Alliance Positive Change Heroes: Eddie and Joel

1.     Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?

Eddie: I'm a 49-year-old Nuyorican from the Bronx. I served in the Marine Corps for several years. I'm a phlebotomist by trade, that's what I'm certified In.

My mother died in 1999 from complications from AIDS. She wasn't taking her medication. I wanted to work in this field to try to remove stigmas and make sure other people's mothers and loved ones got access to care.

I took a Peer training with N.Y.H.R.E in 2004 and worked in the field at pretty much every harm reduction provider in Harlem and the South Bronx. I started working at Alliance in 2020 as a case manager. I've provided HIV and hepatitis testing and linkage to care to thousands of people.

Joel: I’m a 32-year-old Puerto Rican from the Bronx, and I am the dad of a Siberian Husky named Henry. I was a client, got trained in Narcan use and overdose response, and decided to complete the CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) training. I’ve been able to since get hired at Alliance to lead outreach efforts, counsel participants, and much more. I’m currently the Harm Reduction Manager at LESHRC.

 

2.    Tell me about your current program/service and what problem it solves.

Eddie: As the Harm Reduction Coordinator at Alliance LES Harm Reduction Center, my job is to help people at all stages with all sorts of services. I've helped people find housing, find treatment for hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS, and of course with plenty of syringe exchange services. Narcan and fentanyl test strips trainings are a big part of my job. "I want you to quote me on this: no one should die because they used a drug."

 Joel: I work on our Choices program which connects people who use opioids to harm reduction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and recovery services. We do individual group counseling, support groups, events, and find what services in-house or with government programs can best serve people.

 

3.    How has harm reduction changed since you've been working in the field?

Eddie: When I first started, we weren't even allowed to carry around Narcan, it was illegal. We faced all these arbitrary limits to what we could provide people who use drugs. Now, maybe because more of middle America is being affected by overdoses, people are waking up.

Joel: There has definitely been more access, and a lot more understanding of how important this work has been. Stats back up the importance of harm reduction, but they don’t tell the human experience, which I get to see firsthand how we help people. Harm reduction is all about meeting people where they are. After all, someone’s goals today might be different in a month, but just being consistently there for them feels really important.  

 

4.     What else should we—Alliance, and the greater harm reduction movement—be doing?

Eddie: There are some kiosks in the Bronx where groups I volunteer with where people can access sterile syringes and other harm reduction supplies. Before joining Alliance, I was working at BOOM!Health and was interviewed by Fox 5 News’ Lisa Evers. I trained her in how to use Narcan. I think more media trainings, like Joel recently did for The New York Times, and informational projects like Who’s Got Narcan? , a video two professional filmmakers helped us develop.

Joel: Having the conversation and making those services available is essential. Many people are afraid of losing access to services, so creating a safe space where they can talk about anything with their case managers, can help them with not just their harm reduction and substance use, but all around physical and behavioral well-being.

 

5.    Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

Eddie: I think with my years of experience, I bring a level of calm and confidence to the syringe center. I think people can see my passion for the work, which Is good for staff and participants. We're not pushing our opinions on people. I make it my business that whenever we get a new volunteer, I give them a thorough training. People come to us high, and sometimes overdose in the office, so we have to be ready. We’ve saved a lot of lives at our office, and I’ve saved a lot of lives out of the office too. 

Joel: Kicking off, we had a staff shortage that we’ve fortunately filled since, but I heard from a lot of participants how they’ve felt safer knowing they could talk to me, and I’d help them with things like enrolling in Suboxone, getting proper safer use supplies, benefits navigation, and more.

 

6.    If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

 Eddie: I think I'd still be doing this! If I had a million dollars, maybe I'd have my own harm reduction center, with an overnight drop-In center, and an OPC, maybe even a 24/7 center so people could have a safe place to stay overnight. 

Joel: I would open a Husky rescue farm for dogs. And something that I’ve actually been discussing with Tom and Reilly here is a program where people can come foster their pets while they seek treatment. A lot of people using drugs may not have any family besides their dogs, and are hesitant to check into an in-patient treatment program because they don’t want to give up their family—their pet.

 

7.     Tell me about who you are and what you enjoy outside of work

Eddie: I'm a proud girl dad. I've got a 14-year-old daughter, and two grown children. I'm a big Yankees and Giants fan. I love movies. Typical middle aged New York dad.

Joel: I’m from the Bronx and love giving back to my community. I love taking Henry outside during this beautiful weather. And of course keeping strong bonds with my friends & family.  

Alliance Positive Change Hero: Diana

1.     Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?  

My name is Diana Pizarro, I am 64 years old. I have been working in the business of helping people since I was 9 or 10 years old. As a young girl I used to help my mother’s friends and family that came from Puerto Rico who did not know how to speak English, with translation, filling out forms, applications, and taking them to the hospital and HRA for assistance.  

No wonder I am in this line of work.  

I was recommended to the Alliance after I was a case manager at GMHC for almost 15 years, serving for several as Treatment Adherence Manager where I provided clients with tools to remember to take their medications like the use of a calendar, a wristband timer to set alarm and a medicine box with the letters of every day of the week.  

Now I am a Health Homes Case Manager.  

2.    Tell me about your current program/service and what problem it solves. 
Health Home case management provides resources for people that are diagnosed with chronic diseases, like mental health, Diabetes, Asthma, and HIV, to name a few. Health Home case management assists the clients with linkage to medical services and monitors their good health practice for stability. We also provide resources for individuals and families in need of shelter, support groups etc... Case Managers like me coordinate meetings with other providers, general practitioners, therapists, and others—with the clients’ consent, of course and work towards developing a unique care plan that can assist the client obtain their medical and mental health goals.  

3.    Right now, do you work with drastically different populations than earlier in your career? 

At Alliance, my caseload is even more diverse. In this line of work, you face different challenges based on each client’s situation. Some may need special housing allowances or health needs. I advocate for all my clients to reach their care plan goals. One particular client that was on my case load multiple times was looking for more desirable housing. I was able to help him get an apartment, then he moved away, and he came back, I assisted him again, and then moved again.  

4.    Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?  

Helping clients with resources for work, and gaining employment. One person I have worked with trained to become a home attendant in nursing. Another who was not sure they could handle working now works in a restaurant and is thinking of going back to college.  

 

5.    How has your program changed during the pandemic? 

Virtual services. Learning modern technology and getting access to services. It has been a challenge, especially for our older clients, but fortunately nothing disastrous has happened, like them losing passwords to key services.  

6.    If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?  

I would donate to organizations like ours, and healthcare institutions that help people with diabetes, cancer, and breast cancer. And I would travel abroad a lot more. I have been to Germany, Paris, and the Netherlands. I would like to see more of the world. Tokyo, Greece, which I am hoping to go to this Summer. 

 

Alliance Positive Change Hero: Luis

1.          Tell us a little about yourself: who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?

I have been at Alliance for 10 years. I had been working in Public Relations for high-fashion companies including Ralph Lauren when I was diagnosed as HIV positive in 2011. I took a break from the industry and wanted to learn more about my diagnosis and found Alliance. Immediately got great connection to services and wanted to give back, to help the HIV-positive community. Like many folks at Alliance, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve worked as a Case Manager at Midtown Central and at Pelham Grand, our supportive housing location. My current role is Prevention Manager, so educating and leading outreach for populations that are at risk for contracting HIV.

2.        Why did you feel you needed to “give back” as you put it?

I’ve felt a greater sense of purpose doing this than in my previous career, though I loved that. I never thought HIV would happen to me. The letters HIV seemed like a death sentence, so I put off getting tested even as I noticed changes in my body, like shingles, and I put off getting tested because I was scared. I refused the tests the doctors wanted me to take. But finally, a friend who’s a nurse really encouraged me to take it, and manage my condition. It broke the stigma for me. I realized that I needed those people gently pushing me to get tested, get educated, and stay healthy. I wanted to be that person for others.

3.        Can you tell me about a specific person you’ve helped who was struggling with their diagnosis?

As an intake manager, I had one client who was a professor and in denial about his diagnosis. I made sure I spoke to him honestly about what could happen. He felt because of his social status, contracting HIV couldn’t happen to him.

I don’t always feel like I should have to share my story with clients, but in this case and some others, I did, because I was around for the start of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and lost a lot of friends who would’ve done anything to access the medicine we have now.

I told him I was HIV positive, and he said “Oh my God, you don’t look like you have HIV.” I said, “HIV doesn’t have a face, it looks like everyone.” Well, he let me connect him to medical services. A lot of time, the work is really about breaking down stigma and shame that unfortunately many people have internalized. 

4.        Shifting gears: how has your work changed during the pandemic?

I was working at Pelham Grand at the time, and our HIV-positive clients really had a tough time because it’s such a social place, and it’s harder to bond, kid around, and build structure virtually or with limited physical interaction.

We did everything we could, and I know the residents appreciated it. There was less in-person socializing, so we tried to be even more accessible for our residents, whether that was arranging telehealth visits for them, or answering late-night calls and emails. Many of the residents are or were in recovery, and the pandemic was hard for them, for obvious reasons.

5.        If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

I would probably be doing art public relations, like I was before my diagnosis. I love art and I’m a creative person. Creating campaigns for clothing lines, helping at fashion shows, and making creative choices for magazines. It’s still a hobby for me and I do some of that on the side, but I feel more productive by giving back to our HIV-positive community working here. It’s like a calling. Fashion/art is more of a fun side project.

6.        Anything else I’ve forgotten to ask?

I’m a social person. I love to be around people. Being away from people due to social distancing really made me appreciate being able to socialize again, and all the people that matter. 

Alliance arranged a group chat every Friday for us to just have a safe space to talk. That helped not just me, but others. And Alliance connected us with therapists—which was huge for me.

Alliance Community Heroes: Marcia

1.          Tell us a little about yourself: who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?

I am from Jamaica. I have been at Alliance for over 20 years and am currently the Director of Benefits Navigation and Linkage to Care. (Which consists of different regional and national programs that have different enrollment qualifications). 

I have worked in our care management program in partnership with Mount Sinai, supervising teams that go out in the field, and recently overseeing our Food and Nutrition Services program.

 

2.    Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

Absolutely. This is our fourth year providing linkage to insurance, and we’ve grown enrollment well above what we were contracted by the city and other agencies. That’s great for the agency, but even better for the people who’re talking to: by getting bigger enrollments for both health insurance programs, we’re helping people with their health and finances proactively.

We do referrals and linkage to other services for about 350 participants a month.

 

3.    What do you think is behind the growth?

We have a great team of Luis, Miguelina, Avis, and Carla, plus Yelmy, our Peer on the team, working on our team for all programs. Because of how we treat the participants that we work with, they refer friends and acquaintances to us. I’ll give you an example: if a person is eligible for insurance through both the marketplace and HASA, we help them understand what each does and doesn’t do. In this case, I encourage them to select the benefits that work for them and help connect them to other benefits like food stamps.

 

4.        How has linkage to health insurance changed during the pandemic?

Before the pandemic, we were out in the community and at hospitals in the beginning, canvassing, and talking to people. But COVID-19 offered a lot of new opportunities for people to access free healthcare.

Before the pandemic, the marketplace rules would only allow us to enroll participants in person. That changed during the pandemic and that allowed us to enroll people over the phone, which has been huge!

Immigrant communities in particular didn’t really know about all the COVID-19 specific and general insurance availability so that’s who we’ve really been trying hardest to reach, and link to care.

 

5.        You also took on the responsibility of running our Food and Nutrition Services. What has that been like?

With one of our FNS team members being on maternity leave, I was offered the chance to take on the role. FNS is a crucial service and some people who come for food might not know all the other free services we can help them with.

I cook at home and feel like whatever you serve the people who come to us should be something you would be happy to eat, too. We should eat the food we’re serving to them, not see their needs as inferior to ours. If a participant is diabetic and notices a dish has too much salt, I will call the provider and make sure they know in the future to make a low sodium alternative.

I have a good sense of our participants’ basic needs, with my work in linkage. Because I know behavior, and I studied case management in social work school, I’ll read the room and when people seem unfulfilled, or need special services, I pick up on that, and try to connect with them.

 

6.        How did you available for this role plus FNS?

I think I’m a good self-manager, so I carve out time to. I make a list and prioritize building my days efficiently.

 

7.        If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

I would still want to work. A more flexible schedule, but I would still be doing social work. I would travel and enjoy myself. And I would give Alliance some money, haha, because I’ve been here so long, and I’ve got so much out of my work here. When I came here to New York, I had zero experience in case management. I was interviewed here for client services and prevention team roles. Ms. Brenda gave me a chance to learn on the job even before I had my degrees and encouraged me while I was getting my Bachelor of Social Work. Like a lot of Alliance people, I started out as an intake worker and now I'm a director.

 

8.       Is there anything else I’ve forgotten to ask about your work, or who you are as a person outside of work, that you’d like to share?

I’m a people person: I like talking to people. I enjoy conversations. I don’t make assumptions or judgments about people because I’ve worked with so many people in different situations. I don’t judge by appearances. I wait to get information from talking to people. If you make assumptions that are too positive, that can be hurtful just like making assumptions that are too negative.

In terms of hobbies, I like to dance. I also read and watch news about a lot of political issues. I still remember a state of the union speech that President Obama gave that I wrote a paper on for school. My family and friends ask me to explain certain political issues in the news, but I don’t judge anyone because of their political views.

Alliance Community Heroes: Vanessa

Photos: David Nager/Alliance

1.     Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?

Vanessa: I’ve worked at Alliance for Positive Change since 2000. Back then there were fewer than 15 of us. And wouldn’t you know it, almost all of them are still working here today: Sharen, Ramona, Fulvia, Deborah, Lillian, Yvonne, Maria, Michelle, and John, at least. I came from Exponent, another program like our PREP training. I came here as a Peer educator specializing in recovery.

I’ve done so many jobs at Alliance. I’ve been a case manager, Peer trainer, so many different jobs!

2.    Tell me about your current program/service and what problem it solves.

Vanessa: I’m a harm reduction manager. In harm reduction, at Alliance Midtown Central, we work with HIV positive people who are actively using substances, having sex with multiple partners, or are on medication. I work to help them get the resources they need. The beauty of Alliance is once people come through our doors, they see other services that can help. Sometimes that means helping them get certifications to advance their careers.

3.    Tell me about a specific person in the harm reduction program.

Vanessa: The first person I’m thinking of was a man who didn’t have stable housing. He had discolored nails, which can be a symptom of really serious illness, so we got that addressed with medicine, to flush his system out, and we would text him to remind him to take the meds. We got him clean clothes, his resume up to date, and helped him get a job at Macy’s.

Within six months, we got his viral load improved, too.

4.    Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

Vanessa: Our purview tends to be drugs, including alcohol, but I’m a cigarette smoker, and I know it’s a terrible thing for your body, and addictive. One person I worked with was a chronic cigarette smoker and developed advanced throat cancer. We were trying to address her body image issues and were able to help her reduce smoking, too.

5.    How has your program changed during the pandemic?

Vanessa: It’s been difficult with virtual treatment because a lot of people don’t have access or don’t know how or don’t want to do it. But we continued our virtual group therapy. I completed a Seeking Safety for Women training over Zoom, and some of those women really enjoyed that. But generally, trauma is better addressed in person.

6.    If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

Vanessa: I’d probably still be doing a lot of these same things, teaching harm reduction. After you’ve been doing this so long, it becomes a part of you. I’d also open up a foster care for children. I love children.

7.    Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should?

Vanessa: I’ve been known to meet people on a corner and bring them up into Alliance. In fact, one person I met and brought into Alliance now works here and has been stably housed for a long time.

Alliance Community Heroes: Eugene and Taryn

Photo: David Nager/Alliance

1.     Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance

Eugene: I grew up in Long Island.  I’m the manager of the Criminal Justice (CJI) initiative and I've worked at Alliance for seven years.

Taryn: I was born and raised in the Lower East Side. I started on CJI and have been working on that and other criminal initiatives at Alliance off and on for the past 5 years.

2.    Tell me about your program/service and what problem it solves

Eugene: At CJI, we help HIV positive people get connected to care as they're released from prison back into one of a few boroughs in the city. We help them find housing, get connected to care, and other reorientation skills like using a smartphone. You might not realize it, but for people who've been incarcerated, things like this can be big hurdles. 

Taryn: I work with Eugene on the CJI program and our District Attorney of New York (DANY) arrest diversion program that lets people avoid prison time for some drug offenses. I lead one-on-one harm reduction sessions, help people get trained to use Narcan, and set goals, big and small.

But it only works if there’s trust. Honesty is key to their success, and my ability to help them.

3.    Do participants always trust you right away, or do some just not even want to know you?

Eugene: A lot of participants don’t initially trust anyone, but they recognize me from going into prisons to meet people and leave flyers with my face on them—Arianne Watson and I would do that pre-pandemic. Then when we meet, I share my story. I was also incarcerated and utilized reorientation services. So, I let them know I also didn’t know the steps, but it worked out for me and if they let me, I’ll teach them the steps to keep themselves okay. 

Taryn: Initially, sure. But I let people know where I come from, and I don’t shy away from the truth. I let them know straight-up: I can’t make you be ready, but I can walk you through it and if you want to make it work, support you with that. And I think a lot of the people I work with appreciate that I won’t B.S. them and they won’t B.S. me.

4.    Tell me about a specific person in the program 

Eugene: We had a participant waiting to find permanent housing who went off the grid before he was assigned a residence. My colleague Taryn got a call from a local McDonalds where the participant was having a mental health crisis. We talked to him and found out he’d relapsed. 

I told him “pencils come with erasers, we can fix that.” We got him enrolled in a rehab facility right away, so he wouldn’t be in trouble with his parole officer. Sometimes there isn’t a happy ending, but we’re there. The clients know we care, and they appreciate that— a lot of them have never had that before.  

Taryn: A couple people come to mind, including the person Eugene mentioned. One person was diagnosed as schizophrenic and bipolar, and he had PTSD. He smoked K2 (synthetic marijuana) which he said made him stop hearing voices. He started opening up. And he wouldn’t talk to anyone but me. He went to our writing and art classes, and he wouldn’t even take the incentives offered. When he’d get arrested, he’d tell the police to call me.

5.    How has your program changed during the pandemic?

Eugene: During the pandemic, we never closed. People were still being released from prison and needed housing or support. So we'd meet them somewhere in NYC, I'd find whatever NYC housing office was open and let them know we were coming. I went with our participants to help them understand their documents and sign forms. The big loss is that we couldn’t do big monthly meet and greets in the agency. Before the pandemic, we’d bring in people from the CJI program to get some food and soda, and while they were in, they could access other agency services. 

Taryn: CJI didn’t change at all. We connected clients to open HASA offices in Manhattan and the Bronx, and a YMCA in Queens. Eugene and I would go to HASA with our participants and bring survival backpacks with underwear, socks, t-shirts, phone, wallet, towel, lotion, and other basics and information on our services.

6.    If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

Eugene: DJing—I made music with a Serato set a few weeks ago. My stage name is “DJ Unique” and my first gig is actually coming up soon, at a Paint and Sip. I’d also probably be deep into podcasting. I’d like to create a safe, non-judgmental space where people can really talk.  Lastly, I’d like to be by the water—because I grew up in the Hamptons, water makes me feel calm. 

Taryn: I’d love to be a high school/middle school basketball coach. I was a point guard. I’d love to be at a K-12 school so I could really see them grow, and see their journeys. I’d still be doing Narcan trainings and violence-prevention interventions, which I do in my community on my own time. Mrs. Brenda has always appreciated and encouraged us to bring these types of interventions into our own communities.

7.    Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should? 

Eugene: Yes, what’s my philosophy? It’s “do unto others as you’d have them do to you.” 

Taryn: Who is Taryn? A swimmer. I love to swim. I play basketball on Sundays with a lot of guys from my neighborhood. I’m a father. My youngest daughter is like my best friend. She loves to go go-karting, we electric scooter around our complex.

Alliance Community Heroes: Maria Madrid

Maria Madrid is one of the most vivacious, fun, and friendly people our staff, Peers, program participants, and visitors see at Alliance Midtown Central. After more than two decades, Maria is celebrating her retirement and transitioning from full-time to part-time work. We at Alliance are so grateful to Maria for her passion for harm reduction, and the kindness she shows everyone she comes into contact with. We’re so glad that she’ll still be in the office a few days a week, even if less than we’ve grown accustomed to, and wish her health and happiness with her extra free time. She has definitely earned it. We recently sat down with Maria to learn more about her work as a frontline hero.

1.     Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance

Maria: I came to Alliance almost 30 years ago. I was using a lot of drugs and went to a lot of NA meetings. Someone I met there was coming to Alliance when we were ASC on 14th St. I’ve stayed for 22 years because I like to see people make positive changes.

2.    Tell me about your approach to your work and the program participants you see

Maria: Most of the people in my programs are people who use drugs. A lot of people can do moderation, like going from using four bags a week to two, that’s a huge improvement for them. Some people can’t. So some people’s solutions are different. I always treat people like people, and I think that’s what we do here, and it works. In my experience, nobody in the shelter system asks people how they are doing or if they need anything? We’re always polite and patient.

3.    Do you base a lot of how you treat people you work with on your personal experiences?

Maria: Oh absolutely. Like I said, some people are all or nothing when they’re using drugs. I was one of them. I couldn’t do moderation, so I know that other people are the same way. So I haven’t touched drugs or liquor in 29 years.

I also went through the shelter system. I also went through difficult relationships I had to repair. Including with my kids.

4.    Can you me about a specific person in the program?

Maria: The person who brought me here was Lurenda, I’ll always remember her. One person, I’m not going to say his name obviously, but he is always trying to stop, so he’s in the methadone program. His drug use was making his hepatitis C worse. We were able to get him into the methadone program, and for a while, his hepatitis C was supressed. He’s relapsed since then, but we’re not giving up on him. 

5.    How has your program changed during the pandemic?

Maria: It was good. I had a chance to hold more Zoom groups and the participants who were not tech-savvy still learned how to do it. A lot of people haven’t come back, yet, and some people are adapting. I think also people are going to have trauma from trying to deal with the world right now.

6.    If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

Maria: If I had a million dollars, I would be doing this same type of job, giving people help who want it. Because people making serious changes in their lives is a long-term process.

7.    So you’ve just transition away from working full-time Alliance, right?  

Maria: Yes. I’m becoming a Peer here. After 22 years of working full-time here, I’m taking more time to be with my family. My kids are 48 and 44. I have two granddaughters, one who is 30 who has twins.

8.    Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should? 

Maria: I’ll give you my philosophy, too: Be good to yourself and be good to other people. You can’t help everyone, but don’t put someone down because you can’t help them.

Alliance Community Heroes: Operations Department's John, Conrad & Steven

John (1).png

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?

John: I am Alliance’s Director of IT & Operations. I started with Alliance in 2001 as a case manager. It was my dream job to be able to help people. I had the opportunity to get into the technology field and Sharen, Alliance’s CEO, encouraged me to get my certification. I am fascinated by technology and love building and tinkering with electronics. I am proud that these 20 years later I now have my dream job with an amazing organization. I am a happy guy with three beautiful children and a wonderful wife.

Conrad: I am a native New Yorker. I am responsible for Alliance’s Midtown Central facilities. I supervise the security, reception, cleaning, and maintenance staff. My relationship with Alliance goes back to 2005. At that time, I was the Head Coach of Team New York Aquatics, which was the largest LBGT+ adult competitive swim team on the planet. Alliance was the recipient of the team’s annual fundraising in support of the HIV advocacy event, the One Hour Swim. This established a great friendship between the team and the work of the Alliance. The team has given to Alliance, through the One Hour Swim, many times over the years, including the past year of the pandemic. In 2013, I had the opportunity to interview for a job at the Alliance. I remain a substitute coach for TNYA and worked to deepen the relationship over the years between the work of the Alliance and friends of the agency and the athletes on the team.

Steven: My name is Steven Jones, I am 50 years old, and I work as the Security/Operations Assistant Manager. I came to the Alliance looking for help after moving from California. I had no job, no medical coverage, and no one to turn to.

2. Tell me about your department and what has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John: I feel blessed to have such a dedicated team. Even though the IT profession can attract technical communicators, our organization is people-based, and it makes me proud to see my colleagues develop their skills and come out of their shells. Both our operations and IT staff have been steadfast throughout the pandemic. It caught us all by surprise and turned everything upside down. We had to transition over 300 employees to remote work and outfit all six of our offices with new safety measures and round-the-clock cleaning and sanitation. My team was always available throughout the pandemic – never taking a break. They are all champions in my mind!

Conrad: My department continued to show up throughout the pandemic even though much of the time I was just by myself. Someone needed to check on the facility, make sure the lights were turned off, that plants were watered, and check the mail and messages. I rode my bicycle to work every day throughout the pandemic from March 2020 to December 2020 when people began to safely return to Midtown Central on World AIDS Day. I have seen the transition back, from limited visitors to almost normal operations now, up close.

Steven: I helped oversee the day-to-day operations that kept Midtown Central running. When COVID-19 hit, our clients were afraid to return, and normal interactions were impossible due to social distancing and PPE. I help make sure that everyone who enters our building is protected and feels safe to return. I am proud to be our first line of defense against COVID-19.

3. Is there an achievement or contribution to your department you are particularly proud of?

John: I am so proud of my team and being able to be part of their professional growth. Everyone who has come through my department has taken opportunities to develop new skills and advance their careers. I love to inspire everyone I work with and it inspires me to be part of their journeys. I try to keep my team motivated to give their best each and every day and keep reaching for the next goal.

Conrad: We had a major building maintenance issue on top of dealing with the trauma of the pandemic. For months I had to supervise a crew and maintain calm. I am proud I kept the necessary chaos to a minimum, so the staff could return in a rational and controlled manner, with little to worry about.

Steven: I am proud that I am able to contribute and keep the agency running during this pandemic which allows people to be safe.

4. If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

John: I would be sailing on a yacht, of course! But in all seriousness, I am extremely happy and love my work. Not only do I get to work with new technology, I also get to be involved with construction projects and operations workflows – all of my interests! I love to make things work and to tinker. In my free time, I love to build and program drones. It is so rewarding to watch a drone fly!

Conrad: I wish I could travel more, helping other organizations with their traumatic facility issues. This is because I love to travel generally. Even Upstate New York.

Steven: When I go for lunch I always see people in need and my reaction is to let them know where I work and that there is help. Throughout the week I bring at least two or three of people in need to the agency. I would love to do more to be an ambassador for the agency bringing news for what help is out there.

Alliance Community Heroes: Perla Romero

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance?

My name is Perla Romero and I am a Harm Reduction Manager at Alliance LES Harm Reduction Center. I came to LESHRC as an intern through AHEC (Area Health Education Center), which was a program I was connected to through City College. Once I completed my hours for my internship, I stayed as a volunteer, then eventually became a staff member. When I first interned with LESHRC, I knew that I was coming to a special place. The work we do is truly necessary for and by the community we serve. The impact that LESHRC has had and the place that it holds in the community has been something I wanted to be a part of.

2.  Tell me about your program/service and what problem it solves.

My role at Alliance has expanded quite a bit since I began working here. One of the most central components to the work that I do is addressing hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral form of hepatitis that is often overlooked and stigmatized, but can have fatal consequences when undiagnosed and/or untreated. The majority of the new cases being reported in NYC are within the community of people who inject drugs. This means that people who are often not engaged in the healthcare system are also being burdened by a chronic health condition that does not have enough resources or funding. My job is to help bridge the gap between the resources that do exist and our clients. Through our participation in various initiatives, programming, and partnerships, we are able to do outreach to people who are disconnected from healthcare and bring them to places where they are welcome, respected, and safe. Through these healthcare navigation services that can take many forms, we are able to work with our clients so that they can receive medical care again.

3.  Tell us about specific people you’ve helped within your program.

One of the people that I worked with had several chronic health conditions when I first met them (like many of our clients do), and had undergone a major surgery at a young age. I think they felt like there were limited options of whom they could work with because they primarily spoke Spanish and had felt dismissed in the past. This person was able to become cured of hepatitis C through the span of our work together. I really enjoyed seeing how they grew to advocate for themselves and knew that they had a say in the care that they chose to engage in or not to engage in. I think that getting through treatment made them feel empowered to look at and work on other areas of their life. The last time that we spoke they shared that they were looking into areas of work that they wanted to move into and that they would be comfortable in; they were prioritizing their well-being!

4. Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

I am extremely proud of the clients that have been cured of hepatitis C through our navigation services. Due to their history of drug use (past or present), many of the clients that I have worked with have been stigmatized by medical providers that they worked with previously. It takes an incredible amount of courage to advocate for your health after facing discrimination and abuse in settings that should have been safe. I am proud of the way that our team works with clients to restore a sense of autonomy when it comes to their health care. Overall, I am proud of our clients.

5. What’s your outlook for the future for this program and beyond?

Hepatitis C treatment has changed so much within the last decade and our programs have been crucial in communicating advancements to the people that benefit most from them. Our programs have also been important to the organization, our clients, and others by raising the issues of hepatitis C awareness, hepatitis C education, and healthcare access. My hope is that the people cured through our programs and positive health outcomes are seen as motivators to invest in the health of people who use drugs, particularly those who are unhoused. Beyond hepatitis C, I hope that the work we do can be a catalyst to move our health system towards a harm reduction framework. It would be great if our work could help move medical providers towards a re-education that includes how to practice from a harm reduction framework. Of course there are already medical providers that practice harm reduction (some that we are fortunate to work with), but we need to make this the rule, not the exception.

6. If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

I would like to make different materials that aid in expanding who knows about harm reduction. A lot of us who do harm reduction work are doing this work because either we saw the need for this in our immediate surroundings or we have direct personal experiences. To me, this says a lot about who is doing harm reduction work. It says that we are very invested, but also that we arrived at harm reduction out of necessity. I want harm reduction, for what it really is, to become something that can aid in reshaping the relationships that people develop and have with substances. Particularly, I would like to make harm reduction materials that are intentionally written in Spanish. 

7. Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should?

What is Harm Reduction?

I think this is one of my favorite questions because the response you receive tells you a lot about the person responding and what they have been exposed to. Oftentimes, people will respond by saying that harm reduction can be defined as "meeting people where they're at." This is definitely part of it, but within the context of social services/healthcare, it can be providing people with options so that they can decide what is best for them. I think at its best harm reduction is giving people their power back and working with them towards their goals. Harm reduction work should always stem from a place of love for your community and others while respecting their autonomy.

Alliance Community Heroes: Lillian Anglada

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance?

My name is Lillian Anglada, and I am President of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC). I acquired HIV in 1986, was diagnosed in 1989—just a year after getting married. I was given two years to live from my doctors. I made it past those two years, and went on to volunteer for Peter Krueger Clinic as a data entry specialist. While there, I saw a flyer for a health fair called Loved in the Time of AIDS put on by a collaboration of HIV agencies to bring the education to the streets where families hang out (like the East River Park Health Fair). I picked up a brochure to what was then the AIDS Service Center of Lower Manhattan (ASCNYC) now The Alliance for Positive Change.

I came aboard at ASCNYC in October 1992 and graduated in January 1993 from the Peer Leadership Training Program. The staff was small, but attentive to my needs. The intensity of the 8-week training program gave me knowledge about HIV and what I could expect from the virus. There were only 12 of us in my class, and I am the only survivor, by the grace of God.

After graduating, for two years I served as a Peer Educator at Alliance’s drop-in center on the Lower East Side, which would eventually be named after me, now Alliance’s Luis & Lillian Outreach Center at P.S. 122 Cultural Center on 9th street and First Avenue in Manhattan. It was named in memory of Luis, my mentor and a staff member at Alliance, who died two days after I was released from the hospital.

2.  Tell me about your program/service and what problem it solves.

As of 2001, I was honored to become the President of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) of The Alliance for Positive Change. Its mission and purpose is to create a partnership amongst clients, also known as consumers, providers, and community members that strives to raise Alliance’s programs to a higher level of excellence. In addition, we look to ensure that services to people with HIV/AIDS are never interrupted and always perfected. Moreover, it is a mechanism for accountability.

3.  Tell us about specific people you’ve helped within your program.

In 1993, Luis (former staff member at Alliance) and I created a woman’s group comprised of solely HIV+ women who felt broken and needed to gain the hope to regain control of their life at PS 122. In the process, I taught meditation, safe sex, and various other topics. Ultimately, the group gave me a gift: meeting peers, who would eventually become my new family. Before meeting these peers, I did not know about hugs, tears, kisses, and how to say I love you—all of which I did not do at home. Hearing these women’s testimonies have taught me to be humble, empathetic, and to listen to other people’s experiences. With my being given two years to live, I could identify with these other women. Life has no guarantee.

4. What was their life like before they began the program

They had no HOPE!

5. What was the biggest challenge they were facing?

They were in denial about their HIV status.

6. How have you helped them?

I helped my peers find a solution for all types of situations. While I got involved in a struggle to save a village, I ended up saving a community. Helping my peers has given me the capacity to continue to fight. I have firsthand experience and I share my story in order to help them and mentor them.

 7. Is there any moment that sticks out to you from your time at Alliance?

There was this lady on the train, soiled and uncomfortable. My head said leave her alone, but my heart said help her. I told her to get off at 35th Street with me. I went into our Wonderful Wearables clothing room, and helped get her a coat, clothes, and shoes. From there, we went downstairs and washed her up. She thought I would be disgusted by her. But I was not raised that way. I take pride in my ability to be able to go above and beyond. She came back to become a client, and get help with her mental health. I didn't have pity for her, I had empathy for her.

8. Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

I started “Life Affirming” events in 1995 with the support and in collaboration with Alliance. Thanks to them, I have always been able to do my Life Affirming events like Mother’s Day of Pampering serving 50-100 mothers and daughters, Thanksgiving dinner, the Annual Dinner Dance, and Holiday dinner dance (serving around 400-500 clients and peers).

I am also proud of becoming CAC president, learning about policies changes, and helping the community adapt to change.

9. If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

During the pandemic, I taught myself to sew and have donated over 200 masks.

In addition, my daughter says I am crazy, but I would love to be a part of the solution for homelessness. I envision creating building and floor plans.

10. Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should?

What Is my message to the community?

You can do anything with an HIV diagnosis, it is not a life sentence!

Also, since 2003, I created a community-based organization called Caring Hands for Positive Woman, Inc. focused on women of color. It delivers prevention and education in East Harlem, NYC. Our mission is to develop cultural, grassroots trainings that aim to reduce the rate of health disparities among minority young women of color. We hope to help them receive medical and educational services. By empowering, educating, and providing leadership and advocacy trainings, we will enable these women to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families.

Alliance Frontline Hero: Samuel Rodriguez

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Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, and what brought you to Alliance?

My name is Samuel Rodriguez and I am an Assistant Manager for Treatment Adherence Services at Alliance. I wanted to work with people that are HIV positive. I lost my baby sister to this disease in the early ‘90s. I told myself if I ever got a chance to work in the HIV field, I would do it. I've been with Alliance for about 12 years. I started as many have, having graduated from Alliance’s Peer Program. Once I completed that, I was hired as a consultant. From there I was hired as a staff. Now, I have been a staff member for over 8 years.

Tell me about your program/service and what problem it solves.

In our Treatment Adherence Program, our goal is to connect as many people as possible to our Pharmacy Access services and treatment support. We provide a safe, quiet, and confidential place where clients can come in and pick-up their medications or even take them right there as part of DOT (Directly Observed Therapy) support. We make sure our clients get what they need to adhere to medication. We refer them to support services or make sure they are going to see their doctor. Our goal is to make sure every client becomes Undetectable.

Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

There was a man sleeping in front of our office building. Every morning when I came in, I would see him there on the street with a bag of cans he’d collect throughout the day. Every morning, I would start a conversation with him. In our conversation, he told me he was HIV positive. I asked if he was taking his meds. He said yes, but people robbed him, thinking his pills were drugs. I explained what I do and told him he could come every day and take his meds at our office. He said he would think about it. Two days later, I picked up all the cans in the office and brought them down to him. I reminded him how easy it would be for him to join our program. Not only could we help him with his meds, but also he could eat breakfast and lunch with us every day. He finally came up with me one day and had something to eat from our Food & Nutrition program. When he finished eating, he did an agency intake and came upstairs to enroll in Treatment Adherence and Pharmacy Access services. Part of his support was DOT where he would come in every day and take his meds in front of us. Now, you have to remember, he was sleeping in the streets, and only had two pairs of pants and three shirts with him. I told him it was time he gets a safe place to sleep and helped him find a shelter. He started coming to the office every day and when he was comfortable I connected him with a psychologist. He got on psychiatric medication and began taking them every day as prescribed. He got his own apartment, a part-time job, and after about a year in the program became Undetectable (when the amount of HIV viral load is under 200 copies per ML, or undetectable). The following year he found a partner. They moved upstate and he continues to do well.

You never know who is ready to get help. I was very proud to help this client, it only takes a connection from one person.

What’s your outlook for the future for this program and beyond?

The Treatment Adherence Program and Pharmacy Access Center have a group of special people working together. We continue getting clients involved and hopefully make them whole again.

Recently, the NYS made a seemingly small change that puts our Treatment Adherence Program at risk. The FY 20-21 budget directs the Department of Health to carve out the Medicaid Pharmacy benefit from managed care and transition it to a fee-for-service model starting April 1, 2021.  This change will destroy the safety-net and reverse the progress we’ve made toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by impacting the 340B drug discount program, and the people who rely on the services and programs that it supports.

We have joined others to oppose the carve-out and will do whatever it takes to keep these services and continue to offer a place where lives change for the better.

If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

The only other thing I would be is a professional poker player (haha). But in seriousness, I am so lucky that I can come into work on any day and help someone feel a little better than when they first came in.

Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should?

I've always worked to help people. For ten years I worked helping people affected by domestic violence and three years on the domestic violence hotline. I worked eight years in Brooklyn Criminal Court in Red Hook, helping defendants get treatment so they wouldn’t have to go to jail. And now, twelve years working with HIV-positive clients. I do this because I know I was meant to help people. I also know how easy it is to get frustrated and want to give up on your clients. But I can't!!! I am here to help people change their lives for the better—even if it's just making them smile for a few minutes. From there, I get ready for the next person that is asking for help...

Alliance Community Heroes: Melvin Shepheard

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance?

I'm a 66 year old Black man who started working at the Alliance in 2004. I have been HIV-positive since 1986. I'm in control and undetectable. I have also been cured of hepatitis C. I've been in recovery for drug addiction since 1997, and am no longer involved in any criminal activity. Currently, I work as an outreach Peer . I came to Alliance to better my life.

2.  Tell me about your program/service and what problem it solves.

As a Peer, I help people learn how to manage their HIV/ AIDS, so that they can live a healthier life—free from drugs and alcohol.

3.  Tell us about the impact you’ve had within your program.

Overall, I can speak to many people, who I’ve met and worked with that have inspired me to reach higher. When I first do my outreach to meet prospective clients, I meet them at shelters, soup kitchens, subways, and on the streets. They are dealing with drug use, homelessness, and health issues.  Most of these individuals seem depressed and hopeless. The biggest challenge these clients are facing are trust issues, especially around being accepted for their past. I have been able to help clients by telling them good news: that they can get help, and take control of their lives. Their lives are much better now than they were before. Now, they know there’s a program at Alliance that will help them reach their goals.

 4.  Is there an achievement or contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

I am always particularly proud when I am able to give out clothing and food through our basic needs and lunch program.

6.  Is there another question that I have not asked you that I should?

Overall, in order to do this job, you have to be a people person, you have to believe in giving second chances, and you have to have compassion. As an employee, you are a door to people who are looking for help. As a door, you’re giving clients an opportunity to better their lives. That’s what I do, and why I give back at the Alliance. I’m giving what was given to me so freely in 2004.

Alliance Frontline Hero: Deborah Yuelles

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Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, and what brought you to Alliance?

I found out about Alliance through word of mouth, when it was still the AIDS Service Center of Lower Manhattan. I was at a women’s HIV support group in a little church in Brooklyn when a woman gave me an application to the Peer Recovery Education Program—that’s what brought me to Alliance: Cycle 5 in 1996. It was in PREP Cycle 5, that I realized that I was able to live with HIV and not die.

Tell us about your experience in PREP?  

Coming to the Peer Recovery Education Program, I got more than I bargained for. I was in an environment with like people, who were living with something that didn’t necessarily define them. I realized that I had a lot of life to live, and there were opportunities beyond just the training. It opened up a whole new world for me. I didn’t have to deal with stigma, and I wasn’t being treated differently because I had this virus. I had a new community I could rely on. I had hope for myself and my life beyond my status.

What do you do now at Alliance, and tell us about your program. 

I am the Director for Peer Training at the Alliance for Positive Change. I work in training individuals to develop pathways to reenter the workforce, develop skills and knowledge, or attitudes that will be helpful in their communities, and ultimately helping themselves. Our foundational training offers soft skills, basic knowledge around HIV and AIDS, presentations skills, outreach/engagement skills, motivational interviewing, how to connect with people, and much more. Many of these individuals become integral in helping Alliance staff do their work (i.e. outreach into communities). From here, many individuals obtain certifications, gain higher level degrees, reenter the workforce, and beyond.

Is there someone you have helped create positive change?

I met a woman in a mutual aid meeting. I was open with my HIV+ status, and we connected. This person was also HIV+. She had been isolated for many years, her son had been murdered, her aunt had just passed away from complications with liver disease (and also had an AIDS diagnosis). Her family was secretive, and encouraged her not to talk about any of her traumas. I talked her into coming to PREP. Overtime, she got inspired to enter the workforce. She began as a cleaner in a city level job, and over the years she has become a conductor.

Is there a contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

Because we believe in individuals, individuals have come to believe in themselves. And now they are able to reenter the workforce.

I am also incredibly proud of my team, and the dedication they bring.

Alliance Community Heroes: Floyd Mitchell

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Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what you brought you to Alliance?

I began my career journey in 1987, when I was trained by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Outreach Worker. This was during the height of the AIDS epidemic in New York City. This work became my passion. I found out about Alliance through my wife. I was semi-retired after having heart surgery and getting bored sitting at home when she met a member of LES Harm Reduction Center. I learned more about its mission, and I signed up to volunteer because Alliance’s work is very meaningful to me. 

Tell us about your program. 

Alliance LES Harm Reduction Center is more than just a syringe exchange. We provide referrals for those seeking treatment, we have counselors for individuals seeking aid, and we have a mental health therapist and a psychologist on board. We also help with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)—all while stemming the tide of overdose and reducing HIV transmission. 

Is there someone you have helped create positive change?

I am proud to help many people through my work with Alliance LES Harm Reduction Center. One person I am especially proud of is a gentleman who came for syringe exchange services, and whose life was in chaos because of substance use. The first time I met him, he didn’t want to talk about anything. He said, “Just give me what I ask for, so I can go.” As we built a rapport and relationship, our conversations became longer and friendlier. I let him know about the many services we offered to help him on his journey. Today, he is in recovery and employed with Alliance after completing our Peer training program. I will never forget the look of pride when he graduated from the Peer training program—he is truly creating positive change in his life. 

Is there a contribution to this program you are particularly proud of?

I am proud I can offer my two decades of experience working with at-risk populations to help even more people in need!

If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?

I have been very blessed to have found my calling. I do what I love: counseling and helping people. It is a great feeling to have someone say, “Thank you for helping.” I don’t want to do anything else.