Positive Change Hero: Deborah

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.

Positive Change Hero: Floyd

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.

Alliance grieves the loss and honors the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

We grieve the loss and honor the legacy of the brilliant, resilient and courageous Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who fought fiercely for dignity, fairness and opportunity.  As only the second woman to join the nation’s highest court, she long championed many of the rights we cherish and was a committed champion of full gender and LGBTQ equality.

Her inspiring words loom large today. She avowed, “We should not be held back from pursuing our full talents, from contributing what we could contribute to the society, because we fit into a certain mold ― because we belong to a group that historically has been the object of discrimination.”

I heard the news of her passing as I celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with my family. Those who pass away on this holiday are regarded as tzadik, a title bestowed to the righteous.

As we mourn Justice Ginsburg, let us also celebrate her legacy, and reflect on her life’s achievements, ones that will continue to guide our efforts as we continue our work towards social justice, inclusivity, respect and equity. She will always be a hero in our hearts.

-       Sharen I. Duke, Executive Director/CEO

Alliance Statement on Passing of Congressman John Lewis

Sharen I. Duke, Executive Director and CEO of The Alliance for Positive Change, issued the following statement about the death of U.S. Congressman John Lewis on Friday, July 17, 2020:

“This weekend, we lost a hero and icon of the civil rights movement – the Honorable Congressman John Lewis. Marching side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman Lewis never gave up on the dream to achieve justice, dignity and equality for all. He stood up against discrimination on any basis, and as a staunch supporter of the HIV/AIDS community, he told advocates, “Your life is valuable. You are beautiful and strong, you must stay the course, and you must continue the fight. You cannot give up, and you cannot give in.  Please know that you are not alone.” We mourn his loss, celebrate his life, and revere his commitment to creating a more equitable, just, and hopeful world for all of us.”

Dining Out For Life NYC is cancelled this year

This summer would mark our third anniversary participating in the international Dining Out For Life fundraiser.

However, given the impact of COVID-19 on our community and clients and the ever-developing challenges and demands Alliance faces to ensure the delivery, quality, and impact of our services, we will not hold the event this year.

Initially planned for April, then re-conceived as a virtual event – Dining IN For Life – scheduled for July 30, the event has been (and will be again!) a wonderful way to convene friends, colleagues, Alliance staff and Peers, along with our corporate and restaurant partners to eat, celebrate, and support the work we do. This year we will not have this opportunity. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need the funds.

In the spirit of “Dining” together, we ask that you contribute to Alliance’s Coronavirus Support Fund, a fund that directly addresses the painful and compounding issue of food insecurity amplified by the virus: www.alliance.nyc/giving. 100% of your donation will go to support our food and nutrition initiatives. 

Our work, providing a range of care services to New Yorkers living with HIV and other chronic illnesses, substance use, and homelessness has always been essential. This year, under the cloud of COVID-19 where our community has been particularly hard hit, it is critical.  And it requires grit, ingenuity, and resources—human and financial.

Despite the necessities of social distancing, program reductions, and facility closures or limitations, Alliance has been on the streets, in our harm-reduction van, and on the phone (calling over 6,000 clients weekly!).

Alliance trained staff and our powerful legion of Peers are:

·       screening for COVID-19

·       evaluating essential physical, medical, and emotional needs

·       helping to determine plans of action

·       providing boxed meals

·       delivering pantry items

·       issuing gift cards for food to the homebound/isolated

·       offering harm reduction services, HIV and HepC testing, free condoms, and syringe exchange

·       making certain that our locations adhere to strict safety standards

·       being that voice that simply says “I’m here…” 

In advance, thanks for your understanding and your help.  A contribution of even $10 or $20 will make a difference, put food on what might otherwise be an empty table, and even put a smile on someone’s face (albeit under a mask ;). www.alliance.nyc/giving    

Feel Better. Live Better. Do Better.

Statement from Alliance Amid Demonstrations Following the Death of George Floyd

We are deeply anguished by the senseless acts of discrimination and violence happening across our country, where Black Americans are being killed in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Minneapolis – Tony McDade, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and George Floyd. Our hearts go out to all Black and Brown individuals, families and communities affected by these and other national tragedies.

It is all of our responsibility to find a way to end this cycle of racism and violence.  We cannot, should not, and will not tolerate racism in any form.  We must stand together to achieve justice and a stronger, safer future for all of us.

NY1 Acts of Kindness Features Alliance

NY1's Kristen Shaughnessy highlighted Alliance in her Acts of Kindness report, lauding volunteers at our 30-year nonprofit for distributing hundreds of gift cards and PPE to vulnerable New Yorkers.

Learn more about how Alliance is caring for our community during the coronavirus outbreak here: www.alliance.nyc/coronavirus and support our work by giving to the Coronavirus Support Fund today!