News December 2021

As 2021 comes to close we could say something sentimental -  but let’s not. For HIPS staff it was a rougher year than last. Doing more with less has generally been the theme. 
Instead, we’re looking forward and pushing ahead into 2022. Read below a message from Cyndee Clay on what’s next in 2022 for harm reduction, learn about our Harm Reduction Safety Tips Contest, and other ways you can volunteer and get involved. 
Stay safe now and in the New Year. 
Love & lube,
HIPS Team
PS If you haven’t made your year-end gift yet there is still time! Give Today Thank you.

 Harm Reduction in 2022​

Hello Friends, 
How *are* you?  I was asked to write up a short bit about what we here at HIPS are looking forward to in 2022 - what the future of harm reduction and HIPS will be. I have to admit that it’s been really hard to do that without holding, examining, and honoring the past two years.  
​I’m just gonna be honest - I'm mostly looking forward to it not being 2021 anymore. 2021 seemed to be the year when we faced the consequences of 2020 - a year where we had to sit with the realities of 2020 and lean deeply into the work we committed to. Advocating for and raising the voices of those most impacted by the pandemic, by rising overdose rates, or by criminalization. Doing the work that no one else does, with communities that our system has failed.  
HIPS enters 2022 with cautious hope. Two years worth of pandemic protocols have proved that we can keep clients and staff safe. That, as harm reductionists, we can utilize science to respond to new threats - whether it be a new synthetic opioid that’s come to DC, or the challenges of the new Covid19 variant. And HIPS will continue to respond where we are needed most, because that’s what we do.

In 2022 I am looking forward to seeing the expansion of harm reduction across the US through the first ever large block of federal funding for harm reduction programs. I’m looking forward to our successful campaign to decriminalize poverty here in DC. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our amazing team to advance the health, rights, and dignity, of people and communities impacted by sex work or drug use.
We will keep at it. Please join us. 
--Cyndee

 More Amazing Community Support

Lost City Books is once again offering limited edition T-shirts and tote bags - and all the proceeds go to HIPS! The fundraiser ends December 31st - Click here to check them out. Thank you Lost City Books! ​

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The Heart of HIPS

Kathy  “Ms. Kathy” Vann is a Level II Certified Addictions Counselor that leads groups at HIPS for those who choose not to use drugs. She describes her approach as unconventional, believing that you must “first come from the heart and appeal to a person’s spirit.” She shared a little about her ‘angel’ CoCo and how their connection began and grew. 

​I believe ‘gifts’ are given to us by the Universe in the most amazing sizes, shapes and forms. CoCo is one of them. I’d been working as a Level II Certified Addictions Counselor at HIPS for a few weeks, facilitating Recovery based therapeutic group sessions when I first met CoCo. It had been a huge challenge to entice clients to enter into the sessions. The HIPS ‘Drop In Center’ is a popular visiting place for people experiencing homeless and drug users. 
​
​read more about CoCo's journey at HIPS

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HIPStar Cindy "CB" Binette 
​(She/Her/Hers or They/Them/Theirs)

​Cindy joins HIPS with over 20 years of management experience. As Operations Manager, Cindy is responsible for keeping HIPS running like a well oiled machine by supporting all of the programs HIPS has to offer.

We asked Cindy a few questions...
When and where were you the happiest? 
So many happy things come to mind, it's so hard to pick just one!  I would have to say it is a two-fold answer, same date for each, but 6 years apart.  June 4, 2010 & June 4, 2016.  The first is the day that my now wife asked me to make it "official" and be her girlfriend!  I was ecstatic!  How could such a wonderful human pick me?!  After a long engagement (I proposed to her about a year and a half or so later), we then got legally and officially married!  It was just the two of us, the officiant and a beautiful lake in Winchester, VA.  That day made me one of the happiest and luckiest people on the planet.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I think I would really like to have the talent to be a stand-up comedian.  I like to think I have a great sense of humor, am somewhat funny, and can take some heckling, but to have the material flow in the way the true stand-up comedians do, would be amazing.  I love to make people laugh, whether it be a one-liner, or the weekly joke at our All Hand on Deck meetings.
What is your most treasured possession?  
My most treasured possession isn't just one item, but a collection. I treasure every picture I have of my family and friends that are no longer with us.  Each picture takes my heart and mind to a unique story.  It's almost like looking at each picture lets me mentally watch an episode of my life, from that exact moment in time.  Those pictures, along with the memories are more valuable to me than all the riches in the world.
Thank you for sharing CB! ​

 Get Involved   

​Harm Reduction Tips Contest

Share your best harm reduction safety tips in the comments section on HIPS Facebook or Instagram pages through December 23rd. The top 10 tips will be shared across our social media platforms. Selected entries will win a HIPS bumper sticker! HIPS will share all your tips so we can all have a safe and healthy New Year!

Volunteer 
Winter 2022 Volunteer Applications are now open.
Please Save the Date for orientation on Saturday, January 22, 2022
Learn More