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Stay in "the Loop" with ICAN's E-Newsletter! |
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| Interested in Volunteering? |
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There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available at ICAN.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation meetings are scheduled for:
August 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Sept. 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Sept. 18 at 3:00 p.m.
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| Carolyn Moore, Executive Director |
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Terry Hall, President
Alice Schaefer, Vice President
John Lopez, Treasurer
John Martin, Secretary
Mimi Tincher
Dr. Jose Quero
Dr. Joseph Fisher
Craig Ruthsatz
Larry Fleming
Robert Vice
Steven Bernstein
Beverly Krepel
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| ICAN is dedicated to a vital mission "to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida."
ICAN is partially funded by Lee County Department of Human Services, Florida Department of Health, United Way of Lee County, grants and private donors. |
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| ICAN Welcomes New Board and Staff Members |
Steven Bernstein, ChFC was recently elected to the ICAN Board of Directors. Bernstein is an Investment Advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and has worked in finance and estate planning for 25 years, including charitable and planned giving.
Beverly Krepel, Co-Owner of Tamiami Title Insurance Agency, Inc. in Naples, has joined the ICAN Board of Directors. Krepel has a strong background in education having worked as Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Centers and an educator with Collier and Volusia County Schools.
Barbara Thomas and Vanessa Davis have been hired by ICAN as SISTA Facilitators. SISTA (Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics of AIDS) is a behavior modification program providing peer education to young African American women in Lee and Collier Counties. Both Barbara and Vanessa are full-time teachers in Lee County.
Theresa Suarez has joined ICAN as a VOICES/VOCES Facilitator. VOICES/VOCES (Video Opportunities for Innovative Condom Education and Safer Sex) is a single-session, video-based HIV/AIDS/STD's prevention workshop. Theresa is also a full time employee of the Lee County Health Department where she runs the jail linkage program.
Bobbi Frasca has returned to ICAN as a Ryan White and Project AIDS Care (PAC) case manager. She has education in psychology and 15 years of experience working with the developmentally disabled. Bobbi's previous work with the Medicaid Waiver Program has made for an easy transition to an ICAN case manager.
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| Red Ribbon Ball Recognized as "Best on the Gulfshore" |
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Gulfshore Life Magazine named ICAN's 7th Annual Red Ribbon Ball a finalist for Best Black-Tie Event in the 2008 issue "Best on the Gulfshore"!
Save the Date
March 7, 2009
8th Annual
Red Ribbon Ball...
Black White & Candlelight |
| Office Space Available |
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ICAN has office space available for lease at its Ft. Myers location. The rental is approximately 800 square feet and includes a lobby, three offices and one restroom. Two or three parking spaces are reserved for the tenant.
For more information, call Rick Allen, Operations Manager, at 239-337-2391 ext. 221. |
| Wish List |
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You can help our clients by donating...
- Food
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Clothing
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School Supplies
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Household Cleaning Products
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Personal Hygiene Items
THANK YOU! |
| Contact ICAN |
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Fort Myers (Main Office)
2231 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-337-2391
Fax: 239-337-7549
Naples Office
The French Quarter Complex
501 Goodlette Road
Building D 100, Suite 4
Naples, FL 34102
Phone: 239-261-0096
ICAN Junction
United Plaza
13971 N. Cleveland Avenue
North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-997-4226
Fax: 239-997-4225
Red Ribbon Resale
170 Tenth Street North
Naples, FL 34102
Phone: 239-261-5618
eBay: RedRibbonResale
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Please enjoy ICAN's latest e-newsletter, the Loop! See "In This Issue" on the left to navigate through this e-newsletter.
Take advantage of "Early Open Specials" on Thursday, August 21 as we welcome Fox 4 Rising's Wild Bill Wood to ICAN Junction Home Improvement Materials Thrift Store. Can't make it to the Junction?...tune in to Fox 4 from 6-9 a.m. Click here for more details.
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| What is Case Management? |
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The Case Management Society of America defines case management as "a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes."
To provide a real-life example, Patti Kelly, ICAN case manager, recently made her monthly visit to see John*, HIV infected client served by ICAN for the past two years. Upon entering John's apartment, Patti couldn't help but notice the overwhelming presence of mold throughout his home. Living with mold had further compromised John's health, yet the thought of moving seemed like a chore he could not take on alone. Patti explained to John the necessity to find a healthier environment and worked with John, who did not have transportation, to locate a new apartment, apply for residence, and access community resources to minimize moving expenses. In his new home, John is now experiencing significantly improved health.
ICAN case managers are constantly confronted with a variety of challenges to provide their clients with basic necessities such as housing, food and transportation. A majority of HIV/AIDS infected clients live at poverty level and many also struggle with developmental disabilities. Case managers help clients uphold their Medicaid certification and provide computer access and online training so clients can complete important applications, such as for food stamps. In addition, case managers spend a great deal of time collaborating with other service providers and medical professionals and making sure clients are taking their medications accurately and seeing a doctor regularly.
Due to the current economy, conditions are becoming more difficult for ICAN clients and their families. To help fulfill their growing needs, ICAN is distributing an average of 12,000 lbs. of food monthly through the Betsy Newman Client Food Pantry, purchasing more personal hygiene items and household supplies through the Client Emergency Needs Account, issuing gas cards and bus passes for important appointments, and collecting clothing for the agency's Client Clothes Closet.
ICAN is also answering an increasing number of appeals for help through the Client Emergency Needs Account which provides up to $300 in assistance annually for clients (often used for automobile repairs, utility bills and other unforeseen expenses) and through our thrift stores (for everything from clothing to furniture and appliances). Each ICAN case manager maintains a case load of 60-70 clients and are always commended by monitoring agencies for keeping well detailed and organized records. Carolyn Moore, ICAN Executive Director, praises, "I applaud Roxanne Smith, Case Manager Supervisor, and all of our dedicated case managers and staff for their commitment to providing heartfelt and quality services to our clients. Their efforts are selfless and tireless, and they deserve our warm gratitude." *name changed to protect identity
Pictured above: Bill Mehall, ICAN Case Manager |
| Handbag Happy Hour...
Something to Raise Your Glass About |
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"I am honored to be a co-chair of Handbag Happy Hour," said Torregrossa, "HIV/AIDS is a serious problem right here in our community, and this event is a fun and fashionable way to raise vital funds to help hundreds of our neighbors in need."
"Oswald Trippe has been a long-time supporter of ICAN's services, and I am pleased to have increased my involvement by co-chairing Handbag Happy Hour," said Trippe. "Everyone is affected by HIV/AIDS, and we all need to get involved to increase education and awareness in Southwest Florida."
You can help by donating new or "previously loved" (gently used) handbags. Bring your donations to Saks Fifth Avenue in Ft. Myers' Bell Tower Shops between September 10-14 and you will be entered for a chance to win a premier designer handbag valued over $2,000. Purchase a handbag from Saks on Thursday, September 11 and 10% of the sale price will be donated to ICAN. Handbag donations are also accepted anytime at ICAN offices.
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 Hanging onto Love with
Advanced Closet and Storage |
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Holly Olson of Advanced Closet and Storage has generously donated the labor and materials for the much needed renovation of ICAN's Client Clothing Closet. The new closet features customized, solid wood double hanging clothing racks and plenty of shelving space.
"The new closet system has dramatically increased our space for clothing allowing us display more items in an organized manner for our clients' selection," said Roxanne Smith, ICAN Case Manager Supervisor.
"Our clients' need for clothing has greatly increased, and Advanced Closet and Storage has made it possible for us to better meet their growing needs," said Carolyn Moore, ICAN Executive Director. HIV/AIDS infected clients and their affected families served by ICAN have access to the Client Closet Monday thru Friday at the agency's Ft. Myers office.
Advanced Closet and Storage also donated and installed cabinets for the Case Management kitchen which had to be removed due to a recent plumbing leak.
"We warmly thank Holly for her generosity and praise her talented and courteous staff for their great work," said Moore.
Help keep ICAN's Client Closet stocked, please donate new or gently used clothing. Your donations are tax-deductible and can be delivered to ICAN at 2231 McGregor Boulevard in Ft. Myers. |
| ICAN Staff & Volunteer Spotlight |
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Teresa Fuentes, ICAN Case Manager, was elected "ICAN's Employee of the Quarter" for the second quarter of 2008 (pictured above with Carolyn Moore, Executive Director).
Teresa maintains a hefty, and often stressful, case load of Ryan White clients (all clients with a HIV diagnosis), yet she is always willing to assist her co-workers with Ryan White advice and by translating to Spanish speaking clients and volunteers.
One of her co-workers shared, "Teresa always treats her clients with respect and courtesy...and she always has a smile on her face."
A client of Teresa's said, "Teresa has been very kind and helpful. She has been like a friend and I thank her very much."
Jessica Collins
Jessica Collins, Lee County Market Manager for Bank of Florida, began volunteering for ICAN earlier this year as a HIV Educator. Twice a month Jessica leads a three-hour HIV Awareness class, each attended by approximately 30 individuals coming out of the Lee County criminal justice system.
"Jessica is so passionate about distributing knowledge about HIV/AIDS," said Melissa Simontis, ICAN Development Director, "Her energy and humor enables her to effectively deliver serious information to a population at greater risk of contracting HIV."
Jessica also assists ICAN by speaking on behalf of the agency within the community and volunteering at special events. Her recent addition as a member of the 6th Annual Handbag Happy Hour committee has already proven to be invaluable.
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| Clients and Kids Go Back to School |
You can help HIV/AIDS infected and affected children served by ICAN as they prepare to go back to school by donating much needed classroom supplies and clothing.
Boys and girls clothing for all ages, backpacks, notebook paper, three-ring binders, pocket folders, pens, markers, crayons, rulers, glue and clothing are gladly accepted.
Your donations are tax-deductible and can be dropped-off at ICAN's offices. For more information call 239-337-2391 or email ICAN.
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| Rozzero and ICAN Junction
Receive Mayor's Alliance Award |
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On August 6, ICAN Junction, ICAN's new and used home improvement materials thrift store, and Louis Rozzero, ICAN Junction employee and HIV infected client of ICAN, were recognized by The Mayor's Alliance of Lee County. ICAN Junction was acknowledged for assisting disabled individuals achieve employment goals, and Rozzero was presented an award for successfully maintaining employment despite his life's challenges.
Vince Marcucci, ICAN Junction Store Manager, spoke about Louis, one of ICAN's most enthusiastic employees, and how fortunate the agency is to have such hard working and caring staff member.
Upon accepting his certificate, Rozzero shared tales of his personal struggle with HIV and how working for ICAN and having Marcucci as his boss has proved to be positive force in his life and strong motivation to sustain his health.
The Mayor's Alliance advocates and identifies community resources to secure employment for people with disabilities and recognizes those who fulfill that ideal. Click here to learn more or to nominate an employee or employer.
ICAN encourages clients and other individuals confronting disabilities to volunteer at our agency or thrift stores. For more information about the volunteer opportunities available, contact Melissa Simontis. | |
Thank you for staying in the Loop! Your time, talents and treasures to support ICAN's mission are always needed and greatly appreciated.
Please visit www.icanswfl.org to learn more about how you can help.
Warm Regards,
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The 
