MTV LGBT employee affinity group
Hi Lucky,
It was pleasure to meet with you today. Thank you for taking the time to share the background on Sylvia's Place. And thank you for your interest in learning more about the RAINN Network.
I provided your contact info to the head of outreach for RAINN. She said she will have someone contact you on Monday to talk more about how their organization supports LGBTQ individuals.
Thank you also for sharing a copy of your book! I am going to meet with the LGBT Employee Affinity Group (EAG) next week and recommend that we have you come in and speak at one of the upcoming meetings. It would be great to develop a stronger connection to you and your organization.
I'll be in touch again soon!
Best wishes,
G.M.
MTVN Human Resources
It was pleasure to meet with you today. Thank you for taking the time to share the background on Sylvia's Place. And thank you for your interest in learning more about the RAINN Network.
I provided your contact info to the head of outreach for RAINN. She said she will have someone contact you on Monday to talk more about how their organization supports LGBTQ individuals.
Thank you also for sharing a copy of your book! I am going to meet with the LGBT Employee Affinity Group (EAG) next week and recommend that we have you come in and speak at one of the upcoming meetings. It would be great to develop a stronger connection to you and your organization.
I'll be in touch again soon!
Best wishes,
G.M.
MTVN Human Resources
I so want to be here right now with my publisher and with Lorenza Orlando the woman who scanned my negs in Italy for "Shelter"
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ROOM
Piazza Fidia 3, (Via Medardo Rosso), 20159 Milan. Italy
Programma:
ore 17
Apertura di the photographers' room
ore 18
Presentazione con slide show "Married to the mob" di Alberto Giuliani, reportage sulle mafie.
A seguire proiezione del video "Memoriae" (Alberto Giuliani 2009, 15 min).
E’ gradita la prenotazione.
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS' ROOM
www.thephotographersroom.com/blog
Emeroteca e Laboratorio
di Fotografia e Sostenibilità ambientale:
PIAZZA FIDIA 3 , 20 159 MILANO. Italy.
Piazza Fidia 3, (Via Medardo Rosso), 20159 Milan. Italy
Programma:
ore 17
Apertura di the photographers' room
ore 18
Presentazione con slide show "Married to the mob" di Alberto Giuliani, reportage sulle mafie.
A seguire proiezione del video "Memoriae" (Alberto Giuliani 2009, 15 min).
E’ gradita la prenotazione.
THE PHOTOGRAPHERS' ROOM
www.thephotographersroom.com/blog
Emeroteca e Laboratorio
di Fotografia e Sostenibilità ambientale:
PIAZZA FIDIA 3 , 20 159 MILANO. Italy.
(Youtube video)YouTube video! Lucky rally interview about dycd at city hall / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvvOagc1mO0
My OFFICIAL RESPONSE
Dear Friend of Runaway and Homeless Youth,
As one of the "losers", let me be the first to say that Sylvia's Place of MCCNY Homeless Youth Services is here to stay and will remain the NYC institution it has become. We are looking into every alternative means to recoup these funds to prevent programatic cuts.
I do appreciate all the work of Lew Fidler as he is our greatest ally in the NYC Council addressing issues legislatively after getting advisement of RHY service providers. We will continue to support every endeavor the New York City Council puts forth on behalf of LGBTQ RHY. Let me take this opportunity to personally thank the work being done by Chair Fidler to add LGBTQ youth to the RHY Act and I look forward to the day that this legislation is signed onto National RHY Act, so that we can begin appropriations of funding for this population that all evidence shows is going underserved not only in NYC, but globally. The support of Chair Fidler's and Speaker Quinn's offices are integral in the work that needs to happen in this city in order to see that our youth are all accounted for and provided services.
That said, we have a long way to go and we need the support of the New York City Department Youth and Community Development to see that all RHY programs providing essential services to the homeless and street-involved youth are included in this continuim so that every one of the lives of our young people are equally valued and cared for. As service providers, we are all in a position to advocate on behalf of the best interest of the youth on the streets and their development which we will do every time we see injustice in the system that governs, administers funding, or in any way effects this population. In your efforts to track the data of program changes as a result of this RFP, I want you to keep in mind all of the youth that continue to be out of service or are being provided by services that have yet to included in this "system" that has been developed in NYC.
The work being done at the Empire State Coalition and the NYC Association of Homeless and Street-Involved Youth Organizations are also to be credited for the great strides taken in this city and state to assure that the RHY population are provided adequate services and that all service providers are brought to the table. If their model of seeing and addressing trends with this population were to be replicated by the entities involved in funding decisions, we would be further on the road to attaining our collective goals.
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services does not have city funded beds so we were in the unique position to fight for those that do. We are a service provider that has fought aggressively from its inception to provide the services needed to get these youth off the streets and into city funded crisis beds with waiting lists in the hundreds. Our drop-in program is critical to the process of getting them access to services, putting them on the lists for crisis beds, getting them identification, and caring for them until they get into a program elsewhere. We all depend on each other to co-exist and work effectively for the young people that we serve. Informing us that our population could be adequately served elsewhere is unacceptable, as suggested in the form letter from DYCD to MCCNY Homeless Youth Services and every individual advocating on our behalf. DYCD is in no position to know what is best for the development of the youth in our program, but unfortunately their decisions will effect the lives of these young people.
Our call on City Council Members was in no way to suggest that they had anything to do with these DYCD matters, but our only real chance for resolving them. Thus, as our elected officials we need their full support in getting DYCD to address these issues as it is the city entity designed to administer the funds going into RHY programs.
The inadvertant consequences of this DYCD RFP process were too much for us to ignore. We need to see the evidence of these large service gaps that DYCD has left us with being addressed and look forward to hearing real solutions to this matter by DYCD Commisioner Jeanine Mulgrav and the City Council Members going into coversation. Making great strides forward and then steps backwards is not effective to providing the consistant growth that we need to see in order to attain the goal of EVERY child being afforded shelter from the streets of this city.
--
Lucky S.Michaels
Program Director
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services
446 West 36th St; NY, NY 10018
Phone; 212-629-7440 Ext. # 226
Fax; 212-279-1185 "Shelter" Book
As one of the "losers", let me be the first to say that Sylvia's Place of MCCNY Homeless Youth Services is here to stay and will remain the NYC institution it has become. We are looking into every alternative means to recoup these funds to prevent programatic cuts.
I do appreciate all the work of Lew Fidler as he is our greatest ally in the NYC Council addressing issues legislatively after getting advisement of RHY service providers. We will continue to support every endeavor the New York City Council puts forth on behalf of LGBTQ RHY. Let me take this opportunity to personally thank the work being done by Chair Fidler to add LGBTQ youth to the RHY Act and I look forward to the day that this legislation is signed onto National RHY Act, so that we can begin appropriations of funding for this population that all evidence shows is going underserved not only in NYC, but globally. The support of Chair Fidler's and Speaker Quinn's offices are integral in the work that needs to happen in this city in order to see that our youth are all accounted for and provided services.
That said, we have a long way to go and we need the support of the New York City Department Youth and Community Development to see that all RHY programs providing essential services to the homeless and street-involved youth are included in this continuim so that every one of the lives of our young people are equally valued and cared for. As service providers, we are all in a position to advocate on behalf of the best interest of the youth on the streets and their development which we will do every time we see injustice in the system that governs, administers funding, or in any way effects this population. In your efforts to track the data of program changes as a result of this RFP, I want you to keep in mind all of the youth that continue to be out of service or are being provided by services that have yet to included in this "system" that has been developed in NYC.
The work being done at the Empire State Coalition and the NYC Association of Homeless and Street-Involved Youth Organizations are also to be credited for the great strides taken in this city and state to assure that the RHY population are provided adequate services and that all service providers are brought to the table. If their model of seeing and addressing trends with this population were to be replicated by the entities involved in funding decisions, we would be further on the road to attaining our collective goals.
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services does not have city funded beds so we were in the unique position to fight for those that do. We are a service provider that has fought aggressively from its inception to provide the services needed to get these youth off the streets and into city funded crisis beds with waiting lists in the hundreds. Our drop-in program is critical to the process of getting them access to services, putting them on the lists for crisis beds, getting them identification, and caring for them until they get into a program elsewhere. We all depend on each other to co-exist and work effectively for the young people that we serve. Informing us that our population could be adequately served elsewhere is unacceptable, as suggested in the form letter from DYCD to MCCNY Homeless Youth Services and every individual advocating on our behalf. DYCD is in no position to know what is best for the development of the youth in our program, but unfortunately their decisions will effect the lives of these young people.
Our call on City Council Members was in no way to suggest that they had anything to do with these DYCD matters, but our only real chance for resolving them. Thus, as our elected officials we need their full support in getting DYCD to address these issues as it is the city entity designed to administer the funds going into RHY programs.
The inadvertant consequences of this DYCD RFP process were too much for us to ignore. We need to see the evidence of these large service gaps that DYCD has left us with being addressed and look forward to hearing real solutions to this matter by DYCD Commisioner Jeanine Mulgrav and the City Council Members going into coversation. Making great strides forward and then steps backwards is not effective to providing the consistant growth that we need to see in order to attain the goal of EVERY child being afforded shelter from the streets of this city.
--
Lucky S.Michaels
Program Director
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services
446 West 36th St; NY, NY 10018
Phone; 212-629-7440 Ext. # 226
Fax; 212-279-1185 "Shelter" Book
My views on his Fidler's response...
Essentially he has called us a sore loser. I think we are winning our fight though as DYCD is now taking the RHY group seriously and has already come up with new offers to LGBTQ specific programs that received a cut in their budget which means our efforts have regained lost beds and are forcing a conversation to happen on how to amend a situation of having to lose city funded beds.
Our beds for your information are not city funded which is why we were in the unique position of advocacy on this issue, however half of our budget was dependent on the city funding stream which means we need your help to find alternative sources to fill the gaps in the budget, so that the cuts to our program are minimal and short-term. Thanks for all of your support getting city council to take notice and take seriously the ramifications this will have on the city RHY programs if they do not work harder for us as taxpaying citizens to find the funds needed to address this major gap in services. I do appreciate all the work of Lew Fidler as he is our greatest ally in the NYC Council addressing issues legislatively after getting the advisement of RHY service providers. We will continue to support every endeavor the New York City Council puts forth on behalf of LGBTQ RHY.
Our beds for your information are not city funded which is why we were in the unique position of advocacy on this issue, however half of our budget was dependent on the city funding stream which means we need your help to find alternative sources to fill the gaps in the budget, so that the cuts to our program are minimal and short-term. Thanks for all of your support getting city council to take notice and take seriously the ramifications this will have on the city RHY programs if they do not work harder for us as taxpaying citizens to find the funds needed to address this major gap in services. I do appreciate all the work of Lew Fidler as he is our greatest ally in the NYC Council addressing issues legislatively after getting the advisement of RHY service providers. We will continue to support every endeavor the New York City Council puts forth on behalf of LGBTQ RHY.
Lew Fidler
Dear friend of Runaway and Homeless Youth,
The recent RFP results have stirred some unhappiness among those of us who care deeply about Runaway and Homeless Youth. As with all RFP's, there are winners and losers. However, I am writing to you to address the two overriding concerns that I have as Chairperson of the Youth Services Committee, which as you know has held no fewer than 12 hearings on various aspects of the RHY problem under my leadership.
First, there is a real concern that there is a gap in the provision of services for LGBTQ youth.
Second, there is a concern about the reduced number of shelter beds.
As you also know, before the LGBTQ issue was addressed by my Committee and the Council, there were NO City funded shelter beds for LGBTQ youth despite the fact that as much as 1/3 of the RHY population is LGBTQ. This is and was totally unacceptable. We have made great strides in this, and I have to add, with the support and assistance of DYCD Commissioner Jeannie Mulgrav. Nonetheless, the results of this RFP may have had the inadvertent consequence of leaving large service gaps for LGBTQ youth.
There has been NO reduction in funding for shelter beds. The reduction in beds is a result of an increase in the funding allocation for cost per bed. I am sure our providers welcome the added funding per bed, but none of us welcome a reduction in the gross number of beds. I have fought mind, body and soul for shelter bed money and greatly appreciate my Council colleagues support for adding over $5 million annually for RHY shelter beds in the past several budgets.
As you can well imagine, I will not sit by idly under these circumstances which represent a step backward towards my goal of seeing to it that every child, and I do mean EVERY child, that needs a shelter bed is afforded that opportunity. Those who know me know that I mean that with all my heart.
Therefore, please be advised that the following steps have been and are being taken:
I have directed my finance analyst to get all funding data for the RHY program and track the changes that will take place as a result of the RFP results.
I have met with Speaker Quinn whose support in our RHY work has been constant and critical. She is fully aware of the problem and has assigned her staff to work closely with me on seeking solutions.
I have spoken to Commissioner Mullgrav to let her know that we need to work togther to find ways to close gaps in LGBTQ beds and drop in centers. She was, of course, willing to work with us on solutions. I have also spoken to her about finding a way to replenish the lost beds even in this difficult budget year.
The Speaker's staff and I will be meeting with DYCD in the very near future to begin the actual process of crafting a solution to both of these problems.
I want to assure the "winners" of the RFP that I do not presently view the withdrawal of the RFP as a solution. In addition to the legal difficulties with such---meaning that it may not even be an available option---I would prefer that we find the needed funds to fill the gaps affirmatively. I seriously doubt that anyone receiving this email would argue that the need not only exists, but is greater today in these tough economic times than it was before.
I would also ask that you correct some "bad information" that has circulated and is reflected in some mails, flyers and emails that I have seen.
There was no funidng cut for shelter beds or for that matter for LGBTQ shelter beds. The Council played no role whatoever in the decision making process for the RFP as this would be a violation of City law. I do not believe it is the intention of the DYCD Commissioner Jeannie Mullgrav to cause a diminuition of services for RHY youth or LGBTQ RHY youth. Please help get that word out. Misinformation is truly our enemy. When we have good and right on our side, false assertions hurt our cause more than anything.
Finally, you should know that my commitment to providing shelter beds for all, including LGBTQ youth, remains unwavering. I will keep you advised of our efforts and know that I will always be able to count on you for support in this noble fight.
Sincerely,
LEW FIDLER
Chairperson Youth Services Committee
The recent RFP results have stirred some unhappiness among those of us who care deeply about Runaway and Homeless Youth. As with all RFP's, there are winners and losers. However, I am writing to you to address the two overriding concerns that I have as Chairperson of the Youth Services Committee, which as you know has held no fewer than 12 hearings on various aspects of the RHY problem under my leadership.
First, there is a real concern that there is a gap in the provision of services for LGBTQ youth.
Second, there is a concern about the reduced number of shelter beds.
As you also know, before the LGBTQ issue was addressed by my Committee and the Council, there were NO City funded shelter beds for LGBTQ youth despite the fact that as much as 1/3 of the RHY population is LGBTQ. This is and was totally unacceptable. We have made great strides in this, and I have to add, with the support and assistance of DYCD Commissioner Jeannie Mulgrav. Nonetheless, the results of this RFP may have had the inadvertent consequence of leaving large service gaps for LGBTQ youth.
There has been NO reduction in funding for shelter beds. The reduction in beds is a result of an increase in the funding allocation for cost per bed. I am sure our providers welcome the added funding per bed, but none of us welcome a reduction in the gross number of beds. I have fought mind, body and soul for shelter bed money and greatly appreciate my Council colleagues support for adding over $5 million annually for RHY shelter beds in the past several budgets.
As you can well imagine, I will not sit by idly under these circumstances which represent a step backward towards my goal of seeing to it that every child, and I do mean EVERY child, that needs a shelter bed is afforded that opportunity. Those who know me know that I mean that with all my heart.
Therefore, please be advised that the following steps have been and are being taken:
I have directed my finance analyst to get all funding data for the RHY program and track the changes that will take place as a result of the RFP results.
I have met with Speaker Quinn whose support in our RHY work has been constant and critical. She is fully aware of the problem and has assigned her staff to work closely with me on seeking solutions.
I have spoken to Commissioner Mullgrav to let her know that we need to work togther to find ways to close gaps in LGBTQ beds and drop in centers. She was, of course, willing to work with us on solutions. I have also spoken to her about finding a way to replenish the lost beds even in this difficult budget year.
The Speaker's staff and I will be meeting with DYCD in the very near future to begin the actual process of crafting a solution to both of these problems.
I want to assure the "winners" of the RFP that I do not presently view the withdrawal of the RFP as a solution. In addition to the legal difficulties with such---meaning that it may not even be an available option---I would prefer that we find the needed funds to fill the gaps affirmatively. I seriously doubt that anyone receiving this email would argue that the need not only exists, but is greater today in these tough economic times than it was before.
I would also ask that you correct some "bad information" that has circulated and is reflected in some mails, flyers and emails that I have seen.
There was no funidng cut for shelter beds or for that matter for LGBTQ shelter beds. The Council played no role whatoever in the decision making process for the RFP as this would be a violation of City law. I do not believe it is the intention of the DYCD Commissioner Jeannie Mullgrav to cause a diminuition of services for RHY youth or LGBTQ RHY youth. Please help get that word out. Misinformation is truly our enemy. When we have good and right on our side, false assertions hurt our cause more than anything.
Finally, you should know that my commitment to providing shelter beds for all, including LGBTQ youth, remains unwavering. I will keep you advised of our efforts and know that I will always be able to count on you for support in this noble fight.
Sincerely,
LEW FIDLER
Chairperson Youth Services Committee
Lucky S. Michaels has just read and signed the petition: Save New York City LGBTQ Youth Shelters
You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/3751449
Message from Lucky S. Michaels
-----
# 189: 12:32 pm PDT, Apr 7, Lucky Michaels, New York
As the Program Director of MCCNY Homeless Youth Services and advocating for the LGBTQ RHY population, I am appalled at these cuts in spite of all evidence that supports that these youth are already underserved globally. I am also overwhelmed by the support we have received globally for our call to action and hope we continue to work as a united voice on behalf of these LGBTQ Homeless Youth until everyone of them have adequate resources within reach so that these young lives are valued as opposed to being seen as expendable or completely overlooked.
You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/3751449
Message from Lucky S. Michaels
-----
# 189: 12:32 pm PDT, Apr 7, Lucky Michaels, New York
As the Program Director of MCCNY Homeless Youth Services and advocating for the LGBTQ RHY population, I am appalled at these cuts in spite of all evidence that supports that these youth are already underserved globally. I am also overwhelmed by the support we have received globally for our call to action and hope we continue to work as a united voice on behalf of these LGBTQ Homeless Youth until everyone of them have adequate resources within reach so that these young lives are valued as opposed to being seen as expendable or completely overlooked.
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