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www.stapinc.org
Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
Energize. Educate. End AIDS. T
he 2009 AIDS Ride for Life on September 12th this year and we are happy to report it was a wonderfully successful year with many enthusiastic riders and volunteers. The day started well before dawn as the bikers arrived at Stewart Park. Slowly, as the lake became visible and volunteers no longer had to use their flashlights, the parking lot filled with riders. Friends and family members hurried about helping to adjust brakes, pump some air in those tires and share words of encouragement with their riders. First, we had a few moments to reflect on the reasons we ride and why the Southern Tier AIDS Program is important to the communities it serves. We heard from the Executive Director and from one of our clients. By 7:00 am, all 325 riders were ready to go and our motorcyclists prepared to lead the riders out of Stewart Park and up the first of many hills. The day progressed well, riders were met with some rain in the morning but the weather remained ideal for riding. The pit stops set up along the way allowed riders to take necessary breaks, replenish, re-hydrate and be cheered on by our wonderful pit stop crews! By 6:15 pm, all riders and volunteers arrived back at Stewart Park for our dinner celebration and party. The energy generated by 800 people who have all donated their time and money towards the same cause is certainly contagious! This community came together to show their care and concern for others. This year’s Ride was a clear indicator that our community enjoys the sense of accomplishment in giving of themselves so that others may benefit. We are delighted to announce that we raised over $250,000 that go directly to the services provided by the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Such a successful community event would not be possible without a committed group of riders, volunteers, in kind donors, sponsors, city officials, motorcyclists, radio operators, support and gear drivers, bicycle technicians and committee members. A special thanks goes out to our two largest sponsors and in-kind donors, Ithaca Cayuga Optical Services and CSP Management, who have both been an integral part of the AIDS Ride since its inception. Thank you! Planning for next year has begun so mark your calendars now for September 11th, 2010!
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from the director...
World AIDS Day 2009 T
his year’s World AIDS Day theme, Universal Access and Human Rights, responds to the lack of access to worldwide HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Understanding HIV and AIDS from a human rights perspective can be di! cult. Human rights are often misunderstoodand can sometimes be seen as abstract ideals with not much practical relevance for real people. We were challenged with how STAP could raise awareness in our community of HIV/AIDS on a global level. Tina Barber, an adjunct professor at Binghamton University, told me about a new organization she had become aware of in Kenya, known as the Jifahamu Kenya Foundation. Jifahamu works to provide basic needs for thousands of HIV+ people and orphaned children, as well as HIV prevention education and testing. After doing research and speaking with Jifahamu’s Executive Director Isac Odinga, we concluded that Jifahamu Kenya Foundation is a legitimate organization, offering us an opportunity to make a global difference. Working collaboratively, Binghamton University, Africa House and the Southern Tier AIDS Program will host 2
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events showcasing African drumming, dancing and an exhibition of art, to recognize World AIDS Day. These events will highlight the truly global nature of this epidemic and raise funds for the Jifahamu Kenya foundation. Sales of jewelry created by clients of Jifahamu will be sold at the events and 100% of the funds raised will be sent securely to Jifahamu. This project came to fruition thanks to an amazing group of employees and volunteers including: Tina Barber, Azuka Nzeqwu, Candace Phelan, Anthony Barber, Karen Armstrong, Lea Webb, Pam Mischen, Michael Grasso, Greta Immerman, Mary Kaminsky, Jessica Krohn, Larry Parham, Elisa Amato, Becka Thompson, Clara Kittrell, Sam Goldstein and Jackie Centerwall. STAP also received generous support from Macy’s, Binghamton University and Africa House. Join us on Tuesday, December 1 at Africa House, 50 Washington Avenue, Endicott, NY, from 4 PM – 6 PM, and/or on Friday, December 4 at the Binghamton University Downtown Center from 6 PM – 9 PM for an evening of Art, Music & Action.
volunteer update ADMINISTRATION John Barry, Executive Director Julie Kerr, Director of Finance Mary Kaminsky, Director of Development Joseph Caminiti, Dir. of Information Systems Kim Conrad, Special Events Coordinator Candace Phelan, Volunteer Coordinator Anne Baron, Fiscal Assistant Kristina Hagen, IS and CS Assistant Brandon Elgun, Program Assistant Nancy Bosworth, Executive Assistant Jackie Centerwall, Administrative Assistant
CLIENT SERVICES Gayle Pado, Director of Client Services Wendy Hitchcock, Assistant Director Michelle McElroy, Assistant Director Robin Carroll, Medical Advocate Jessica Krohn, Housing Coordinator Karen Miller, Housing Referral Placement Specialist Shannon Sprague, Case Manager Todd Latzko, Community Follow-up Worker James Elrod, Medical Advocate Jennifer McKenzie, Case Manager Jean Wilson, Case Manager Gry Bente Johansen, Case Manager Jessica Sample, Case Manager Teresa Wage, Case Manager Stacie Kuettel, Case Manager Terri Shields, Case Manager Juan Rios, Case Management Technician Jim Jelliff, Case Management Technician
PREVENTION SERVICES Jeffrey Wynnyk, Director of Prevention Svcs Joe Barnett, Asst Director & Senior Educator Lillian Fan, Harm Redcution Technician Ethan Lewis, LGTB Educator Steven Hanakovic, Harm Reduction Educator Lawrence Parham, Asst Dir, Project VIIBES, Coord. Chalanda Graham, Project VIIBES Educator Jonathan Guldenschuh, MPowerment Coordinator Vanessa Davis, LGBT Youth Educator Erin Gotthardt, Asst Director, LGBT Youth Program
15 Minutes of Fame M
any of you recognize me from my work with the Southern Tier Aids Program Board of Directors or as the official photographer from any number of events hosted by STAP. I might even occupy a place on your wall this month as I am the model for the month of November for the STAP 2009 Calender. What many do not know is that I have taken a new position as the Peer Coordinator in Albany at the Albany Damien Center, a drop-in center for HIV/AIDS. I have also been awarded the co-chair of the Executive meeting of the Albany HIV Care Network. This month the Damien Center donated teddy bears decorated by a local group of school kids for those in need to STAP. I have never doubted the dedication and commitment to excellence STAP demonstrates every day. What is wonderful to see is other organizations bring that same level of commitment to those of us dealing with this disease, as well as a concern for the other agencies in the same position. I am uniquely blessed to volunteer my time to an amazing group of people and work for another equally inspiring group. My image may not be blessing your walls for much longer and people will eventually get used to my role in both Johnson City and Albany. I, however, will never forget to thank God for living in a country that takes care of people living with HIV/AIDS. I am also enriched by my opportunity to work with people on both ends of this state who truly care about one another. If you find yourself in need this holiday season please reach out to your case manager or anyone at STAP. There is no shame in accepting help from people who care, and thankfully my 15 minutes of fame are almost up. What will never end is the mark left on my life by people who care. May god bless you this holiday season. Erik vonHausen, ADC Peer Coordinator STAP BOD
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER Greta Immerman, Regional Training Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Rushanski, President Tina Ruocco Dolan, Vice President Grant Best, Treasurer Michelle Duffy, Secretary Jennifer Bojdak Kelly Bulkeley Nancy McGowan Pamela Mischen Jamie Cornell Joshua B Ludzki Erik vonHausen
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www.STAPINC.org
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training calendar / local resources
INFORMATION HOTLINES National
800-342-AIDS
Spanish
800-342-SIDA
Hearing Impaired
800-AIDS-TTY
Teen Hot Line
Register Now!
Go to: www.stapinc.org • Call: (607) 798-1706 • Fax: (607) 798-1977 or send mail: STAP, 122 Baldwin St, Johnson City, NY 13760
December: 12/3/09 & 12/4/09 ‘Sex, Gender and HIV’ (9am-4:30pm) STAP, Johnson City 2 days, Thursday & Friday 12/8/09 ‘Building Bridges to Cultural Competency’ (9am-4:30pm) STAP, Johnson City 1 day, Tuesday 12/10/09 ‘Overview of HIV’ – “101” (1pm-4pm) STAP, Johnson City, 1/2 day, Thursday 12/10/09 ‘HIV Confidentiality’ (1pm-4pm) STAP, J ohnson City 1/2 day, Thursday
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New York State STAP
800-440-TEEN 800-541-AIDS 800-333-0892
HIV TESTING SITES Broome County Health Department 607-778-2839 Chemung County Health Department 607-737-2028 Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) 800-333-0892 Chenango Memorial Hospital 607-335-4111 Jacobus Center-Cortland 607-753-5027 Planned Parenthood Binghamton 607-723-8306 Planned Parenthood Oneonta 607-432-2250 Planned Parenthood Sidney 607-563-4363 Planned Parenthood Walton 607-865-6579 Oneonta Health Center 607-433-0042 Tioga County Health Department 607-687-8600 Tioga Opportunities, Inc. 607-687-5333 Tompkins County Health Department 800-562-9423
announcements
Mark Your Calendars: World AIDS Day 2009 Event S
outhern Tier AIDS Program, Binghamton University, Africa House, Binghamton’s First Friday Art Walk and The Jifahamu Kenya Foundation will come together to hold a benefit for the women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya. The event will be held on Friday, December 4th, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm in the Atrium of Binghamton University’s Downtown Center. The event will be featured as part of Binghamton’s monthly First Friday Art Walk and will feature African art, drumming, dance, and images and stories of the women and children affected by the global HIV epidemic. Jewelry handcrafted by the women of Kenya will be available for sale and all of the proceeds will go directly to the Jifahamu Kenya Foundation. The Jifahamu Kenya Foundation is a Kenyan certified not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that offers counseling, resources and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. A pre-event Cocktail Reception will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at Africa House, 50 Washington Ave., Endicott, NY from 4 PM – 6 PM. According to The World Health Organization, the HIV pandemic is a public health crisis with 33.2 million men, women and children infected worldwide. Of that number, 22.5 million live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemic has claimed millions of lives and left hundreds of thousands of orphans with very few resources to meet the overwhelming need. Organizers hope that this event will raise awareness of the HIV pandemic in our community, demonstrate the impact that HIV and AIDS is having on the world, and offer concrete ways that we can all make a difference. There is no fee to attend the event, but donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. If you are not able to attend the event, but are interested in making a tax deductible contribution, please visit the Southern Tier AIDS Program‘s website www.stapinc.org or call us at 607-798-1706
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SAVE
The Date Join us as we celebrate our outstanding community partners! Excellus BCBS Frito-Lay Corner Store Catering Mayor Matthew Ryan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cause for Celebration Friday, February 5, 2010, 6 PM – 9 PM Binghamton Club, 83 Front St. Binghamton, NY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AIDS Walk 2010 April 17, 2010 Recreation Park, Beethoven St. Binghamton, NY 13905
doggone fun 2009
Doggone Fun on the Run W
ho let the dogs out? STAP let the dogs out! On October 3rd, hundreds of people and their canine companions walked to benefit the clients of STAP. The Doggone Fun on the Run event raised over $14,500, a new record! The two mile walk was followed by a fabulous post party. Special events included: music by The Parlor Cats, Blessing of the Animals by Rev. Miller Jen Hoffman, Doggie DaVinci’s by Jen O’Brien, Life is Washable, Musical Mats, Agility Demonstration by Myrph’s Dog Training, contests, raffle prizes and a search for hidden bones. Petco, our presenting sponsor brought treats for all of the 4-legged walkers and Excellus BCBS hosted the Doggy Water Stops. It is a pleasure to report such a successful event but even more important is the fact that 100% of the funds raised go to our Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) program. A huge thank you from our clients for helping them to maintain the health and well-being of their companions, friend and sources of joy!
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hank you to our sponsors who made this event possible: PETCO, Time Warner Cable, Excellus BCBS, Myrph’s Dog Training, Target, Frito Lay, Star 105.7, Visions Federal Credit Union, Mars Pet Products, Dog.com, The Parlor Cats, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, Frito Lay, Lupine Collars and Leads, Blankiebed. Please patronize our event sponsors and thank them for their business. A special thank you to the 2009 Doggone Committee members who worked tirelessly to make this event a success: Candace Phelan, Greta Immermann, Hope Woodcock, Betty Dahulick, Laurie Scheben, Michael Striss, Michael Misulich, Himalaya Roo and Michele Swan.
Join us next year: October 2, 2010.
youthheader program page
Youth Peer Mentor Program O
n June 27th, STAP recognized the Youth Peer Mentors for the Community of Color Initiative over dinner at The Argo Restaurant in Binghamton. For the past eight months, four special youth were chosen from the City of Binghamton and have worked incredibly hard to promote HIV/AIDS awareness amongst their fellow peers. Diana Cartagena, Youth Peer Mentor Coordinator recruited these teens right off the very streets they were to do outreach and education. The year long Youth Peer Mentor Program was designed to recruit a select group of teens to participate as peer mentors within their own social networks, specifically within Communities of Color. The youth peer mentors received New York State Department of Health approved training in HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, enhanced community outreach and NYS Confidentiality Law. Youth Peer Mentors also joined in educational workshops on topics surrounding Healthy Relationships and LGBTQ 101. Among community activities the youth participated in were volunteering at events including STAP’s AIDS Walk and Juneteenth and working side by side doing outreach in the campus dorms with Binghamton University’s REACH peer mentors and experienced a taste of college life. The teens dedicated many hours of time and effort in promoting and educating others about HIV/AIDS, STIs and the importance of knowing one’s status. The teens helped to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy within the local youth population by encouraging HIV testing at the Project VIIBES office located at the Urban League of Binghamton. The Youth Peer Mentors hard work paid off as they brought in over 50 youth stretching throughout Broome County to the League for HIV testing. My Youth Peer Mentors were extremely successful in 8
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reaching their goals and utilized a great opportunity to develop the concept of community service, build a resume and network with adult professionals in various community settings. “My Youth Peer Mentors probably were tired of hearing me lecture but I also learned a lot from them as well. I’m confident they will remember I always said they were very special and had the world at their fingertips. I could never stress to them enough that before they could help someone else they needed to help themselves; starting by maintaining their own health and well-being. They were the first teens to get tested during the program and it was nothing but success from there. I will miss the teens and the program very much but it is rewarding to know that we may have helped save a life together. Thank you guys and I will never forget any of you!” -- Diana Cartagena, Youth Peer Mentor Coordinator 10/08-6/09
positive page voices header did you know... The slogans for the World AIDS Day materials were designed to underscore the importance and awareness of Human Rights. Among the key slogans adopted: I am accepted. I am safe. I am getting treatment. I am well I am living my rights. Everyone deserves to live their rights Right to Live Right to Health Access for all to HIV prevention treatment care and support is a critical part of human rights.
Positive Voices A
ge will not protect someone from HIV. People over the age of 50 account for 15% of new HIV diagnosis in the United States. Thirty nine percent of people living with HIV in the Central New York Region are over the age of 50. More people over 50 are reentering the dating scene. Individuals who have not dated in a number of years or of a certain age may not be worried about pregnancy, but there are still risks for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Also, people with HIV are living longer and are in need of services that any older person would.
other sexually transmitted disease information tailored to people over 50, distributing literature and safer sex materials to those in attendance. HIV testing was also made available. STAP will continue to work with local agencies to bring HIV prevention education to priority populations in all 8 counties that STAP serves.
STAP recognizes the need for risk-reduction prevention education and HIV testing for older adults. In the past few months, STAP Prevention Educators have been working with local Offices for the Aging, County Health Departments, and local skilled nursing facilities to bring these risk reduction messages to people over the age of 50. Most recently, STAP’s Prevention Department attended “Aloha for Health”, a flu clinic and health resource fair in Norwich, NY. At the event, over 400 people received their annual flu shots and had access to health related information on blood pressure and cholesterol management, and blood sugar screenings. STAP presented information on HIV/AIDS and www.STAPINC.org
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worldheader aids day 2009 page
Jifahamu Kenya Foundation M
y name is Gillian Woods. I am the president of Jifahamu Kenya Foundation. Since 2006 I have been involved with, what was then known as ERDP Kenya. A community based organization, founded by Mr. Isac Odinga (Enos). Over that time we have helped children who are affected and infected withHIV/AIDS with food programs, mosquito nets, school uniforms and donations of pens and pencils. We have also constructed a water well and reconstructed two others which were blocked. Then this year ERDP became Jifahamu Kenya Foundation an NGO, so that the work could be done in other areas in Kenya not just western Kenya. In August this year my daughter Ameigh and I went to Kenya for two weeks to do some community work with Jifahamu Kenya Foundation. Whilst 10
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there, we attended a cycle race which Jifahamu organized, where by the winners were given money to start a boda boda (cycle) transport business. We went to most of the areas where Jifahamu is working, Kibera slums, Kangemi, Ngomongo, Pokot, Emuhaya and Mt. Elgon. We donated soap, pens and pencils to children and flour to mothers affected by HIV/AIDS. These communities really need support and often people lack basic needs such as food, shelter clothing and drugs. Many are affected or infected with HIV/AIDS, this is especially hard for the women and children. Imagine that you are a mother and are infected with HIV. Your husband has died from AIDS and you have six children. How do you feed them when your husband is gone and you don’t have a job to support your family? This is the kind of
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situation that Jifahamu sees time and time again and why Jifahamu really needs more support to continue helping these people. There is much that needs to be done. At the moment we have just finished a maize planting project in Western Kenya. Then we will move on to other projects in the various communities around Kenya that were earlier mentioned. Jifahamu Kenya Foundation also offers voluntary counseling and testing services (VCTS) as well as training of caregivers. We are working towards setting up more VCTS in the future, which we need assistance with. You can sponsor a child through Jifahamu Kenya Foundation and be helping that child receive the care that they need, whether it is education, food, clothing or medical care. So that they can receive the best possible treatment to ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible. I would recommend to anyone to go to Kenya and do volunteer work with Jifahamu. You will not only do a lot to help people who desperately need support but also have a very rewarding time yourself. Gillian Woods, President, Jifahamu Kenya Foundation. www.STAPINC.org
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122 Baldwin Street Johnson City, NY 13790
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Albany, NY PERMIT #58 ZIP CODE 12202
Fall 2009
STAP
is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our 25 years of providing services. Say “I care” by sending your gift today. Your generosity makes a difference! Yes! I can help the Southern Tier AIDS Program continue to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provide prevention services to help reduce the rate of HIV infection in the Southern Tier. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of:
❑ $25
❑ $50
❑ $100
❑ $250
❑ Other: $_________
Checks should be made payable to:
STAP, 122 Baldwin St., Johnson City, NY 13790 Please charge my donation to my:
❑ Visa
❑ Mastercard
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friends who care