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Positive Steps Consulting

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Supportive Housing Network of New York Emmanuel Outreach

Taylor/Jones Enterprise Homeless Alliance of Western New York

5th Annual

North American Housing and Special Needs Populations Conference

November 1-2, 2012

The Conference Center Niagara

101 Old Falls Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303

(USA)

Conference Overview More than 300 conference attendees from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Canada are expected to attend this two-day conference which will be held in Niagara Falls, NY. This two-day conference will feature 90-minute workshops and three-hour institutes. The conference will also feature Roundtable discussions and networking opportunities. Lead Sponsors: Mind Evolution Training Institute and Positive Steps Consulting have partnered to host quality conferences and trainings throughout North America over the last seven years. Together, they have an excellent reputation for organizing events which draw attendance from the US and Canada. Partnering Sponsor: Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) The Supportive Housing Network of New York represents the statewide supportive housing community of over 200 non-profit organizations and corporate organizations that have developed and operate over 43,000 units of safe, affordable housing with on-site services. The Network provides advocacy, resources, public education, technical assistance and the promotion of effective practices to strengthen and expand supportive housing statewide. Other Supporting Partners: Homeless Alliance of Western NY, Emmanuel Outreach and Taylor/Jones Enterprise event management services. Target Audience: Case Managers, Service Coordinators and Outreach Workers, Executive Directors, Funders, Community Planners, Program Directors, Supervisors and Managers, Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Providers, Homeless Advocates and Residential/Housing Staff, Criminal Justice, Correction, Probation and Parole Staff, Healthcare Educators, Developmental Disabilities Staff, Consumers and Peer Advocates. Conference Goals and Objectives:

• To present innovative models and feature “Evidence-Based Programs and Best Practices” • Health promotion, prevention and education • To promote networking and establish/improve relationships across systems • To promote dialogue between US and Canadian Homeless Housing Advocates and Providers • To help participants improve skills and performance • To promote diversity • To promote excellence in service delivery • To help improve collaborative partnerships • To offer various morale-boosting activities Training Hours: A certificate of attendance with the number of training hours will be provided to conference participants for documentation of continuing education for professional credentialing. All documentation and certificates of attendance will be distributed after the last session on Friday November 2

nd.

Location and Accommodations: The conference will be held at The Conference Center Niagara Falls located at 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY. The Conference Center is within walking distance of the American Falls and directly across from Seneca Niagara Casino. The Sheraton at the Falls (USA) is the designated conference hotel. The Sheraton at the Falls is adjacent to The Conference Center and is located at 300 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Discounted room rates for the “North American Conference” are $99/night. Conference attendees are responsible for making their own reservations by calling the hotel at 1-866-961-3780. The discounted rate will only apply for reservations made by October 10, 2012. The hotel offers parking for guests in the adjacent city-operated flat lot at a rate of $5.00 per day. Transportation and General Conference Information: The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF) is approximately 25 minutes from the conference site and hotel. The NFTA bus, shuttle and taxi service is available for a fee from the Airport and Amtrak Train Station to the hotel and conference site. The NFTA Bus at $2.50 is the most inexpensive method of transportation from the Airport. Please contact Sara Taylor at (585) 654-9083 or staylor43@rochester.rr.com for conference and travel questions and information.

Conference Day 1

Thursday November 1, 2012 7:45am-5:00pm

7:45am-8:30am Registration, continental breakfast and exhibits

8:45am Welcome and remarks from the event sponsors and partners

9:00am-9:20am Morning Address, Dale Zuchlewski, Executive Director - Homeless Alliance of Western NY

Day 1: 3 Hour Institutes

A. Community Strategies B. Professional Development

Institute Session I

9:30am – 12:30pm

Community Development, Affordable and Supportive Housing: Building New Partnerships

Managing Multiple Programs, Staff and Locations

Institute Session II

1:45pm – 4:45pm

Implementation of the HEARTH Act: Developing and Implementing a Coordinated Entry

System/Common Assessment Tool

Taking The Chaos Out of Change

Day 1: 90 Minute Workshops

Workshops A. Housing/Residential Services

B. Innovative Models/Practices

C. Special Needs Populations

Session I

9:30am- 11:00am

Innovative Solutions for Mental Health Housing

Wellness Recovery Action Plan - WRAP

Removing Barriers for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

Session II

11:10am- 12:40pm

Integrating 12 Step and ACOA Concepts into Your

Work

Effective Contract Management: Poised for Success

Using SSI/SSDI Benefits as a Tool in Recovery

Session III

1:45pm – 3:15pm

Homeless Housing: Interventions and Strategies

Approaches to Treatment in Non-Clinical Settings

Ensuring the Success of our Returning Veterans

Session IV

3:30pm – 5:00pm

Chronically Homeless/Housing First

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a New Light – Reflections on Choice

Theory, the History and Efficacy

Assessing and Eliminating Barriers for the Transgender

Community

Conference Day 1 Workshop Descriptions

Day 1: 3 Hour Institutes

Institute Session I- 9:30am-12:30pm

A. Community Development, Affordable and Supportive Housing: Building New Partnerships Steve Piasecki, SHNNY, Albany, NY

Developing housing is not every service providers dream, but homeless clients need a home. Innovative groups are partnering, letting the housing experts do the development and allowing the support services experts to provide the services; a win-win for all. Better yet, whole neighborhoods can be re-vitalized in the process.

B. Managing Multiple Programs, Staff and Locations John Paul Perez, Catholic Family, Rochester, NY

Many premier housing organizations now provide services from multiple sites and locations whether this occurs in the natural course of organizational and program development, or due to mergers or acquisitions. A diverse array of program services are now often delivered under the management of one “umbrella” or general organization. Within these organizational structures, managers are presented with special challenges and opportunities in effectively providing services within the context of multiple sites and program elements. This workshop will offer some models and concepts that can assist managers and coordinators in developing and providing successful program services with different objectives at multiple sites. This workshop will also address a number of variables that contribute to staff diversity including not only status factors such as generation, education and life experience, but differences in the values and motivational factors that staff brings to their positions.

Institute Session II- 1:45pm-4:45pm

A. Implementation of the HEARTH Act: Developing and Implementing a Coordinated Entry System/Common Assessment Tool Steve Piasecki, Supportive Housing Network of New York, Albany, NY

HEARTH Act regulations require increased collaboration of the CoC, ESG and other local planning bodies to work toward the goal of ending homelessness. The CoC is responsible for coordinating the planning process for developing and implementing a Centralized or Coordinated Entry system that uses a Common Assessment tool. The result will be a system where homeless persons receive the housing and services that best fit their needs. This workshop will present the basic concepts and provide discussion time for participants to share where their communities are in their planning processes.

B. Taking The Chaos Out of Change Tracey Boff, Catholic Charities, Rochester, NY

This institute will address the importance of developing a culture of Recovery in Behavioral Health Settings. Participants will address the philosophy, principles and values of Recovery. This institute will review Evidence-Based Practices (EBP’s). Participants will review the most practical approaches – such as Wellness Self-Management and Integrated Dual Diagnoses Treatment. Institute will include tools for implementation, application and assessment.

Day 1: 90-Minute Workshops

Workshop Session I - 9:30am-11:00am

A. Innovative Solutions for Housing the Mental Health Population Rev. Terry King, Executive Director, Saving Grace Ministries, Inc Buffalo, NY

Individuals with mental illness are increasingly being “mainstreamed” into programs and services for individuals with other special needs. Small-scale housing models allow for provision of services to this sub-population while allowing agencies to provide specialized mental health services for improved outcomes and increased client participation and long-term stability. This 90 minute workshop will discuss innovative and housing solutions for servicing clients with mental illness; the workshop will cover several unique models for housing mental health clients, will identify barriers to developing housing programs for individuals with mental illness, and will address these barriers and identify solutions.

B. Wellness Recovery Action Plan – WRAP

Louis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY

Mary Ellen Copeland’s Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is one of the most important Best Practices in the field of Behavioral Health today. The WRAP plan is a wonderful way of empowering consumers by engaging them in the development and maintenance of daily living skills, healthy behaviors and crisis management. This workshop will review how to use the plan effectively and efficiently.

C. Removing Barriers for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

Lissette Figueroa, Catholic Charities Community Services, Rochester, NY

The face of AIDS has significantly changed due to the many medical and treatment options for people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite the many advances and increased knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, many HIV+ individuals still live isolated due to the fear and stigma which still exists today. This workshop will focus on this issue and provide participants with up to date information regarding HIV/AIDS and by using real life scenarios participants will understand the issue of stigma and fear of those who are HIV+. Participants will further learn how to create an HIV friendly atmosphere within their organizations so HIV+ individuals are comfortable to self-disclose and are able to access resources available to them.

Workshop Session II - 11:10am-12:40pm

A. Integrating 12 Step and ACOA Concepts into Your Work Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY

Much of the research on best practices and contemporary approaches in working with the homeless and disenfranchised substance abuser neglects to account for the contribution of the 12 step programs. Case managers, counselors and other helpers can notably improve the effectiveness of their efforts by integrating 12 step understandings, concepts, slogans and support into their interventions. In addition, the lost art of working with people and keeping a perspective on their experience in an alcoholic family system (or similarly affected family system) will be rekindled with some new thinking and realizations. It is likely that this experience has significantly affected close to 80% of the people that you work with !! Your improved awareness of the role and helpfulness of the 12 step program and ACOA integrated approaches will be of benefit to all you work with moving forward.

B. Effective Contract Management: Poised for Success Alyssa M. Gross, Esq., Corporate Counsel and Compliance Officer, Saving Grace Ministries, Inc., Buffalo, New York

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of effective grant and contract management, including how to identify appropriate funding streams for a program or agency and how to coordinate multiple revenue sources to assure that funds are used appropriately and effectively. Objectives for the workshop include understanding how to develop a contract management process; how to identify grants or contracts that serve the long-term purposes of the agency or program; and identify barriers to effective contract management as well as solutions to those barriers.

C. Using SSI/SSDI Benefits as a Tool in Recovery Raven Oglesby, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing, Cleveland, OH

An exploration of how SSI/SSDI benefits can change the lives of individuals that are disabled and homeless. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of best practices used to incorporate SSI/SSSDI benefits into the recovery process for physically and/or mentally disabled homeless individuals. We will also discuss the barriers that often exist, how to overcome the barriers and the overall benefit of incorporating benefits assistance into an agencies list of service offerings.

12:30pm- 1:30pm Lunch and Presentation Not Just a Garden Chris Munn & Fern Whyland, Central New York Services, Syracuse, NY

This is not simply a garden project; it provides opportunities for observational studies of residents, all of who are formerly homeless and many with substance abuse disorders. In addition this project touches upon generating funding, involving staff with residents in producing a product and building organizational teamwork. This presentation will provide the key concepts for creating a gardening component in residential housing programs:

• Community Building • Person Centered Activities • Staff and Consumer Strength Based Activities

Workshop Session III - 1:45pm-3:15pm

A. Homeless and Transitional Housing: Interventions and Strategies David Johnson, Volunteers of America, Rochester, NY

This workshop will present best practice intervention strategies that services providers working with the homeless populations can apply when developing intervention and service plans. It also highlights a networking approach that is designed to engage the community referral resources to nurture and support the dignity and respect of homeless households in transition.

B. Approaches to Treatment in a Non-Clinical Setting

Lisa Terian, Benedict House, Buffalo, NY

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of collaborative strategies in working with external service providers within a non-clinical setting. With the advent of statewide health homes the need for increased collaboration and cohesion is key. It is vital that all providers bring their strengths to the table in order to provide the client with the most integrated continuum of care possible. In addition, the importance of writing specific, clear service plans and developing systems for data collection in exhibiting best practice are essential in continuing the dialogue with stakeholders. Case examples and group discussion will help accomplish the learning objectives.

C. Ensuring the Success of Our Returning Veterans

Joe Sluszka and Sgt. Glenn Read, Albany Housing Coalition Inc., Albany, NY

This workshop will explore the world-view and culture of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans as they return home through the eyes of a returned veteran. We will then explore examples of their needs and ways in which a community’s existing resources can be utilized to ensure their successful re-integration home. We will also discuss the Veterans Administration’s strategies to meet its goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015 within the context of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’s “Opening Doors” and provide links to resources and programs that both HUD and VA are offering.

Workshop Session IV - 3:30pm-5:00pm

A. Chronically Homeless/Housing First TBA

Are you considering starting up your own Housing First program for the chronically homeless? Starting or improving street outreach programs in your community? If so, join us for a discussion of various program designs, intake processes, supportive services, low demand case management, measuring impairments and much more. The Housing First model is a proven method and the one that will end chronic homelessness.

B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a New Light – Reflections on Choice Theory, the History and Efficacy

Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY

This workshop will explore one of the primary contributors to cognitive behavioral therapy today, William Glasser MD, and the evolution of both his thinking and practice. Much of Glasser’s work focused on failure within the educational system, which in and of itself is highly relevant today as we look at the numbers of youth who drop out of school and forecast the complexion of homelessness in the future. Notably, many of our consumers first experienced alienation, failure and misunderstanding in their school experience. In addition, the work of reality therapists with youth yields a high level of insight and experience in how to engage and motivate those who don’t respond to traditional or typical approaches. The foundations of Choice Theory will be explored along with the associated approaches that are highly applicable.

C. Assessing and Eliminating Barriers for the Transgender Community Paige Walker, Southern Tier AIDS Program, Ithaca, NY

This workshop will provide an overview of transgender identity and address issues facing this community, especially with regards to homelessness. Participants will also work to identify barriers prevalent in existing services and programs as well as learn strategies that can be adopted in service settings with the goal of creating a safer and culturally competent access to services for the transgender community. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how they can better support individuals within this population, as well as develop and cultivate supportive spaces for transgender individuals. This interactive workshop will employ a variety of activities, including presentation, group discussion, and film clip to accomplish these learning goals.

Conference Day 2

Friday, November 2, 2012 7:45am-1:45pm

Registration and Continental Breakfast: 7:45am-8:45am

Round Table Discussions: 8:00am – 8:50am

• Roundtable I: New Generation of Workforce: Ethics and Boundaries

With a current workforce that has such diverse generational needs, this discussion will assist participants in defining or refining their professional roles and address the challenges of a diverse generational workforce.

• Roundtable II: Societal Megatrends

The troubled economy and the end of entitlements, kids without parents and our crumbling inner cities, how do we shape the future of our communities

• Abstinence Based versus Harm Reduction Housing Models: As more providers are considering Housing First program models, where are we today with debates related to Abstinence based versus Harm Reduction models? Have organizational cultures embraced Housing First philosophies?

Day 2: 90 Minute Workshops

A. Housing B. Models/Practices

C. Special Needs Populations

D. Professional Development

Session I 9:00am-10:30am

Funding Opportunities

OTDA Health Homes Jail and Prison Re-entry Cultural Competency

Session II 10:45am-12:15pm

Engaging Public Housing Authorities

to End Homelessness

Trauma Informed Care Part l

Hepatitis C, STI’s, & HIV-AIDS Where are we now?

Vicarious Trauma

Session lll 1:30pm-3:00pm

Tenants vs. Landlords: What is Really Bugging us about Bed Bugs?

Trauma Informed Care Part ll

Engaging Homeless Youth Critical Skills for new

Supervisors and Managers

Conference Day 2 Workshop Descriptions

Day 2, Session I 9:00am-10:30am:

A. Funding Opportunities Administered by ODTA Richard Umholtz, New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance Bureau of Housing Services, Albany, NY

Staff will discuss Federal funding resources for homeless programs: capital, operating and support services. Learn successful application tips.

B. Health Home Impact on Homeless and Supportive Housing Programs TBD

A Health Home is a care management service model whereby all of an individual's caregivers communicate with one another so that all of a patient's needs are addressed in a comprehensive manner. How will the implementation of Health Homes impact Homeless and Supportive Housing programs and services. How will the needs of the Chronically Homeless be addressed and what type of program model is being designed for this population? Come hear updated information and share ideas and suggestions for key community partners.

C. Jail and Prison Re-entry Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY

This workshop will explore the Ten Steps in the re-entry process from jail based assessment and screening to community based long term case management and vocational tracking. Heightened sensitivity will be developed by attendees to the experience of those in the criminal justice system and the challenges of returning to the community after a stay in a penal institution. This ten step analysis will allow attendees to critically assess the effectiveness of the re-entry services available in their community and identify where their roles fit in the process.

D. Cultural Competency Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY

This workshop will help participants understand the impact of culture on a consumer's orientation, world view, and perspective. It is only within this context that effective interventions can occur. The differences between information about a cultural group, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence will be explored along with a stage model of assimilation vs. differentiation. Participants will be asked to explore their own history and cultural orientation and identity as a framework from which they can then develop enhanced awareness and comfort with other groups.

Day 2, Session II 10:45am-12:15pm:

A. Engaging Public Housing Authorities to End Homelessness Steve Piasecki, SHNNY, Albany, NY

Housing authorities can and should be key partners in ending homelessness. The Corporation for Supportive Housing has released a new toolkit to help not for profit leaders learn the ropes. Innovative PHAs have been invited to share their models and best practices.

B. Trauma Informed Care Part l

Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY

Experts see Trauma Informed Care as essential to treating PTSD, Addiction, and Behavioral Health challenges. Moreover, providers that are not Trauma Informed risk the possibility of “re-traumatizing” consumers. We will briefly review the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) study; a study that changed the way we look at behavioral health today.

C. Hepatitis C, STI’s, & HIV-AIDS Where are we now?

Rene Stockton, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, New York, NY

This 90 minute workshop updating those present on the state of HIV-AIDS in 2012 and why it is important not to forget Hepatitis C and the myriad other STI’s that continue to impact our communities. We will talk about prevention, testing, and treatment in special needs population including “Housing as Treatment” for many special need populations. We will also present some best practice strategies for mobilizing communities toward a better understanding of the special needs of positive populations they are living with and often trying to ignore. There will be a brief slide show and the entire session will be interactive.

D. Vicarious Trauma Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY

Many of us work with people who have experienced more than their share of life's hardships and struggles. Many have been exposed to conditions and events that leave permanent scars, memories and additional issues with adjustment. Some of these events precipitate a psychological trauma, and multiple and at times even continuous traumatic experiences plague many of those who are homeless and in and out of the criminal justice system. This workshop will explore the effects that helpers and staff members may experience as the result of working with consumers who have experienced a high level of trauma. Discussion will focus on participant's experience and on identifying some of the common reactions that may be precipitated by ongoing involvement with this population. Participants will be invited to assess their own reactions to and ways of coping with some of the effects of secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization.

Day 2, Session IlI 1:30pm-3:00pm

A. Tenants vs. Landlords: What is Really Bugging us about Bed Bugs? Kim Martin, Catholic Charities Community Services, Rochester, NY

This workshop will focus specifically on the bed bug epidemic that is running rampant through many cities and regions in the Northeastern United States and Canada. Up to date information on the bed bug epidemic in addition to the complex side effects will be presented. Facilitators will present different perspectives on this issue based from their work as advocates for clients and from their professional experiences as housing specialists working with landlords. Use of real life situations and scenarios will be used to facilitate group discussion and to teach providers the tools they need to identify a possible infestation. Presentation will include legal parameters for both landlords and tenants which can be used to reach successful outcomes with landlord-tenant negotiations. They will also touch on some useful tips to help you protect yourself from infestation that can be universally applied to any work situation.

B. Trauma Informed Care Part lI Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY

This session will briefly review the Trauma Informed Care model, including principles, clinical environment, and simple practices.

C. Engaging Homeless and At-Risk Youth

Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY

Participants will learn innovative ways to engage Homeless and At-Risk Youth and key communication skills and empowerment strategies that every Youth Worker should apply. Additionally workshop participants will learn the elements of providing strength-based case management services to at-risk youth.

D. Critical Skills for New Supervisors and Managers Sara Taylor, Positive Steps Consulting, Rochester, NY

Supervision is a very difficult task; you have to be sensitive, objective, decisive, humane and professional all at the same time. Supervisory positions are especially difficult when an individual is rewarded for doing good work by being promoted to a supervisory position (which happens a lot). That sometimes puts the person in a bind if they do not have the supervisory skills to be a good supervisor, and they don't want to admit that for fear of being demoted. This workshop offers some supervisory skills training and guidelines for avoiding some of the pitfalls of supervision.

North American Conference 2012 Registration Form

State and County vouchers must be sent for processing by October 5, 2012. Credit card payments will be accepted through PayPal e-mail invoicing and assessed a 2% service fee. Please contact Sara Taylor for more information at (585) 654-9083. Please note that

registration confirmation will only be sent via email. Please print clearly and answer all questions (you may copy this form for each attendee). Name: ____________________________________________________ *Email:_____________________________________________________ Agency:___________________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _________ Phone: ( ) ____________________ Days you will be attending (Please check one): November 1st _______ November 2nd ______ Both Days______ Vegetarian meal required? Yes:_____ No:______ Thursday November 1st – Carefully look to avoid time conflicts if you choose a Institute and 90 Minute Workshop.

My choice for Institute Session I 9:30am- 12:30pm:

My Choice for Institute Session II 1:30pm:- 4:30pm:

or

My choice for Session I 9:30am-11:00am:

My choice for Session II 11:10am-12:40pm:

My choice for Session III 1:45pm – 3:15pm:

My choice for Session IV 3:30pm-5:00pm: Friday November 2nd Workshop Sessions

Roundtable: 8:00am-8:50am:

My choice for Session I 9:00am-10:30am:

My choice for Session II 10:45am-12:15pm:

My choice for Session IIl 1:30pm-3:00pm Registration Fees and Deadline: The conference registration includes: All workshops and materials, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon break.

Early Bird Rate – Registration and payment received by Friday October 12th

Full Two Day registration $250 US/$270 Can. per person

Full Two Day registration with 3 or more from one agency $225 US/$245 Can. per person

Full Two Day registration for Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) Member Agencies $210 per person

One day registration $135 US/$150 Can. per person

Regular Rate – Registration and payment received by Friday October 26th

Full Two Day registration $280 US/$300 Can. per person

Full Two Day registration with 3 or more from one agency $250 US/$275 Can. per person

Full Two Day registration for Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) Member Agencies $235 per person

One day registration $150 US/$175 Can. per person

The registration deadline is Friday October 26th, 2012. All registrations and payments received after this date should add a $30.00 late charge. *Registration deadlines are firm and registrations will not be processed without full payment. No refunds will granted after the deadline and all refund requests prior to the deadline will be subject to a 30% service fee. There will be no shared registrations for the two day event. Total Amount Enclosed: _________________

Make checks payable to: Taylor/Jones Enterprise Send completed form with payment to: North American Conference 2012

248 Willmont Street Rochester, NY 14609.

Featured Workshop Facilitators and Speakers (Bios sent and confirmed by publication date)

Craig Johnson, MS, LMHC, CASAC: Craig is currently the Director of Drug/Alcohol and Re-Entry Programs at the Monroe Correctional Facility in Rochester N.Y. and the Director of Professional Development at Mind Evolution Training Institute. He is a nationally known expert in the field of Chemical Dependency and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders. Additionally, Craig provides professional trainings on Working with Persons involved in the Criminal Justice System. His unique, energetic approach is sure to enlighten and empower session participants. Sara I. Taylor, BSW, MS: Sara is a well known regional trainer who has a passion for organizing and planning special events. She is nationally known as an expert in the field of Faith-Based Initiatives and Case Management. Sara consults with various organizations and enjoys facilitating professional development workshops for Residential and Case Management staff. She is currently the founding president of Positive Steps Consulting, Rochester, NY. Luis O. Lopez, MS: Luis is a member of the Quality Assurance / Staff Development Department at Services for the Underserved. He has been involved in the implementation and application of Evidence Based Practices since 2003. He facilitates educational sessions on Motivational Interviewing, Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, Family Psycho-Education, Cultural Competency, and Wellness Self Management. Luis has presented at various state and national conference over the last five years. Steve Piasecki: Steve is the Upstate Coordinator for the Supportive Housing Network of New York. As Upstate Coordinator, he provides direct training and guidance to the Network’s upstate members and assists in advocacy efforts. Mr. Piasecki brings over twenty years of experience in the area of supportive housing development, including mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and other special needs populations. He also has a broad range of experience in working with the HUD Continuum of Care process in both urban and rural settings. John Paul Perez, MS: John Paul is the Associated Director for the Homeless & Housing Department at the Catholic Family Center in Rochester NY. John Paul started his career doing research at the highly controversial Bridgewater State Prison Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and having had the unique opportunity to work along side Salvador Minuchin in 2003, John Paul recognizes poor families as a system within “the system,” and has been serving High Risk Families since 1999.

Paige Walker, MSW: Paige is the LGBT Program Coordinator at the Southern Tier AIDS Program in Binghamton, New York. She coordinates LGBT Programs within the community and coordinates activities of the Identity Youth Center. She also provides professional trainings on working with LGBT youth and related issues. Lisa Terian, MSW, LCSW-R; Lisa is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience treating individuals and families experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse issues both in the community as well as in residential settings. She is currently the Director of Supportive Services at Benedict House, which provides supportive housing to homeless and at-risk homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Joe Sluszka, BA: Joe has received national recognition from the U.S Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary for the innovative and successful homeless veterans programs he initiated and directs as Executive Director of the Albany Housing Coalition in Albany, NY. Joe has been in the low income housing arena for 31 years and he brings broad knowledge and experience to his presentations. His efforts for the last 4 years have focused on addressing the needs of returning veterans. He is an advisor to Gov. Cuomo’s Task Force on Returning Veterans and their Families; he is also currently President of the Board of the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State. Raven Oglesby,MBA: Raven is part of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) staff where she is the SSI Ohio Project Manager. Since 2008 Raven has coordinated and managed the statewide SSI Ohio Project and is the state lead for the SAMHSA sponsored SOAR Program. Raven works with local providers, Specialist and state departments to ensure that homeless individuals receive the benefits needed to obtain stable housing and services. She has served on the board of the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, the Governor’s Anti-Poverty Task Force, is a SOAR trainer and is the recipient of the SSA Quality Service Award. Prior to working with COHHIO, Raven worked with a collaborative group of Community Development Corporations helping people who were suffering from mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction and poverty locate and apply for resources so they could obtain or maintain housing and lead several other community initiatives. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development and a Masters of Business Administration.

Alyssa M. Gross, Esq: has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany, and a law degree from the University at Buffalo. She is the Corporate General Counsel for Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. (SGM), a faith-based non-profit organization based in Buffalo, New York. Her primary responsibility as Compliance Officer is to oversee compliance with the various contracts and grants under which SGM operates. She has written several contract proposals, resulting in contracts with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the NYS Division of Parole, the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and other state and federal agencies. She is also an adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo in the School of Social Work. Rev. Terry King: Rev. King is the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Saving Grace Ministries, Inc., a faith-based non-profit organization based in Buffalo, New York. Rev. King oversees all day-to-day program activities, fiscal and data reporting, and case management processes for the agency. With over 10 years of experience housing the hard-to-place population, including individuals with mental illness, Rev. King is aware of the special needs of homeless and other at-risk individuals. In addition to overseeing programming in Buffalo, Rev. King serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Saving Grace Ministries of Rochester, Inc. Lissette Figueroa: Lissette Figueroa has worked at Catholic Charities Community Services for ten years. She has worked among many community agencies to strategies to identify trends surrounding emerging housing issues. In addition to her extensive knowledge regarding housing, Lissette’s vast hands on experience working directly for programs designed for individuals living with HIV/AIDS she offers a real world prospective on the issues of the HIV/AIDS community. Kim Martin: Kim has worked in the housing field for over 12 years and has spent the last 10 years in the HIV/AIDS housing field. She has significant experience guiding tenants and landlords in obtaining the best outcomes for resolution and negotiations regarding a variety of different housing issues. Kim is very knowledgeable about a variety of legal issues including housing law and landlord-tenant rights. Kim has become well versed in navigating through the housing legalities that have arisen with this increasing problem of bug infestation. Through real-work experiences and real life scenarios she will give current views of the issues surrounding public and private housing and the developing issue of infestations. Chris Munn: Chris is the Director of Residential Operations at Central New York Services, Inc where he oversees programming in both Onondaga and Oneida County. In Onondaga, Chris is responsible for five residential sites located throughout the City of Syracuse. He has been responsible for looking to incorporate green practices whenever and where possible. In Oneida County, Chris oversees a growing supportive apartment housing program that has been very successful in the community. Rene Stockton, MSW: Rene is a master’s level social worker with 20 years working in shelters, supported SRO’s, residential, and scattered site housing programs for various special needs and positive populations. He worked with some of the earliest HIV positive groups many of which carried multiple challenges in the form of additional diagnosis, physical disability or mental. He is a skilled presenter and group facilitator with extensive experience. Rene is currently the Project Coordinator for the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS based in New York City. David Johnson, BSW: David is a case manager at VOA NWNY, Salvation Army minister for Men’s ministry and residential counselor for Booth Heaven men’s shelter. For 10 plus years David has worked with the transitional living community focusing on the effects of chemical dependency, mental health, incarceration and other variables that fuel homelessness. He has facilitated workshops and small groups for Catholic Family Services, Action For a Better Community and other community agencies.