Our Community, Our Health IMAGES OF PIONEER HOMES BY RESIDENT HEALTH ADVOCATES & A HEALTH OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM BY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE HOUSING AUTHORITY
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Building Neighborhoods. Growing Dreams.
HEALTHY NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP SYRACUSE HOUSING AUTHORITY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
Our Community, Our Health IMAGES OF PIONEER HOMES BY RESIDENT HEALTH ADVOCATES & A HEALTH OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM BY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
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On the Cover Front cover photos by: Top row: Martha Chavis-Bonner, Yvette Noble, Kristin Thompson Second row: Martha Chavis-Bonner Third row: Lawrence Diamond-Walls, Martha Chavis-Bonner, Mary Harris Bottom row: Mary Harris, Ken Boyd Back cover photos by: Top row: Dominique Felder, Lisa Bigelow Second Row: Yvette Noble Third Row: Mary Harris, Dominique Felder Bottom row: from the Health Sciences Library, Upstate Medical University
ABOVE AND ON PAGE 5: BY MARY HARRIS
Š2014 by Upstate Medical University and Syracuse Housing Authority. All rights reserved.
Published, with permission of the photographers, by SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York in collaboration with Syracuse Housing Authority www.upstate.edu
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
HEALTHY NEIGHBORS Our Community, Our Health catalogs the experiences of community health leaders living in Pioneer Homes and collaborating with an academic medical center, SUNY Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, NY. Through this partnership, a resident health advocate program was created. Resident health advocates (community health workers) are individuals living in the community who raise awareness about health issues and opportunities with their neighbors. Our Community, Our Health is comprised of photographs and reflections by resident health advocates who captured the some of the bright spots and challenges in their neighborhood. Based on the principles of community-based participatory research and PhotoVoice, this book amplifies the voices and visions of the community. To create this book, resident health advocates attended several photography classes coordinated by the Healthy Neighbors Partnership and held at Pioneer Homes. Syracuse Media Group photographer Michael Greenlar met with the group to review their photographs and make suggestions. He says, “They are getting some good photographs. The residents are best able to get these photos because they have greater access to their subjects.” The back section of this book, beginning on page 55, outlines the training program and subsequent outreach efforts of the resident health advocates. Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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Gregory L. Eastwood MD Interim President Upstate Medical University
Maxine S. Thompson MSW, LCSW-R Assistant Vice President Office of Diversity & Inclusion Upstate Medical University
William J. Simmons Executive Director Syracuse Housing Association
Healthy Neighbors Healthy Neighbors is a collaboration of Upstate Medical University, Syracuse Housing Authority and the Pioneer Homes Tenant Association. The Healthy Neighbors Partnership represents a vitally important opportunity for Upstate Medical University to collaborate with its nearest neighbors — the residents of the Syracuse Housing Authority Pioneer Homes public housing. This partnership has allowed Upstate to support the leadership, tenant association, residents and other key stakeholders within Pioneer Homes to foster healthy living and quality of life goals that are identified and driven by the residents themselves. The creation of the resident health advocate program, which trained public housing residents to become leaders in helping families live healthy lives, has been a significant outcome of this partnership. Health Advocacy The Healthy Neighbors Partnership is grounded in the belief that residents of all communities can speak for themselves. Inspired by the PhotoVoice concept, this book seeks to highlight the experiences of seven resident health advocates as they work to serve their community. The resident health advocates were trained by faculty and staff of Upstate on various chronic disease prevention and social issues that their neighbors identified as important. The program is replicated from one at Boston University’s Prevention Research Center. Since the launch of the Resident Health Advocates Program, the program has been selected for presentation at the New York State Public Health Association and the National Social Work Leadership in Health Care conferences. In February 2014, the resident health advocates, Healthy Neighbors Partnership, and the Upstate Cancer Center were awarded a $50,000 Susan G. Komen grant to increase mammography rates in Pioneer Homes and the surrounding area. The Healthy Neighbors Partnership looks forward to continuing to develop resident health advocates in public housing and continuing to face and address health disparities within the community. We have each personally been inspired by the success of this partnership and are grateful for the opportunity to play leadership roles. This program demonstrates Upstate’s commitment and service to our community, and the Syracuse Housing Authority’s vision for improving the quality of life for its residents.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR COMMUNITY Our History Our People Our Environment Our Challenges Working To Change Our Education
7 9 25 45 51 55
Community Building & Advocacy
56
Health for Life
57
Asthma & Smoking Cessation
58
Physical Activity
59
Family Violence
60
Cancer, Prevention & Early Detection
61
Sexual Health
63
Our Advocacy
65
An RHA Presents at the Medical School 66 She Matters
68
Sisters Serving Sisters
69
City Love, A Poem
70
Celebration
72
Our Photographers
75
Timeline
78
Program Impact
79
Contributors
80
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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UPSTATE’S GENEVA TOWER RESIDENCE HALL OVERLOOKS A PARKING AREA IN PIONEER HOMES. PHOTO BY LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
“Upstate Medical University faces to the rear of my apartment and the Syracuse University steam plant is in front. As a community, we need more access to these places and not just looking from the outside!” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our History Pioneer Homes in Syracuse was the first federal housing project in New York state and one of the first five in the United States. On its 75th anniversary, Pioneer Homes joined with Upstate Medical University to create the Healthy Neighbors partnership. “It is remarkable what housing does for morale,” commented First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited the complex in 1940. This book is one of the products of the Healthy Neighbors partnership. ABOVE: ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. FROM THE HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY, UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY BELOW: PIONEER HOMES, CIRCA 1940. PHOTO COURTESY ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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A birthday party with my grandchildren, from left: “Duttie Man,” 5; India, 7; Rondrea (Mom), 26; Tanzania, 7 (her birthday party) — Martha Chavis-Bonner MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our People Pioneer Homes provides 578 subsidized, multifamily apartments for 1,194 people. Nearly 85 percent of Pioneer Homes apartments are occupied by families. Pioneer Homes is a diverse community of Syracuse natives and families from Latin America, Central and East Africa, and the Asian Pacific Islands. Approximately 20 households are new Americans.
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
Grandmothers “Zarania is my sixteenth grandchild. She is one day old, and we are in the hospital where she was born.” — Martha Chavis-Bonner
Fact: 75 percent of Pioneer Homes’ households are led by women.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
Sisters “These are my daughters Kamea, Rondrea and ‘Big’ India with baby Zarania, Rondrea’s daughter and my youngest grandchild. It was Easter Sunday, and we were all together in my apartment. To me, this photo says ‘family love.’” — Martha Chavis-Bonner “Martha takes such pride in her family and community.” — Lisa Bigelow
Facts 144,669 people live in the city of Syracuse 53.3% are female 29.5% are Black/African American 8.3% are Hispanic/Latino 5.5% are Asian/Pacific Islander 5.1% are Multiracial 1.2% are American Indian/Alaskan Native Sources: Population number, US Census, 2013; Gender and ethnicity, US Census, 2010
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
Mother’s Love “My granddaughter, ‘Little’ India, and her mom, Rondrea, celebrate India’s eighth birthday with a cake.” — Martha Chavis-Bonner
Fact: There are 426 children under the age of 10 in Pioneer Homes.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
TRYMAINE DUGGER
The LIFE Program “Ms. Amparo Colon (center) is a LIFE program employee who learned her grandmother’s philosophy: ‘You better be involved and volunteer for something.”’— Lisa Bigelow Photographer Trymaine Dugger is “awed” by Mrs. Colon and her work in the community.
Fact: The LIFE Program connects residents with services. LIFE coordinators provide referral services and community-building opportunities for all Syracuse Housing Authority residents (Pioneer Homes, Benderson Heights, Central Village, James Geddes, McKinney Manor and scattered sites). Services include: computer skills, dental care, employment readiness skills, financial literacy, health care, job training, mentoring, nutrition, summer programming, tax assistance and tutoring.
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
YVETTE NOBLE
Friends “Our hope and future. The children of the community.” — Lisa Bigelow
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
TRYMAINE DUGGER
Each One, Teach One “Joseph Utsey is the son of one of our Resident Health Advocates. Little Joey is one of the most active kids in Pioneer Homes. He works in the garden, attends the cook outs and read this poem at our 75th anniversary celebration.” — Trymaine Dugger Open A Book by Jane Baskwill Open a book And you will find People and places of every kind Open a book And you can be Anything that you want to be: Open a book And you can share Wondrous worlds you find in there Open a book And I will too You read to me And I’ll read to you Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
YVETTE NOBLE
Community Partners “Diane Hunt, manager of the Wilson Park community center, has 30 years of experience and lots of opinions.” — Martha Chavis-Bonner “She’s a hero of the neighborhood.” — Lisa Bigelow “This is my daughter, Sha-Cha-Nae, with a lollipop. Lots of kids come to our center. This shows what we have in the community. Outsiders figure we are low-class “‘hood” people. We are households on a budget. We do a lot of positive stuff here. This center helps our children. The kids interact, go on trips, students come and help with homework. There’s an after school program that’s open until 7 p.m. It’s a place for kids to go while mom and dad are at work. There’s a computer center and exercise equipment downstairs. Ms. Diane has a relationship with all the children.” — Yvette Noble
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
MARY HARRIS
Story Time The Healthy Neighbors Story Time is close to celebrating its second anniversary at Pioneer Homes. Every third Thursday, 50 to 100 children and family members gather at the Pioneer Homes Story Time hosted by our literacy team: Upstate medical students and employees Mary Laverty, John Farrugio and Mary Kirchner; Syracuse Housing Authority’s Amparo Colon and others. Guest readers have included Police Chief Frank Fowler who focused on increasing positive relationships between law enforcement and urban neighborhoods. MOZART GUERRIER
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
SUSAN KEETER
Youth Leaders Girl Scout leader Tinica Short meets with her troop of girls from Pioneer Homes every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., year-round. “We learn a lot about each other,” says Ms. Short. “They talk about things they wouldn’t tell their parents.” Ms. Short is involved in the Tenant Association, Girl Scouts, Wilson Park, Sisters Serving Sisters, and many other community activities.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
Community Center This is Robert Mike, a preacher, executive member of the tenants board, and an employee of the Syracuse Housing Authority. He is pictured with Xavier Mongo, 4, headed into the community center at Pioneer Homes. Xavier is a regular attendee at story time.
Facts: Of the people living in the city of Syracuse: 7% are under age 5 23% are under 18 years 10.6% are 65 years and older Source: US Census, 2010
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
MARY HARRIS
Sports Upstate Medical University sponsors Pioneer Homes youth to compete in the annual Salvation Army Turnaround Jumper Tournament. Support comes from the OďŹƒce of the President. Since 2013, three teams have competed under the guidance of volunteer coaches Ken Boyd, Michael Goodman, and Mozart Guerrier. The tournament raises money to support the social services work of the Salvation Army. In 2014, 118 teams participated and raised over $38,000.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Project of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Association and Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
KEN BOYD
Unconditional Love Resident health advocate Martha Chavis-Bonner describes her marriage as one of unconditional love. She is pictured with her husband at the gala held in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Syracuse Housing Association.
MARY HARRIS
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d Upstate Medical University Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR PEOPLE
KEN BOYD
Leadership “Mr. Walter Brown is president of the tenant association. He holds meeting for the neighborhood and brings people together.” — Trymaine Dugger
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR PEOPLE
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
Gardeners Residents dig and fertilize a plot of land for a vegetable garden. Linda Campbell, Pioneer Homes property manager, is one of the main driving forces behind the creation and success of the community garden in Pioneer Homes.
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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body copy
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our Environment “This photo shows opening day of the community garden. Children and adults are all included in the project.” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls “People coming together for a good cause.” —Lisa Bigelow
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
MARY HARRIS
Playing in the Sunshine “These are my sons, Wilburt and Shakeam, playing basketball with a friend.” — Mary Harris
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
YVETTE NOBLE
Playing Under the 81 Bridge “This photo shows unity. They are together in unity. Playing basketball on a court with the 81 highway bridge practically overhead. They’re acting like they’re Magic Johnson.” — Yvette Noble “One of the few positive activities boys have in the summertime” — Lisa Bigelow Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
YVETTE NOBLE
Wilson Park Playground “Many parents benefit from the nearby community center. It is a place of refuge for latchkey children.” — Lisa Bigelow
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
YVETTE NOBLE
Sidewalk Chalk & a Community Center “I took this picture because it’s silly and cute. The children wrote ‘Wilson Park. Happy’ in chalk to surprise the staff for Easter. The kids made the staff close their eyes and come see what they did. The rain washed it away.” — Yvette Noble Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
KRISTIN THOMPSON
Exercise & Environment Longtime resident Butch Myers gets his exercise by taking brisk walks around Pioneer Homes. He also picks up the litter as he goes as a way of improving the community’s environment.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Gardens “This is Ms. Ernestine’s garden in the early spring, before things turn green. It is very lovely during the spring and summer months. The beauty of the Lord shows in the trees, and the flowers in spring. It’s nice to have concerned, conscientious neighbors here in the projects.” — Dominique Felder “Ms. Ernestine Davis has been flower gardening here for 25-30 years. She loves what she does and makes the neighborhood beautiful. Miss Janet has an incredible vegetable garden that she shares with everyone.” — Yvette Noble
Ms. Ernestine Davis Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Plastic Bags & Milk Cartons ON PROPERTY NEAR PIONEER HOMES “There’s garbage all over the southside of the city. I have an issue.” — Dominique Felder “Pick up after each other. We are all affected by it.” — Lisa Bigelow
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Winter Walkways ”This captures the beauty of God’s creation.” — Dominique Felder
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT Southside Neighborhood Profile Pioneer Homes is located in Syracuse’s Southside neighborhood. The neighborhood is bounded by Castle Street on the north; Route 81 on the east (Pioneer Homes is adjacent); Ballantyne Road on the south; and Onondaga Creek and West Brighton, Onondaga, South avenues on the west. The neighborhood has high poverty and unemployment rates. Population:
12,610
Households:
4,556
Average household size: Families: Average family size: Median household income:
2.8 3,177 3.5
$22,901
Unemployment: Male: Female:
10.3% 6.7%
Source: syrgov.org
MARY HARRIS
Fences & Four Lanes “They’re talking about knocking down this bridge.” — Yvette Noble “The I-81 construction is one of the most complex and controversial issues facing Pioneer Homes residents and Syracuse as a whole.” — Mozart Guerrier
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
A Bench & a Tree “In my court yard, coming into bloom, is this tree that reminds me of a bonsai tree. It’s tranquility, and serenity. It’s relaxing and soothing. And then I realize that the bench that I’m sitting on, and the one across from me, are the only benches left in Pioneer Homes.” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
A School Nearby “This is the school that I graduated from—twice. It’s a good school, with good teachers. It’s free and they actually care! I’d recommend it to anyone.” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls “Great opportunity for area adults.” — Lisa Bigelow Syracuse Equal Opportunity Center offers community-based academic and workforce development programs and support services that lead to enhanced employment opportunities, access to further education, and personal growth and development.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
A Church for a Neighbor “This is the Hopps Church. “This beautiful church has a soup kitchen and pantry every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The church is located on State Street. It is also a symbol that Christ is here for us in the midst of everything and he sheds his light on darkness.” — Dominique Felder
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
A Local Business NEAR PIONEER HOMES “The Rev. Theodore Montgomery, who passed away several years ago, ran the House of Hair, the barbershop in this photo. He was the pastor of Bread of Life church. This barbershop has been in this neighborhood for decades and is one of the foundations of the community. This barbershop was seen as a place of refuge. Rev. Theodore sold fresh vegetables and ice cream out of the barbershop and he also allowed several people to come in and sell their products to customers.” — Dominique Felder “It’s on the corner of Burt Street and State Street. It’s a neighborhood salon and barbershop, open for business.” — Lisa Bigelow “I grew up going to Uncle Teddy’s Barbershop once a month with my dad and brothers. From my experiences growing up, I understood that House of Hair was not an ordinary barbershop, but a family. My Uncle Theodore always welcomed everyone who stopped by the shop, whether they came for a haircut, a laugh, good conversation, or support. As a kid I never knew how big an impact the barbershop had on the neighborhood. Now I do. To the world, House of Hair is a barbershop, but to the community House of Hair is one of our core foundations.” — Myles Montgomery, Synergy intern
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
The Neighborhood NEAR PIONEER HOMES “Some buildings and houses in Syracuse need to be renovated. This photo is a primary example. I see this house all the time on my daily spiritual walks.” — Dominique Felder “We need to take more pride in our neighborhoods. We need to pick up trash and clean empty lots.” — Lisa Bigelow
Housing Facts for ALL of Syracuse’s Southside Neighborhood: Units: 5,381 Occupied: 4,229 Vacant: 1,152 Vacancy rate: 21.4% 1926 is the median year of construction of houses in the neighborhood. Source: syrgov.net Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
LISA BIGELOW
Traffic & Exhaust “Children on one side of the bridge rarely play with children on the other side because of traffic. But there are apartments on both sides. Parents are afraid their children will get hurt. These children attend the same elementary school.” — Lisa Bigelow “This shows the highway in front of Pioneer Homes. There is so much traffic, and it’s so close to our residential neighborhood. Pollution comes from the cars, and there is gridlock.This photograph shows a police car in front, the bridge overhead —which is rusty — and our housing in the background. I stood in the median to get this picture.” — Lisa Bigelow
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Police Patrol “There are challenges in the neighborhood. Greater collaboration between the residents and law enforcement would benefit everyone.” — Mozart Guerrier “Cops need to circulate more frequently. This photo was taken right near my home (on the right).” — Lisa Bigelow
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
Firetrucks... “The noise is 24/7. Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles use the street near my house regularly. Diesel trucks, delivery trucks… every morning.” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ENVIRONMENT
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
...& Ambulances This shows an ambulance racing by the Syracuse Community Health Center, which is located near Pioneer Homes.
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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LISA BIGELOW
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our Challenges “Cars look at you when you try to cross the street as if they are saying, ’Why are you here?’ Our homes are inaccessible to pedestrians. There’s gridlock on the highway. There’s air pollution from all the car exhaust. We fear crossing Almond St. or Adams St. Our children aren’t allowed the freedom to roam the neighborhood because of the traffic. People are scared of being hit on the way to the hospital.” — Lisa Bigelow
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR CHALLENGES
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Substance Abuse ”I saw this liquor bottle lying in the leaves behind Stewart Court. It shows a negative aspect of our environment.” — Dominique Felder “People would rather buy a beer than a book!” — Lisa Bigelow
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR CHALLENGES
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
Tobacco “It is very difficult for people to stop smoking. We are lucky to have Upstate’s HealthLink program to aid people in getting control of this habit.” — Lawrence Diamond-Walls “There are people with respiratory problems — COPD, asthma — and they refuse to change their habits.” — Lisa Bigelow “We’ve noticed that many residents desire supportive employment and stress reduction activities to deal with life’s daily challenges.” — Mozart Guerrier
Facts The annual rate of lung cancer for people living in Syracuse: 114.4 men and 82.3 women per 100,000 are diagnosed with lung cancer in a year. (Our Syracuse population is 144,669, which means that approximately 165 men and 119 women are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.)
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR CHALLENGES
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Weapons ”There are lots of children who live here in Pioneer Homes. Violence and children do not belong in the same environment. There was a stabbing last week. This is a steak knife, laying on the sidewalk behind Stewart Court. One of these kids could have picked up this knife and harmed himself or another child. And/or an adult could’ve stabbed someone else.” — Dominique Felder
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR CHALLENGES
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Violence “This is a memorial site near State Street, near the barber shop. Somebody got shot here. People continue to visit the site and add new gifts. The stuffed animal, the candles, they’ve been here over a year. This memorial is a constant reminder of the reality of crime in this neighborhood. Violence is another chief concern in this neighborhood.” — Dominique Felder “Too many young people sit around and do nothing productive. Fighting is a summer pastime in public housing! Parents and community leaders should work with management to ensure a safer neighborhood. “Tenants should take advantage of the many opportunities to reduce the violence in the community like swimming at the YMCA, summer camp, summer school.” — Lisa Bigelow
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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TRYMAINE DUGGER
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Working To Change “People are like branches on a tree. We will grow and expand, reach out, create and spread out. But yet, we stick together, know one another, survive off each other. It is an ongoing cycle of life together.” — Trymaine Dugger
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR CHALLENGES
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
‘Daily Challenge’ “These are my cigarettes and nicotine patches. I haven’t used them yet. It’s very hard to quit.” — Martha Chavis-Bonner “A daily challenge for a lot of residents.” — Lisa Bigelow
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OUR CHALLENGES
TRYMAINE DUGGER
Nutrition “Nourishment and nutrition. I’ve found that canned goods are a good food supplement that can be eaten cold or hot.“ — Trymaine Dugger
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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Pictured: Cynthia Morrow MD, MPH, assistant professor of public health and preventive medicine, pediatrics and bioethics and humanities at Upstate; Tyrone Hunter, a Pioneer Homes resident and charge nurse at a local nursing home. Dr. Morrow has been a key supporter. SUSAN KAHN
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our Education Ten resident health advocates from Pioneer Homes worked with sta of Upstate Medical University to become community health leaders who address community issues by engaging their neighbors in conversations for action and leadership. RHAs attended a 24-hour, 8-week training program. All of the residents who enrolled graduated from the program. The program was modelled after one at the Boston University Prevention Research Center. Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 1
Community Building & Advocacy Presenters: Mozart Guerrier, MSW, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Upstate Medical University Maxine S. Thompson MSW, LCSW-R, Assistant Vice President, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Upstate Medical University
Mozart Guerrier shared information on health disparities as it relates to racial and socio-economic challenges. He also shared capacity-building strategies to help support the Resident Health Advocates in their efforts to share health information with residents. Guerrier also shared community organizing and relationship-building tools to maintain trusting relationships in the community. Tips for Community Engagement:
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
Mozart Guerrier planting vegetables at the Pioneer Homes community garden.
1. Start by Listening — It is through conversation that we identify the real problems and possible solutions. 2. Build Partnerships — It is through building partnerships with people who have the same goals that we achieve solutions that work for all children and families. 3. Remember History — Every community has a rich history that can help us understand the people, places, and opportunities and challenges, in interesting and whole-picture ways.
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 2
Health for Life Presenters: Mark Buttligieri, Director of Social Work, Upstate Medical University Sheila Singleton-Best, Physician Assistant Program, College of Health Professions, Upstate Medical University
Mark Buttligieri
Resident Health Advocates learned the importance of communicating effectively with their physicians and loved ones when it comes to healthcare decision-making. It is important for everyone to have a healthcare proxy in place regardless of your age or health status. A health care proxy or advanced directive will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event you become incapacitated due to injury or illness. Tips Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. Choose a Spokesperson Choosing a health care agent who will speak for you and make decisions when you are unable is a very important task that each adult needs to make, regardless of age or health care status Discuss Your Wishes It is important to discuss your wishes with your health care providers, particularly your primary care provider. This information will enable your providers to care for you in a manner that is consistent with your wishes.
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OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 3
Asthma & Smoking Cessation Presenters: Nancy Feocco BSRT, NPS, assistant professor, College of Health Professions, Upstate Medical University Cynthia Cary Woods, director, smoking cessation program, Upstate Medical University
Nancy Feocco
Asthma Nancy Feocco talked about “Asthma in the Community,” focusing on what asthma is, identifying the symptoms, and recognizing when medical attention and intervention is needed. In 2013, 25.9 million people were living with asthma resulting in over 2 million emergency room visits. Feocco’s main point was to convey that people living with asthma can live happy, healthy, physically active lives, without asthma slowing them down. Pioneer Homes is adjacent to one of the busiest highways in Onondaga County. Pioneer Homes is located in one of the county’s top five zip codes for hospitalization due to asthma. (NY Department of Health, 2010-2012 SPARCS Data as of November 2013) Smoking Cessation The objective of this module is to understand nicotine addiction, understand the health effects of smoking, discuss cessation techniques and identify local resources to help people quit. “Quitting tobacco takes practice. Don’t give up after one or two tries. Sometimes the right combination of medicine and counseling is all it takes to be successful. The progress of quitting is about ‘progress not perfection.’ Learning what did not work in the past can be key to what might work in the future.” — Cindy Cary Woods
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Cynthia Cary Woods
RHA’S PERSPECTIVE “It’s startling to see the number of children in public housing who have asthma.” — Lisa Bigelow
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 4
Physical Activity & Nutrition Presenters: Dan Poulsen, PT, PhD, first year medical student, class of 2018, Upstate Medical University Kim Johnson, Joslin Diabetes Center, Upstate Medical University
Dan Poulsen
RHA’S PERSPECTIVE
Upstate Medical University healthcare professionals aimed to promote healthier lifestyles. Some areas of focus were reducing diabetes, stress, heart disease, obesity, and improving overall health and happiness. They offered suggestions on how to create a positive activity change by which they gave background information regarding a 6-step behavior change theory called the Trans-theoretical Model. Poulsen stressed the importance of exercise and suggested creating an exercise program that required exercising a minimum 3 to 4 times per week.
“Obesity is rampant in public housing. We need to learn how to make healthier choices.
The Downtown YMCA is a vital partner of the Healthy Neighbors. The Y provided gym tours, free weekly and monthly gym passes, zumba classes (on site), and referrals to the Diabetes Prevention Program.
“Oftentimes, people buy foods with preservatives because of the longer shelf life. Vegetables and fruits go bad quickly.
Wilson Park (of the City of Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation) is involved in the community gardening and nutrition programs and in organizing and hosting three basketball teams over the last two years at the Salvation Army’s Turn Around Jumper Tournament at LeMoyne College (sponsored by Upstate’s Office of the President, Wanda Thompson PhD) and the LIFE Program at Syracuse Housing Authority.
“People are reluctant to change. Everyone feels they won’t be the one getting sick. If you ask them to bake the chicken instead of fry it, they resist.” — Lisa Bigelow
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OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 5
Family Violence Presenters: George Kilpatrick, Men’s Outreach Coordinator, Vera House Incorporated. Noble Jennings-Bey, coordinator, United Way Trauma Response Team The primary aim in this module was to spread the awareness of domestic, family and sexual violence by offering important facts and dispelling common myths circling this issue. George Kilpatrick expounded on the meaning of leadership and the importance of being “empowered bystanders” in order to bring awareness and provoke change on the issue. He gave clear, concise definitions of what abuse is and pointed out that gender violence isn’t just a women’s issue. In fact, domestic violence cuts across lines of income, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, age ability and religion. RHAs were taught how to recognize signs of abuse and were given information on the available resources within their community that they could reach out to if help was needed.
George Kilpatrick
PRESENTER’S PERSPECTIVE “Don’t deny what you see. Don’t deny what you feel. You deserve to be in a healthy relationship based on mutual respect and equality. If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t right. Get the healing you deserve. It’s never too late. You can get relationship support at Vera House: 315-468-3260 (hotline) and www.verahouse.org (website).” — George Kilpatrick
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OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 6
Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Joan O’Brien
Presenters: Joan O’Brien MSEd, RT(T), associate professor, Department of Radiation Therapy Program, College of Health Professions, Upstate Medical University Elton Garvin BS, LRT(T), instructor, Department of Radiation Therapy Program, College of Health Professions, Upstate Medical University Upstate Medical University professionals shared relevant statistics regarding the prevalence of cancer in the population citing that ONE out of every THREE women and ONE out of every TWO men will develop cancer. They offered suggestions for prevention and early detection including avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption and knowing your family history. Garvin and O’Brien stressed the importance of a collaborative partnership between doctor and patient to assist in maintaining healthy lives.
RHA’S PERSPECTIVE Elton Garvin
“Cancer has affected almost every family I have talked with. Self awareness and proactive, progressive behavior needs to be increased. “People think, ‘That’s not going to happen to me!’ and ‘I’ll think about cancer after the next pack of cigarettes.’” — Lisa Bigelow
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OUR EDUCATION MODULE 6, CONTINUED
Cancer is a word, not a sentence Facts What Cancer Cannot Do Cancer is so limited...
Below are the annual rates of cancer for people living in Syracuse, NY. The numbers indicate how many men and women per 100,000 are diagnosed with a particular cancer in a year. (The Syracuse population is 144,669.) Source: NYS Department of Health
It cannot cripple love.
Men Women
Men Women
It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith.
All invasive malignant tumors
It cannot destroy peace. It cannot destroy conďŹ dence. It cannot kill friendship.
671.1
24.1 Ovary 12.0
22.7
9.3
9.7
1.3
11.5
3.8
45.8
37.7
Prostate
Esophagus
It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit.
443.3
Oral Cavity & pharynx
It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage.
Corpus uterus & NOAS
191.8 Testis
Stomach
-Author Unknown
6.0 Urinary bladder
Colorectal
Cancer Incidence & Mortality in African American Women in the United States
Liver/intrahepatic bile duct
New cases of cancer, 2013:
Pancreas
27,060 breast cancer 10,980 lung & bronchus cancer (46 percent of all cancer diagnoses are the above two types of cancer.) Cancer Death, 2013: 6,830 lung & bronchus cancer
Source: American Cancer Society, 2013
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6.0
20.7
15.6
12.8
2.2
114.4
82.3
Lung & bronchus Melanoma of the skin
10.2
25.3
13.1
5.8
6.6
9.7
18.9
4.5
1.8
26.9
15.4
5.5
6.2
21.9
13.6
Brain & other nervous system Thyroid
Larynx Hodgkin Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphomas 13.1
6,080 breast cancer (40 percent of all cancer deaths are from the above two types of cancer. )
22.1
Kidney/ renal pelvis
42.2
8.2
Female breast
Myeloma 112.1
Cervix uteri
Leukemias 8.2
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Association and Upstate Medical University
OUR EDUCATION
MODULE 7
Sexual Health Presenter: Janice M. Agen, MN, WHCNP-C, Family Planning Program Manager, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Upstate Medical University Janice Agen taught a two-part training on family planning, gynecology, STIs and community education. Agen emphasized the importance for women to know their bodies and how their bodies work. The training helped RHAs define and understand the functionality of the human anatomy that is used in sexual health and reproduction. Agen encouraged yearly pap smears for women and talked about the various methods of birth control available.
RHA’S PERSPECTIVE “Young teenagers are having sex and they are afraid to talk to their parents. Parents don’t want to see their children as ‘sexual beings’. A conversation needs to take place.” — Lisa Bigelow
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KRISTIN THOMPSON
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our Advocacy All ten Resident Health Advocates completed an 8-week training program. The graduation ceremony included a presentation of certificates by Maxine Summerhill Thompson, AVP, Upstate Medical University and William Simmons, Director of Syracuse Housing Authority. “Graduation day for the resident health advocates. We are all very proud of our accomplishments and are looking forward to going into the community!” —Lisa Bigelow Healthy Neighbors: A Project of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ADVOCACY
MEDICAL SCHOOL PRESENTATION
An RHA’s View of the DoctorPatient Dynamic Resident Health Advocate Lisa Bigelow gave this introductory speech at “Cultural Humility: Understanding Community-Based Practice, Research and Education,” a public health panel discussion hosted at Upstate Medical University. “I am a resident of Pioneer Homes, just a couple of blocks away from Upstate Medical University. I am 43 years old, African American, physically disabled, female and poor. Too many times, I’ve witnessed the poor, aged and mentally disabled marginalized with society. As human beings, most of us make predetermined assumptions about one another. Our experiences, beliefs, and value system affect how we treat others. We bring those biases into doctor-patient relationships. I am here to remind you that everyone has a unique story and everyone has the right to receive professional and courteous services. Accountability to superiors is not more important than social responsibility to the communities where you work and serve. I fully understand the political pressures that health care providers face in this litigious society. They are so scared that they will be fired or sanctioned or even worse, blacklisted because they over-prescribe narcotics or have to fight with HMOs just to give their patients a fighting chance. But there has to be a balance. Cost containment can’t be the bottom line. There has to be a balance between policy performance, protocol, and treating people, communicating with people and understanding people.
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OUR ADVOCACY
Resident health advocate Lisa Bigelow (center) with Mabel Wilson (left) and Donna Bacchi MD, MPH (right), chair, public health and preventive medicine, Upstate Medical University
LAUREN WETTERHAHN
The current healthcare system has been designed to create wealth, not health, and technology further erodes the doctor-patient dynamic. • We must change our attitudes and behaviors and as healthcare providers you must continuously evaluate and critique your own behavior. • I have had to struggle with people’s cultural insensitivities. Even though my MRI vividly displays my five herniated disks, I still have to prove myself worthy of medication. Classism, homophobia, sexism, and racism are challenges we all face on our journey to political correctness. But they are even more important when I have to put my life, health and well being in someone else’s hands. Be Open and Be Kind. I am also a mother, grandmother, community activist, literacy coach, resident health advocate, neighbor, and a child of God. Do not harm means no physical or emotional harm. Critique. Self Evaluate. And be open to diverse people and circumstances.”
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OUR ADVOCACY
UPSTATE MEDICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
MAMMOGRAM PROJECT
She Matters SUSAN KEETER
Resident health advocate Martha Chavis-Bonner helps her neighbor, Edward Moody, sign up his wife for a mammogram at the women’s breast imaging center at the Upstate Specialty Services Center.
The She Matters program is raising awareness for breast cancer and increasing the rate of mammography screenings among the 419 African American women living in Pioneer Homes. Thanks to personal connections, the program is expanding into the greater Syracuse community. Funding is provided by the Susan G. Kohman Foundation. Upstate’s Linda Veit, director of She Matters, says the program is providing women with education, encouragement, and support and has been a huge accomplishment. “Most women of color don’t think that they need mammograms. So, it’s a very important program because it helps the African American women to be more aware of their health.” — Martha Chavis-Bonner. “Half of the women in the program were not health screening compliant before meeting the She Matters team, which proves we are making a difference!” — Mozart Guerrier
Facts: African American women are 41 percent more likely to die from breast cancer. As of the date of publication– •Close to 200 women enrolled in She Matters •50 mammograms completed
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
OUR ADVOCACY FACTS: Breast Cancer Incidence & Mortality In U.S. Women continued
Fact: The rate of breast cancer for women living in Syracuse, NY is 112.1 women per 100,000 diagnosed in a year. (The Syracuse population is 144,669, which means that approximately 162 Syracuse women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.)
New cases of invasive breast cancer per 100,000 women in the U.S.
Death (mortality) from invasive breast cancer per 100,000 women in the U.S.
123.3 Non-Hispanic White
31.6 African American
118.0 African American
22.4 Non-Hispanic White
93.0 Hispanic/Latina 89.1 American Indian/ Alaska Native 85.9 Asian American/ PaciďŹ c Islander
16.6 American Indian/ Alaska Native 14.9 Hispanic/Latina 11.9 Asian American/ PaciďŹ c Islander
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005-2009
Source: NYS Department of Health
AMPARO COLON
PEER SUPPORT
Sisters Serving Sisters Sisters Serving Sisters, a group founded by the Syracuse Housing Authority and Pioneer Homes Tenant Association and supported by the Healthy Neighbors Partnership. Sisters Serving Sisters exists to engage, inspire, and empower women in Pioneer Homes through a peer support program. Healthy Neighbors: A Project of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR ADVOCACY
City Love BY MOZART GUERRIER
For the person who said: Cities are dirty and dangerous. I would never live there. Friend, you must know that between concrete, buildings, and busy people near the bakery and even in the bars there lives more metal heart than cold steel. That we don’t live to work, but work to live here. That cars that rush down the boulevard are more orchestra than traffic jam. That what you call a fight — is just us trying to figure things out. You might not live here, but faith lives here: Whether People’s AME or the Buddhist Temple on Park Street. or the Ramadan I witness — there is a hunger for spirit here. You gotta see the family that lives here: Come with me to Salina St. — and we’ll sit at the kitchen table of grandmothers who cook for three generations and still wear lipstick on Friday nights. Be a fly on the wall when Marcus – who knows the stank belly of prison prays “I love you” and redemption can heal the distance of time to a son who wants to be just like him. Watch as these men teach us how the hope business works. Don’t go to the factories that left and tell me that them leaving was the end of us. As if the jobs they took, could steal our purpose. Unless you visit the empty lots — that we’ve turned to gardens that grow and give. Unless you’ve sat in a meeting of common people who are building maps to a truth that we crave. Until you’ve tasted what mom and pop shops create: and the culture we are creating ourselves. How the poem is not on paper — but Salsa and stories of the Westside — learning that Latino is more than one country. Love more than one color or kind. Please say yes – and yes again to the teachers who imagine with our children – they are answered prayers.
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OUR ADVOCACY
Know that Southside’s history lives and will always overcome. Hear the languages and laughter that spills into streets of the Northside — And still, you will know nothing of the deep winters we’ve had and the fires we built inside to survive them. And yes, the broken live here, too. I‘ve stood in burning buildings called families and held the hand of child with scars so thick you can trace it. Listened — as girls who are forced to be women whisper of hurt, vomit, and blood on bathroom floors And even after, we speak — and there are no strangers in the room as we shed the shame and hold each other. And we look each other in the eye and say come closer. Even after — this city holds it all; the bloodshot and the shot up and the blessed — the light that lifts us and the hands that hold us there are no mistakes — only those who survive and make and we make it Cuz don’t you break? Aren’t there secrets in your basement that you leave you tear soaked and aching? News that make your hands shake and your voice tremble. Knowing that you are safe here — no matter who you are or where you call home is how we survive together.
Fact: 34.6 percent of people living in the city of Syracuse, NY, live below the poverty level. Source: US Census, 2009-2013
And — we live here because — we love here. Knowing that we don’t have the answers — but believing that we have the heart to find them. We are Final Four — coming from behind making the last shot ready to work and make ten more shots for the promises we made and the ones we still have to keep. We shed ourselves. We stopped believing in fantasies a long time ago. These are dreams + plans with a deadline. This city is an open heart with salt in the wound — but it keeps on beating – a lifeline. This is not a struggle — it is our story; and we are making it — together. Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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OUR CELEBRATION
KENNETH BOYD
Anniversary Celebration In April, Syracuse Housing Authority held a gala in honor of the 75th anniversary of its founding. It was an opportunity for residents and sta of Pioneer Homes and the other 11 properties of Syracuse Housing to celebrate, and mingle with sta of Upstate Medical University who joined in the celebration.
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OUR CELEBRATION
Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
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Post-Standard photographer Michael Greenlar uses a smart phone to review photographs taken by Martha Chavis-Bonner, a resident health advocate at Pioneer Homes.
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body copy
Our Photographers & Resident Health Advocates “He’s very attentive and always helpful in teaching and mentoring. A stand up guy.” — Lisa Bigelow
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OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photographers & Resident Health Advocates Lisa Bigelow, 43, is the mother of three and grandmother of four. (Her youngest son, Joe, appears on page 14. ) She is a graduate of Kean University, where she studied sociology and human resources. Lisa was born in New Jersey and moved to Syracuse nearly five years ago so that Joe could be closer to his father. She describes her Syracuse neighborhood as “caring and community-focused.” Lisa worked with the Say Yes to Education program and currently volunteers to read with first- and secondgraders at Dr. King school.
LISA BIGELOW
MARTHA CHAVIS-BONNER
Martha Chavis-Bonner, 51, is a wife, mother of five, and grandmother of 16. Born in Syracuse, Martha grew up in public housing and earned her GED at age 49. She describes her marriage as one of “unconditional love” and describes herself as a loving Christian woman who believes in the Lord. She is a member of Bethany Baptist Church and looks forward to going to college. A mother of adult sons and daughters, Martha’s health advocacy is direct and personal. She says, “I always leave a bowl of condoms out in my apartment.” Trymaine Dugger, 38, is a father and grandfather. He has several jobs, including working as a licensed security guard. He was born in Syracuse, and attended elementary school in Syracuse (Seymour School) and middle and high school in Flint, Michigan. He has two children in Cortland, and one in Syracuse. Trymaine learned about the resident health advocate program from a flier posted on the door of his apartment building. He took advantage of opportunity, with the thought that it may start him on the path of another career. Trymaine likes this photography project because it has given him the “freedom to express himself.” He has a good rapport with adults and children, and is able to handle a variety of situations, including serving as a “violence interrupter.”
TRYMAINE DUGGER
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OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS The resident health advocates attended several photography classes coordinated by Upstate’s Mozart Guerrier and led by Post Standard photographer Michael Greenlar, who said: “They got some good photographs. The residents are best able to get these photos because they have greater access to their subjects.”
Lawrence Diamond-Walls, 55, is a Marine, husband, grandfather, and father of four children and five stepchildren. Originally from Suffolk County, Long Island, Lawrence moved to Syracuse — after working six months on the railroad in Dallas, Texas — to care for his mother during the final year of her life. Lawrence volunteered to become a resident health advocate and community board member. Dominique Felder, 28, believes Christ helps her through life’s obstacles. By age 18, she had lost both her parents. She and her three sisters were cared for by her grandmother and made it through high school and into college. Dominique has talents: she sings, dances, raps, designs clothes; is good at cosmetology, interior design, photography; and writes music and poetry. She once performed for Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasha Shabazz, at Syracuse University. A graduate of Corcoran High School, she is currently studying business administration on-line, with the goal of studying ministry.
LAWRENCE DIAMOND-WALLS
DOMINIQUE FELDER
Mary Harris was born in Vero Beach, Florida. She moved to Syracuse 18 years ago to be with her mother. Mary is a foster parent to Shakeem, 11. She likes to read, play basketball and watch movies with her foster children. Mary became a Resident Health Advocate (RHA) because she likes to help people. The RHA program has enabled Mary to build relationships with other residents of Pioneer Homes. She aspires to own her own business and to be an excellent role model to her foster children. Yvette Noble was born in New York City. She came to Syracuse in 1997 to “start her life over.” She has eight children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, Yvette likes to write poetry and performs spoken word at various locations within the Syracuse community. Yvette became a Resident Health Advocate because she likes helping people. The program was particularly helpful because it helped her cope with her mother’s passing by learning about diseases and prevention practices. Yvette returned to school to be a positive role model for her children. She volunteers to go on trips with the Wilson Park Center.
MARY HARRIS
YVETTE NOBLE
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=TIMELINE
Resident Health Advocate Timeline Upstate faculty member Joan O’Brien and a student create the first Upstate-Syracuse Housing Authority Initiative called SHAREi (2006-08) Upstate Leadership Academy team earns sponsorship of Leadership Council and support of the University President and Donna Bacchi, MD, MPH, chair of Public health and Preventive Medicine, as executive sponsors. Leadership Academy recommends a lay health workers model (Fall 2011). Upstate’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion begins appointment of employee to coordinate Pioneer Homes Partnership (October 2012) Upstate’s Department of Marketing and University Communications names the partnership, Healthy Neighbors and creates the graphic. (Feb. 2013) Office of Diversity and Inclusion—after community health worker study—recommends Boston University Prevention Research Health and Housing program as the model that best fits Upstate-Pioneer Homes partnership (March 2013) Boston University and Boston Housing Authority share Resident Health Advocate curriculum and toolkit and accept role as technical experts (April 2013) Based on the feedback of Dr. Margaret Formica, Mozart Guerrier conducts a Resident Health Advocate Program demand survey (98% of respondents want program/over 100 residents want to take on a leadership role in community) (July 2014) Healthy Neighbors Partnership Advisory Group recruits and selects 10 resident health advocates (August 2014) 13 subject matter experts are recruited to teach an 8-week curriculum adopted from Boston University Health and Housing Prevention Research Center (September-November 2014 – led by Upstate’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion) Five members of Healthy Neighbors Partnership are appointed as members of the Health and Housing Consortium which includes multiple universities, government agencies, and community based organizations focused on Health and Housing (San Francisco State University, Harvard University, Tufts, DC Public Housing Authority, HUD) Resident Health Advocates (RHAs) go on a 3-month internship focused on Women’s Health (Sisters Serving Sisters), Community Gardening, and Community Organizing (led by LIFE program at SHA) RHAs assist and support 700-person Syracuse Housing Authority Gala Increased number of residents at Tenant Association Increased attendance of diverse populations at Upstate’s Strong Women, Strong Heart health fair. Resident Health Advocates awarded 50K grant to increase mammography rates and address health disparity in breast cancer facing African American women (February 2014)
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
PROGRAM IMPACT
Program Impact Facts: ● 100 percent graduation from Resident Health Advocates (RHA) program by ten public housing residents ● 4 community projects sustained and attendance doubled by RHA team ● 500 Hours of community building by residents for residents ● Close to 60 percent participation in at least one Healthy Neighbors Program by Pioneer Homes residents ● Healthy Neighbors Partnership (Upstate Medical University and Syracuse Housing Authority) invited to both state and national conferences to share the work. ● Over 30 local and national community partners.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Other Contributors Participants from the following organizations helped make this project possible. Tenants Association, Pioneer Homes Board of Commissioners, Syracuse Housing Authority LIFE Program, Syracuse Housing Authority Syracuse Housing Authority Department of Marketing and University Communications, Upstate Medical University Leadership Academy, Upstate Medical University OďŹƒce of Diversity and Inclusion, Upstate Medical University Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Upstate Medical University Family Resource Center, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and the Health Sciences Library Sisters Serving Sisters Upstate Cancer Center Upstate Foundation Susan G. Komen Wilson Park, Syracuse Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs Boston University Prevention Research Center and Michael Greenlar, Syracuse Media Group
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Healthy Neighbors: A Partnership of Pioneer Homes/Syracuse Housing Authority and Upstate Medical University
Our Community, Our Health IMAGES OF PIONEER HOMES BY RESIDENT HEALTH ADVOCATES & A HEALTH OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM BY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE HOUSING AUTHORITY
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Building Neighborhoods. Growing Dreams.
HEALTHY NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP SYRACUSE HOUSING AUTHORITY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY