2010 Van Amson Fellow: Washington Heights Corner Project
Elizabeth Americo
CC, 2011
2010 Van Amson Fellow: Washington Heights Corner Project
This past Thursday morning, I had to go to the Washington Heights CORNER Project, at last, to clear out my desk from my summer internship. As I walked into the office and received the familiar “Hello’s” from the staff and participants, I began to realize the weight and meaning of my experience. My time influenced both my personal and professional development, as well as contributed to the health and well-being of the drug-using community in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and New Jersey.
I had a variety of responsibilities this summer, ranging from covering the front desk when we were understaffed to making sure the participants had fresh coffee and pastries. However, my two main projects were the Community Development Project and the Needs Assessment Surveys. The Community Development Project was a way to improve referrals and to fill gaps in services. Many of our participants are homeless, or disadvantaged in a variety of ways, and have difficulty seeking out social services. Since they are already familiar and comfortable with our agency, we are in the perfect position to refer them to other services such as health care, mental health care, food, shelters, etc. I first developed a database of social services offered in Upper Manhattan. Then, I scheduled meetings in order to connect our agency with other agencies. I developed marketing materials to give to these agencies. Ultimately, I was both able to educate surrounding agencies about what we do, and hopefully recruit more participants in need, as well as help our participants have improved access to what they need.
My other main project, which I accidentally took over, was the Needs Assessment Survey. The survey was developed by a graduate student in order to collect more data on our participants. Since we are a low threshold program, we ask for very little information from our participants, in order to not discourage them from taking advantage of our services. The surveys asked a variety of very sensitive questions relating to housing status, law enforcement, health, mental health, HIV and HCV status, and sex work. The surveys were an amazing experience for me to learn more information about our participants. I was able to begin to understand how these people got to where they are today. I could piece together their story. Additionally, the survey presented many opportunities where I could provide supportive counseling, educate people on issues relating to safer sex, HIV, and HCV, as well as inform people about our services. Finally, I developed the skills to talk to people about very private matters that could prove very useful for my intended career as an infectious disease doctor.
My time at WHCP has renewed my commitment as an advocate for people living with HIV, drug-user rights, and sex-worker’s rights. I have a renewed passion and hope to involve more people in the work that I do. I have met a wonderful network of service providers and advocates that continue to shape my world-view and positively inform my politics and commitment to social justice.
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