Now we shall enter into part two of my success story at Praxis. My next encounter was with Mr. Allan Padilla (Caseworker). Similar to Ms. Daniels, Mr. Padilla was very patient and passionate about helping clients seek knowledge as well as gain success here in Praxis. Allan’s discussion groups provided a wealth of knowledge for all that attended on various topics such as life skills, seeking and maintaining recovery, managing money and treatment adherence.

The thing that I like most about Mr. Padilla is the fact that he participates in our groups and lets the clients run them. He always says that he learns just as much from us that we learn from him. It was in one of his dynamic sessions that I heard about the Workforce Development Program and it was also in his group where I first heard the name Mr. Charles Lewis. Little did I know about the tremendous impact that Mr. Lewis would have on my life.

Part III coming next, the rebirth.

This post is part 2 in a series written by Ralph Green, Praxis Peer Educator.  Make sure to check the blog for Part 3.

Our guest blogger Ian, has passed along some information regarding free events happening where he volunteers at the Brooklyn Public Library.

On Tuesday, 30 June 2009 from 06:00pm – 08:45pm, free HIV testing will be conducted in the Dweck Center Conference Rooms of the Central Brooklyn Public Library. 

The free testing is in honor of National HIV Testing Day.  The Brooklyn Central Library is located at 10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn (www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org).  Because it is so important to get tested, we really want to encourage everyone to get the word out about National HIV Testing Day.

Also coming up at the Brooklyn Central Library is the Brooklyn HIV Care Network General Meeting.  This is taking place on Thursday, 23 July from 11:00am – 02:00pm, with free lunch from 11:00am – 12:00pm.  To confirm your attendance, please contact Dana Burnett, Program Assistant at dana.burnett@nychhc.org.

And many thanks to Ian for passing along this great information!

For the underprivileged communities of New York City, including that which Praxis targets, the Public Library System is an invaluable resource.

Through the Library System, individuals can access a wide variety of educational and vocational services as well as the library’s vast (and free) collection of books and multimedia. 

Due to the current economic crisis, the library system is facing massive budget cuts by the State which will impact the community for the worse, especially in terms of library services.  Jobs and services are in jeopardy. 

Please visit your local library’s website (www.nypl.org , www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org www.queenslibrary.org ) and follow the link which directs you on how to contact your local officials to protest these cuts. 

Guest blogger and Praxis resident Ian recently received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Brooklyn Public Library. 

In July 2008, the former President Bush signed into law the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which contained an amendment that would authorize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to lift the travel ban.  However, after nearly a year, the DHHS has not changed its regulations. 

According to the National AIDS Housing Coalition, the Department of Health and Human Services has submitted a proposed rule to remove the travel ban from its regulations but it’s still subject to a comment period before the regulation can be changed. 

These restrictions began in 1987 back when HIV was classified as a contagious disease.  Before last summer, the United States was one of a dozen countries including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, with an outright ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants.Many hoped that with the inauguration of President Obama, the restrictions would be lifted quickly.  Currently the proposed rule changes are with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) after being reviewed by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Once the OMB has made its final review, it will be available from 30 to 90 days for public comment.   After the public comment period ends, the OMD will make its final changes to regulations.

However, because this process seems to be stalled, it’s up to us to continue to make the public aware of this issue.  It’s 2009 and we have a new president in office who gave us hope for change.   Therefore, we shouldn’t have to wait any longer for this archaic restriction to be lifted. 

I came to the Praxis Riverside Hotel on July 17, 2008. It was hot and so was I, but I have always been a person who is looks at the upside of things and life is most definitely one of them. My intake was truly one of hope and appreciation. That’s because Ms. Daniels (Caseworker) was showing a lot of concern, care and patience during this process. Ms. Daniels also asked me pertinent questions regarding my wellbeing such as how was my health? How was I doing regarding my finances? Was I keeping up with my appointments and seeing the Doctor regularly? Last but not least, was I complying with my medication regimen? The dedication and devotion that Ms. Daniels displayed during that intake process will never be forgotten and meant the world to me. It was at that point, that I knew that I was in the right place and this indeed was truly a new beginning. Stay tuned for Part 2, the sequel.

This post was written by Ralph Green, Praxis Peer Educator

Make sure to check the blog for Part 2