Each year during the holiday season, the LIAAC Food Programs staff works to ensure that traditional holiday food is made available to every client so that they can enjoy a holiday meal with their fami-lies. This past season began with the Pantry staff reaching out to community organizations asking for assistance with food drives. Unfortunately, with the financial hardship of the poor economy being felt throughout Long Island, Holiday Food Drives resulted in much less than what has been received in previous years. With over 150 clients request-ing assistance with holiday meals, only 12 turkey donations were received from Long Island Cares and Island Harvest the week before Thanksgiving. A donation was also made from the Melville Rotary Club including approximately 20 turkeys and fixings bags. Agency staff worked together to provide

personal donations of turkeys, but this was not enough to cover the requests made from each client. For the first time in many years, the agency had to utilize fundraised money to purchase turkeys. Program staff began collecting non-perishable food items early on in 2009, which proved to be a great help with the limited donations received as the holidays approached. Staff conducted outreach to other community organizations that have been of assistance in the past, and it was found that most other organizations were suffering from the same hardships. Fortunately, the early collections allowed Program staff to provide balanced pantry bags to accompany the purchased turkeys. Clients expressed their gratitude to staff, reiterating the struggles that we have all experienced over the past year.

LONG ISLAND’SOLDEST & LARGESTHIV SERVICE PROVIDER

LIAAC Provides Over 160 Holiday Meals!- By Marisa Curto, MSW

(continued on page 10)

MARCH 2010

CHALLENGE NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINES

THE

LIAAC

inside• page 2.........Message.from.the.President/CEO:. Connect.the.Dots• page 4.........LIAAC.Leads.Three.Year.Partnership.to. address.HIV/AIDS.and.Prevent.Recidivism... among.Post-Incarcerated.Minorities

• page 5 ...........Chef’s.Secrets.5:.The.Secret.is.Out• page 6 & 7.....Chef’s.Secrets.5.Supporters• page 8............Employment.Opportunities• page 9............Client.Holiday.Party• page 10..........Client.Holiday.Party.Supporters

™

W

Connect the Dots

hen I started in human services, too many years ago, I observed early on that a crisis will bring out both the best and the worst of human nature and behavior. Our current prolonged reces-sion is the most classic example of this observation. When a society feels pressure from economic downturns, the focus is jobs, inflation and recov-ery and, although very real, these issues become the public face of a recession. The side effects and collateral damage can be manifested in increased crime, anger, impatience, and rudeness by many in the general public, which is often directed to members of specific ethnic/racial minority groups. This misguided blame can cause depression in indi-viduals who are targeted, which in turn can lead to poor decision making, increased substance use, and poor nutrition and eating habits.

As LIAAC’s clients live longer with HIV infection, they experience more of what we call the “High-5”greatest health issues facing our society today. First - HIV - Not all people are aware of their HIV status. Many individuals engage in high-risk activities that increase their chances of becoming infected or passing HIV infection to others. The answer is testing, counseling, education and referral for

treatment. Second - Substance Use - Recently, Long Island has experienced an increase

in alcohol consumption, crystal meth use, and an alarming

increase in opiate and injection/non-injection

heroin use, which in the regionhas reached

epidemic

proportions. The answer is increased education, more screening for substance abuse, better insurance for inpatient rehabilitation, increased referrals for treat-

ment and a new focus on teens and their increased poly-substance use with a special attention to heroin and crystal methamphetamine. Third - Hepatitis B and C - This is clearly an epidemic on the rise and most individuals are unaware of their status. LIAAC has been awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Minority Health to work with post-incarcerated individuals who are HIV and/or Hepatitis B/C infected or at high risk for infection. Our mobile out-reach program screens for Hepatitis and follows up to educate individuals about the disease, transmis-sion and treatment. The answer is more awareness, screening and proper nutrition. Fourth - Diabetes -Our case managers are noticing an increase in the number of clients who have Type II Diabetes. In addition, Long Island in general is experiencing a steady growth in Type II Diabetes. Fifth - Obesity -Over 56 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island are over 45 years of age, with the expectation of this number increasing to over 50 years of age in the next five years. The stereotypical thinking is that people with HIV/AIDS are frail and underweight, but this is not the case for more than half of our clients. Poor eating habits combined with medications taken to fight the virus are adding people with HIV/AIDS to the national statistics on obesity. Americans eat in larger volume and consume more calories than people in most other countries. Here on Long Island over 50% of adults

2

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

LONG ISLANDASSOCIATION FOR AIDS CARE, INC.

(LIAAC)

LIAAC is the agency for Long Islanders who are concerned about HIV/AIDS. Along withBiasHELP, Inc., LIAAC is a partnering agency of the Long Island Network of Community Services (LINCS). We are a community-based, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization supported by both private and public funds, with support from SAMHSA, the CDC, the NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, OASAS and a variety of federal grants. Our staff of 65 case managers, educators, counselors, advocates and associates brings information and education, direct services, referrals and advocacy to everyone in our area who needs help with this disease. For details, or for assistance, please call our Hotline: 1-877-TO-LIAAC(1-877-865-4222) [in Nassau & Suffolk only] or (631) 385-AIDS [outside Nassau & Suffolk]. Information tapes can be heard at all times. Hotline operators are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Monday through Friday. In addition, Spanish speaking operators are available. web: www.liaac.org

GAIL BAROUH, PhDPresident / Chief Executive Officer

CATHERINE HART, LMSWChief Operating Officer

DEBORAH KINZER, MBAExecutive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

KAREN ROSS, MAVice President of Agency Programs

ROBERT NICOLETTIChief Human Resources Officer

RONALDO LANDASChief Technology Officer

The LIAAC Challenge is published by the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. All contents copyright © 2010 by LIAAC, Inc. While this newsletter may discuss medical and legal issues, situations and choices, it is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, nor should our referrals or descriptions be construed as recommendations. Specific medical treatments or legal options should be discussed with licensed professionals.

GAIL BAROUH, PhDPublisher

3www.LIAAC.org

are classified as overweight/obese. The answer is more education, screening and referrals.

The “High-5” combined with fiscal cutbacks from state and local funding are on a direct collision course with disaster. Federal, state and local fiscal cutbacks during a recession to communities on Long Island that are already hard hit with high unemployment, uninsured and undocumented individuals have the direct impact of decreased social and health care services. The result is almost always that more tax dollars will be spent on the very people whose services were cut, as more resort to seeking care in hospital emergency rooms and - out of necessity - develop an increased reliance on local, state and federal dollars for housing, food, health services and childcare. Across the board cuts are never a solution. Targeting cuts to programs no longer needed or poorly run require closer examination in a fiscal crisis. Learning the strengths of a community service agency and applying that experience to other social and health issues are a positive solution in these tough economic times. Without immediate changes for these five chronic health issues, for the first time the next generations will have a lower life expectancy than their parents and grandparents. LIAAC has expanded its services to other at-risk populations during the past few years and our programs and services are no longer exclusive to HIV/AIDS. On a Federal, State and local community level, this new decade should be committed to reducing the number of people in the “High-5” categories by at least one-third for a healthier 2020.

LIAAC was awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to improve the HIV/AIDS health outcomes of racial/ethnic minority reentry (post-incarcerated) individuals returning to Long Island from federal and state prisons. A collaborative effort among LIAAC, BiasHELP and the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., the HIV/AIDS Health Improvement for Re-entering Ex-Offenders (HIRE) program is a cross-community partnership that will ensure that ex-offenders returning to their communities from incarceration are sufficiently prepared to maximize their chances for successful reintegration, address the service gaps that prevent reentrants’ access to and utilization of available health and social services, and help establish and/or strengthen family and community support critical to the reentry process.

Each year nearly 2,000 reentrants return to Long Island communities from state and federal prisons. The HIV prevalence rates within NYS correctional facilities are the highest in the nation’s prison system: one in every sixteen males and one in every eight females is known to be HIV-positive. Inmates’ risky behaviors before and during incarceration have the potential to impact not only their personal health, but their partners’ health as well. In addition to their over-representation in the correctional system, minorities are disproportionately affected by

HIV/AIDS. Among the 5,371 HIV+ individuals on Long Island, 37.4% are Black/African-American and 19.7% are Hispanic.

The complex reentry process is even more difficult for those living with HIV/AIDS. The stigma and challenges associated with HIV/AIDS, being a minority and/or having a criminal record creates barriers to employment, housing and reunification with family and friends. The need for assistance with health care is integral to an ex-offender’s ability to remain healthy and productive. The post-release planning services available within the correctional system are limited and do not cover essential needs such as addiction and mental health treatment, psychological support, reproductive healthcare, education and job training, and stable housing.

Through the HIRE Program, LIAAC will provide care coordination services to 500 individuals each year to facilitate this transition process. LIAAC will also provide HIV health and wellness services including HIV rapid testing, Hepatitis C screening, comprehensive risk assessments, and referrals to services such as mental health treatment and housing. Partnering agencies BiasHELP, Inc. and EOC of Suffolk, Inc. will deliver corresponding recidivism prevention services, such as anger management, family assistance and employment readiness assistance.

4

LIAAC Leads Three YearPartnership to AddressHIV/AIDS and Prevent Recidivism among Post-Incarcerated Minorities- By Meaghan Abrego, MPH

www.LIAAC.org 5

The Secret is Out...CHEF’S SECRETS 5

Chef’s Secrets 5 proved to be a recipe for success! Food and wine lovers from all over Long Island joined the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC) at the de Seversky Center in Old

Westbury on November 15, 2009 and experienced the taste of a lifetime. An incredible team of staff greeted and served guests the minute they arrived at the de Seversky mansion. A picturesque ice sculpture and holiday themed flowers and decorations added a festive ambiance to the already luxurious mansion. Guests enjoyed a feast of the most superb food, desserts, pastries and wine. More excitement rounded out the evening with raffles and silent auctions which gave guests the opportunity to try their luck and win top quality prizes while in turn giving back to their community.

Much preparation and effort went into making this event so spectacular. Fourteen specially selected Master Chefs from Long Island donated their time and talent by graciously preparing and serving their mouth-watering signature dishes and desserts to over 300 guests in atten-dance. Reputable wine, liquor, brewery and coffee vendors provided tastings of their products that added a celebratory flair to the event. Local and nationwide companies made in-kind product/service donations that were used to create silent and Chinese auction baskets.

Some of the most popular raffle items included a New York City package, local getaways, hotel accommodations with airfare, Disney park hopper passes, sporting events, elec-tronics, spa packages, restaurant certificates, jewelry and much more! Generous sponsors and public figures on the Honorary Committee showed their support and generated high-quality publicity which played a vital role in attracting a large number of partici-pants and guests at this past event.

Held annually, Chef’s Secrets is produced by the Long Island Network of Community Services (LINCS) to benefit the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC) and BiasHELP, Inc. Chef’s Secrets 5 raised over $115,000 to help support programs and much needed services to individuals and fami-lies living on Long Island who are affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, bias-related crimes, poverty and hunger. This event would not be possible without the support and participation of the Honorary Committee, Chefs, Vendors, Sponsors, Donors, Guests, Volunteers and Staff. Please visit our website at www.chefssecrets.org to

view pictures from this past event and make sure to save the date for Chef’s Secrets 6 on Sunday, November 14, 2010.

- By Nicole Rhodes

6

HONORARY COMMITTEE:

CHEFS:

George ApanasevichHyatt Regency

Long IslandHauppauge

Leisa DentLL Dent

Carle Place

Rachel BirkeThe Melting Pot

Farmingdale

Robert EhrlichCulinary Academy

Syosset

Brian FishmanSweet Karma Desserts

East Meadow

Gulden KeserBayKery Café

Oyster Bay

John MurphyBarry Tech

Westbury

Rosario NaimoBella DolceMiller Place

Chris “Dimo” LaVecchiaCiao BabyMassapequa

Michael MossallamLa Pace withChef Michael

Glen Cove

Chris Neary, C.E.C.J. Kings Food Service

Professionals, Inc.Holtsville

Robert Rizzutode Seversky Center

Old Westbury

Sandeep SoniAkbar

Garden City

Andrew WhitcombWhitsons Culinary Group

Islandia

Chita RiveraTony Award Winning Entertainer

Winner of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom•

Thomas P. DiNapoliNYS Comptroller

• John J. Flanagan

New York State Senator•

Craig M. JohnsonNew York State Senator

• Robert K. Sweeney

New York State Assemblyman•

Kevin J. O’NeillExecutive Producer,

John W. Engeman Theater at Northport

Judith JacobsNassau County Legislator

• Paul V. Pontieri

Mayor of Patchogue•

Fundación Lucero de America•

Naushad MehtaFranchise Owner, Direct Buy

• John Caracciolo

CEO/President, JVC Broadcasting Company Inc.•

Lawrence A. SiebertChairman & President of

Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc.•

Tara ViscontiRivkin Radler LLP

7

SPONSORS:

VENDORS:

IN-KIND DONATIONS:

Dynamic Beverage

1-800-Flowers300 Long Island

AnnastasiaArena PlayersAromatherapy

Atlantis Marine WorldB. Smith

Ben’sBig Apple CircusBlue Man Group

Bradford PortraitsBridgeport Ferry

Bridgeport Sound TigersBroadhollow Theatre

Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDSCaballeros

Casa de VinoChelsea Piers

Charles FazzinoChef Paula Deen

Cinema Arts CenterComedy Central

Cookies by DesignDanford’s on the Sound

Dave & Buster’sDirect Buy

Drew Patrick SpaDVF Studio LP

ESPNEstee Lauder

Equinox FitnessFaige Timeless Portraits

Fantastic KidsFine Cooking MagazineFour Points - Sheraton

Foxwoods Casino MGMGarden City Hotel

Gateway PlayhouseGil Ferrer Salon

Gold Coast Golf CenterGrady’s Liquors

Green Mountain CoffeeGuitar Center

G-UnitGurney’s Inn Resort & Spa

GymboreeHuntington Business

Iavarone Bros.JC Penney

Jeffrey MarksJohn Travolta

John W. Engeman TheaterJUVA

Keurig Inc.Kitchen Kabaret

Knight EnterprisesLa Flor Spices

LibuttiLion in the Sun

Little Chef’s LTDLive with Regis & Kelly

Long Island DucksMa-Belle

Main Street Café

Marc JacobsMarsha’s Pet Portraits

Martha Clara VineyardsMartha Stewart Living

Massage on the RunMaxColor

Maximus SalonMohegan Sun

My GymNassau County Museum of Art

NBC UniversalNew York Giants

New York IslandersNew York Jets

New York LibertyNew York Mets

New York PhilharmonicNew York Rangers Hockey Club

News 12NuBest

Oheka CastleORANGE V

Organize Your LifeOverstock.com

Personal Communication DevicePilates Studio, Oyster Bay

Power of OnePulse Magazine

Quintessential CookiesRed Door Spas

Riverhead RacewayRonald J. Krowne - Photography

Roslyn Claremont HotelRothmanns

Salon & Spa at SaksSam Ash Music Stores

Sky Dive/TandemSouthwest Airlines

Spillane FamilySplish Splash

StarbucksSteven Bernardo, DDS

StompTavern on the Green

TellersThe Cheese Cake Factory

The Grill RoomTiffany

Tilles Center for the Performing ArtsTonner Doll Co.Top of the Rock

Trader Joe’sTudor Jewelers

United States LuggageUniversal Records

Viking FleetVincents Clam Bar

Walker Shortbread CookiesWalt Disney World

Wheatley Hills Wine & SpiritsWheel of Fortune

Whole FoodsWholistic Wellness Center

Zales

The Long IslandAssociation for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC) is looking for qualified individuals to join their professional team of employees. LIAAC is a regional community-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency delivering comprehensive services to all Long Islanders infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. LIAAC is Long Island’s oldest and largest AIDS service provider since 1986. Utilizing a field-based model, our professionally trained staff is committed to providing a continuum of quality client services, responsible public policy, aggressive advocacy and effective prevention education. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. LIAAC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Please forward your resume to:

LIAACAttn: Robert Nicoletti – Human Resources60 Adams Avenue, Hauppauge, New York 11788or you can fax or email them to:Fax: 631-656-7235 • Email: rnicoletti@liaac.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Current Openings:

• Director of Finance • Quality Management Coordinator

On Friday, December 18th, 2009, LIAAC held our annual client holiday party. Agency staff worked together to decorate the Community Center and Training Room with trees, lights, menorahs, cornucopias and various decora-tions to provide a festive theme. Although the response date for clients was set a few days prior to the event, the success of previous parties led clients to call until the very last minute to be sure they would be able to attend with their families. A total of 107 adults and 82 children attended the gala. Music by DJ Eddie Orihuela started the holiday celebrations and set the merry mood. It was clear the night was a success as both clients and staff danced and laughed together and spread the joy of the season throughout the night.

Due to the struggling economy and rising costs of food, staff experienced concerns on how all clients and their families would be accommodated. Fortunately, the restaurants that catered the event worked hard to ensure there would be enough to feed everyone in attendance while working with a tight budget. LIAAC was able to provide a wide variety of food items from restaurants such as Ben’s Kosher Deli in Woodbury, Paul’s Pizza in Bay Shore, Fireside Catering in East Northport and Great Neck Restaurant in Copiague.

Upon entering the room, the children’s eyes drew wide with amazement at the number of presents lined up for distribution. Later in the evening, the children were again in awe of the arrival of Santa Claus from the North Pole, who stopped to provide a gift to every child in attendance. During the preparation for the client holiday party, the staff was concerned if we would be able to provide toys to each child due to the strain on the economy. The staff was reassured by all of the donations that were received from Toys for Tots, Laurie Kuster and her students at Garden City High School, Pastor Johns from St. Marks United Methodist Church, Westhampton Beach High School, Grace Healy and her family, Entenmann’s in Bay Shore, Jeri Miller and students from Howard B. Mattlin Middle School, Mr. & Mrs. Danny Maniscalo from the

Heartfelt Foundation, Mr. Rick Berman, Ms. Catherine Hart, Mrs. Carol Cutrone, Ms. Bridget Spillane, Mr. Robert Nicoletti and Mrs. Barbara Mandello. As staff worked to wrap the presents that were donated, it was clear by the reactions that significant thought and care went into each donation. Even more amazing were the smiles on the children’s faces when they received that special gift from Santa.

The client holiday party was a great success made possible by many hard-working individuals who helped to spread the holiday spirit. The heart-felt donations continued during the event as there were even some children who offered their time to make the event a success, especially Charlie Mazzer, Katherine Mazzer, Matthew Miller, Virginia Miller, Rory Spillane, Noel Spillane, Gabrielle Velazquez and Alex Velazquez. Due to the generosity of the varied organi- zations, restaurants and individuals, everyone was able to enjoy the company, music, food and most of all the benevolence of the season. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.

CLIENT HOLIDAY PARTYCLIENT HOLIDAY PARTY

- By Marissa A. Pluskalowski, MSW & Marisa Curto, MSW

9

10

Food:Fireside CateringGeorge & Mike4097 East Jericho TurnpikeEast Northport, NY 11731Phone: 631-462-0900Fax: 631-462-1300

Gold Pine Deli2580 Great Neck Rd.Copiague, NY 11726Phone: 631-842-2489Fax: 631-842-8132

Paul’s Pizza3 West Bay Shore RoadBay Shore, NY 11706Phone: 631-254-4240

Ben’s Kosher Deli7971 Jericho TurnpikeWoodbury, NYPhone (516) 496-4236Fax (516) 496-4354

Entenmann’s1724 Fifth AvenueBay Shore, NY 11706

2009 CLIENT HOLIDAY PARTY CONTRIBUTORS

Gifts/Raffles:Toys for TotsMarine Corps. Reserve600 Albany AvenueAmityville, New York 11701

Garden City High SchoolLaurie Kuster & Students170 Rockaway AvenueGarden City, NY 11530

Heartfelt Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Danny Maniscalo15 Damsom LaneValley Stream, NY 11581

St. Marks United Methodist ChurchPastor Johns200 Hempstead AvenueRockville Centre, NY 11570

Westhampton Beach High SchoolGrace Healy49 Lilac RoadWesthampton Beach, NY 11978

Howard B. Mattlin Middle SchoolJeri Miller100 Washington AvenuePlainview, NY 11803

Rick Berman - Carry-all Bags

Catherine Hart - Lithographs Raffle

Carol Cutrone - Picture Frame - Raffle Items

Bridget Spillane - Santa Suit & Candy Canes

Robert Nicoletti - Gift Card to Raffle

Grace Healy & Family - Raffle Items & Presents

(continued from front cover)

Volunteers and agency staff packed holiday food bags, while Case Managers worked diligently to make contact with all of their clients regarding holiday food distribution. In November, approxi-mately 100 turkeys were delivered to families requesting food for Thanksgiving. Staff was able to see that every client had their turkey with ample time to defrost and prepare the meal for Thanksgiving Day.

The efforts continued through December, and another 65 turkeys were distributed throughout the month. For the 2009 holiday season, LIAAC provided over 160 families with a holiday meal. Food Programs staff consistently utilizes food

resources in the community to make certain clients have enough food for themselves and their fami-lies. If you are interested in holding a food drive or donating shelf stable items, please contact Food Programs staff at 1-877-865-4222. It is anticipated that with continued support from the community, the pantry program will continue to successfullyserve our clients throughoutthe upcoming year.

DJ:Eddie Orihuela

Contacts:Ilyse Blatt - Westhampton Beach H.S. Contact

Marisa Curto - Paul’s Pizza Contact

Tina Lopez - Golden Pine Deli Contact

Maria Sanchez - Maniscalo Contact

YESYES, I want to support

LIAAC’s importantwork on Long Island!

Mailing Address

LIAAC60 Adams Avenue

Hauppauge, New York 11788

For more information please visit us at www.LIAAC.org

11

Amount of Donation (Please check one)

o $500 o $250 o $100 o $50 o $25 o other: $_________________

Your Name ___________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________ Apartment Number ____________

City _________________________________________________ State __________ Zip _________________

Daytime Phone Number ( ______ )_________________ Evening Phone Number ( ______ )________________

Payment Method (Make Payable to LIAAC)

o u o a o q o tCard Number ____________________________________________ Exp. Date ______ /______ / ______

Authorized Signature ______________________________________________ Your contribution is tax-deductible.

www.LIAAC.org

NON-PROFITU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit NO. 20

Smithtown, NY 11787

If you are interested in sponsoring an event, please call LIAAC’s Development Department at (631)-385-2451

Copyright © 2010 Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC)

LIAAC60 Adams AvenueHauppauge, NY 11788

GRANT ROUND UP(Foundations & Organizations that donated to LIAAC in 2009)

Proceeds from LIAAC’s events provide the backbone for the development and continuation of innovative programs not funded by government or other sources. LIAAC acknowledges the kindness of the following individuals and businesses who have demonstrated

powerful commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Citi FoundationJP Morgan Chase Foundation

The MAC AIDS FundWal-Mart Foundation

The Keith Haring FoundationThe Townwide Fund of Huntington

Cable PositiveNorthrop Grumman

Orasure TechnologiesSt. Ann’s Episcopal Church

NYC AIDS FundBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

SCROLL OF HONORSCROLL OF HONOR