St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction
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St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction

 About SACHR

Helping Drug Users Help Themselves

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We provide non-judgmental quality access to health resources to persons for whom the social stigma attached to their illicit drug use, HIV/HCV status, poverty, race, gender identity, homelessness, or health undermines their ability to access the services they require and deserve.

Our grassroots work began with a needle exchange program to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among intravenous drug users in the South Bronx. In 1990 SACHR gentrified a drug dealer’s park with HIV education, syringes, condoms, and weekly doses of empathy. Working out of the trunk of a Mitsubishi we moved supplies to St. Ann’s Church in an 8x8 room.

Syringe exchange, provides new, sterile syringes to injectors and removes potentially infected syringes from circulation. Syringe exchange was legalized in 1992 with strong support from the NYS government. St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction (SACHR) became legal in 1993 and was one of the first syringe exchange programs in New York City. This practice is now accepted as the international gold standard for disease prevention and endorsed by public health groups, such as the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the U.S. Surgeon General. 

We have always held close the belief that those who Lead with Empathy, Practice Mercy, and Provide Safety can make an impact and we continue to follow this advice even now! Today, SACHR is the oldest continuously running syringe exchange in the United States. We are a multi-service agency providing a continuum of interventions that treats the whole person – at whatever stage they are. In addition to our street outreach, our center assists with basic needs, such as showers, food, and clothing. We offer a quiet sanctuary with stress-reduction services, including acupuncture, yoga and massage. We also provide educational workshops and mental health counseling. Referral relationships with other service organizations and colleagues give our participants choices – both in and outside of SACHR – as they make their journey toward a healthier and safer life.

Meet the Staff & Board

Joyce Rivera, Chief Executive Officer

A National Science Foundation Fellow from 1981 to 1984, Joyce has over 35 years of experience working in program development and social services delivery. As a consultant and grant writer, her expertise in HIV prevention and harm reduction has made her a local and national leader in the field of AIDS and drugs.

Most recently, Joyce has been appointed to the 2022 NYS Opioid Settlement Fund. She is a founding member of the National Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC), the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN), and the Harm Reduction Care Network of New York (HRCNNY). Joyce frequently presents and conducts training on drug policy, harm reduction, women, communities of color, and social justice. She has chaired the boards of HRCNNY and the Latino Commission on AIDS. Joyce holds a bachelor of science degree in health administration with a specialization in healthcare planning and a master’s in comparative political science. She is also ABD at the Public Policy program at City University of New York.

Alvaro Arias, Chief Financial Officer

With over twenty-five years of experience working for Nonprofit organizations, Alvaro has maintained a number of financial positions across several large organizations. Beginning as the Finance Manager for the Harm Reduction Coalition, Alvaro transitioned into being the Finance Manager for the Latino Commission on AIDS for over 10 years. Displaying the ability to successfully manage finances for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations including the Eudes Foundation in Colombia and Let’s Get Ready along the East Coast, Alvaro has joined the SACHR team.

For the past 3 years Alvaro has been CFO of St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, helping to ensure all budget needs are met to ensure the proper delivery of services and programs to our participants.

Alvaro received his undergraduate degree from Universidad del Valle in Colombia, Bookkeeping degree with CUNY  LaGuardia Community College and Accounting at QueensBorough Community College.

 

Timothy Majoor, Chief Operating Officer

Timothy Majoor, is a dedicated leader in the harm reduction and nonprofit sectors with 9 years  of experience managing diverse programs, crafting and implementing strategic initiatives, and advocating for underserved populations. He has a proven track record of success in leading organizations to achieve their mission and increase their impact in the community.

As Chief Operating Officer at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Timothy is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, including strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and stakeholder engagement. He is deeply committed to the organization's mission and works tirelessly to ensure that it is fulfilled in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Prior to joining St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Timothy held leadership positions in several other organizations, where he developed a strong skill set in areas such as fundraising, community engagement, and organizational management. His focus is on addressing the complex challenges faced by communities affected by substance use and marginalization, and aims to develop and execute solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term resilience and equity.

Steven Hernandez, Chief of Staff

Steven Hernandez is an accomplished advocate with several years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Chief of Staff at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Steven is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization.

Steven holds a Bachelor’s degree in American History from the State University at Purchase College, where he gained valuable knowledge and skills that have proven instrumental in his leadership of St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions including the 2018 Richard Maas Prize for excellence in American History.

Prior to joining St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Steven has held positions at several other organizations including the Museum of the City of New York, where he gained perspective and skills in Anthropological and Archival Research.

KRYSTAL MONTALVO, CO-DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM

Krystal Montalvo, is one of the Co-Directors of Program here at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction. A passionate advocate for harm reduction, Krystal is committed to improving the lives of those SACHR serves.

As Co-Director of Programs, Krystal continues to work tirelessly to advance the organization's mission and to make a positive impact on the community it serves. Krystal leads the organization in its mission to connect vulnerable populations with the care they need and deserve, especially as leader of the Women’s Service Unit. Through her expertise in public health and trauma-informed care, Krystal has been invaluable in helping SACHR achieve its mission of expanding accessibility to care for high-risk populations, especially women and people who use drugs.

Krystal holds a Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Latin American/Latino Studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice which speaks to her dedication and commitment to connecting individuals to the care they need.

cHIARA sOVEGNI, CO-DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM

As Co-Director of Program at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Chiara is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the organization including overseeing the Drug User Health Hub and Alternative Healing Sanctuary. With over 20 years of experience in the field of harm reduction, Chiara brings a wealth of expertise to their role as Co-Director of Programs at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction.

Prior to joining SACHR, Chiara worked as a Licensed Clinical Therapist, where she utilized her expertise in Gestalt Psychology and Neuropsychiatry to advocate for better mental health care for her clients in Italy. Before that, Chiara worked as a Homeless Services Coordinator, Mental Health Counselor, and Outreach Health Specialist, where she developed expertise in the whole continuum of harm reduction practices.

Chiara holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, and has completed additional training in Sexology, Gestalt Therapy, and Family Services. They are an active member of the New York Institute for Gestalt Therapy and have received awards and recognitions for their contributions to the nonprofit sector.