PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Daniel Hiraldo, Job Developer and Retention Specialist, Workforce Development Program at GMHC
1:43:49
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166 sec
Daniel Hiraldo from GMHC testified about the importance of their workforce development program for people living with HIV and AIDS, despite losing funding for their RISE program due to budget cuts.
He emphasized the program's success in helping clients find employment and achieve financial independence, which leads to better health outcomes.
- GMHC has helped over 670 HASA clients find employment since 2014 through their RISE program
- 78% of GMHC clients lived under the federal poverty level in 2023
- Hiraldo requested full restoration of the RISE program funding in the next New York City budget
Daniel Hiraldo
1:43:49
There it is.
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Thank you, Ciela.
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Members of the general committee that were present before and the team council members.
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Allow me to testify today.
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My name is Daniel Dialdo.
1:43:58
I am one of the job developers and retention specialists at GMAC's workforce development program.
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I am here today to update you on GMAC's ongoing commitments of people living with HIV and AIDS, who are already willing and able to return to work despite the loss of our $400,000 per year, realizing independence through support and employment program for rise.
1:44:21
Contract with the HRA has said due to the fiscal year, 25 New York City budget cuts.
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On behalf of our clients, I want to thank you for your continued advocacy for workforce development amidst this loss and funding.
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I know firsthand how important it is, I was also hired by GMAC through workforce.
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Founded in 1982 has gay men's health crisis.
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GMAC, the world's first aid, HIV, and AIDS service organization.
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GMAC provides comprehensive service to over 55100 New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
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Every year.
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In 2023, more than 78% of our clients lived under the federal poverty level.
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This is among the reasons why our workforce development program, which supports clients living with HIV and AIDS who are already willing and able to return to work, is so important.
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Training and linking clients is safe and stable.
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Just puts them on a path to financial independence, which we just heard about, and leads to better health outcomes like medication adherence and improved mental health.
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Since 2014, GMC's rise program had helped over 670 HASSA clients find employment by providing culturally competent and individualized assistance, including resume building, vocational training internships, employment and benefits counseling and job placement and retention assistance for unemployed and under employed workers at all stages of career readiness.
1:45:47
Our SUNY Advanced Technology Training And Information Networking Or attained the Computer Lab enabled, has the clients to receive the practical skills, training, and certifications needs to receive in the digital world, including computer skills, development
Scott French
1:46:03
Is it?
1:46:03
Literacy.
Diana I. Ayala
1:46:04
Yeah.
1:46:04
Is that are you you don't have to wrap it?
Daniel Hiraldo
1:46:06
Thank you.
Diana I. Ayala
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We'll submit the whole thing, and we'll read it.
1:46:10
But
Daniel Hiraldo
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Okay.
Diana I. Ayala
1:46:11
So see the last line maybe?
Daniel Hiraldo
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Right.
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So in in closing, I hope that New York City Council will continue to stand with GMIC And Has the clients we serve by advocating for the full restoration of the rise program in the next New York City budget.
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Vonage of New York is living with HIV and AIDS deserve to be provided with the training and tools they need to find employment and reach economic independence.
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Thank you again for the opportunity.
