What Is the MOCHA Project?

MEET the NEW MOCHA MANAGEMENT STAFF

 
(1)    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mr. Damon Humes
 
Damon joins MOCHA Project with extensive, and successful HIV/AIDS program experiences
in the Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ areas. Damon constantly sees the MOCHA Project as
a great organization about to take off. His enthusiasm and positive outlook are welcome 
attributes.
Damon holds a Master’s degree (MHS)in Human Services and has started work toward a doctorate.
 
 
 
(2)    FINANCE DIRECTOR: Mr. Tom Zawadzki
 
Tom joined the MOCHA Project as the Finance Director after having worked as our bookkeeper. Tom has
over 20 years of accounting experience in a variety of industries and has a ‘side’ business in the tax field.
Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Accounting.
 
 
 
(3)    DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS: Mr. S. Alex Williams
 
Alex comes to MOCHA Project after progressively responsible HIV/AIDS program development and management experience
in diverse areas such as Oakland, CA, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Washington, DC. His wide view, and
experiences in issues and challenges in HIV/AIDS field will greatly benefit MOCHA Project programs. 
Alex hold two Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS) in Logic and in Healthcare.
 
 
 
(4)    OPERATIONS MANAGER: Mr. Arthur Nephew
 
Art re-joins the MOCHA Project after a working in the healthcare industry for the last year. Art was formerly with 
MOCHA as the ADAP Project Coordinator and Program Associate. He has over 20 years of managerial and finance 
experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit work settings. 
Art holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology (BS) and is currently working
toward a Master’s degree.
 

This blend of new, and familiar faces, will provide MOCHA with a fresh vision and outlook in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

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WHAT IS THE MOCHA PROJECT:

The MOCHA Project (Men of Color Health Awareness) is a peer driven initiative which has been in existence since December 1996. MOCHA provides HIV/AIDS education/outreach, case management and community development for men of color who are identified as gay, Bi or men who have sex with men. Currently, several funding sources support MOCHA Project's programs.

HISTORY:

In the mid-1990's, Gary English, a young gay black man who worked as an Americorp worker at the Rochester Center for Independent Living (RCIL), expressed concern and dismay over the lack of attention to and services for gay black men in the community as it related to HIV/AIDS. He felt that this group had needs, issues and concerns that were specific to their life experiences and other social and economic factors, which included racism, homophobia, sexism, as well as issues regarding church and family, It was generally felt that people who have had similar experiences could best relate to and understand the layers of oppression and other marginalizing lift events. He also stressed the importance of people being able to go to service providers (regardless of the service) where they saw others like themselves, in a warm and supportive environment. This is particularly an issue because of society's ongoing general fear and misunderstanding about HIV and AIDS.

Similar services had been provided to men of color who have sex with men, for years downstate in the New York City area. No such individualized services existed in the Western and Upstate New York areas. Mr. English started corresponding and meeting with those providers who had such services within New York State. In his discussions with individuals and agency representatives, he was informed of grants that could be applied for, through the NYS Department of Health, AIDS Institute, to meet the needs of this specific group. After many months of research a grant was written.

Several months later the grant was approved and the MOCHA Project was created. The Rochester Center for Independent Living allowed Mr. English to use the center's resources as an incubator to develop the program. The program started out providing services and activities around HIV/AIDS outreach and education. The program has grown over the years and now includes case management, support groups and other direct services.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of MOCHA is to strengthen communities of color and their families, as they define them, by providing supportive environments. We recognize that social environments impact healthy behaviors. We seek to promote health and wellness through advocacy, education, prevention, service and community development specializing in LGBTQ programming.

VISION:

To be the premier provider of Human Services to people of color.

VALUES:

We commit to these values to guide our decisions and our behaviors:

 1.) Responsibility and Respect - We are responsible and respectful to ourselves, to each other and to all of our stakeholders.

 2.) Effective and Efficient - We are effective and efficient in our delivery of services and in the performance of all job related duties and responsibilities.

 3.) Accountability - We are accountable to team members, consumers, and stakeholders and to the vision, mission, and values of MOCHA.  

 4.) Communication - We model direct and purposeful communication among team members, consumers and stakeholders.

 5.) Highest Quality - Our team of professionals provides the highest quality services to our consumers and stakeholders.

You can use the word REACH to remember our values of:

• Responsibility and Respect,
• Effectiveness and Efficiency,
• Accountability,
• Communication and
• High Quality Standards.

Last date modified:  Monday, June 25, 2007