aids help 2014 annual report

AIDS HELP
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
www.AIDSHelp.cc
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
IT TA K ES AN IS L A N D
Message from the Executive Director
N
ow into my 2nd year of overseeing our organization, with the expert
guidance of our Board, I am proud of
the palpable changes I first spoke of on
a “wish list” when I assumed the position. Be
assured: what hasn’t changed is our passion, and
as we near AIDS Help’s 30th anniversary, our core
remains the provision of services for people living
with HIV/AIDS.
What has changed is the question of relevancy.
Without debate, the face of HIV/AIDS has
evolved. Can the face of the Agency also be
reconfigured to better match this new reality?
We have sown the seeds and we are seeing proof
of our early “shovel work”. We remain committed
to the Keys community in matters of quality case-managed healthcare and
affordable housing for persons in need, yet this resolve blossomed to include
other non-profit agencies within Monroe County. Those alliances now
include Monroe County Health Department (MCHD), Womankind, Wesley
House and the Monroe County Homeless Services Continuum of Care (MCCoC) –partnership programs that ensure healthier client outcomes.
Interestingly, from these partnerships, a triumvirate of criteria has emerged
to guide us: Research, creativity and community engagement.
Research
W
orking in tandem with a new internship program from the Florida
International University (FIU) Robert Stemple School of Public
Health, we are qualifying and quantifying our data. What was
needed was Monroe County-specific analysis, to tell us where to allocate
valuable resources. The Agency is aggressively establishing itself as a
research facility regarding Aging with HIV/AIDS. Myths need to be dispelled
and reality needs to be embraced, whether it is the unintended side effects
from long-term HIV medications or what other comorbidities are associated
with HIV/AIDS.
We know that those diagnosed today with HIV, when medically adherent,
are unlikely to progress to an AIDS diagnosis…yet some level of service will
still be necessary for this group.
The Agency must move from the model of HIV as a fatal disease to that
of a chronic disease. As resources change, our Mission has to transcend a
heartfelt vow of compassionate care to societal and workplace integration
and an emphasis on health maintenance for both body and mind. Medical
case-managed care must hence be combined with clinical components.
Protection from contracting HIV (and other debilitating sexually-transmitted
diseases) is as crucial. Medical strides have made safe sex dialogues and
emphasis on condom use just part of the equation. Although controversial
in some quarters, we cannot ignore prescribed HIV prevention, commonly
referred to as PrEP (which technically means Pre Exposure Prophylaxis).
Some illuminating narrative is included on Page 4 of this Annual report.
Read it.
Community Engagement
T
his category is more catch-all, because any alliance we strike, locally,
nationally or even internationally, can have a long-term echo. When
I say international, I refer to a recent visit with two Cuban medical
emissaries, facilitated by staffer Dr. Michael Hayes, which may eventually
yield a sharing of HIV/AIDS data. Cuban progressives (like the niece of
Fidel Castro, Mariela Castro) have opened AIDS clinics and champion
LGBT rights. An exchange of information with Cuba about prevention and
treatment could be insightful to our own Cuban community.
On a more regional posture, Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. John
Armstrong, was impressed with our relationships with the MCHD, our
Continue page 2
Creativity
I
t’s not just governmental changes, like the Affordable Care Act, that we
had to grapple with during the past year. Societal changes impacted us as
well. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Florida, and throughout
the country, has shifted the landscape regarding housing, income thresholds
and even caregiving. A new infrastructure is warranted, but what kind?
www.AIDSHelp.cc
The Florida Surgeon General visits AIDS Help. Pictured with the Surgeon General
are representatives of AIDS Help, FIU and MCHD.
A. H. of Monroe County Inc. Mission Statement
Counseling, Testing, Linkage to Care
The object, general purpose and nature of this Corporation shall be to establish and maintain in Monroe County, Florida, a Corporation
that will provide case managed health care, food programs, counseling, housing, clinical, and other supportive and volunteer services.
Increase affordable housing by acquiring, developing, and maintaining low income housing for persons in need. Conduct health education and linkage to care.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 2
Executive Director Letter
Continue from Page 1
Housing initiatives and their economic contributions to
the community (all done without State Legislative General
Revenue funds). His request for a report documenting its
success was enhanced by FIU’s contributions and could
result in our State Legislature earmarking funds to develop
similar models of relationship.
Locally in the coming year, we envision large and small
community symposiums to explain PrEP, outreach directed
toward the sexual health of our youth and more accessible
HIV-testing.
Transparency is key. Our generous benefactors want
to know how the money is spent. Third party contract
monitoring and audits ensure accuracy.
We have continued to add to our housing and rental
properties (details inside); a reserve fund has been accrued
by our Finance department to weather reimbursement
uncertainties and unforeseen setbacks; we recently upgraded
our own physical plant to comply or exceed HIPPA
requirements, ensure client privacy, minimize the stigma of
visiting an HIV/AIDS organization and broaden our internal
spectrum (on-staff nurses and doctors, STD testing, a small
lab).
I use the words of Mother Theresa a lot. I quoted her last
at The King and Queen of Fantasy Fest 2014 Coronation.
But who better to cite? When asked why she did so much for
the poor, diseased and homeless...why not just ask her God
to simply reach down and subtract those social indignities...
she responded:
“I dare not ask my God this, for he may ask
me the very same question.What did I do for
the poor? What did I do for those living with
disease? What did I do for the homeless?”
We always strive for more and do more. That is why
sustainability is in the forefront of our organization. The
horizon is ever changing and we are reshaping ourselves
to address these changes. It will be through Research,
Creativity and Community Engagement that we can promote
new realities and continue “Counseling – Testing – Linkage
To Care.”
E. Scott Pridgen
Executive Director, AIDS Help
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-2
Executive
Director Letter
8-9
Volunteers &
Awards
MARATHON /
MIDDLE KEYS
Ruth Ivins Center
3333 Overseas Hwy.
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-0055
10
TAVERNIER /UPPER KEYS
Roth Building
50 Highpoint Road
Tavernier, FL 33070
(305) 853-7400
3
Client
Services
4
Counseling Testing - Linkage
5
Collaboration
6
Fundraising
7
Presidents'
Message
KEY WEST/LOWER KEYS
1434 Kennedy Drive
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 296-6196
Housing
11
Finance
Highlights
12
Thank You
Artists &
Campaigns
13
Thank You
Donors
14
Former
Kings & Queens
of Fantasy Fest
Transparency Is The Key.
2014
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Christopher Elwell
Vice President
Laurie McChesney
Treasurer
Marcus Varner
Secretary
Kate Miano
Members
Neil Chamberlain
Betsy Dietz
Ross Elwell
Donna Feldman
Frank Garner
Bryan Green
Jerry Jackson, MD
Robert Leiby
Gregory S. Oropeza
John Spotswood III
Mark Warmouth
LEGAL COUNSEL
Erica Hughes-Sterling
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
E. Scott Pridgen
WEBSITE
www.AIDSHelp.cc
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 3
Client Services (Snapshot of 2014)
Age Group
HIV/AIDS Status
Medical Insurance
Poverty Level
6%
16%
17%
13%
17%
5%
39%
35%
61%
36%
13%
31%
42%
63%
6%
FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL = $11,700
< $11,700 (63%)
>54 years (42%)
CDC Defined AIDS (61%)
Medicaid (36%)
53-44 (35%)
HIV Positive- Not AIDS (39%)
Medicare (31%)
$11,700 - $16,105 (6%)
43-32 (17%)
Private Insurance (17%)
$16,106 - $23,340 (13%)
31-24 (6%)
Uninsured (16%)
$23,341 - $29,175 (5%)
$29,176 - $37,578 (13%)
Number and Percentage of HIV-Infected Persons
Engaged in Selected Stages of
The Continuum of HIV Care — Monroe County
HIV-infected = 779
Percent of Cases
100%
656
100%
622
95%
80%
40%
20%
0%
95% of
those
diagnosed
with HIV
were linked
to care.
(2) Linked to Care
(3) In Care this Year
(4) On ART (antiretroviral therapy)
352
54%
60%
(1) HIV Diagnosed
57% of
those
linked to
care were
in care
this year.
319
49%
91% of
those in
care this
year were
on ART.
(5) Suppressed Viral Load
(<200 copies/mL on ART)
249
38%
78% of those
on ART have
a suppressed
VL.
Continuum of HIV Care
(1) Number of cases known to be alive and living in Florida through 2013, regardless where diagnosed, as of 06/30/2014 (used for
unmet need calculations).
(2) Ever in Care = 86% of those cases were linked to care, based on persons living with HIV disease in Florida (regardless of where
diagnosed) who ever had a CD4 or Viral load (VL) test in the electronic HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS). (2010 National
estimates are 79%*).
(3) 55% of cases were in care this year, based on HRSA unmet need definition, for persons living with HIV in Florida (regardless of
where diagnosed) and having at least 1 HIV-related care service involving either a VL or CD4 test or a refill of HIV-related RX. (2010
National estimates for in care are 56%*).
(4) Estimated 90.6% of In care and on ART this year in Florida per 2011 MMP data (2010 National estimates are 80%*).
(5) Estimated 78.0% on ART & the viral load is <200 this year in Florida per 2011 MMP data (2010 National estimates are 70%*).
*Continuum of HIV care among Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients, U.S., 2010.
The Epidemic in Florida
Population in 2013: 19.3 million >>>
(4th in the nation)
57% White
15% Black
24% Hispanic
4% Other*
Newly diagnosed** HIV infections in 2013: 4,864
(2nd in the nation in 2011)
Newly diagnosed** AIDS cases in 2013: 2,532
(3rd in the nation in 2011)
Cumulative pediatric AIDS cases reported through 2013: 1,547
(2nd in the nation in 2011)
29% White
49% Black
Persons diagnosed and living***
20% Hispanic
with HIV disease through 2013: 106,335 >>>
2% Other*
(3rd in the nation in 2010)
HIV prevalence estimate through 2013: 126,000
(11.4% of the U.S. estimate for 2010)
HIV Incidence Estimates in 2012: 4,056
(There was a 19% decrease from 2007-2012)
HIV-related deaths in 2013: 935
(Up 1.3% from 2012)
* Other = Asian/Pacific Islanders; American Indians/Alaskan Natives; multi-racial.
** Data by year of diagnosis for 2013 are incomplete and should be interpreted with care
*** Living (prevalence) data as of 06/30/2014
Providing Medical And Supportive Services To 385 Clients In 2014.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 4
Counseling – Testing – Linkage to Care
Education and Medical Case Management
Departments
T
o streamline staffing and reduce internal duplication of efforts,
the Agency in 2014 consolidated our Education Department and
Behavioral Health with Medical Case Management. The move was
necessary to centralize services through Medical Case Management mission
of Counseling – Testing – Linkage to Care.
A new culture of care has emerged. In
collaboration with the Monroe County Health
Department (MCHD), the goal is to triage patients/
clients/consumers into true wraparound care.
Both Agencies will “mirror” the other – that is,
our staff will work alongside Clinical Staff within
the Health Care Clinic. This protocol means that
Doctor/Nurse/ Labs/Counseling/Medical Case
Manager will all assist the “consumer”, in one
place, on the same day.
The new integration of AIDS Help and MCHD
warranted a variety of systems-based changes to improve access to routine
and ongoing care for clients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), being treated in three primary
care sites – Tavernier, Marathon and Key West.
These updates included intensive patient tracking and outreach; flexible
scheduling; engaging patients through self-management education and
peer support; implementation of RN-facilitated Ryan White Medical Case
I
PrEP
t’s an acronym gaining prominence among the sexually active,
whatever their orientation. Equal amounts of praise and scorn have
been attached to its significance.
We at AIDS Help owe it to the community to acknowledge and discuss
it factually as an inarguably-powerful prevention tool without politics or
morality embedded in it.
It’s called PrEP. This stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
For further definition, the word ‘prophylaxis’ means “to prevent or
control the spread of an infection or disease.”
For sexually active people, no prevention strategy is 100% effective,
but PrEP is one way to prevent HIV infection by taking one pill every day.
The pill (commonly referred to as Truvada, its brand name) contains two
medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine, used in combination with other
medicines for HIV treatment).
When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use,
these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing permanent
infection. So, by taking PrEP , the mission is to keep the virus from taking
physical hold.
PrEP is covered by most insurance programs. Even without insurance,
healthcare providers can explore medication assistance programs that
help pay for PrEP.
Once choosing to take PrEP, commitment is critical. The drug must be
taken every day with follow-up every 3 months by a healthcare provider.
Management during clinic; development and utilization of collaborative
agreements with universities to develop internship/scholarship programs for
local execution; and renewed emphasis on annual comprehensive physical
examinations. The program increased the percentage of patients receiving
routine care, improved health outcomes, and led to high levels of provider
satisfaction.
The Agency, in partnership with MCHD, is also increasing its HIV-Testing
and safe sex outreach for Monroe County. A multi-media $30,000 Marketing
Campaign for 2015 is ushering in new awareness of both HIV’s effect and
affect in Monroe County. You’ve probably seen the messages by now on
Comcast and WEYW-TV or heard them on Pirate Radio or US1Radio; print
announcements run in vehicles as varied as KONK LIFE and ‘Q’ Magazine.
With this saturation, in one month alone, walk-ins, appointments and
inquiries for HIV-testing had increased by a whopping 260%, compared to
the same month of the prior year.
To respond to these HIV-test requests in a time-sensitive fashion, every
Medical Case Manager, plus several volunteers including members of the
Client Committee, will be participating and certified in the HIV 500/501
Training. Additional, personal outreach is planned during Happy Hours, on
weekends, in nightclubs, in tandem with community events targeting every
demographic.
The goal: create an “Army” of testers/supportive individuals, from staff and
clients to our Fantasy Fest royalty, Kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchesses
past and present, to reinforce the critical message:
Know Your Status. Get Tested.
Consistent use has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in
people who are at high risk by up to 92%. It is considerably less effective
if the protocol is not adhered to.
PrEP is recommended for use by:
◊
◊
A person who IS in an ongoing relationship with an HIV-infected
partner;
A person IS NOT in a mutually monogamous relationship with a
partner who recently tested HIV-negative; is a gay or bisexual man
who has had sex without a condom or been diagnosed with a sexually
transmitted infection within the past six months; a heterosexual man
or woman who does not regularly use condoms when having sex with
partners known to be at risk for HIV (e.g., injecting drug users or
bisexual male partners of unknown HIV status); or a person who has,
within the past 6 months, injected illicit drugs and shared equipment
or been in a treatment program for injection drug use.
Individuals who use PrEP should use it
in conjunction with other effective HIV
prevention strategies.
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
Using condoms consistently and correctly.
Getting HIV testing with your partners.
Getting STD testing with your partners.
Choosing less risky sexual behaviors, such as oral sex.
If you inject drugs, participating in a drug treatment program.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Collaboration
Florida International University
(FIU) – Robert Walker
Scholarship Program
I
n 2013, the Robert G. Walker Scholarship
Program was established in conjunction with
Florida International University (FIU) and the
MCHD. The internship’s main thrust: to gather
and assess statistics on the
dynamics of HIV/AIDS.
First recipient Esneider
Gomez has since become
the Management and Program Analyst for AIDS
Help; his chief responsibility is to qualify and
quantify the Agency’s data. Our second, Laura
Bocchino, continued to parse and unify data to
identify where healthcare resources need to be
prioritized and enhance outcome reportage for
future grantwriting.
This data management is critical in order to
triage consumers. Via a grant and leadership
support from MCHD, all departments of AIDS
Help acquired new software called ‘Client Track’
(including the Health Care Clinic). The work
of Gomez, Bocchino and future interns will
be integrated into ‘Client Track’ to centralize
threshhold mechanisms, resulting in a workflow
that ultimately develops a consumer plan of care
as well as assigning the appropriate Medical Case
Manager.
Client Track also produces specific real-time,
statistical reports on the face of HIV/AIDS and its
relationship to other chronic illnesses, aging and
housing needs. This data will guide us where and
how to best allocate resources, as well as what’s
trending, which in turn steers us toward specific
grants.
All told, Data drives policy and procedures for
required healthcare protocols for value-based
health outcomes and best practice methods.
Samuel's House
D
uring the past year, our Agency's Dr.
Michael Hayes
has had an
ongoing collaboration
with Samuel’s House
in the development/
implementation
of
‘best practices’, in
accord with the Department of Children and
Families audit and licensing of Case Management
staff. Covering numerous aspects, the main focus
has been on chart reorganization and a Behavioral
Plan of Care with measurable outcomes. Staff's
response has been positive and clients are
encouraged by their new engagement in molding
their individualized programs.
Working With Womankind
J
BS International, Inc. in collaboration with
Womankind, AIDS Help, and Domestic
Abuse Shelter are participating in a crosstraining event on the Intersection of Violence
Against (IPV) Women and HIV/AIDS (HIV).
One programmatic is to develop a shared
understanding of how each field is relevant to the
other and how nurtured collaboration enhances
the female-centric services.
Benefits are plentiful to participating
organizations. Participants will learn about current
data, laws, and guidelines on HIV and IPV; factors
involved in identifying IPV and HIV; integrating
risk reduction into safety planning; addressing
potential barriers to providing integrated services;
what client-centered IPV and HIV services look
like; and the development of shared resources
for addressing these issues. Participants retain the
training materials for future reference and will
receive technical assistance support.
Womankind Director and the Monroe County
School System is collaborating with AIDS Help
to provide clients willing to tell their HIV story
to 8th grade to 12th grade students – from first
diagnosis to how HIV changed their lives. Male
and female volunteers have already visited
schools in Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West.
In addition, AIDS Help and Womankind were
among the four recipients (winnowed from an
initial 40 applicants to an invited roster of 8) of
the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’
inaugural Performing and Visual Arts Grant
Program. The new program awarded a total of
$20,000 for innovative projects that utilize music,
performing or visual arts to address community
issues. A partnership with Key West High School’s
video production class will yield a 7-minute film
designed to increase teens’ safe sex behaviors.
Page 5
Wesley House Family Services
T
he 2013’s inaugural collaboration between
AIDS Help and Wesley House continues to
flourish. Both Agencies, sharing a single
IT Department, have broadened the collaboration
to include more administrative capacity building
and a shared Fundraising staff.
Fundraising requires management, volunteers
and community outreach, and this partnership
allows Fundraising event proceeds to stay with
the respective Agency. The only thing shared is
the Administrative cost of staffing the Fundraising
Department between the two agencies.
AIDS Help and Wesley House also now share
Housing Case Management staff in order to
provide housing opportunities for clients and their
unique needs.
Housing and Homeless Services
T
he Monroe County Homeless Services
Continuum of Care (MC-CoC) is comprised
of most of the Monroe County non-profits
who offer services to homeless individuals and
families.A centralized assessment system moves
homeless individuals and families to services
available in the community.
Last year's development of the PATH program
(Permanent Approach to Housing) has proven a
successful approach to transitional housing and
a real link for households to follow to achieve
secure, permanent housing for Veterans, Low
Income Families and other Disabilities that are
experiencing mental health and/or substance
abuse. PATH also places homeless clients in
transitional housing programs first, which
stabilizes the Agency's own permanent housing
programs. Options are available for re-entry into
transitional housing programs for households that
relapse while participating in PATH.
The More Links, The Tighter Our Island Chain.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Fundraising
F
Page 6
The SMART Ride 11 concluded its mid-November, two-day journey from Miami to Key West successfully,
joined by the Keys' own AIDS Helpers, led by Captain David Meadors (and Executive Director 'Pedals'
Pridgen among his team). Seven separate AIDS/HIV organizations through Florida were beneficiaries,
with nearly $1.2 million awarded.
undraising is critically important for
outreach and client services. Approximately
16% of the overall AIDS Help annual budget
was raised through local events, donations and
bequests. The generosity of this is overwhelming.
Such fundraising has palpably decreased overhead
expenses and increased resources for both AIDS
Help and Wesley House, our collaborator.
Its ratio is important in many ways, including
the ability to demonstrate these as leveraged
funds to qualify for approximately $4.50 for
every dollar generated in Federal, State, grant and
private Foundation funding.
This resulted in more than $1,982,723 such
funding.
Some of our more noteworthy events (‘Taste
of Key West’ and The Vintner’s Dinner and the
King and Queen of FANTASY FEST campaign)
yielded a total of $318,000 for the Agency.
November’s SMART Ride 11, although not
necessarily under the Agency Fundraising
umbrella, sought volunteers, financial support and
enthusiasm for the local team The AIDS Helpers.
Ultimately this remarkable effort brought over
$133,000 to the Agency in early 2015.
This is not to minimize other homegrown,
entertainment-driven productions, like ‘Miss
Firecracker’ and ‘The Miss Closet Ball
Pageant’ or restaurant-sponsored brunches and
underwriting from firms like Centennial Bank.
Every dollar counts. And our supporters deserve
to know where that generosity is directed.
Whenever possible, from gatherings large to
small, Management articulates how the dollars
generated are earmarked. They could be directed
toward building or acquiring housing; supportive
care within Agency-managed housing; client
services; and Education outreach.
It should be noted that fundraising dollars do
not pay Agency salaries. Staff compensation not
covered by grants is paid from housing rental
revenue.
The Key West and Florida Keys Communities
has offered tremendous financial support over the
years, and we’re very sensitive to the fact that we
are not, with over 400 not-for-profit organizations,
the only ones asking for community dollars. We
remain mindful of donor fatigue. The AIDS
Help Board of Directors is evaluating our overall
fundraising spectrum and the need to curtail the
number of events to better represent the Agency’s
specific needs. We altered our annual ‘Tree of
Hope’ fundraiser in the LaTeDa Crystal Room to
align with World AIDS Day on December 1st. We
didn’t auction elaborate wreaths, sell winged teddy
bears or hold a raffle or drawing. It was a simple
convening of friends, neighbors and supporters to
raise a glass to those not present and to inscribe a
card of remembrance to place on a tree, which was
later displayed in the AIDS Help lobby.
Sunset is ready to wrap its arms around booths and
patrons at the annual 'Taste of Key West' festivities on
Truman Waterfront. Be sure to nibble and sip your way
through its 20th Anniversary on April 13th, 2015.
Who will don the Royal regalia for 2015? Potential
candidates should call Jeremy Wilkerson at 305.296.6196!
Thank You For Your Continued Support.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 7
LOOKING BACK WITH OUR
OUTGOING BOARD PRESIDENT...
I
t is now more than four years since I took
over as Chair of AIDS Help.
It has been, to say the least, a tumultuous
time: construction and occupation of
Poinciana
Royale;
Robert Walker’s
retirement; the selection and appointment
of Scott Pridgen as our new Executive
Director; a top-to-bottom restructuring
of the organization; and the beginning of
collaborative working arrangements with
Wesley House and Monroe County Health
Department.
My terms now concludes with the
acquisition from the Community Foundation
of the Florida Keys (CFFK) a housing
complex providing five additional affordable
units in the historic area of Key West.
I believe the agency has exceeded all of the strategic goals we set ourselves
and it is now time for new leadership to take the agency forward to address
I
changing impact of the Affordable Care Act, advancements in the treatment
of HIV/AIDS as well as shifting client needs. We shall do so from a position
that has been considerably strengthened over the last four years.
I am proud that I was able to participate in the well being of AIDS Help and
look forward with confidence to watching my good friend Chris Elwell lead
us towards further growth so that we can continue to serve all those in this
community that need our help.
Bryan Green
Past President, AIDS Help
...AND A HOPEFUL EYE
TOWARD THE FUTURE.
t is with great excitement that I take over
as President of the Board of Directors at
AIDS Help.
I’ve been left big shoes to fill. Outgoing
President Bryan Green’s amazing dedication
to AIDS Help has been immeasurable over
the last 4 years. Standing in his shadow will
literally take a lot.
Our future is a bright one. Executive
Director Scott Pridgen and his capable
staff are incredibly focused on making our
strategic plans a reality. They have fully
committed to collaborating with other notfor-profits in the Keys community; dedicated
themselves to raising the bar on quality of
care; and focused their effort on providing
the best possible support for our clients and their wide range of needs.
Great strides are clear in our Housing component, too. Acquisition and
development are priorities in preserving, acquiring and even constructing
reasonably-priced, solid and secure housing for just not our clients but for
all Keys residents. There can be no argument that it’s woefully lacking and
terribly needed and AIDS Help stands ready to be proactive, not reactive, in
finding opportunities for comfortable and affordable domiciles.
I’m fortunate. I stand alongside an experienced and focused Board of
Directors, energetic internal and external committees and a dedicated corps
of amazing donors and volunteers. Without the foundation they provide, we
can't do what we do.
Christopher Elwell
President, AIDS Help
Serving Key West and the Florida Keys Since 1986.
AIDS Help
Page 8
Volunteers
V
2014 Annu
olunteers roll up their sleeves and provide the
grease that keep our wheels
turning.
These folks provide
much needed support
for the staff and Agency
in assisting our clients
2014
2013 President's Award was awarded to Robert Eadie by AIDS Help
by providing a variety
AIDS
Board
President
Bryan
Green.
of services: transporting
clients to errands, the
delivery of nightly meals,
visiting fragile clients,
assembling
mailings,
assisting at fundraisers…
extending even to those
restaurants who provide
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nourishing meals.
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is appreciated beyond measure. Without their hard work
and dedication, we simply would not be able to do the
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client services and provide input into the goals, policies,
f
o
r
r.
tee
Agula
Volun
procedures and programs of the Agency.
2013 ed to Joey
d
The Fundraising Committee… The Fundraising
awar
Committee…spends countless hours planning our
annual events. Special thanks go to the committee
members -- Stephen Aube, J. David Cooper, David
Chesnet, Chris Elwell, Scott Fuhriman, Ali Hyatt,
Kate Miano, Dave Taylor, and Terri Wilson -- as
well as the subcommittees, such as the Art Auction
Committee and the SMART Ride Committee, which
enlisted members of the community with these events.
2013 Humanitarian of the Year
The Board of Directors… is a volunteer board
was Awarded to Les Steele.
advising the Executive Director and offering their
expertise toward planning the future of the Agency.
Within this are two sub-sets, comprised of Board
members: our Housing Committee, which keeps a
watchful eye on all AIDS Help properties; and the
Finance Committee, which monitors the Agency’s
fiduciary obligations and revenue flow.
ROQK: The Royal Order of Queens and Kings…is
comprised of AIDS Help’s former Queens and Kings
of Fantasy Fest. The Agency is eternally grateful for The AIDS Helpers and The SMART Ride 11 riders and support team.
their fundraising and awareness community efforts, as
well as for their continued visibility and support.
AIDS Help
ual Report
4 President's Award was awarded to J. David Cooper by
Help new Board President Christopher Elwell.
loyee of the Year
ded to
Tochtenhagen.
Bryan Green was awarded the
prestigious Albert McCarthy Award.
2014 Employee of the Year
was awarded to
Gisi Brogli.
201
4
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2013 Unsung Hero was
awarded to Chuck Brown.
2014 Unsung Hero was awarded
to Stephen Aube.
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Congratulations to
Carolyn Sullivan
and The BottleCap staff,
our 2014 Humanitarians
of the Year!
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Page 9
2014 Fantasy Fest Duke Clyde Joyce and supporters at The Kick-Off for
campaigns for Fantasy Fest King & Queen held at The Southernmost House.
2014 Annual Report
Housing
AIDS Help
Page 10
units of affordable rental housing provided a unique opportunity for the two
Agencies to work toward a common goal.
As Dianna Sutton, President and CEO of CFFK, noted, “Rather than place
this property on the open market for redevelopment, CFFK designed a
Request for Proposal to partner with nonprofit organizations or governmental
agencies to preserve critical affordable housing in the Keys.”
The acquisition, finalized in early 2015, was in lockstep with the Agency’s
vision for the Keys.
“As we move toward our 30th anniversary, one of our chief goals is
empowering community members with challenges to resume productive,
healthful lives. Having a place to call home is a key component of wellness,”
Scott Pridgen noted.
This addition brought the Agency’s housing total to 101 units consisting of
104 tenants on six separate properties.
In summary, AIDS Help-owned properties consist of 66 (63%) clients of
the agency and 38 non-clients (37%) and a 98% occupancy rate for 2014.
H
Poinciana Royale
ousing is care!
AIDS Help is committed to addressing the residential needs for people
living with HIV/AIDS, Veterans of America Homeless Program (which
transitions homeless veterans from transitional housing), the elderly on
fixed incomes, households with other disabilities other than HIV/AIDS and
low income-to- affordable income households.
Our waitlist continues to swell within each of the categories cited above.
As of December 31, 2014 the waitlist of low-income housing with special
needs was 287.
AIDS Help has always been, and will continue to be, a proactive voice
for those struggling with deciding between housing and health. This means
we must address supportive/assisted living for residents challenged with
existing independently.
Currently 156 (42%) of our clients are over 55 years of age. 35 (92%) of
our non-clients living in AIDS Help housing are over 55 years of age. It’s
a monumental wave approaching, and the Agency must move aggressively
to ready supportive/assisted living projects. Toward this, AIDS Help seeks
to rebuild Marty’s Place, plus erect additional units as a supportive/assisted
living facility.
Our archipelago of islands is aware of the need. In 2014, the Community
Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) stepped forward with AIDS Help to
addressed the critical issue of Keys housing.
A bequest of property came from former part-time Keys resident Robert
Townshend, who died in 2006, to CFFK. Located on Olivia Street, the 5
CFFK President Dianna Sutton (front, left) hands the keys to the Townshend property
over to Scott Pridgen, AIDS Help Executive Director, and Christopher Elwell, AIDS Help
President. (Back row) AIDS Help Immediate Past President Bryan Green and CFFK Vice
Chairman Roger Heinen.
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy has a goal that 86%
of Ryan White Program clients
will be permanently housed by 2015.
At the end of 2014,
98% of AIDS Help clients were permanently housed.
AIDS Help now has 101 housing units on six separate properties.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Finance Highlights
Where Money Comes From
Fiscal Year Jan. 1, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2014
Where Money Is Spent
Other Income
5%
$204,811
Rent
29%
$1,148,073
Page 11
Grants
50%
$1,982,723
Residential
Facilities
17%
$699,884
Property
Management
6%
$231,658
Client Services
& Education
56%
$2,322,314
Administration
14%
$597,208
Fundraising
16%
$611,420
•
Fundraising
7%
$281,486
CONSOLIDATION! Education and Client Services departments were redefined, resulting in staff
REDUCTIONS and salary SAVINGS
• Wesley House PARTNERSHIP continued to yield savings in Fundraising salaries without compromising special event
REVENUE
• Several administrative salary positions were eliminated by attrition or retirement, freeing up ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES for DIRECT client services
• By bringing Poinciana Royale supervision IN-HOUSE, the Agency saved CONSIDERABLE 3rd party
management and maintenance fees
•
REVENUE of OVER $1,000,000 attributable to rental properties owned by AIDS Help
•
SOLD! Vacant land in Marathon brought $180,000.00 to our BOTTOM-LINE
For Each Dollar Raised, We Draw Down $4.50 in Federal & Local Grants.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
THANK YOU
2014 Royal Family
King Shane Hall & Queen Mary-Lynne Price
Duchess Julie Hanson
Dukes Clyde Joyce & Joe "Weed" Clements
Event Sponsors
Aqua Nightclub
Bourban Street Pub
Clear Channel Radio
Design Group Key West
Fantasy Fest®
Inkeeper’s Association
Key TV
Key West Wreckers
Keynoter
KONK-AM
KONK Life
Monroe County Tourist
Development Association
Neil Chamberland
Pirate Radio
Soundwave Productions
Southernmost Beach Café
Southernmost House
The Key West Citizen
US1 Radio & Conch Country
Royal Sponsors
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
Real Estate Co.
Doug Mayberry Realty
El Mar Seafood Restaurant
Ginger King
Jack Spottswood
Jen and Greg Lloyd
Jon & Janine Seibert
Julie Hogburg
Key West Bicycles
Key West Ins.
Keys Federal Credit Union
KONK Life
Rick's & Durty Harry's
Rita and Rick Holmes
Ron Soloman
Ruchman Charitable
Foundation
Southernmost Gophers
Starboard Financial, LLC
Susie's Estate
The Marquesa Hotel
The Porch
Show, Staging &
Float Designers
Chair and Producer of the
Coronation Ball
David Chesnet
Stage Designer
Rick Worth
Stage Manager
Marvin Hunt
John Jaworski
Emcee
JB McLendon
Float Designers
Rick Worth
Royal Artisans
Royal Ring Maker
Jeff’s Gems
Royal Cape Makers
Frank Cicalese
& Bob Conti
Royal Crown Makers
Neptune Designs
Royal Florist
Gourmet Nibbles
& Baskets
Royal Scepter Purveyors
Bitch Sisters
In Memory of LA Meyers
Royal Pin Purveyors
Bill Heller & Leigha Fox
Royal Chalice Purveyors
The Tennessee Williams
Key West Exhibit
Royal Sash Purveyors
Ginger King
Gregg McGrady
Fizz Rettew
Duke & Duchess Plaques
Design Group Key West
Duke & Duchess Sashes
Derrick Traylor &
Terry Paulson
Royal Photographer
Spectrum Imaging
Campaign Managers
Ginger King
Kenne Tucker
Lorie Rouse
Sue Puskedra
Tammi Peterson
Theo Alexander
Documentary Crew
Beth Rooney
Anthony Picone
Knights
of Fantasy Fest
The Key West Wreckers
THANK YOU
Key West Artists, benefactors and volunteers
for the 25th "Silver Anniversary"
AIDS Help Art Auction
The Artists
Aaron A. Levy
Alaina M. Plowdrey
Alice Levy
Bruce Zabor
Cathy Flanagan
Christine Cordone
CJ Groth
Craig Berube Gray
Dan Metzler
David Harrison Wright
Gail Ann Miller
James W. Weir
Jane Dawkins
Janis Childs
Jayme Barr-Nobles
Jeremy Balthazor
Jim Salem
Jodell Roberts
JT Thompson
Kevin Peterson
Kim Kassner
Larry Blackburn
Linda Fife
Lynne Bentley-Kemp
Marc Hacker
Marilyn Arnold Palley
Maureen Tracy Venti
Michael Kunkel
Michael Palmer
Patricia Baldus & Wendy
Asplundh Archeo Gallery
Richard Kemble
Ruth Stuart Starratt
Sal Salinero
Scott S. Jones
Sean P. Callahan
Susan Sugar
Svend Ritter
Thomas Easley
Unknown – Donated by
Richard & Norma Klein
Wanda Simmen
Wayne Lind
Wyland
Supporters
Ali Hyatt
Angela Berube
Ben Harrison
Betty Rubenstein
Charles T. Price
Cheryl Cates
Chester Sparks
Christopher R. Elwell
Dana K. Dreher
Dennis Beaver
Diane May
Donna A. Feldman
Ellen Steininger
Emily D. Maltz
Erin Mckenna
Haley Herriott
James Colbert
Jane Dawkins
Jane Grannis
Jean Shannon
Jeff Ware
Jeremy Wilkerson
Jody Carlson
John R. Guy
Kate Miano
Kenneth J. Weschler
Keys Furniture Connection
Mark A. Weyler
Mark Songer
Mark Warmouth
Martin White
Mary Hooper
Patricia Baldus
Richard C. Vincent
Robert Leiby
Ruth L. Reiter
Suellen C. Croteau
Auction Committee
J. David Cooper, Chair
Cheryl Cates
David Chesnet
Betsy Dietz
Craig Berube Gray
Helen Harrison
Ali Hyatt
Jon "Tosh" McIntosh
Auctioneer
Charles Bailey Gates
Helpers
2013 Fantasy Fest King
Stephen "Sunshine" Sunday
2013 Fantasy Fest Queen
Diane May
Buddy Dyess
Chuck Brown
Fred Saccone
Michael Kunkel
Jan Hall
Kenny Cabrera
Marc Hollander
Nathan Van Meter
Randy Hall
Sean Callahan
Tammy Hollander
Page 12
Special
Thank You to
Joel and Deborah
Meisel
25th Silver
Anniversary
Sponsor.
THANK YOU
Meals on Wheels
Sponsors
A & B Lobster House
Abbondanza Italian
Restaurant
Bobalu’s Southern Café
Café Marquesa
Café Solé
Camille’s
Croissants de France
Dante’s Key West
Duffy’s Steak &
Lobster House
Fausto’s Food Palace
Half Shell Raw Bar
Island House Café
Kelly’s Caribbean Grill
La Trattoria
Louie’s Backyard
Mangia Mangia
Mangoes
Margaritaville
New York Pasta Garden
Old Town Mexican Café
Pepe’s Café
Pier House
Salsa Loca
Santiago’s Bodega
Sarabeth’s
Sheraton
Seven Fish
Square One
Turtle Kraals
Westin Resort & Marina
AIDS Help Could Not Exist Without The Support of our Caring Community.
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 13
THANK YOU TO OURDONORS
Gifts $500 up to $1,000
A Caring Tree Company
B&B Enterprises Key West
Baltimore Community
Foundation
Bruce Mitchell
C.B. Schmitt Real Estate
Charles Waite
Check Electric LLC
Clarisa Fluker
David Jones
David May
Details Landscaping
Design, Inc.
Dori Frame
Doug Mayberry Real Estate
Edwin Anderson
Fausto's Food Palace
George Hazzis
Heather Carruthers
Holly M. Raschein,
Campaign Acct.,
House of Representatives
Holly Merrill
Hukweem LLC
Hunter Ward Foundation
Island Bicycles
James Blum
James Lancaster
James Olson
Jeffrey Johnson
Joan Cushman
Jon Seibert
Joseph Madrid
Julie Reid
Kate Miano
Kathryn Yearsley
Kemner Chiropractic PLLC
Kenneth Cabrera
Key West Bicycles
Key West Woman's Club
Keys Furniture Connection
Keys Productions, Inc.
Keys Quality Management
KLKG Inc.
Last Key Realty Inc.
Leland Mizelle
Louis Petrone
Mangia Mangia, Inc
Mark Schoonover
Michael Benner
Professional Funding
Solutions LLC
Rebecca Irvan
Ruchman Charitable
Foundation
Sharon Santry
Management Services
Shirley Freeman
Sloppy Joe's Enterprises
Starboard Financial, L.L.C.
Stephen Kozlowski
Strunk Ace Hardware, Inc.
Susan Campbell
Susie's Estates
Tapley Johnson
The Brackthorn Foundation
The Key West Butterfly &
Nature Conservatory
Theme Run, Inc
Three Zombies LLC
Timothy Young
Alliance Square One, Inc.
Steven Ammons
Page Anderson
Suzanne Atkyns
Carrie & Matt Babich
Bascom Grooms
Real Estate
Mabry Binnicker
Thomas Brinkman
& John Faile
Judy Buxton
John Carstensen
George Cartledge
Catherine Simonton
Corporation
Hy Conrad
Christopher & Kimberley
Darby
Stephen Delise
Betsy Dietz
Don’s Place
Donna Feldman
Florida Keys Taxi
Dispatch 2000, Inc.
Richard Fowler
Scott Fuhriman
& Kelly Summers
Judean Geckler-Campbell
Nancy Gore
Michele & Eric Grahl
Nicholas Grassano
Michael & Susan Guadagno
Margaret Guidotti
Eric Haley
Janet Hall
Claude Harris, D.D.S.
William Hawthorne
Mary Lou Hoover
& Charles Waite
Jacqueline Horn
James Jaxxa
Phil Johnson
Clyde & Debbie Joyce
Jack Kelly
Key West Film Society, Inc.
Key West Insurance
Company
Key West Marriott
Beachside Hotel
Stephen Kibbe
Harvey Klinger
Richard Klitenick, Esq.
Thomas Kraker
Christian Larkin
Leather Master
of Key West, LLC
Cheryl Ann Logsdon
Gregory Maddox
Margaritaville Store
Julie McCarron
Jim Morris
Terry Muehler
David Mueller
John Nolte
Mark Patterson
Cathleen Picard
Glenn Prah
Premier Beverage
Company LLC
Mary Readel
Kate Regan
Ruth Reiter & Dan Metzler
Nancy Robinson
Guy Ross
Betty Rubenstein
Ruth Ann Shae
Lee Sider
Ski West Watersports
Mary Smith
Smokin’ Tuna, LLC
Mark & Lois Songer
Southernmost Beach Café
Spottswood, Spottswood
& Spottswood
Sturtz Lock & Safe
The Todd A. Stuart
Foundation
Jamie Thibert
Richard Vincent
Jeff Ware
Mark Warmouth
Albert & Julie Waters
West Wind Fishing Co.,
Inc. dba Bike Shop
MaryAnn & Roger
Westerlund
Daniel Wiggins
Philip Wilson
Diane Wright
$1,000 up to $10,000
Robert N. Alfandre
Foundation
L & N Andreas Foundation
Dena & Robert Badgerow
Scott Barry
Dennis Beaver
Larry Beaver
Michael Benner
Daniel Braunm
Philip Burton
Casa Marina Ltd.
Chad & Jamie Caughran
Community Foundation
of the Florida Keys
David Cooper
Pio Costa Foundation Inc.
Jeffrey Daubman
Robert Leiby
Catherine de Villada
Robert Decker
Warren Dedrick
Dennis Pharmacy
Greg Dunbar
Christopher Elwell
Wendy Engel
Karen Frank-Noll
& Gerald Hughes
Galaher Awareness
Foundation
Geller Family Office
Services, LLC
Bryan Green
& Tony Konrath
Patrick Hegarty
Hildenborough Hotels
Limited, Inc.
(Island House)
Key West Innkeeper’s
Association
Keys Federal Credit Union
William & Karen Lane
Emily Maltz
James Marquardt
Marquis Properties, Inc.
Susan Maurer
Diane May
Douglas Mayberry
Laura & Kevin McChesney
Joel & Deborah Meisel
Minerva Productions LLC
Anne O’Shea
& Brian Quattrini
James Mulligan
Ralph Nakino
Janice Nicowski
Sue O’Brien
William Ogle
Jack Paul
Preferred Properties
Coastal Realty
Scott Pridgen
Martha Robinson
H & H Ruchman
Charitable Foundation
Majorie Sanger
Ramona & Inocente
Santiago
Wallace & Jean Shannon
Peter Shapiro
Sheraton Key West
Karl & Stacy Stahl
Stephen Sunday
Karen & Vince Taporowski
Ben Teague
The Butterfly Conservatory
The Campbell Foundation
Dean Townsend
United Way of the
Florida Keys
Bert Whitt & Dennis
Beaver
Jeremy & Kim Wilkerson
Janet Wood
Wreckers of Key West
Bruce Foster
Chris Uihlein
CPI Security
Eaton Bikes
Hatfield Transportation
Key West Derby Dames
Linda Aselin
Lora Trinchero
Lucy Buffett
Neal Ruchman
Re-Cycle
Richard Tamborski
Stuart Schippereit
Sunshine Scooters
Waste Management
William Rascoe
Pribramsky & Company
$10,000 - up
Hunter Ward Foundation
Joel & Deborah Meisel
Aqua (Island Innovations)
Keys Furniture Connection
The Gardens Hotel LLC
TSR Adventures Inc.
Special Thanks To Those Who
Sponsored Brunches & Dinners in 2014
Christopher Rounds & Patrick Hegarty
of Antonia’s Restaurant
John & Judy Correa of Café Solé
Melanie & Michael Wilson of Michaels Restaurant
and our Photographers Extraordinaire
Peter Arnow, Larry Blackburn, and Kenné Tucker
There were numerous donations made to AIDS Help under $500.
Unfortunately our space is limited to recognize everyone, but we want to say THANK YOU!!!
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
King
Stephen
King
Mark
Patterson
"Sunshine"
Sunday
King
Captain
Timothy
Brown
King
Ralph
Garcia
King
Bill
Heller
Queen
Leigha
Fox
Queens
Bitch
Sisters
Queen
Wilhemina
Harvey
Queen
Sharlene
Webster
Queen
Trish
Blanchette
Queen
Kim
Works
Queen
Martha
Robinson
Queen
Vicki
Roush
Queen
“Stretch”
Frew
The Royal Court crowned
at the Royal Coronation Ball.
(from left to right)
King Shane Hall,
Duke Joe "Weed" Clements,
Queen Mary-Lynne Price,
Duke Clyde Joyce,
and Duchess Julie Hanson.
Mary-Lynne Price
with her supporters
at the Kickoff party
for the campaigns
for King & Queen
of Fantasy Fest held at
The Southernmost House.
King
Mikey
Duncan
King
Scott
Childs
Queen
LaLa Belle
King
Jerry
Franz
King
Tom
Luna
King
Chuck
Lamb
King
John “Ma”
Evans
King
Jerome
Covington
King
John
Mumford
King
Bill
Anderson
Queen
Nadene
Grossman
Queen
Ginger
King
Queen
Helen
“Redd”
Smith
Queen
Meta
“Fizz”
Rettew
King
L.A.
Meyers
King
Tom
Wheaton
King
Frank
Cicalese
Queen
Gina
Dietrich
Queen
Mary Lou
Hoover
Queen
Kate
Miano
Queen
Vicki
Gordon
Queen
Anne
O’Shea
King
Jean
Claude
Gosselin
King
Doug
Stripp
King
Gregg
McGrady
King
Chris
Lippa
King
Chris
Elwell
King
Dave
Taylor
Queen
Surrey
Westrupp
Queen
Liz
Ketchum
Queen
Diane
May
Queen
Peggy
Fields
King
David
Etheridge
King
George
Murphy
Queen
Pat
Green
Page 14
Queen
Michelle
Hardin
2014 Annual Report
AIDS Help
Page 15
“The Royal Campaign is AIDS Help’s most important fundraiser of the year,” states the chair for
Coronation. “Every penny raised is directed toward housing, supportive care, and education outreach.
We’re always so grateful for those who choose to run to support the mission of AIDS Help.”