AIDS Issues Update: Features:
Spotlight on Tree Alexander: Job Training Program Participant
Tree Alexander
Housing Works Job Training Program participant Tree Alexander is currently working as a Direct Observation of Therapy (DOT) specialist in Housing Works’ access to care department, where he provides one-on-one medical case management for clients. He is the first Job Training Program (JTP) member to participate in this career track at Housing Works.
JTP is New York State’s first and most successful job training and placement program for homeless people living with HIV. Graduates of the rigorous, nine-month program are guaranteed employment at a living wage with full benefits at Housing Works or one of Housing Works’ entrepreneurial ventures.
Tree was diagnosed with HIV in 2006, and became a Housing Works client last year. A Chicago native, Tree had no ties or family connections to help him rebound after unemployment and domestic violence led him to be homeless. His Housing Works case manager Annie Cooper helped him apply for the Job Training Program (JTP). After initial skepticism, Tree has found JTP to be a rewarding experience.
“JTP is an intense program. At first I thought ‘I’m going to introduce my creativity and I’m going to make the program better than it is.’ But I couldn’t do this until I worked under the programs standards. Now that I’ve gotten used to it, I really have gotten a lot out of the program,” he said.
Tree before worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, a job he said was a natural leap to his current position. “Both jobs are about helping a person as an individual, and helping people take care of themselves,” Tree said.
A natural in front of the camera, Tree was recently profiled on LOGO talking about his experience coming out as HIV-positive.
“When HIV came into my life I changed it to help promote awareness so other people wouldn’t be put into the same situation,” Tree said.
For more of Tree, watch the video:
Your inside source for in-depth activism news is updated daily by Staff Writer, Julie Turkewitz
Comments (1)
Thank you Tree for sharing your story. I totally understand the rollercoster ride of First knowing your status. Best for the future.
Posted by Scott Korn, March 02, 2010 at 8:56pm
IM SO PROUD OF YOU TREE,LOVE ALWAYS,KEEP UP THE AWARENESS OF HIV, LOVE CYNTHIAS MOM
Posted by ELLIE, March 04, 2010 at 3:52am
THANK YOU TREE FOR YOUR STORY I ALSO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED W/ H I V IN 2006. I FOUND OUT WHEN I SIGNED MYSELF INTO DRUG TRETMENT, HOUSING WORKS HAS ALSO HELPED ME IN MANY GREAT WAYS . I HAVE BEEN GIVEN GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH SOME OF THE MOST CARING PEOPLE ON EAST 9th STREET THAT I HAVE EVER MET. TODAY I AM MARRIED LIVING IN NC WITH MY WIFE OF TWO YEARS WHICH WHOM I MET5 AT HOUSING WORKS. WE ARE VERY HAPPY AND GLAD THAT THERE OTHER H I V SURVIVORS WHO STILL WANT TO LIVE.. THANK YOU D B
Posted by DARREN BUTLER, March 06, 2010 at 2:20pm
so much love for you sweetie. i am so so so proud of you and all that you do for yourself and for the world. a true inspiration to us all.
Posted by annie cooper, March 06, 2010 at 3:35pm
TREE THIS IS GREAT! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
Posted by JOHNNY GUAYLUPO, March 06, 2010 at 4:03pm
It takes alot of guts to put yourself into the spotlight especially with all the stigma that still exists out there.I know i speak for all of us suffering from this disease when i say Thankyou for sharing.
Posted by philip, March 08, 2010 at 12:17pm
Tree Your courage is amazing. I am looking forward to having you on our radio show on Sunday … HUIGS
Robert
Posted by Robert Breining, March 10, 2010 at 12:28pm