Iris House has worked with many women, men and their families who have inspired us with their determination and achievement of goals against difficult odds. Read more about these amazing women and men and what they have accomplished at Iris House.

Jennifer S. joined Iris House in March of 2006. She was diagnosed HIV positive October 2005. She began services with Scattered-site housing in March 2006 presenting concerns of being homeless, feeling afraid, ashamed and alone.  She expressed difficulty adhering to medication regimens as she struggled with mental health concerns and maintaining sobriety.  She was separated from her children and isolated herself from others. Scattered-Site case management services began by securing housing for Jennifer and then referring her to additional on-site services including Food & Nutrition, Harm Reduction and Behavioral Health.  She commends her Case Manager, Antionettea for engaging her and motivating her to “come out of the house and get involved”.

When Jennifer began Food & Nutrition services in 2006 she presented concerns of loss of appetite and poor eating habits, which resulted in weight loss.  After receiving Food and Nutrition services she learnt how to eat and prepare healthier meals which resulted in her gaining 15 lbs to achieve a healthier weight. She attributes learning how to prepare healthier meals to her time spent in the Iris House kitchen as an intern for 4 months.

In 2008 Jennifer accessed Harm Reduction services to address high risk sexual and substance abuse behaviors, difficulty keeping mental health appointments, struggling with adhering to medication regimens and the need to establish support systems.  Throughout meeting with her Harm Reduction Counselor, Jennifer was able to address risks behaviors associated with having unprotected sex and using illegal substances, which led to the reduction of harm to her and others.   She accessed treatment adherence services to address barriers to taking her HIV medication and she consistently met with the on-site Psychologist to address mental health concerns related to her family and reconnecting with her children.  Jennifer was encouraged by the Psychologist to participate in Iris house “Family Talk” prevention workshop with her daughter.  This workshop helped Jennifer connect with her daughter and improved their ability to communicate and discuss difficult topics.

Today, Jennifer is employed full-time with Iris House as a WILLOW intervention facilitator and Community Outreach worker providing prevention education in the community and to other HIV+ women.  She has improved her relationship with her children and she is currently raising her oldest daughter who is doing well in school and reports to better understand her mother’s diagnosis and concerns related to her illness.  

Chris was referred to Iris House because he was extremely depressed, had a previous drug history and felt isolated from his family due to his HIV diagnosis. Unfortunately, like in the past, he began an unhealthy relationship. He believed that he deserved this treatment because it was all that he knew. After all, his family always made him feel as if he did not fit in because of his sexual orientation. Once they learned of his HIV status it became worse. During the initial intake at Iris House, he was distraught because his family had planned a trip to Disney World with all his brothers and sisters and did not include him. He decided, after participation in counseling at the agency, and role play, that he was ready to confront his family. He returned with a new positive and optimistic attitude. Now, he talks to his mother and siblings daily and looks forward to spending time with them.

 

Chris currently works at IH as a Kitchen Intern; and is completing his second internship rotation. Chris has recently completed the 16 hour NY State Serv- Safe Food Handler Training. As a result of his dedication, insight and overwhelming desire to improve his circumstances, he has become a master of creativity in the kitchen, assembling unique salad combinations to accompany hot meals served at IH three times a week. Chris attributes much of his success to Marie Ange, the head cook at Iris House for her words of wisdom and insight. He also believes that the collaboration of staff and other clients at Iris house have been beneficial to his sobriety which began on October 26, 2005.

 

Iris House honors Chris, not for his trials and tribulations, but for his desire and stride in overcoming them and not allowing a difficult and painful past define the fine man that he has become today.

FIGHTING FOR HERSELF AND OTHERS

Her case manager describes her as a “firecracker” and anyone who has met Vilma Santiago would have to agree with that description.

Vilma was diagnosed in 1984. Like many people diagnosed at that time, she thought it was a death sentence which lead her to an unsuccessful overdose after having been clean for years. However she survived and took it as a sign that she had to live for her children and her grandchildren. Vilma took her outspoken personality and determination to get the help she needed. In the process she created a path for others. She educated herself about AIDS to be sure she was getting the care she needed. Being someone who was diagnosed so early in the epidemic, she had to stand up for herself and that wasn’t hard for her.

Vilma, who has such a big heart, is always willing to lend a hand to those coming into Iris House for help, comforting those experiencing difficulty and sharing a laugh. She demands attention and holds those around her accountable at Iris House and in the community. Vilma joined Iris House in 1992 and is an active member on several boards, serves on many client advisory boards and is a trained peer educator.

For her years of hard work for people living with AIDS, Vilma was recognized this past December by the New York State Department of Health with the Distinguished Service Award for exceptional accomplishments in HIV/AIDS services. Iris House celebrates Vilma and women who are trailblazers in fighting for the rights of women living with AIDS. As Vilma says ‘these women are living with AIDS, not dying from AIDS.’

Brenda is a 4 year client of Iris House.  She is an active member of our COBRA & Nutrition programs.  Brenda, a recovered substance abuser, accesses many of the supportive services Iris House offers including the Substance Abuse Group, Sister to Sister and Women over 50 Support Groups.  She states that "Iris House is a home away from home were I can get the support I need."  After completing the agency's Peer Educator training she spent 2 years conducting outreach, handing out condoms & speaking about HIV transmission.  She was asked by Judge Hatchett, the famous TV judge, to speak to a juvenile whose life was out of control about the dangers of her behavior.  Brenda was able to relate her own experience in losing a daughter to a brutal murder to help the young girl turn her life around.  Now Brenda carries the light of hope for mothers who have lost children or those diagnosed with HIV to understand and share their situations to help others.  She indicates "I am ever grateful to Iris House for helping me lift the guilt and live again."