1. Volume 2, Issue 3 Summer 2010
North Jersey Community
Research Initiative
Community First
About NJCRI
The North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI) is New Jersey’s largest and most
comprehensive HIV/AIDS community-based organization.
Our mission is “to help people with HIV/AIDS and those at risk for HIV/AIDS.” We
conduct state-wide HIV clinical trials, and provide HIV treatment, care and prevention ser-
vices in the Greater Newark Area. Populations we serve include youth and adults, men and
women, men who have sex with men, people who acquire or who are at risk for HIV
through injection drug use and others.
NJCRI also seeks to address the concerns and disparities of access to health care faced by
minority populations. Some of the non-HIV related services we offer include behavioral
research, chronic illness management education, street outreach, substance abuse treatment,
transportation, food pantry and technical assistance to other community-based
organizations. Approximately 5,000 people avail themselves of our free and confidential
services each year.
Inside this issue:
Client Corner 2 North Jersey Community Research Initiative Announces
$40, 000 Matching Gift Program
LGBT Pride Month
3
Schedule
Like many community based organizations, the North Jersey Community Research Initia-
tive (NJCRI) needs funding to maintain its services. On May 4, 2010 Brian McGovern, Ex-
What a Great Success!! 4 ecutive Director of NJCRI, formally announced the launch of the NJCRI “Meet the Chal-
lenge” Matching Gift Program. Two special donors, who share our enthusiasm for NJCRI’s
future, have come together to create the Program. For every dollar you contribute to
Chronic Disease Self
5 NJCRI, they will contribute a dollar, matching all donations up to $20,000.
Management Program
“These gifts could not have come at a better time. Unfortunately, like many other groups,
Upcoming Programs our budget has become a victim of the economy,” explained McGovern. “We provide
6
and/or Events medical care, mental health counseling, HIV prevention, HIV testing, nutrition, education,
syringe exchange services and a youth drop-in center to over 5,000 clients annually. Our
Matching Gift Program will help ensure continuing care for them.”
“Meet the Challenge” will continue until June 30, 2010. To date, NJCRI has raised almost
$7,000, totaling almost $14,000 for NJCRI with our dollar-for-dollar match.
Continues on Page 2

2. Community First
Continues from Page 1
North Jersey Community Research Initiative Announces $40, 000 Matching Gift Program
“In the past, our donors have been amazingly committed. Through this program we hope to not only attract new
donors but also challenge our current donors to increase their commitment,” said Joseph Rothenberg, Finance
Director. “We think it’s important to let all of them know how much we really need them now.”
Donations to NJCRI are accepted in five methods: check, money order, paypal, credit card or in person.
You can send your donations to:
NJCRI
Attention: Joseph Rothenberg
393 Central Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103
Information on how to donate is available at http://www.njcri.org under the “How You Can Help” tab.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED SO FAR!
Client’s Corner
My name is Paul Q. and I would What I really can say about NJCRI
like to let everyone know about is that if you really want to get
NJCRI. back on your feet, I mean this from
the bottom of my heart, just come
It’s not just for HIV/AIDS, this place to 393 Central Avenue and First
is so amazing. It’s about every sick- street. You will never make a bet-
ness that anyone has from a person ter stop in your life.
that drinks a lot or has any type of
substance abuse addiction. Thanks NJCRI and Staff.
Paul Q.
When I first came here to NJCRI, I
had really given up on life. I mean they picked me up from Turning
this addiction I had really tore me up Point and drove me to a shelter in
mentally as well as physically. Then Newark. With the help of Ms. Smith
I met Ms. Grace Smith, my case and other NJCRI staff members, my
worker at NJCRI, and the other staff. life is back on track.
Ms. Smith started my life on the Seeking Cures For Tomorrow
right track with the help of the out- Now I am waiting to get my own Providing Support For Today!
reach team who took me to a detox apartment and I am back in school
center. When I was finished at the getting a training on how to drive a
detox center, NJCRI’s outreach team forklift. I am in the process of get-
came and picked me up and took me ting my license for the first time.
to Turning Point in Secaucus, NJ for
60 days. Again, when I came out
Page 2

3. Volume 2, Issue 3
NJCRI Celebrates LGBT Pride Month!
Newark-Essex Pride Week 2010 PRIDE WEEK EVENTS (events are subject to change)
Monday, June 7, 2010 Hosted by the Newark Pride Alliance, the Saturday, June 12, 2010
FLAG RAISING Safe Spaces Conference is an annual SHADEFEST MINI-BALL presented by
5:00pm ∙ Newark City Hall ∙ 920 Broad event that brings together stakeholders to NJCRI Project WOW!
Street ∙ Downtown Newark discuss ways in which we can work to- 3:00pm - 8:00pm
“Rising Higher” begins with the 4th an- gether to make our community a safe NJCRI ∙ 393 Central Avenue ∙ Newark
nual LGBTIQ Pride Flag Raising Cere- place for all residents. This year’s confer- Project WOW is Newark’s leading
mony at Newark City Hall. The ceremony ence will focus on health and wellness LGBTQ youth drop-in center. Join them
is the official endorsement of Newark- issues such as healthy eating, spirituality, as they present their annual mini-ball!
Essex Pride Week by the Municipal and mental health.
Council and Mayor Cory Booker. The SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
flying of the flag is a celebration of the HAPPY HOUR @ THEATER SQUARE 9:30pm-2:00am
LGBTIQ community and a symbol of BISTRO Kilkenny's Alehouse (upper level), 27
empowerment for all. 5:00pm ∙ 8:00pm Central Avenue Downtown Newark
Theater Square Bistro ∙ NJPAC/One Cen-
FLAG RAISING RECEPTION ter Street ∙ Downtown Newark Sunday June 13, 2010
Immediately following flag raising ∙ New- Join NJPAC in celebrating the Greater COMMUNITY PRAYER & PRAISE
ark City Hall Rotunda ∙ 920 Broad Street ∙ Newark LGBTQ community. Happy SERVICE presented by Liberation In
Downtown Newark Hour at the Bistro is a time to connect Truth Unity Fellowship Church
Join the City of Newark, Newark-Essex with old friends, make a few new ones all 10:00am - 11:30am ∙ Washington Park ∙
Pride Coalition and the LGBTQ Concerns while celebrating Newark-Essex Pride Downtown Newark
Advisory Commission for a post flag rais- Week. Food & drink specials and live Join LIT in a worship filled service of
ing reception. musical entertainment feat. Gary Paul celbration. All are welcome!
Wright and The cast of RENT
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 No Cover Charge PRIDE PARADE
KARAOKE NIGHT 12:00pm ∙ Parade route begins at Halsey
9:30pm ∙ 1:00am Friday, June 11, 2010 Street & Treat Place
Nick’s Bar & Restaurant ∙ 28 Central REEL GAY: A FILM SCREENING & The 3rd Annual Pride Parade will feature
Avenue & Halsey Street ∙ Downtown DISCUSSION FEATURING DANIEL a procession/march down Halsey Street in
Newark KARSLAKE AND HIS ACCLAIMED a formal celebration of the LGBTIQ com-
Bring your best Beyonce, Queen, Shania FILM "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME munity. Organizations and individuals are
and perform like a star! SO" welcome to participate.
No Cover Charge 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: NJCRI 393 Central Avenue, PRIDE JAM IN THE PARK
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 12:00pm - 8:30pm ∙ Washington Park ∙
JUSTICE OUT LOUD UNPLUGGED Downtown Newark
PRESENTED BY ACLU-NJ B.L.I.S.S. ENTERTAINMENT PRE- The festival will feature a variety of ven-
8:00pm ∙ 10:00pm SENTS: FRIDAY NIGHT HEAT FOR dors, including LGBTQ agencies, service
Brick City Bar & Grill ∙ 45 Halsey Street ∙ WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN providers, local businesses and advocacy
Downtown Newark 10:00pm-3:00am groups at a day-long event with food and
Professional story tellers breathe life into Nick’s Bar & Restaurant ∙ 28 Central live entertainment. Performers include a
their encounters with justice, freedom, Avenue ∙ Downtown Newark combination of local, homegrown and
persecution, coming out, self-discovery, $12 before 12:00am, more after regional talent with a focus on performers
and redemption. Sometimes poignant, Exclusive VIP room & entertainment who are part of the Greater Newark
sometimes funny, always illuminating. (space is limited). indoor/outdoor party LGBT community.
Drink specials, $10 pitchers of Sangria,
Thursday, June 10, 2010 $0.50wings until midnight. Tri-state’s
COLORS OF CARE: CREATING SAFE hottest DJs
SPACES IN HEALTH & WELLNESS
8:00am ∙ 5:00pm ∙ UMDNJ Medical Sci-
ence Building ∙ 185 South Orange Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103
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4. Volume 2, Issue 3
What a great success!!
Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP)
Live Healthy, Live Happy Workshops!
The Live Healthy, Live Happy workshop, founded by the Office of Minority
and Multicultural Health, is a six-week program that meets once a week for 2
1/2 hours. Workshop participants learn how to self manage chronic illness and
take a more active role in their health care.
The workshop series that began on April 13, 2010 was a great success. Con-
gratulations to all participants for completing the program and for making this
workshop an amazing experience. A big thanks to Nimaako Brown, Assistant
Project Manager of NJCRI’s Project COPE and Aura Caicedo, Manager of
Project CHETA and Live Healthy, Live Happy for facilitating this workshop.
For more information on upcoming workshops or to schedule one in your
community, contact Nimaako Brown at (973) 483-3444 ext. 184.
NJCRI Customer Relations Training
NJCRI employees recently Topics covered included com-
completed a 4-day Customer munication, how to identify
Relations training to expand customer needs, how to manage
their knowledge of customer different customer behaviors
relations and customer support. and problem solving among
The 12 hour training was pro- others. Instructional manuals
vided by Greg Skelley from were given to staff and every-
Essex County College through a body who completed the train-
Department of Labor grant. ing received a certificate.
Thank you MAC!
On Friday, May 7, 2010 NJCRI clients and staff enjoyed a few hours of beauty and relaxa-
tion as they received free makeovers from MAC Cosmetics. About 50 people attended and
were given an individualized beauty consultation with one of MAC’s four professional
makeup artists from around the area. Participants chose their favorite makeup - from blush
to eyeshadow to lipstick and were given a complete makeover. A great time was had by
all.
Thank you MAC Cosmetics for making this event possible!
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5. Community First
Take Control of Your Health: Chronic Disease
Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
For the past year, NJCRI has been offer- came together for a day of fidelity with T-
ing Chronic Disease Self-Management Trainers Mari and Lisa. We had a great
Program (CDSMP) workshops and Peer day full of fidelity tips and protocol to en-
Leader trainings. The CDSMP sure the success of CDSMP.
(developed at the Stanford University
Patient Education Research Center with The Implementation Manual for Master
AHRQ funding) can help prevent or delay Trainers has been updated and was dis-
disability. Additional AHRQ-funded re- tributed on this day, as part of the new
search has also shown that education Master Trainer/Peer Leaders manual.
and lifestyle changes can reduce disabil- The implementation Manual provides
ity, control costs and have a positive in- guidance on the role and responsibility of
fluence on the quality of life of elderly a Master Trainer.
Americans.
Master Trainers are responsible to con-
The CDSMP Peer Leader training is a 4- duct at least one observation visit on all
Peer Leader Training day training for anyone motivated to help Peer Leaders under their leadership.
starting on June 16th, 2010 themselves and to assist others to man- The observation visit can be at sessions
age chronic health conditions (diabetes, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The purpose of the Peer
at NJCRI
arthritis, HIV, cholesterol, heart disease, Leader observation is to support the
etc.) Participants MUST attend all four Peer Leader and share ideas to ensure
For Information Contact:
(4) days of the training in order to be- fidelity. It is an opportunity to strengthen
Nimaako Brown the Peer Leader model and to maintain
come a certified Peer Leadership trainer.
(973) 483-3444 ext. 184 All workshops and trainings are designed quality of the Take Control of Your
or to be facilitated by 2 people. Each Health program.
Aura Caicedo trainee receives a detailed leader's man-
(973) 483-3444 ext. 204 ual, and a copy of the workshop's text-
book .
On May 14th, over 60 Master Trainers
Page 5

6. Community First
Phone: 973-483-3444
Upcoming Programs and/or Events
Fax: 973-485-7080
www.njcri.org
Support Groups
For information about upcoming group meetings, call (973) 483-3444
Founder
William P. Orr, M.A. Project WOW! KIKI Function
For information, call (888) 688-9078
Board of Trustees
Dwight Peavy
Chair United We Stand-Night of Outreach Committee Meeting
For information , call (973) 483-3444 ext 203
Thomas Flynn
Vice Chair
Carol Mori
CDSMP Peer Leader Training
Treasurer For information , call (973) 483-3444 ext 184
Jeffrey Bomser How to Start a HIV and Domestic Violence Program Training
In Memoriam
Online Social Networking Training
Institutional Review Board
James M. Oleske, M.D.
Chair Team Development—Training
Youth Advisory Board
Ka'leef C. Washington Development of Infrastructure—Training
Chair
For information , call (973) 483-3444 ext 204
Directors Shade Fest 2010
Brian McGovern, L.S.W.
Executive Director
Saturday, June 12, 2010
For information, call (888) 688-9078
George Perez, M.D.
Medical Director
Corey DeStefano, B.S.
Director, Clinical Research and Compli- Does your organization have a presence on Twitter or YouTube?
ance Officer If so, follow NJCRI at
http://twitter.com/NJCRI
and
Robert C. Baxter, M.P.A. http://YouTube.com/NJCRI
Director, Addiction, Prevention and Educa-
tional Services
Joseph Rothenberg, M.B.A.
Director, Finance
Donate Over the Phone
(973) 483-3444 ext. 191
Seeking Cures For Tomorrow Donate on our Website
Providing Support For Today! www.njcri.org
Donate By Mail
Send Us A Check
NJCRI
Newsletter created by:
Aura C. Caicedo 393 Central Avenue
Edited by:
Bob Baxter, Nimaako Brown, Aura C. Caicedo, Caroline E.S. Harris
Newark, NJ 07103