 Lebro's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 688-0404 Left Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-3309 Mangia Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-9467 Marinaccio's Steak & Seafood. . . . . . . . 633-7755 May Jen Chinese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 832-5162 Metropolitan Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439-8800 Mode Urban Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 885-1500 Mr. Bill's Restaurant & Bar. . . . . . . . . . . 634-0783 Mythos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-9175 Nektar Martini Bar & Restaurant. . . . . . 881-1829 North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-3106 Oliver's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-9662 Pano's Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-9081 Papaya Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 856-2444 Pettibones Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-2100
Pietro's Ristorante & Martini Bar. . . . . . 639-8940 Pizza Plant Italian Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632-0847 Pizza Plant Italian Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626-5566 Poppyseed Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824-0075 Prime 490 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-3328 Quaker Bonnet Eatery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-0435 Red Mill Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633-7878 Ristorante Lombardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-4291 Rizzo's Restaurant (Eggert Road) . . . . . 834-4404 Rizzo's Restaurant (New Road) . . . . . . . 689-3600 Root Five Waterfront Restaurant . . . . . . 627-5551 Sahara Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 885-1088 Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-1675 Scarlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-2630 Scotch 'N Sirloin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 837-4900 Shango Bistro & Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . 837-2326 Siena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839-3108 Sonoma Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-0251 Statler's Erie Room (ECC North) . . . . . . 851-1381 Tandoori's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632-1112 Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 885-1594
delicious meal and restaurants get to show off their menu to new customers who just might become regulars. The manager of Oliver's Restaurant, Judy Gorino, says, "Each year that Oliver's has participated in Dining Out for Life, we've increased our business and brought in new customers." ACS clients and their families win too, as funds raised on April 27 will support the many programs and services they depend on every day. Dining Out for Life is actually an international organization, and the event is held in 50 cities around the world each year, but all money raised in Western New York stays right here in our community. Buffalo is a food town, so it's no surprise that our event is one of the fastest growing. This year's event chairs are Michael and Marilynn Militello and more than a hundred restaurants in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties will be part of Dining Out for Life, with choices for nearly any palate or budget. Check out the list of participating restaurants and visit www.diningoutforlife.com for last-minute updates. Restaurants will be busier than normal, so reservations are recommended. Call today to reserve your place at the table, and join AIDS Community Services and our generous restaurant community in the fight against HIV and AIDS here in P Western New York.
The Gourmet Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-1970 The King and I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839-2950 The Old Orchard Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 652-4664 The Roycroft Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 652-5552 Torches Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447-7915 Toro Tapas Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-9457 Towne Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-5128 Trattoria Aroma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 881-7592 Wi-tinis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-1980
Southern Tier Restaurants
Alfie's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .488-7410 Ellicottville Brewing West . . . . . . . . . . . . 679-7939 Forte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484-6063 Merritt Estate Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965-4800 Patria at Seneca Allegany Casino. 877-553-9500 Roberto's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664-7272 Scallion's Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-0051 Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661-3212 Vullo's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487-9568 Zebro's Harbor House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-2017
r the participating restaurants visit www.diningoutforlife.com
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SPRING 2010
The August 2009 issue of A&U Magazine featured this two page profile of ACS
Chris NATIONAL
EXPOSURE FOR ACS by John Carocci
topher Voltz is no stranger to promoting AIDS Community Services. In fact, educating people about the agency’s programs and services is part of his job as Director of Marketing and Special Projects. Whether he's giving guided tours of the Evergreen Campus, fielding questions from the media, or simply identifying a flower for one of the thousands of people who visit us during Buffalo’s annual Garden Walk, Christopher plays a key role in connecting ACS and the communities we serve. Still, it's not every day that even he has a national audience, so when A&U Magazine decided to profile AIDS Community Services, Christopher went to work, collaborating with A&U Managing Editor Michael Needle on a beautiful two page article that appeared in the magazine's August 2009 issue. It was the Hope Blooms Garden at the Victorian that first caught their eye. Christopher has spent countless hours planning, digging, watering, pruning, feeding and coaxing a flowering paradise out of the Victorian's awkwardly shaped back yard, and now it's a place where our clients and visitors can experience a moment of peace and tranquility right in the heart of the city. While the garden may have initially attracted the A&U staff ’s attention, it was the comprehensive array of programs and services offered by the Evergreen Association and its affiliates that truly impressed them and made them want to share our story with their readers. Here are some excerpts from the A&U profile: On AIDS Community Services “Though the garden is only a few years old, it is a natural evolution of an agency that started twenty-five
years ago and has since become the largest and most comprehensive community-based provider of HIV/AIDS care and prevention in Western New York as well as a model for comprehensive care throughout the nation.” On Our "One Stop Shopping" Model “One location means only one threshold—physical and psychological—to cross. (People) are far more likely to access the services they need than if they had to cross town and walk into a whole new building with a whole new set of strangers. The under-one-roof connections that ACS nurtures are complemented by the multibranched structure of the Evergreen Association, which encompasses AIDS Community Services as well as four other separate but affiliated not-for-profits: Alianza Latina, the Pride Center of Western New York, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network and the Evergreen Foundation. ‘It’s harder for people to slip through the cracks,’ notes Voltz about the opportunity to address multiple issues if offices are a hallway apart.” On Serving Diverse Communities “Serving both rural and urban populations has made AIDS Community Services much more flexible and attentive to the diverse needs of the entire community. We have become exceedingly successful in accessing high-risk communities: the IDU communities, communities of color, and the MSM communities.” The A&U Magazine profile was just one example of how Christopher Voltz works tirelessly to keep AIDS Community Services in the public eye. We are honored to have been profiled by this respected national magazine. To read the full profile, visit the agency website at www.aidscommunityservices.com. P
Walk With Us on May 22! You can make a difference by joining hundreds of other Western New Yorkers taking part in the annual AIDS Walk on May 22, 2010. The funds you raise will help support critical programs and services our clients depend on, including medical care, home delivered meals, counseling and so much more. Every step taken, every dollar raised helps fight AIDS and raises community awareness of this deadly disease. Raise money by asking friends, relatives, classmates, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you. Use this registration form to chart the donations you collect. You can walk solo or even organize a team! The Walk website has tools to help you manage your team and collect pledges online... it’s fun and easy! Visit www.aidscommunityservices. com to get started. On the day of the Walk plan on arriving at Lakeside at Delaware Park at 9:00 a.m. Bring this completed form and your pledges with you. Once you have turned in your pledges, relax and get ready for the Walk, which kicks off promptly at 10:00 a.m. The Walk route will take you through some of Buffalo’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and after the Walk there will be a free picnic-style party as our way of thanking you for your efforts. In addition, great prizes will be awarded to the top teams and individuals who raise the most money. The Walk is a rain or shine event. We welcome your questions, comments and concerns! Please visit the Walk website at www.aidscommunityservices.com for more information, or call us at 716-847-0340.
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When Seconds Count
On July 24, 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill ending the ban on federal funding of syringe exchange programs (SEPs). This was the first step in a process which may result in a significant victory in the fight against HIV and AIDS in America. Federal funding of syringe exchange programs had been prohibited since 1988, despite overwhelming evidence which shows that these programs help slow the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases among injection drug users. Buffalo's syringe exchange program, known as Project REACH, was started in 1992 in response to the high rate of HIV infection among this population. In 2007 this program became part of AIDS Community Services and was renamed Project SAFE (Syringe Access for Everyone). Project SAFE currently operates on the first floor of the Evergreen Center in downtown Buffalo.
S
eventeen percent of all new HIV infections in the United States (and the majority of Hepatitis C infections) are the result of using contaminated needles to inject drugs. Syringe exchange programs have been effective in curtailing the spread of HIV almost since the beginning of the epidemic, providing injection drug users with clean hypodermic syringes along with information they need to make the injection process as safe as possible. The first government approved syringe exchange program was established in Holland a quarter century ago to address an outbreak of Hepatitis B. Because of the program's success — and the emerging threat of AIDS — similar programs appeared almost immediately throughout the world, including a handful of underground exchanges in the United States. These were followed a few years later by certified programs in Tacoma (Washington), Portland (Oregon), New York City and San Francisco. Today there are more than 200 syringe exchange programs operating in the United States, which combined, exchange more than 24 million syringes annually. Fourteen states, however, remain without any government approved Syringe Exchange Programs. While the idea of offering exchange programs is sometimes controversial, there is no doubt that these programs work. The National Institute of Health estimates that between fifteen and twenty percent of injection drug users in the United States are HIV positive. Studies have consistently shown that Syringe Exchange Programs not only reduce high risk injection behavior (sharing or reusing dirty needles)
by as much as 80%, they can also reduce the HIV transmission rate among drug users by as much as 30%. “Few behavior change strategies have been as effective as providing clean needles for used ones,” said Ron Silverio, President & CEO of the Evergreen Association. “HIV Infection rates among injection drug users in Western New York have dropped from a high of 35% early in the epidemic to below 7% now. There’s no other disease in the world that wouldn’t gladly embrace that rate of success! We are very proud to offer this remarkably successful intervention in the Evergreen Center.” Opponents of SEPs believe that these programs legitimize — and even encourage — illegal drug use, undermine addiction treatment programs, and serve as a lightning rod for crime in neighborhoods where they are located. Public opposition is due in part to the misperception that anyone who utilizes an SEP must be using illegal recreational drugs. In fact, SEPs distribute clean needles to diabetics, steroid and vitamin users as well as those who use illegal drugs such as heroin. Studies conducted by the National Commission on AIDS, the General Accounting Office, the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute of Medicine's National Research Council and the Office of Technology Assessment have all concluded that syringe exchange programs reduce the transmission of HIV without increasing drug use. Former United States Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher said "there is conclusive scientific evidence that syringe exchange programs, as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, are an effective public health interven-
When Charles took the 20 minute Narcon certification course offered by Project SAFE, he had no idea that what he was learning would help him save someone's life less than seven hours later. Hearing screams in the hallway outside his apartment that evening, Charles opened his front door and saw a man in the throes of morphine overdose and a woman in panic mode. Narcon is a substance that negates the effects of opioids such as heroin or morphine in the body. Because it usually takes effect in about a minute, Narcon is an effective emergency treatment for heroin or morphine overdose. Project SAFE offers emergency overdose kits to clients who complete the certification course. The kits include two doses of Narcon along with a card authorizing them to carry the Narcon in case they are stopped by the police (this card is valid for Narcon only). When the woman confirmed that her friend was experiencing a morphine overdose, Charles knew exactly what to do. He administered a single dose of Narcon, and in about a minute the man was conscious and his breathing was becoming regular. "He was still in rough shape," Charles recalls. In fact, the man was only barely conscious, and he remained unresponsive to questions. But the critical danger had passed, and Charles had bought the man enough time for medical help to arrive. The Overdose Prevention Program is relatively new in Buffalo but it has already proven extremely effective in crisis situations such as the one Charles experienced. Since February of 2008, 266 Project SAFE clients have taken the certification course. Program Coordinator Rashone Scott-Williams has documented reports from her clients of 65 overdoses that have been prevented by Narcon since the trainings began. Narcon certification training is free and available to the general public as well as to clients of Project SAFE. For more information on this program or to schedule certification training contact Rashone at (716) 845-0172.
By the Numbers total number enrolled in program / 7,398 total number of male clients / 4,884 total number of female clients / 2,501 percentage of clients over age 50 / 50.74% syringes exchanged monthly (avg) / 25,000
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tion that reduces the transmission of HIV and does not encourage the use of illegal drugs." Nevertheless, use of federal funds to support SEPs had been banned since 1988, and in many states it is illegal to possess syringes without a prescription. In New York State, there is an extra layer of confusion: the health code encourages exchange of used syringes for clean ones at a certified SEP, but possession of syringes that contain drug residue remains illegal under the penal code. Research has shown that fear of being detained by police is the single most common reason why injection drug users choose not to carry clean syringes, increasing the likelihood of sharing or reusing dirty ones. One study found that injection drug users who had been detained for drug-related offenses were more than four times more likely than other users to have shared syringes in the previous four weeks. In Buffalo, staff from the syringe exchange program has worked closely with the Buffalo Police Department since the program was founded. As long as exchange program participants can produce their Project SAFE enrollment card, they will not be arrested or detained by Buffalo Police for possession of syringes alone. Unfortunately, SEPs face a number of other barriers in addition to community opposition. One is the sheer volume of demand. Even an active, well-supported syringe exchange program might only meet a fraction of the community's demand for sterile syringes. Lack of resources along with issues such as
fear of arrest (possession of a syringe carries a criminal penalty in 46 states), stigma, or mental illness can make getting clients in the door a challenge. Programs must also operate within a high level of legal and regulatory restrictions and eight states require a medical prescription to distribute clean syringes. Buffalo's syringe exchange program has enrolled more than 7,000 clients since it was founded in 1992. Participants range in age from young adults to senior citizens who come from all communities and walks of life. Staffed by two full time professional staff and two part time peer exchange workers, Project SAFE offers a wide range of prevention and harm reduction services including referrals to substance abuse treatment, HIV testing, and health care; Narcon certification training (see article on previous page for more information on Narcon); information about HIV and Hepatitis; condoms, and safer sex supplies. According to Program Coordinator Rashone Scott-Williams, “for many of our clients this program is the only health or social service provider they interact with.” The flip side of that provides another reason why Project SAFE has been a welcome addition to AIDS Community Services. Injection drug users are one of the primary target populations for HIV prevention and harm reduction information. In many communities, injection drug users are considered hard to reach, and would never step foot in an AIDS service organization. With Project SAFE on site in the Evergreen Center, staff has immediate access to
people who are among the highest risk for HIV transmission and infection. Exchange Worker Trish Hopkins is committed to encouraging every one of the people she sees in the program to be tested for HIV. “I know it’s a big step for people to take the test,” she says, “but hopefully with their trust in us they will do it.” An individual injection drug user shoots up an average of 1,000 times per year, which creates not only an incredible demand for clean syringes but a vast number of used syringes that need to be disposed of safely and quickly. An average of 25,000 syringes is exchanged each month in Buffalo alone. One of the primary benefits of Project SAFE is the role it plays in disposing of used syringes that are brought in by clients or that are collected in the community by our Peer Exchange Workers. Having Project SAFE in the Evergreen Center is consistent with our mission to provide a full array of medical, support, and educational services under one roof. As part of this continuum of care, Project SAFE clients have access to Evergreen Health Services, HIV testing, prevention education programs and supportive services. Despite the challenges and misconceptions about syringe exchange programs, Project SAFE continues to provide an essential service to the Western New York community. P Project SAFE is a free service, open to anyone. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays until 7 p.m. For more information contact the program at (716) 845-0172 or visit doingitsafe.com.
Few behavior change strategies have been as effective as providing clean needles for used ones. HIV Infection rates among injection drug users in Western New York have dropped from a high of 35% early in the epidemic to below 7% now. There’s no other disease in the world that wouldn’t gladly embrace that rate of success! Ron Silverio, President & CEO, the Evergreen Association
BY JOHN CAROCCI
I
f it seems Cause for Celebration has been around for decades, well, that’s because it has. Cause has anchored Buffalo’s winter party schedule for nearly twenty years. I’ve attended every Cause but the very first, as either a volunteer or a staff member for AIDS Community Services, and the event’s growth over the years has been remarkable. From humble beginnings in the Main Place Mall food court to somewhat more spacious digs like the Convention Center or our current home in the Statler Towers, Cause seems to get a bit bigger, a bit fancier, a bit more exciting every year. Recorded music long ago gave way to live entertainment; a band for dancing and the popular drag revue keep the party going strong into the early hours. The mountains of luscious desserts seem higher and wider each year as more and
more of Western New York’s finest restaurants and bakeries show off their specialties. The Art Auction, with so many of the area’s best-known artists donating their work, has taken its place among Buffalo’s most prestigious. In recent years Cause has added themes to the fun: Hollywood, Mardi Gras, the Roaring Twenties, Carnivale and last year’s Disco Extravaganza. But what hasn’t changed over nearly two decades is the reason Cause for Celebration exists in the first place: the community coming together to celebrate those who struggle with HIV/AIDS, and to remember those we’ve lost. There are a lot of memories crammed into those Cause years, memories of friends old and new, of dancing, laughing, a piece of dessert snatched on the sly, and who can forget the year the coat racks collapsed like a row of giant furry dominoes?
Unfortunately, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and as Cause for Celebration grew it also became more expensive and timeconsuming for ACS to produce. A difficult decision was made, and this year will mark the end of the Cause for Celebration era. To send Cause off with a fitting farewell and to thank the Western New York community for nearly twenty years of loyal support, AIDS Community Services is planning the biggest, best Cause for Celebration ever. Cause for Celebration will be held on November 18th at the Statler Towers in downtown Buffalo. The evening will be a trip down memory lane for some, a brand new experience for others. But whether you’re a friend old or new, you won’t want to miss this very special evening... the last, best Cause for Celebration of them all. I’ll meet you at the dessert table!
Photos: (top) the Hope Blooms Commemorative Walkway during the installation process, (middle) a granite bench placed in a curve in the sidewalk that leads to the street, (bottom) close up of a granite paver. Walkway photos by John Carocci
Pathways readers are familiar with the story of how a small, awkwardly-shaped plot of land at the Victorian has been transformed into a beautiful perennial garden. This Garden at the Victorian, built by and for people living with HIV and AIDS, provides peaceful sanctuary for agency clients, visitors, volunteers and staff. The Garden has been featured on Buffalo’s Garden Walk for the past five years, and in fact AIDS Community Services will serve as an official Garden Walk hospitality station in 2009. Having thousands of people from all over Western New York (and beyond) walk through our back yard over the course of two days gives us a fantastic opportunity to show off our lovely Garden and spread the word about the work we do throughout the year. It may seem odd to be reading a story about a garden as winter’s chill descends on Western New York, but come spring visitors to the Garden at the Victorian will notice some major changes. The large wooden wheelchair ramp that dominated the yard has been removed, and will be replaced by a more convenient (and much smaller) lift which will provide easy wheelchair access to the Victorian. Another change is the installation of the Hope Blooms Commemorative Walkway, a beautiful new brick and granite path that connects South Elmwood Avenue to the Garden, leading visitors to and through this urban sanctuary. The Walkway is attractive, and it makes the Garden more accessible for visitors who have difficulty walking. In addition, the brick and granite pavers that make up the Walkway can be custom engraved with an inspirational message or the name of a loved one you’d like to honor. You can create a lasting tribute while helping AIDS Community Services continue to provide the full array of programs and services our clients depend on. Whether you choose a single brick, a granite paver, a bench or even a grouping, your support will make a difference in the lives of people who struggle with HIV. Please complete the order form on the opposite page and return it in the enclosed envelope. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Oczek at 847-0340 x331 or koczek@aidscommunityservices.com. P
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Pride Center Joins Evergreen Association BY KATE GALLIVAN
The Evergreen Association is pleased to welcome the Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. to its growing family of organizations. Founded in 2003 by local leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, the Pride Center’s mission is to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for people to live, work, and establish their families. With financial support from private donors, a partnership with AmeriCorps, and a grant from the New York State Department of Health, the Pride Center offers a variety of programs and services including the David Bohnett Cyber Center (which provides computer/internet access free of charge); referrals for LGBT health, support, and recreational resources; SAGE WNY (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders); the Pride University leadership development program for LGBT college organizations; support for LGBT youth ages 18-24; meeting space for community organizations; LGBT sensitivity training for businesses and organizations; “Coming Out” discussion groups; advocacy and media relations for LGBT social justice issues, and the Shop with Pride Discount Card. “Given the drastic cuts in social services funding, it just made sense to collaborate with a larger organization,” said Bryan Whitley-Grassi, Executive Director of the Pride Center. “Now more of our resources can go to direct services instead of overhead costs.” As another cost-saving strategy, the Pride Center recently relocated to new offices on the 3rd floor of the Evergreen Center at 206 South Elmwood Avenue. Although it has only been a few months, Pride Center staff has already found numerous opportunities to collaborate with other Evergreen Association member agencies AIDS Community Services and Alianza Latina in areas such as community outreach and work with youth at risk for HIV. For more information, contact the Pride Center at (716) 852-7743 or visit the center online at www.pridecenterwny.org. P
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picture kindness People all throughout Western New York have grown familiar with the name Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys at Law. After all, how can you miss the billboards, not to mention the television and radio ads? What many in the community may not know is just how big Jeffrey Freedman's heart is. That's why AIDS Community Services honored Freedman at the National Philanthropy Day celebration lunch at the Adam's Mark Hotel on November 15, 2005. This event is an opportunity for member organizations in the Western New York chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize the selfless contributions, both financial and volunteer, of our friends and neighbors. A Distinguished Honoree designation is a way of showing public appreciation to a founder, donor or volunteer who has made an ongoing and significant contribution to the organization. Jeffrey Freedman seemed the perfect fit for this award. He has a long-standing goal to help those in need and always supports local not-forprofit organizations by donating his original photographs (such as the one shown here, used on the cover of a previous issue of Pathways) to help them raise funds. We are thankful that he's been such a big supporter of AIDS Community Services. Jeffrey not only gives financially, he personally donates his expertise by serving on several of our committees, as well. His firm, Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys at Law, was a "Super Sponsor" in 2005, meaning he provided sponsorship support to all ACS events. Thank you Jeffrey Freedman, for all the wonderful work you do on behalf of AIDS Community Services!
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STORY BY ANN SCHLIFKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY FREEDMAN
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Buffalo Wings’ Kevin Offhaus, Colden Ray, Shelli Offhaus and Gary Williams about to start the Ride
HEROES by John Carocci
I USED
to think a hero was somebody larger than life: a world champion athlete, a triumphant conquerer from the pages of history, or maybe a comic book character with a super powers, a spandex uniform and a secret identity. But now I know a hero can be anyone. It could even be you. Last year, the Buffalo Wings bicycle team participated in the Empire State AIDS Ride, a week-long bicycle trip from Niagara Falls to New York City. The six team
members endured 560 miles of blistering August sun, driving rain, steep hills, public bathrooms and sleeping in tents, all to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS here in Western New York. It doesn’t sound easy, and it wasn’t. The Wings pushed themselves to their mental and physical limits as they made their way slowly but steadily across the state, yet every one of the team photographs shows bright smiles, high spirits, and an amazing sense of cama-
raderie that won’t fade anytime soon. The team photographs show heroes. Now, as the last of the snow melts and Spring finally makes its longawaited appearance in Western New York, August seems a long way off, but the Buffalo Wings are already hard at work getting ready for this year’s Empire State AIDS Ride—and recruiting new members to the team, as well. How about you? You may not think of yourself as a hero, but the Buffalo Wings would like the chance to change that. P
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BUFFALO WINGS VISIT WWW.AIDSCOMMUNIT YSERVICES.COM
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Getting the Word Out IT
was during a meeting that Annette Hood, the pastor at Blackwell Chapel AME Zion Church, heard news that shocked her. ''I heard of a woman who, at the age of 72, found out that she had been infected with HIV by her 68-year-old boyfriend,'' Hood said. ''Because of her age, she thought she was safe. Because she had not been sexually active in more than a decade, she thought she was safe. She was wrong.'' That woman isn't the only person who was wrong about HIV and AIDS — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV and AIDS have reached epidemic levels for blacks. At all stages, from infection with HIV to death of AIDS, blacks are disproportionately affected as compared with members of other races and ethnicities. In 2005, the last year for which such statistics are available from the CDC, blacks accounted for almost half of the more than 37,300 new HIV or AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential reporting. Even more shocking — of the estimated 18,450 people under the age of 25 whose diagnosis of HIV or AIDS was made between 2000 and 2004, 61 percent were black. Statistics like those tell Hood that education and outreach efforts regarding HIV and AIDS have languished. ''I certainly don't think we're talking about it as much as we need to be,'' she said. ''You hear about it in February because it's Black History Month and because of National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. But other than that, it's not talked about. I think we need to have a constant blitz of information directed toward everyone — not just blacks, not just young people. Everybody.'' Hood feels that not only have education and
outreach efforts languished, they're actually going backwards and the nation is losing ground against the HIV and AIDS epidemic. ''I do feel like we've gone backwards over the years,'' Hood said. ''The communication about HIV and AIDS isn't what it needs to be. We've gotten to the point where parents say, 'Don't tell my kid what to do' — but at the same time, the parent isn't taking up the instruction. Take the responsibility and do it. We talk so much about our youth and about protecting them. It's about time we stepped up and did it.'' Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS in part because of cultural norms, according to Laurie Matson of AIDS Community Services. ''It's largely a culture where the belief is that you take care of your own,'' Matson said. ''It's the same with Hispanics. If you're taking care of your own, you're not reaching out as much. And that's a barrier, especially when you're talking about something like HIV and AIDS.'' But unlike Hood, Matson points to a different reason why diagnoses of HIV and AIDS amongst blacks are spiking. ''I don't necessarily think they're getting infected more than anyone else, I think it's that they're finally coming forward to be tested,'' she said. ''That's what my gut tells me. For a long time, I think it was a cultural belief that you didn't want to be tested or know the truth, for reasons that are as much socioeconomic as they are cultural.'' There's always a need for education and outreach, Matson said. But instead of seeing a backward trend, she sees new opportunities. ''I think the schools, in particular, have made a major push to educate young people about HIV and AIDS,'' she said. ''And I think we're gaining ground. The key is to keep it going.'' P
BY KRISTEN JOHNSON JAMESTOWN POST-JOURNAL (REPRINTED BY PERMISSION OF THE POST-JOURNAL)
Preaching the Testing Message When it comes to fighting HIV and AIDS in her community, Rev. Annette Hood of Jamestown's Blackwell Chapel AME Zion Church practices what she preaches. Rev. Hood marked National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by being tested for HIV, along with her husband and daughters, in front of the entire congregation. She then urged church members to get tested after services at a special testing station set up by ACS Director of Southern Tier Services Laurie Matson and Case Manager Carolee Corbitt in the church hall. Rev. Hood said conversations with youth in her congregation made her realize not only the extent of HIV's impact on the black community, but also how important it is to educate our youth about the risks and ways of staying safe, including regular HIV testing. She didn't pull any punches when speaking to the congregation. ''It's better to know than not to know," she said from the pulpit. "Bad choices can send you to an early grave.'' — John Carocci
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Sandy Nickerson Living With a Purpose
Pathways Profile by John Carocci
If working at AIDS Community Services has taught me anything, it's that the human spirit is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. Our ability to take whatever life throws at us – to adapt, to fight; to not just survive but thrive – this is a never-ending source of amazement to me. Few people have amazed me more over the past twelve years than Sandy Nickerson. Sandy has overcome challenges most people can't even imagine. No matter how tough a situation has been, she has been tougher. "I was raised rough," she says, describing a childhood filled with cruelty, abuse, molestation and rape. "My mother was married twelve times. I was the oldest so I had to raise my four brothers and sisters. I was an adult at the age of six." The complete lack of a stable, supportive home life took a big toll on young Sandy. "I spent time in reform school, and even today I sometimes find it hard to trust people. I definitely have abandonment issues." Eager to escape, Sandy married at 18, but only a year later her husband passed away. "I got
into some nasty business then," Sandy recalls. "I was a prostitute. I did heroin. I was working as a dancer all over the country. In fact, I came to Buffalo to hide out from the police." In Buffalo Sandy tried to clean up her life, but the police found her and she was arrested. She agreed to be an informant in order to avoid going to prison. Despite engaging in risky behaviors, HIV wasn't a concern to Sandy. "It just wasn't talked about," she says. "I figured the worst thing that could happen is I'd get Hepatitis." When a boyfriend accused Sandy of giving him an STD, she went to the health department to be tested. While there, she was tested for HIV, and the results came back positive. "It was a shock, but I still wasn't ready to make any changes in my life," she recalls. Sandy began seeing nurse practitioner Maureen Maliszewski for her health care, and when Maureen came to work at the newly opened Evergreen Health Services in 1996, Sandy followed. She was loyal to Maureen, but it took some time before she felt truly connected at
Yeah, I tell them. I talk to them. They know. I don't try to forget. I don't want to forget. I want to remember, so I d
ACS. "For me ACS was just a place to go when I wasn't in jail. I could get a bag of food or a voucher once in a while." When Sandy was arrested carrying a vial of cocaine, she decided it was time to make changes in her life. "I realized I was just tired of the drugs," she says. Sandy entered a halfway house, stopped using, and has been clean for twelve years. Once clean, Sandy began to get more involved at AIDS Community Services. She is a long-time member of the agency's Partners Group, a graduate of the Leadership Training Institute, a mentor for other clients and patients, and an active volunteer at agency special events. Sandy also helped create a support group for HIV+ individuals and the Surviving AIDS with Grace group. In 2000, Sandy received ACS’ Outstanding Volunteer award for her enthusiasm and dedication to the agency. "I've seen a lot of changes at ACS, and the needle exchange is the best thing ever," Sandy says. "I know from experience how important that program is." Sandy also realizes the importance of education in ending the stigma and close-mindedness associated with HIV. Sandy is a deeply spiritual person, and her faith plays a large role in her life and her attitude. "I was riding my bike one day and, well, things were bad," she recalls. "The next thing I know I'm in a church talking to a pastor. I didn't find God. God found me." Sandy says God has given her the motivation, self-confidence and strength to completely change her life. And change it she has. Sandy now has a close relationship with her children and grandchildren. She talks to them about her experiences, openly and honestly, without so much as a trace of selfpity. "Yeah, I tell them," she says. "I talk to them. They know. I don't try to forget. I don't want to forget. I want to remember, so I don't ever go back." She laughs mischievously and adds "and I tell them stories about their mother." In August, Sandy will graduate and become a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. Her goal is to work with HIV+ women in the prison system, and help them improve their lives. "Inside you have to lie about your HIV," she says. "But they always figure it out when they see your meds". Sandy also wants to help women who are returning to life on the outside. "There was nothing when I got out," she says. "They gave you a bus token and said goodbye." I asked Sandy where someone gets the strength to turn an entire life around. "Look, I've been stabbed, I've been shot at, and I've been beaten to within an inch of my life, but I'm still here," Sandy says. "God saved me for a reason, and that reason isn't done yet. Until that purpose is fulfilled, I'll be around." P
don't ever go back. — Sandy Nickerson
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ONE DAY
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IN THE LIFE OF A CASE MANAGER Author’s Note: I didn't fully understand what a case manager does day in and day out, so when I was invited to spend the day with Senior Case Manager Cheryl Brunetti as she traveled around the region meeting with some of her clients, I jumped at the chance. It was definitely an eyeopening experience, because it in fact isn't all about paperwork. It's about interacting with each client and treating them with compassion. It amazed me to watch Cheryl talk and take care of her clients as though they were part of her own family. Here's her story. — Ann Schlifke
AIDS
Community Services' client caseload has doubled in just four years. The agency provides comprehensive medical and supportive services to over 1,500 Western New Yorkers affected by HIV/AIDS. What many people in the community don't realize is that ACS provides unique, one-on-one daily assistance to each and every client. You will see it's a job that takes a very special, caring person to perform. Cheryl Brunetti has been a case manager at AIDS Community Services for the past six years. She assists twenty HIV+ individuals with managing finances, meeting housing and nutritional needs, accessing benefits and services, along with coordinating health care and making sure they have their much–needed medication. Cheryl decided to become a case manager after her best friend tested positive for HIV/AIDS, and was treated horribly when she told her family. Cheryl stepped in, supporting her best friend through the life–changing diagnosis. That experience made her even more determined to do the job she does today. "This job makes me feel like I'm making a difference, bettering each client's life, when most of them don't have anyone else encouraging them." Our first stop is Sister's Hospital, where Sharon (client names have been changed for this story), a 43 year old mother of two, has been admitted for HIV/ AIDS related complications. Cheryl received a telephone call at home, yes, at home, last night from Sharon's sister, who wanted Cheryl to know that Sharon's health is failing fast, and they are going to begin talking with her about future childcare issues. The doctor's prognosis isn't good, so we didn't know what to expect when we went to visit her. We walk into Sharon's room early that morning
and even though she is bed–ridden, with oxygen, an IV and cuts and bruises all over her body, she greets us with a beaming smile and handshake. She proceeds to tell us that she's still keeping tabs on her daughter from her hospital bed and hopes to be released in the near future. Sharon even spoke to Cheryl about possibly finding her a new, larger apartment so she could get a scooter to help her get around better and stay independent. As weak and sick as Sharon is, she hasn’t let her illness stop her humor and laughter from filling the room throughout our conversation. It is truly amazing to hear how this ailing woman has such a strong will to live and beat the disease that has taken over her body. Cheryl keeps the encouraging words flowing, despite knowing Sharon's body is slowly shutting down. It is apparent that Cheryl has a special bond with Sharon and that her story really touches her heart. A few years ago Sharon contracted HIV/AIDS from a man she met over the internet and began dating. Since testing positive, Sharon has, with Cheryl's help, courageously took charge of making sure she has the medications she needs along with financial and housing assistance so she can still independently take care of her family. Cheryl recognizes the unique challenges each of her clients face being HIV+ and is compassionate and responsive to their every need. Before leaving Sister's Hospital, Cheryl gave Sharon a bag of animal crackers, a card and kiss on the forehead, telling her she'd see her again tomorrow. When we got in the car I asked Cheryl how she deals with this each and every day. She replied, "I'll go home after work tonight and cry because some clients touch my heart in a way I can't let go of." She also said she will be there for Sharon through it all. Our next stop is to check up on Helen, who
contracted HIV/AIDS from her ex-husband almost twenty years ago. She's originally from New York City and doesn't have any family to support her emotionally. She has only Cheryl to lean on when she needs help. "Some of my clients don't want their families to know they are HIV, it's just not talked about or dealt with. Others have a substance abuse problem and their families just don't want to deal with them. It's sad because when they become very sick no one is there in the hospital room visiting them." When we arrive at Helen's small apartment, she's dressed in a beautiful blue sundress, thrilled to have visitors. She tells Cheryl she's been trying to stay active by drawing and painting because she doesn't like to think about the possibility of dying. Helen explained she went to AIDS Alliance the other day and couldn't believe all the people she knew were still alive. "I thought they would all be dead by now. When I was first diagnosed they told me I'd be dead in 6 years, but I'm still here." Helen tells us she's starting to run out of her medications, so Cheryl immediately grabs her cell phone and calls her assistant to make sure the medicine will get delivered to Helen that day. "Making sure a client has the pills they need to stay healthy and survive is a priority." Helen also talks to Cheryl about enrolling in an alcohol abuse program. They discuss all the options and Cheryl promises to get her signed up so she can start getting the assistance she desperately needs. When we leave, Helen gives us a group hug and tells us to have a great day. After visiting only two clients with Cheryl Brunetti, I realized that she not only helps her clients get the financial, housing and nutritional assistance they need, but that she also provides them with friendship, real hope and a meaningful life. P
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