May final

With only days until AIDS Walk, Connections is

prepping for the big event by reflecting: 23 years later,

why the heck do we still do this? Does it even matter

anymore? Martha Sawicki asked Michael Lee, Director

of Research & Business Development, and Team

Evergreen Co-Captain, those very questions. And, we

found that AIDS Walk definitely still matters—to Mike,

to Evergreen, and to our community. Why is AIDS

Walk important to you? Because it generates some

much needed awareness surrounding HIV and AIDS

in our region. It’s important to keep the conversations

going, even though treatments have advanced,

and the mortality of the disease has changed. It’s

especially important to continue the conversation in

the LGBTQ community, because we make up such a

disproportionate amount of diagnoses. The AIDS Walk

reminds us that HIV and AIDS are still out there, there’s

still no cure, and that we need to continue the fight

against, not only the health aspects of living with HIV

or AIDS, but also the stigma and social aspects of the

disease. Why do you walk? I walk to remember and

reflect upon the millions of people who have been and

who are affected by HIV and AIDS. I also walk to keep

hope alive that one day there will be an end to the

epidemic; that a cure will finally eliminate the disease.

And I walk in support of Evergreen’s dedication and

care to the LGBTQ community, especially people who

are living with HIV or AIDS. Do you walk in celebration

of anyone? I walk in celebration of everyone who, like

me, fights this disease daily, and refuses to let it keep

them down or hold them back. I celebrate the people

who have the courage to know their HIV status, get

treatment when needed, and continue to push against

the stigma of the disease. That’s who I walk for. C

The Wellness Center’s irst Poetry Slam was a success!We had a great level of participation. Several clients andstaff members recited both original and popular pieces,from famous poets such as Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, and Maya Angelou. Shown at left is NU Creation, a poet who performed at the Poetry Slam. NU Creation presented three of her original pieces: El Shaddei, Redeemed, and BroFrom Nazareth. She will be releasing a book of originalpoetry through eBooks in the Winter of 2015.

The HIV Advisory Body (HAB) is a new integrated care and

prevention group of the New York State Department of Health

AIDS Institute. The goal of the HAB is to serve as a comprehensive

HIV prevention care and treatment planning body that will

facilitate integration, synergy, and efficiency in responding to

jurisdictional needs and federal requirements. The HAB replaces

the New York State HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG) and

the Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium (SASDC).

Three representatives from each region were appointed to

the HAB for two year terms. Two of the three Western New

York representatives are from the Evergreen family: Matthew

Crehan Higgins serving on Populations Committee, and Andy

Kiener serving on Best Practices Committee. Andy was also

elected as Statewide Community Co-Chairperson for the group.

Michael Chase of the Erie County Department of Health is the

third WNY representative. Congratulations, Matthew and Andy!

BirthdaysJerome Robinson ................................ May 3Lawrence Tyler .................................... May 7Kable Kendrick ..................................... May 8James Konidis ...................................... May 9Salvatrice Russell ................................. May 9Misty Wolff .......................................... May 9Leonard Be s ...................................... May 10Rosalind Townsend ............................. May 13Brian Hoover ....................................... May 15Ma hew Sydor.................................... May 16Angela Torrie ....................................... May 17Michele Ogden .................................... May 19Kyle Botsford ....................................... May 20Brian Kempf......................................... May 23Grant Rogers ....................................... May 27Derek Miller ........................................ May 30Helene Cacciato .................................. May 31

AnniversariesMarvin Travis ........................................1 yearThomas Fronczak ..................................1 yearLeonard Be s .......................................1 yearSeung Opyrchal ....................................1 yearRashida Williams ..................................2 yearsJamie Keuck ..........................................2 yearsTheresa Woehrel ..................................3 yearsLawrence Tyler ......................................3 yearsGloria Kornowski ..................................4 yearsCorinne Henderson ..............................5 yearsJulie Vaughan ........................................5 yearsCornelia Meredith ................................9 yearsTheresa Shankland ...............................9 yearsLaurie Matson .......................................11 years

Your Con nued Dedica on and Hard Work Are No ced and Appreciated - Management Team

thank you!

Something people may not know about me: I’m actually five cats combined

together. Like Voltron. — Brendan Orrange Most people don’t know that

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. — Sal Sciandra I love learning.

— Jasiel Guzman Most people don’t know one of two things about me:

either that I’m fully bilingual in English and Spanish, or that I’m a semi-

professional classically trained vocalist! Most of my music-world friends are

unaware of the former, and many of my work friends are unaware of the

latter! — Kyle Botsford One thing people might not know about me is

that my left thumb is double jointed. — Anne Hartley Pfohl I do hair in

my free time (braids, cuts, style, weaves, wigs, natural hair, color). Make

that appointment ASAP! — Cord Stone I was a contestant on “Jeopardy”

in the early 70’s. — Jim Sheehan What some people don’t know about

me is that I love to cook. — Elisa Luciano I have a crazy obsession with

Ariel from The Little Mermaid. — Mindi Mietlicki My parents caused a

ruckus by ignoring the Italian tradition of naming the oldest boy after the

paternal grandfather. My name should have been Celestino. — John Carocci

Ann Hartley Pfohl, the new Behavioral Health Educator at Evergreen Health Services, is a self-described retread; that is, an Evergreen employee who left the agency to pursue education or other employment, then returned to the fold. Here she shares the story of her journey “home”.

Th e familiar saying tells us we can never go home again. Well, I may be one piece of living proof that disputes that statement, because here I am. Th e journey that took me away so I could eventually come back started almost 20 years ago, in 1996, when I fi rst came to work for AIDS Community Services (ACS) as a Community Educator. In 1996, harm reduction was just being introduced to ACS, and we were introducing a diverse array of programming to att ract LGBT folk to our services. Community Educators were doing everything—training human service professionals to work with newly-diagnosed clients, facilitating discussion groups with clients, and even doing bar outreach. Th e antiretroviral combination therapy was right around the corner, but at that time we didn’t know it. Part of our work involved being trained in group facilitation with a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lee Faver. I fell in love with the process, and decided to go back to school for my master’s degree in Counseling. When I fi nished that degree, I decided to go on for my PhD. My supervisor at ACS, John Miller, wrote me a lett er of recommendation. By fall of 1999, I was no longer at ACS—I was at the Ohio State University in Columbus, pursuing my dream to earn my PhD. What got me accepted to one of the top 5 programs in the country? It wasn’t my intelligence or my good looks. My program at OSU only accepted 4 applicants that year, and when I asked my faculty advisor why my application caught her eye, she told me it was because I knew about harm reduction and the Stages of Change model. Th at’s what got me in, and I had ACS to thank for it. What I learned at ACS, the support and encouragement I received here so long ago, launched me on a 19 year odyssey. I’ve used what I learned here every day of my career since I left , and it helped me live out my dreams. Life is indeed a circle, and I believe we can come home again. I am so impressed with all the changes, all the talent and passion everyone brings to this work, and I have a lot to learn from all of you! Evergreen is probably 4 or 5 times the size it was when I worked here in the 90s. I am looking forward to making new friendships with all of you, and I hope I can contribute something to this organization that has given so much to me. Th ere’s no place like home. (All right! Who took my ruby slippers again…?) C

“the client isn’t always right,but they’re always our client”

We all know the saying, “the customer is always right”. But, what if they’re not? How do you provide a good experience to a client who is wrong, or who is seeking a service that we cannot provide? Remember this: what you say isn’t nearly as important as how you say it. Even if the answer is no, there are ways for you to make the client feel heard, understood, and valued.

A A A A A Take time to listen. Find out what the client needs. If possible, don’t interrupt or cut them off. A A A A A Remain calm. Even if the client is emotional, use a calm, professional tone of voice.

A A A A A Don’t react. Look beyond how the client is communicating with you (speaking loudly, swearing), and fi gure out what they need. Some clients might be disrespectful. Never match that behavior—even if you’re frustrated.

A A A A A Keep it simple. Don’t offer too much information about company policies—even if they’re right. The client only cares that their immediate needs are met, not about why we can’t help them.

A A A A A Take a break. If the client becomes too emotional, offer them a glass of water, or ask them to take a seat. If you feel like you are losing your cool, excuse yourself, and take time to reset. A A A A A Ask for help. If you feel like you’ve reached a stalemate with the client, ask a coworker or supervisor for support. Sometimes a fresh perspective resolves the problem.

A A A A A Find alternatives to “no”. Turning people away is a last resort. If we can’t help, can we fi nd someone who can? Even if you can’t resolve the situation, your kindness, compassion, and patience will be appreciated.

People come to Evergreen for help. Many of our clients are scared, overwhelmed, or have been turned away by other organizations. It’s important to remember that, and to meet everyone with patience and respect. Let’s embody a new mantra: the client isn’t always right, but they are always our client.

Corporate Challenge: This year’s J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge takes place at Delaware Park, June 25, 2015, and Evergreen will be there! The cost of the race is $34. Registration is first come/first served until the race sells out (and it ALWAYS sells out!). If you’re interested in participating, contact Tay Artis ASAP! The race is NOT competitive. You can run, walk, dance, prance, or whatever you feel to get to the finish line. Evergreen is providing food, fun and T-shirts to all participants! We hope to make an impact, and show Buffalo who we are, so sign up! You’ll receive registration information via email. Please respond no later than May 20, 2015.

Buffalo Car Share: Have you ever seen the cars around town with the leaf decal, and wondered what they were about? Are you a person who does not own a car, but would love to use one to run errands? Would you like the option of renting a more reliable car when taking a weekend trip? If so, Buffalo Car Share may be for you! Buffalo Car Share is a community-based organization that advances affordable and environmentally friendly transportation. Evergreen has entered a new agreement with Buffalo Car Share to offer this benefit to our employees! If interested in learning more about this benefit, please send Tay Artis an email at [email protected].

$500 IS ALOT OF EXTRA MONEY. WITH

$500, YOUCOULD BUY

$ .........87 Mike sandwiches at Spot

$ .........60 souvlaki wraps at Rachel’s

$ .........35 lunches at Bourbon & Butter

...........It’s easier than ever to earn ...........$500 from Evergreen’s ...........Employee Referral Program!

Here’s How:1 ..........Refer a qualifi ed friend

2 .........Rack up your rewards!

...........$100 after referee is ...........employed for 30 days

...........$150 after referee is ...........employed for six months

...........$250 after referee is ...........employed for one year

Don’t Forget!$ .........Tell your friend to write ...........your name on their application

$ .........Fill out the Employee Referral ...........Form, and return it to HR

$ .........Enjoy 66 hot carved sandwiches ...........from Emerson on Evergreen!

THE Center for Behavioral Health’s Mental Health Clinic (MHC) is growing, with expanded

services for our clients who struggle with mental health or substance use issues. Rashida Williams, Tom Fronczak, and Roy Golia provide psychotherapy assessment, along with a variety of treatment services. Th ey also work to develop and maintain professional relationships with area colleges and universities, and Evergreen continues to serve as an excellent real world training ground for social work and counseling interns studying at the masters level. Th rough the MHC’s internship program, Rashida and Tom supervise fi rst– and second– year students from St. Bonaventure University, Canisius College and Medaille College, using a comprehensive, intensive program for interns. Th is program allows students to carry a clinical caseload, develop their skills in assessment and clinical intervention, and provides the opportunity to co-facilitate support groups. Students also participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences, individual supervision, and frequent staff meetings which address both administrative aspects of the work as well as clinical consultation. A monthly peer group off ers support, education and guidance to MHC staff and students. We are also proud of the Clinical Education Series we have developed for students, which involves video education and sharing around topics such as transgender assessment, harm reduction, stages of change, motivational interviewing, neuroplasticity, trauma treatment, and more. Below are some quotes from our current interns. Th ey have all made a meaningful contribution to the work we do here at Evergreen, and we have appreciated working with them! A Evergreen has been the greatest learning experience for me. My supervisors and other staff members have provided me with endless amounts of information and materials to

increase my knowledge for the behavioral health fi eld, that will benefi t my career path. Evergreen has defi nitely been a major factor in helping me to become a mental health counselor” – Jacob Cole, St. Bonaventure A I have spent three semesters interning at Evergreen, a place I have grown fond of. Evergreen has enabled me to gain experience while working with clients of diverse backgrounds and clinical counseling needs. Th e staff at Evergreen has welcomed me with open arms, making me feel as if I have belonged here, since my fi rst day back in the spring of 2014. I have learned great skills from my co-workers, allowing me to grow as an individual in the mental health counseling fi eld. I appreciate the Evergreen community for giving me the ability to expand my professional skills. – Abby Szal, St. Bonaventure A I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the professionals in Mental Health Counseling at Evergreen as I pursue my license in Mental Health Counseling. Everyone has been warm and welcoming, as well as dedicated and passionate about the work they do here. My fellow interns have given me tremendous support and encouragement. I have and will continue to learn so much from this caring, experienced, and compassionate group of professionals. – Ann Pfohl A It has been a wonderful opportunity to intern here with the Evergreen Health Services team for a few reasons. I have observed a strong commitment by the EHS team in helping patients and meeting them where they are in their process of change. Th ere are so many programs here available to patients, to assist them in meeting short- and long-term goals with dignity. I’ve especially been impressed with the MHC staff ’s ability to support one another and work as a cohesive team. I’m amazed by the resources that are available to Evergreen patients and the community at large. – K.O. C

Lidia Kendrick(Administrative Assistant, Transportation)

1. I have traveled to 12 diff erent countries by land, sea, or air.2. Each member of my family was born in a diff erent state.3. I was in the “Who’s Who of American High School Students” for my volunteer work.4. I can s ll fi t in children’s shoes.5. I grow my hair to donate to cancer pa ents.

Anne Pfohl(Behavioral Health Educator)

1. I am an actress and opera singer.2. I knit.3. I have seven ta oos.4. I love gardening.5. I love all things sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Monique Stays(Residence Counselor, Benedict House)

1. I was born with 12 fi ngers. I had an opera on to remove 2. 2. I was in New Orleans 2 weeks before Hurricane Katrina.3. I am a foodie.4. I love museums, art galleries, readings, and zoos.5. I was in a spelling bee in 2nd grade. I misspelled cholesterol.

“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you’ll never

learn.” This is from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. – Giovanna

Gasbarre Favorite Quote… “Waaaaaaaake Up!” from Spike

Lee’s School Daze – Keisha Leavy “The only enemy of art is

taste” (Thomas Hoving) – Sal Sciandra “We fi t facts to our

assumptions more oft en than we fi t our assumptions to the

facts.” (Unknown) “If you’re going to be idealistic in life, you’re

going to be disappointed. But that’s not a reason to abandon

idealism.” (Peter Galbraith) – Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich My

favorite quote: “Nothing of me is original; I am the combined

efforts of everyone I’ve ever known.” (Invisible Monsters) – Sean

Connections M A Y 2 0 1 5

PUBLISHER/LAYOUTJohn Carocci

COPY EDITORMartha Sawicki

CONTRIBUTORSTasheri ArtisEllen KaminskyJimi KonidisMartha SawickiLindsay ZasadaSal SciandraGary WilliamsAnn Hartley PfohlMichael LeeThomas Fronczak

Connections is a monthly newsletter for the employees of the Evergreen Association (that’s you). Send suggestions, photos, story ideas, or a friendly hello to John Carocci. Let us help you stay connected to the Evergreen family!

CTulumello “Every human being relies on and is bounded

by his knowledge and experience to live. This is what we call

reality. However, knowledge and experience are ambiguous,

thus reality can become illusion. Is it not possible to think

that all human beings are living in their assumptions?” (Itachi

Uchiha, a character from the manga/anime Naruto) – Jasiel

Guzman “I was like the countryman, looking for his donkey

while mounted on its back” (Don Quixote) – Justin Azzarella

My Favorite Quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery…

but today is a gift , that is why it is called present.” (Master

Oogway from Kung Fu Panda) – Steve Rein “Dream is not that

you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.”

(Abdul Kalam) – Anne Hartley Pfohl, PhD Our happiness isn’t

anywhere or with anyone else. Happiness lies within each of us

and is made real, delayed or destroyed by the choices we make. –

Anne Hartley Pfohl, PhD “If you want to enjoy the rainbow, be

prepared to endure the storm.” – Cord Stone “Finally, it is not

a matter of reason. Finally, it is a matter of love.” (“A Man For All

Seasons” by Robert Bolt) – Jim Sheehan “Nolite te bastardes

carborundorum” - don’t let the bastards grind you down! (The

Handmaid’s Tale) – Jess Lehsten My favorite quote, that I say a

lot, is: “I am a child of God and no weapon formed against me shall

prosper.” – Elisa Luciano “You can turn off the sun, but I’m still

gonna shine.” – Mindi Mietlicki “The world is a disco ball, and

we’re little mirrors one and all.” (Stephin Merritt) – John Carocci

Laurie Abbatessa Nurse Practitioner, Evergreen Medical Group

What department are you part of at Evergreen? Evergreen Medical Group. Why is this soft ware conversion important to you? Connection to other departments and outside organizations, more complete medical records, more complete connection with patients through a productive portal, and more consistent measurement of the care we are providing. This can help in the future when reimbursement changes. What stinks the most about the soft ware(s) we have now? The length of time it takes to complete visit notes. And, the fact that we are under-using the ability of the soft ware. What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? The ability to track patients, and improve the care that we are providing by utilizing all resources that the patient qualifi es for. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? You name it—except onions, ham, or fruit.

Maria LoTempio Senior Director, Center for Community Services

What department are you part of at Evergreen? Care Coordination in the Center for Community Services. Why is this soft ware conversion important? It will be great to fi nally have systems that communicate with each other. The goal is to start to break down some barriers to communication—especially when a client is being served by multiple programs. What stinks the most about the soft ware(s) we have now? There are way, way, way too many to name!! What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? We oft en speak about the client having a “one-stop shop” experience. Now, we can start to feel that way as providers as well. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? Beer—but you can just put that on the side!

Cord Stone Senior Director, Community Access Services

What department are you part of at Evergreen? Center for Behavioral Health. Why is this soft ware conversion important to you? Conversion is important because it keeps the Association in the playing fi eld with large organizations. As we continue to grow, there are aspects that the organization needs to change in order to survive. A better communication system is one of the most important, as our outcomes depend on it. What stinks the most about the soft ware(s) we have now? The current systems that CBH utilize are for reporting purposes only; it’s not operational. This means that we cannot communicate or pull any variables or indicators outside of what our funders set for us. Also, the systems that we use are not appropriate for our center, as we have three organizations under the same center with three different systems that are not inclusive. What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? Some of the outcomes include: having consistent communication with other staff (directly and indirectly); using a holistic approach for the clients; better quality and outcomes measures; potential for additional funding because more accurate data will be available; potential to truly be a harm reduction agency by demonstrating progress over time; and, most importantly, all Evergreen staff can work together as a team! It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? I need a large buffalo chicken pizza from Gino and Joe’s with hella mozzarella cheese.

Andy Kiener Associate VP, Research and Quality Assurance

What department are you part of at Evergreen? Administration and Quality Assurance. Why is this soft ware conversion important to you? We need it to get the true picture of all the services a client is receiving, better inter-agency communication, and the ability to extract better reporting to show the work that we do as an agency. What stinks the most about the soft ware(s) we have now? The silo approach, that we cannot communicate within departments, and that we cannot capture what we need (i.e., sexuality, gender beyond m-f, etc.). What do you think will be the best outcome of the conversion once it’s complete? The ability to look at all services a client is receiving, and to be able to send alerts to each other when we are looking for a client or need something signed, etc. I also feel that we will be able to expand services a client receives just by seeing what they are not enrolled in, but could be. It’s pizza night! What toppings are you ordering? Just cheese.

Up For A Challenge? Come join us! We’re a group of Evergreen staff looking to get or stay in shape, get some exercise during our lunch break, and be socially connected all at the same time.

We meet at noon every Monday (weather permitting) outside the front door of 206 South Elmwood, walk down to City Hall and climb all 27 flights of stairs (anything close counts. Each person walks at their own pace) up to the observation floor to take in a breathtaking view of the city. It’s roughly a 10 minute walk up the stairs – and much easier coming down, I may add! We’d love to have you join us.

Note: this is all voluntary, not associated with the Evergreen

Association and without coercion or peer pressure!