THE
March 2012
LIAAC
CHALLENGE
NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINES
™
LONG ISLAND’S
OLDEST & LARGEST
HIV SERVICE PROVIDER
30 Years of
HIV/AIDS:
Through Our Clients’ Eyes
by Jordana Rutigliano
“It’s part of life…some people get it, and some don’t. But we still live. It’s not who we are,” says Lydia, a 44 year old
Hispanic woman. The rest of the group nods and mumbles in agreement. I have asked the group attending today’s
Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) meeting to share their thoughts and experiences with HIV/AIDS over the past few
decades as we acknowledge this year as the 30th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Lydia’s sentiment – that
those with HIV/AIDS do not have to be defined by it – represents how far treatment and society have come during
the past three decades. For many, what was once a “death sentence” diagnosis with a tremendous stigma can now
be managed like many other illnesses. Lydia recalls her feelings sixteen years ago when she was first diagnosed:
“Back then it took two weeks to get your results. Can you believe that? My first test was indeterminate, so I had to
take another test and wait another two weeks. I went with my fiancé at the time, and when I was diagnosed, I wasn’t
really shocked, but more disappointed. My first thought was that I was going to die and my daughter was going to be
all alone.”
T
he fact that Lydia is around – and living independently – is itself a testament to the astounding evolution of
treatment for HIV/AIDS. The fact that a group of HIV positive adults is willing to talk openly and honestly to me
about their experiences, both positive and negative, with the disease is a testament to how far society has come in
reducing the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS. Lydia tells the group about how she always makes sure to carry HIV
literature in her pocketbook so that when she discloses her status – which, she claims, she does “randomly” – she
has plenty on hand to educate those around her in hopes of breaking down the stereotypes about people with HIV/
AIDS. However, not all persons with the illness feel so comfortable in public. Stereotypes and misconceptions about
the disease are still common – the group mentioned the myth they hate most is that people think that they can’t hug
or kiss someone with HIV. Mary, a 42 year old African American woman who was diagnosed six years ago, shares a
very different experience than Lydia. “When I hear how people talk about HIV, I still get sad and angry…and then I
shut down. It hurts the most when I feel like my son is ashamed of me. He doesn’t want his friends to find out I’m
continued on page 6...
inside
• page 2������������������������������������������������������������� Message from the CEO
• page 2-3������������������������������������������������������������������LIAAC in the News
• page 4................... LIAAC’s 2011 Holiday Client and Staff Parties
• page 5...........................Estee Lauder/MAC Cosmetics Volunteers
• page 5������������������������������������������������� LIAAC Holiday Food Delivery
• page 6��������������������������������������������������������������������Thank You Walmart
• page 6������������������������������������������������������������������30 Years of HIV/AIDS
• page 7���������������������������������������������� Elena M Perez Memorial Grant
• page 8-9�����������������������������A Recipe for Success: Chef’s Secrets 7
• page 10�����������������������������������������������������������World AIDS Day Events
• page 11������������������������������������������������������������������ Newsworthy Notes
• page 11���������������������������������������������������������������������������Support
LIAAC
The LIAAC Challenge • March
2012
1
Message from the CEO
Tri Care Systems – Chronic Care Coordination Provider
Tri Care Systems is the new name for LIAAC’s
venture into providing community chronic care
services to Health Homes in Nassau and Suffolk
counties. Under the new overhaul of the Medicaid
system in New York State, Governor Cuomo
has established a Medicaid Redesign Project
empowered to create care coordination for chronically ill Medicaid recipients who
utilize community based providers, community health clinics and Long Island
hospitals working together as a “Health Home”. The goal is to get individuals into
care without using emergency rooms as doctors’ offices. In addition, individuals
with chronic diseases not in regular ongoing treatment programs often have more
hospitalizations than those receiving care. LIAAC’s Tri Care Systems will be
creating new websites and social media outreach. We will also be launching our
new hotline number 855-I WANT TRICARE. This will all be taking place soon, so
look for our new logo.
LIAAC in the News
NEWS 12 Interview - Dr. Gail Barouh
World AIDS Day - December 1, 2011
This year, in honor of World AIDS Day, Dr. Barouh had the opportunity to speak to News
12 correspondent Lily Stolzberg about the role LIAAC plays helping members of the Long
Island community who are affected by HIV and AIDS and posted the following blog:
“One important point that came up is that, while we’ve made incredible progress helping
people lead more comfortable and longer lives with HIV, we’ve been unable to really crack the
incidence of new cases of HIV each year. In spite of enormous efforts to teach prevention and
safe sex, nearly 56,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with HIV or AIDS each year.”
“When I first began my work in AIDS prevention and care, I was sure those numbers were temporary and that AIDS would
soon be eradicated, or nearly so. But here we are approaching 2012 and the number of new cases each year does not seem
to be slowing down,” said Dr. Barouh.
View LIAAC’s Blog - http://liaacinc.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/world_aids_day_2011/
Radio Station WHPC 90.3 FM Nassau Community College
Interview with Dr. Gail Barouh
Joan Buckley’s “Your Family Health” Aired December 14th, 16th, 18th
Last month, Dr. Gail Barouh, President/CEO of the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc., spoke with Joan
Buckley, RN, of Nassau Community College, on her weekly radio show called, “Your Family Health.” The focus of the
30-minute interview was LIAAC’s 25th Anniversary of providing HIV/AIDS services to Long Islanders infected and affected
by the disease. The show quickly turned to a lively discussion of the importance for community-based agencies to adapt to
the changes that happen as a once fatal disease becomes a long-term chronic condition. They spoke about life-saving drugs
that individuals with the virus take on a daily basis and how some individuals are able to work and have a family life. Others,
unfortunately, struggle with poverty, addiction and co-morbidity diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and
hepatitis C. The interview sent an educational message to Nassau Community College students and faculty that HIV/AIDS is
no longer a death sentence, but still remains an illness that in time will become terminal.
Long Island Business News
Interview – Dr. Gail Barouh
25 Years of Compassionate Service – Published
December 9-15, 2011
By Cathy Grzymala and Marissa Pluskalowski, MSW
Commemorating their 25th Anniversary, Dr. Gail Barouh,
President/CEO of the Long Island Association for AIDS
Care, Inc., spoke about LIAAC’s growth, achievements, and
focus as the nation’s oldest, largest and only suburban HIV/
AIDS service agency for Nassau and Suffolk counties
on Long Island.
“In our 25th year, it is important to commemorate the people
that have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. They have taught us how
to treat people both empathetically and medically, and they
have left an important mark on society. LIAAC staff and board
members have truly been pioneers in providing comprehensive
and compassionate service to those impacted by HIV/AIDS,”
said Dr. Barouh.
When asked, “What is a success LIAAC is proud of?” Dr. Barouh
emphasized the importance of the mobile outreach program
which allows us to go anonymously to individual towns for
testing, to provide linkages to medical/substance abuse
treatment and social service programs, and to deliver food to
families in need all while keeping it confidential and private.
During the interview Dr. Barouh was asked, “Twenty-five years
later, are there still a lot of misconceptions surrounding HIV/
AIDS?” Dr. Barouh confirmed that there are still misconceptions
and that is why our mobile outreach program is so important.
Dr. Barouh further explained that individuals do not like
visiting an AIDS organization. This is why we are committed
to confidentiality and that our mobile vans do not have our
organization’s name on them.
When asked, “How has the focus of LIAAC changed over the
years?” Dr. Barouh explained that over the last 25 years our
agency has become a model for how to care for different
illnesses because we have gained knowledge in other areas
besides HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Barouh was asked, “What makes LIAAC a unique and
integral part of the community?” Dr. Barouh stated, “When
individuals needed prevention services, we provided it;
when individuals were sick and dying, we moved into case
management; when people passed, we counseled bereavement.
As our clients live longer and with a higher quality of life,
we’ve expanded into areas of education to teach them about
medications, proper treatment courses and diet, substance
abuse, etc. and not only do we take care of people with HIV/
AIDS, we are there when they’re newly diagnosed and get them
into a treatment program very early to help them live
longer and healthier.”
At the end of the interview Dr. Barouh was asked, “Where does
LIAAC hope to be in another 25 years?” Dr. Barouh stated that
our agency hopes to continue our current work with HIV/AIDS
infected and affected individuals as well as provide care to
those with other chronic diseases.
The complete article can be viewed on our website
http://www.liaac.org under “Publications.”
2
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
LONG ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR AIDS CARE, INC.
(LIAAC)
LIAAC is the agency for Long Islanders who are concerned about
HIV/AIDS. 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, PhD
President/Chief Executive Officer
CATHERINE HART, LMSW
Chief Operating Officer
CAROL CUTRONE
Chief of Staff
MARIA JOSEFINA JACINTO, MBA, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
RONALDO LANDAS, BS
Chief Technology Officer
ROBERT NICOLETTI, BS
Chief Human Resources Officer
HARRIET ADAMS, MA
Chief Officer for Care Coordination
D. RAY WARD, MAOM, CASAC, CPP
Chief Program Officer
The LIAAC Challenge is published by the Long Island Association
for AIDS Care, Inc. All contents copyright ©2012 by LIAAC. 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.­­
Follow us online at:
GAIL BAROUH, PhD
Publisher
Visit our website at: www.liaac.org
LIAAC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Mail/Fax Cover Letter (all resumes must
contain a cover letter to be considered) and
Resume to:
LIAAC
60 Adams Avenue • Hauppauge • New York, 11788
Attention: Robert Nicoletti - Human Resources
Fax: (631) 656-7235 • Email: [email protected]
EXCELLENT BENEFITS.
Please check our website at www.liaac.org for other
open positions and services and follow
us on Facebook.
LIAAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
3
T
he Holidays are a time for celebration, a time to
show kindness to others. On Friday, December 16th,
LIAAC hosted it’s annual client holiday party in
the LINCS Community Center in Hauppauge. This was
an opportunity for our clients to celebrate with family and
friends, and ease their worries towards any issues or struggles
that occur during the holidays. The Community Center and
Training Room were beautifully decorated with Christmas
trees, Hanukkah menorahs and Mazao for Kwanzaa. The
LIAAC Agency staff worked together to create unison among
the various holiday traditions.
LIAAC’s
2011 Holiday
Client and Staff
Parties
By Joann Reyes
As our clients arrived, they entered into a welcoming
atmosphere. DJ Drew Karsnick filled the room with
holiday music that brought clients and staff to their feet to
dance. Many volunteers were present to help the evening
run smoothly. One volunteer performed an Irish folk
dance that allowed clients to not only enjoy but participate.
After the dance, the volunteer gave mini-lessons on several
Irish Folk steps. In between dancing sessions, clients
went to the training room to enjoy the large variety of
food from Ben’s Delicatessen, J&S Deli, Costco of
Holbrook and Commack, Centro American Deli,
Paul’s Pizza and Pathmark.
Over 100 clients and their children attended the event, which would not have been a
success without the help of our generous food suppliers, the many vendors that donated
the fabulous gifts and services enjoyed by our clients, and all the LIAAC staff and
volunteers who graciously volunteered their time. The children were mesmerized by
the mountains of wrapped gifts that stood high against the wall and as soon as Santa
Claus walked in the Community Center, children rushed and eagerly waited to sit on
his lap. With smiles on their faces, each child sat on Santa’s lap as his elves brought
them their gifts; however, children were not the only ones walking away with gifts. We
held multiple raffles that were given out to our clients. It is important to say that the
toys, clothes, and gift cards that were given to our clients and their families would not
have been present without the donations from Marine’s Toys for Tots Foundation,
Boomers, Great Neck High School, Shop Rite, Dave and Busters, Mr. Danny
Maniscalo from the Heartfelt Foundation, Ms. Majo Jacinto and family and
Mr. Robert Nicoletti and family.
T
he clients weren’t the only ones given the opportunity to spend an afternoon of leisure
and celebration. On December 22nd, LIAAC’s CEO and Board of Directors planned
a staff appreciation dessert gathering that allowed staff to enjoy an afternoon together
with sweets, raffles and music. The event started with a message from our CEO, Dr. Gail
Barouh, thanking staff for their hard work during the year and wishing season greetings
to all staff members. The staff enjoyed delicious desserts from Chrisandtellcakes,
John Michael’s Baking and Afresh Approach, vendors that volunteered
their time and desserts at our Chef ’s Secrets Event. Not only was this an opportunity
to enjoy some tasty treats, but it was also a way to thank the vendors for making Chef ’s
Secrets a great success. This event provided a positive and exciting end to 2011 and
allowed staff to get a refreshed and strong start to the New Year.
Donated Presents
Estee Lauder and MAC Cosmetics Team up with LIAAC for
World AIDS Day
by Marie Mackey
I
n honor of World AIDS Day, Estee Lauder and
MAC Cosmetics employees around the world put
away their makeup brushes and used their helping
hands to participate in a major volunteer event.
The cosmetic company expanded their efforts this year
to cover the week of World AIDS Day, and LIAAC
was lucky enough to host these wonderful volunteers,
who donated their time, energy and skills on both
December 1st and 2nd, 2011.
The first group that came to volunteer was from
the Estee Lauder Environmental Program. This
group of men and women decorated the Community
Center and Training Room for our annual Client Party
festivities. They also helped to sort and wrap donated
gifts that were for children attending LIAAC’s Client
Holiday Party. The Estee Lauder employees were
so overcome by the tales of past parties that the day
before our Client Party, the group returned with gifts
LIAAC Provides
Over
Holiday
The second group of volunteers was from the MAC
Cosmetics division. They assisted our Nutrition
for Life Program by packing pantry bags given to
our clients. Some of the members of this group also
benefitted the agency as a whole by putting together
LIAAC press packets, educational packets given out
during community outreach and stuffed envelopes
with literature for mailings.
Both groups did whatever was requested of them
without hesitation or complaint. Our deepest
appreciation and gratitude goes out to each and
every one of these wonderful volunteers for their
unselfishness and kindness.
D
uring the 2011 holiday season, the LIAAC Food Programs staff
reached out to organizations throughout Nassau and Suffolk
counties requesting food donations. This effort was to ensure that
every client had the opportunity to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner.
The current conditions of the economy have greatly affected the amount
of donations made all over the country and this was evident in our own
local community. Fortunately, with the help of the Bank of America,
Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, the Melville Rotary Club,
by Selena Hargrove
Risa Monroe and Dawn, Nicole and Deanna Godfrey, LIAAC was
able to guarantee turkeys with all the trimmings to all clients in need. In addition, program staff
researched supermarket pricing to purchase additional turkeys so that every client request
could be accommodated.
Meals
LIAAC Staff Serving Food
160
for the older children as they noted that we were low
on these items. Without their generosity, the older
children may not have had all that they did.
Staff volunteered their time to ensure that each and every client received a personal delivery. As
the season came to a close, it became clear to all staff that even with the limited resources the
festive meals made a great difference to all who received them. As a result of the hard work and
dedication of program staff, agency staff and several volunteers, LIAAC was able to provide over
160 holiday meals to agency clients.
Food Program staff consistently utilizes food resources in the community to make certain clients
have enough food for themselves and their families. If you are interested in holding a food
drive or donating shelf stable items, please contact Food Program staff at 1-877-865-4222. It is
anticipated that with continued support from the community, the pantry program will continue to
successfully serve our clients throughout the upcoming year.
LIAAC Staff enjoy an assortment of desserts
4
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
5
W
Thank You
By Jessica Totino
From left to right: Brandon Ray, Mayor Wayne Hall, D. Ray Ward, Diane Saunders, Maria Sanchez,
Perry Pettus, Axum Gaines, Antionette Dukes, Andrea Smith, Severio Ford, Henry Conyers
almart’s corporate giving initiative,
The Walmart Foundation, has
awarded LIAAC over $6,000 in
support of testing and outreach events for
National Black and African American
HIV/AIDS Testing Day. The Foundation,
whose mission is to improve the lives of those
residing in their communities, have a special
focus on health and wellness, including disease
prevention. Thanks to Walmart’s generous
donation, LIAAC was able to expand their
testing and outreach events, aimed to raise
awareness, and provide prevention education
and HIV testing to Black and African American
individuals living on Long Island. On Monday,
February 6, 2012, LIAAC and the Village
of Hempstead co-sponsored a resource fair
in Kennedy Park, Hempstead. This initiative
brought together over 20 local service
providers and offered HIV education and
testing to the community.
Although the funds awarded through the grant ultimately come from The Walmart Foundation, it is the
individual stores that are given the task of reviewing the competitive grant applications and determining
how much money, if any, will be given to each worthy cause. Applications are limited to stores that are
located within the communities served by the charity or organization; to date, LIAAC has received funding
from five individual stores!
LIAAC would like to say “thank you” to the Commack, Massapequa, Centereach, Riverhead, and
South Setauket stores for their generosity and support. Very special thanks to Joe Saxe, the Operations
Manager at the South Setauket Store, for his additional support of our agency and dedication to our cause.
30
Years of HIV/AIDS:
Through Our Clients’ Eyes
HIV positive so he keeps them away from the house.” It
seems that for many, we still have a way to go towards
fighting against the stigma of HIV/AIDS that will allow
many with the illness to live openly and free of shame
without fear of harassment or retribution.
Another theme present throughout the discussion is
denial. For many persons with HIV/AIDS, receiving the
initial diagnosis was a difficult thing to face. Gregory, a 49
year old African American man, spoke about the day he
was diagnosed two years ago: “My doctor told me the bad
news in her office and then I went on my way. I went
home and just went about my business for the rest of the
week. I didn’t really know what else to do.” Mary is still
coming to terms with her diagnosis six years later, noting
that she often tries to push it out of her mind until she
gets sick enough that she can’t ignore it. She admits she
should make her illness more of a priority in her life but
doesn’t quite feel ready to face it head on.
When it comes to advice they would give to those
newly diagnosed with HIV, the group has plenty. They
all agreed that medical care needs to be a priority for
6
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
continued from
front cover...
“Do not
discontinue
your medical
checkups even if you
feel heathy!”
everyone living with HIV/AIDS. Lydia
emphasized, “Do not discontinue
your medical checkups – even if
you feel healthy! That was my
mistake and I wound up getting
really sick by ignoring my healthcare
needs.” Mary and Gregory agreed, and also pointed out
the importance of taking your medications regularly.
“I have come to terms with the side effects,” Mary
shared. “The important thing is to take the meds
that the doctor gives you and tell them if you want or
need a change.”
It is clear that a lot has been done in thirty years, but
there is still further to go. The clients’ discussion today
points to the fact that an effective support network is still
essential to dealing with the initial “surprise” of an HIV
diagnosis, but the overall outlook of HIV/AIDS is no longer
the doom-and-gloom scenario of mere decades ago. As
providers, we need to continue to be responsive to our
clients’ needs and change our approach as treatments
and dialogue around HIV continue to evolve.
The Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc.
is the recipient of the Bank of America 2011
Elena M Perez Memorial Grant
November 4, 2011
By Catherine Hart
The Long Island Association for AIDS Care,
Inc. (LIAAC) is proud to announce that they
are the 2011 recipient of the Bank of America
Elena M Perez Memorial Grant. On November
2, 2011, LIAAC joined other not-for-profits
and community leaders at the seventh annual
Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Awards
celebration, hosted by the Bank of America at the
NYIT deSeversky Mansion.
This prestigious award was established “in honor
of Elena M Perez, a Bank of America associate
who passed away in 2007. This grant is given
to a nonprofit organization on Long Island that
exemplifies Elena’s dedication to and commitment
for the betterment of the Long Island community.”
In accepting the Elena M Perez Memorial Grant
on behalf of the agency, Dr. Gail Barouh, who has
served as the President and CEO of the Long
Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. for the
past 25 years noted:
“Elena was affiliated with LIAAC for over 10
years, serving as an esteemed board member,
and remained an unwavering leader, a strident
representative of her community and a consistent
constructive influence. Elena took a tremendous risk
by getting involved with the HIV/AIDS epidemic at a
time when few others in the financial industry would
get involved or touch the subject matter. Because
of her belief in the cause, and her compassion, she
had been instrumental in helping those individuals
in our area who were truly in need of help, especially
the Hispanic and Black communities, who were hit
the hardest.”
LIAAC will use the financial support provided
through this grant to augment our Nutrition for
Life Program, a home delivered meal program
that serves people living with HIV/AIDS and their
families, improving the overall nutritional health of
our HIV+ clients and their families by increasing
the amount of nutritious food items we are able to
distribute. Furthermore, this funding will support
our annual Holiday Food Drive, guaranteeing
that LIAAC will be able to meet the request of
every HIV+ client in need and ensure that they
will be able to provide and enjoy a traditional
holiday meal for themselves and their family
during the holiday season.
In addition, in tribute to Elena, who believed you
can make a difference-not only with financial
support, but also by strengthening the fabric of the
communities and neighborhoods where we work
and live, LIAAC has established the Elena Perez
Food Drive. This project is designed to raise the
awareness in the youth of Long Island of the needs
of people in their own communities by involving
them in a community service project that will help us
reach a common goal of eliminating food insecurity
in some of Long Island neediest neighborhoods.
From left to right:
Catherine Hart, Chief
Operating Officer; Lila Mester,
former LIAAC Board Member;
Robert Isaksen, President of
Long Island Bank of America;
Gail Barouh, CEO LIAAC;
John Haigney, Vice Chairman
LIAAC Board of Directors
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
7
A Recipe for Success F
Chef ’s Secrets 7
By Cristina Taylor
ood and wine enthusiasts from all
over Long Island joined us at the de
Seversky Mansion in Old Westbury on
November 13, 2011 and experienced a taste
of a lifetime. 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.
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus
serenaded guests throughout the evening
and was well received. They kicked off the
evening with “Going to the Chapel” by the
Crystals, in celebration of the legalization
of same-sex marriage in New York State.
This uplifting and fun song set the tone
for an eventful evening.
A VIP Cocktail Party for our Sponsors,
hosted by El Dorado Rum, started at
5pm. Chef Nilka Hendricks (a participant
in Chef Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen - Season 7) offered a
spectacular assortment of hors d’oeuvres along with assorted
cocktails created by El Dorado Rum. BiasHELP honored
Mayor Paul Pontieri of Patchogue and LIAAC honored
Dr. George Santiago, Jr., President of Briarcliffe College, for
their unwavering support, generosity and the positive changes
that they have made in our community.
Ice sculpture donated by Ice Miracles
Guest Honoree Dr. George Santiago, Jr.
Guest Honoree Mayor Paul Ponteiri
Chef Nilka Hendricks with News 12 newscaster and Chef’s Secrets 7 emcee Stone Grissom
SAVE THE DATE
for
CHEF’S SECRETS 8
Sunday, November 4, 2012
8
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
Nineteen 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 attendance. Reputable wine, liquor, brewery
and coffee vendors provided tastings of their products which
added a celebratory flair to the event. Local and nationwide
companies made in-kind product/service donations that were
used to create silent auction and Chinese auction baskets.
Our emcee for the evening was the charismatic Stone
Grissom, anchorman for News 12 Long Island. Mr. Grissom
engaged our audience throughout the event and was joined
by the lively Chef Nilka Hendricks towards the end of the
evening for a live auction, offering the winner her culinary
services. The winner will enjoy a party catered by Chef Nilka
herself and desserts by ChrisandtellCakes.
Held annually, Chef ’s Secrets is produced by the Long Island
Network of Community Services, Inc. (LINCS) to benefit
the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC)
and BiasHELP, Inc. Chef ’s Secrets 7 raised over $150,000 to
help support programs and much needed
services to individuals and families 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 Chefs,
Vendors, Sponsors, Donors, Guests,
Volunteers and Staff. Please visit our website
www.chefssecrets.org to view pictures
from this event and make sure to save the
date for Chef ’s Secrets 8 on Sunday,
November 4, 2012.
LINCS, LIAAC and BiasHELP would
like to personally thank the following
supporter s for making this event
such a huge success.
Emcee
Orasure Technologies, McGladrey,
Seafield Center, Walgreens, Wells Fargo
Bank, N.A.
Stone Grissom, News 12 Long Island
Honorees
Mayor Paul Pontieri of Patchogue &
Dr. George Santiago, Jr., President of
Briarcliffe College
Sponsors
Astoria Federal Savings, B & C Office
Furniture, Bethpage Federal Credit Union,
Briarcliffe College, Chembio Diagnostic
Systems, Inc., Clean All Maintenance,
C o n o v e r C o n s u l t i n g, E c o n o m i c
Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., Live
Island Café, Jordan & Leslie Mayer, My
Benefit Advisor, On Target Impressions,
Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus
Dr. Gail Barouh, Honorees, with LIAAC Board Members
Chefs
George Apanasevich (Hyatt RegencyHauppauge), Rachel Birke (Melting Pot),
John Michael Burnett (John Michael’s
Baking), Anthony Burwell (Mr. B’s
Homestyle Catering), Frank Cammarata
(Ciao Baby), de Seversky Culinary Team,
Leisa Dent (LL Dent), Robert Ehrlich and
George Schneider (Star Career Academy),
Nilka Hendricks, Jeanne Kitson and
Skip Sabiston (Afresh Approach), Rosario
Naimo (Bella Dolce), Christopher Taylor
(Chrisandtellcakes), Julio Velasquez (Sage
Bistro), Andrew Whitcomb (American
Culinary Federation- Long Island Chapter),
Marney White (Mar neycakes), Okima
Wilcox-Hitt (Live Island Café), Jeri
Woodhouse (A Taste of the North Fork).
Vendors
Boening Bros, Inc, Bridge Brand Sales,
Brooklyn Brewery, Casa de Vino, El
Dorado Rum, Coffee Distributing
Corp., Ice Miracles, Martha Clara
Vi n e y a r d s , N a t i o n a l Re f r e s c o s ,
Orange V and Scorpion Mezal.
A Special thanks to all businesses that
generously donated goods and services
to help make Chef ’s Secrets 7 a huge
success. Full list at www.chefssecrets.org
Chinese Auction Baskets
Chef’s George Schneider (L) and Robert Ehrlich (R) with the Star Academy students
VIP Cocktail Hour Guests
Fancy Table Decor
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
9
NEWSWORTHYnotes
State Comptroller Launches New Fraud Detection Training Initiative
New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, launched a new fraud detection training initiative for notfor-profits, and the first training was held at the Long Island Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Adelphi
University in Garden City on March 1st. LIAAC’s Chief Financial Officer, Maria Josefina (Majo) Jacinto
and Director of Grants Management, Jordana Rutigliano were in attendance. The program included case
studies of actual fraud uncovered by state auditors and offered simple fraud detection tools to assist notfor-profits of all sizes, as well as providing a risk assessment model to help identify the most cost-effective
ways to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Majo finds the initiative to be very relevant, timely and useful
especially in today’s times.
From left to right:
Maria Sanchez, Senior
Prevention Specialist;
Severio Ford, Seasoned
Adult Program Manager;
Mayor Wayne Hall,
Town of Hempstead;
Jamila Ullah, Director of
At the conclusion of the kick-off, Comptroller DiNapoli presented a check to the Long Island Association for
AIDS Care, Inc. in the amount of $1,134.98 along with 4 other agencies representing unclaimed funds.
Comptroller DiNapoli acknowledged LIAAC’s unwavering hard work and dedication to the people of Long
Island infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
Prevention Education,
Juanita Hargwood, Town
of Hempstead
World AIDS Day Events
LIAAC Participates in Community Service Fair
O
n February 2, 2012 LIAAC participated in Jericho High School’s Community Service Fair. Our staff
member, Regine Dorsimond, represented the agency and shared the important message with
our youth to live healthy and lower their risks of contracting HIV/STD through abstinence and/
or practicing safer sex. Jerico High School sent a thank you for our participation and commented how Ms.
Dorsimond “provided them (the students) with opportunities to make a difference”.
LIAAC is on the Move...
by Axum Gaines
W
orld AIDS Day holds
tremendous significance for
many people around the
world. It is an opportunity for people,
agencies, and governments to raise money,
increase awareness, fight prejudice and
improve education about HIV/AIDS.
This day is also commemorative as the
more than 25 million people who have
died from the disease are remembered and
not forgotten. This year’s theme, “Getting
to Zero,” - Zero New HIV Infections, Zero
Discrimination and Zero AIDS-Related
Deaths - truly embodies the very efforts
of LIAAC and other agencies who tailor
programs and services to encompass the
needs of individuals both infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS.
Each year the Long Island Association
for AIDS Care supports AIDS awareness
through a collaboration of efforts,
including spreading AIDS awareness and
providing testing to those at high risk
for HIV infection and other infectious
diseases, throughout the communities
of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. On
November 30th, Catherine Hart,
Chief Operating Officer, participated
in a World AIDS Day panel sponsored
by the U.S. Department of State at
the New York Foreign Press Center.
10
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
The panel convened for the purpose
of assisting foreign journalists in their
coverage of the fight against AIDS in our
communities. Topics covered included the
history of AIDS and advancements that
have been made against the disease and
their impact on the quality of life for those
affected by this disease. Catherine Hart
also participated in the United Way of
Long Island and the Nassau-Suffolk
HIV Health Ser vices Planning
Council entitled, “30 Years of HIV/AIDS
on Long Island: The Evolution of Medical and
Support Services.” The Council took place
at the South Oaks Hospital Chapel in
Amityville where panel experts discussed
the progression of treatment/medication,
case management and other communitybased services, and key accomplishments
in medication, life expectancy and
pediatric infection rates.
As well, on December 1st, Andrea
Smith, Associate Director of Targeted
Case Management, was invited to be a
guest speaker on behalf of the agency at
the Theodore Roosevelt Executive
& Legislative Building in Mineola.
Andrea discussed statistics concerning
people who are currently living with HIV/
AIDS as well as legislation impacting
New York State and Long Island. The
attendees received valuable information
about LIAAC programs and services,
which are evolving to reach beyond people
with HIV/AIDS.
In addition to these events, LIAAC
extended its reach to the community
of Hempstead by collaborating with
Mayor Wayne Hall to host a World
AIDS Day event at Kennedy Park. This
event provided community members
with free confidential testing using our
mobile testing unit and resources on
prevention education and fun giveaways.
Jamila Ullah, Director of Prevention
Education, attended the event and
spoke to news media, including Fox 5
News and News 12. Jamila was asked
what the most important fact people
should know about HIV/AIDS, and her
response was “The most important fact is that
HIV/AIDS is 100% preventable.” Jamila also
stressed the importance for people to “get
tested!” and “know their status!”
LIAAC‘s commitment to provide
services to support those living with
HIV/AIDS and other infectious
diseases is ongoing as well as their
commitment to the theme “Getting to
Zero,” as this effort will be ongoing in
the years to come.
YES! I want to celebrate LIAAC’s 25 years
of dedicated service to the Long Island community by
donating to their continuing efforts to provide
important and much needed care and support.
­A mount of Donation (Please check one)
$500
$250
$100
$50
$25
other: $
Your Name
Address
Apartment Number
City
State
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)
Zip
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)
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a
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Your contribution is tax-deductible.
Mailing Address: LIAAC • 60 Adams Avenue • Hauppauge • New York • 11788
For more information please visit us at www.LIAAC.org
The LIAAC Challenge • March 2012
11
LIAAC
60 Adams Avenue
Hauppauge, NY 11788
NON-PROFIT
U.S. Postage
PAID
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Smithtown, NY 11787
SCROLL OF HONOR
SCROLL OF HONOR
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.
GRANT ROUND UP
(Foundations & Organizations that donated to LIAAC)
Walmart Foundation
Bank of America Charitable FDN, Inc.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp.
Toyota 100 Cars for Good
If you are interested in sponsoring an event, please call LIAAC’s Development Department at (631) 385-2451