Regional Offices

PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region

The Ontario and Nunavut Regional Office administers federally funded health promotion programs, including ACAP, in Ontario.

Ontario is one of four jurisdictions (along with British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec) where the HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated in Canada. An estimated 22,100 people in the province were living with HIV/AIDS in 2003. HIV prevalence has increased by 6 per cent annually in Ontario over the past five years. It is estimated that only 64 per cent of HIV-infected persons in Ontario have been diagnosed, leaving about 7,950 people who do not know they are infected.*

* Source: Martin Spigelman Research Associates. A National Portrait: A Report on Governments' Responses to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Canada. 2004.

The Ontario and Nunavut Regional Office and the AIDS Bureau of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are partners in a common effort. The two organizations often make joint visits to funded agencies, share information both formally and informally, and periodically fund projects together.

• ACAP Funding Approaches in Ontario
• Operational Funding
• Time-Limited (Project) Funding
• How to apply for ACAP funding
• Publications
  • Overview On Setting Priorities For ACAP Time-Limited Project Funding (2005-2007)

 

Links

• Ontario HIV Treatment Network
• Ontario AIDS Network
• HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario
• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
• Toronto Public Health
• African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario

For More Information

For more information on ACAP funding opportunities in Ontario, contact one of the following program consultants:

• Anita Fervaha at anita_fervaha@phac-aspc.gc.ca or (416) 973-7158
• Henry Koo at henry_koo@phac-aspc.gc.ca or (416) 954-5018
• Len Lopez at len_lopez@phac-aspc.gc.ca or (416) 952-9824

or write to:

Public Health Agency of Canada
180 Queen Street West, 11th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5V 3L7
Fax: (416) 973-0009

For information on ACAP in the Northwest Territories, refer to the Northern Secretariat.

Collaborating on A Common Cause

Examples of collaborative initiatives between PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region and the AIDS Bureau of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care include:

Joint Management and Monitoring of Community-Based Initiatives

Key activities include:

• establishing priorities and directions for ACAP funding
• reviewing ACAP proposals
• provincial concurrence on ACAP funding
• joint monitoring of funded initiatives (e.g., joint site visits; sharing information, ideas and knowledge to facilitate timely and cooperative problem solving; developing strategic responses to emerging challenges; and developing consistent messages to target communities)

Ontario Organizational Development Program

The Ontario Organizational Development Program is funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario to ensure that well-trained consultants with extensive community experience are available to provide organizational support to funded agencies without charge. After a self-assessment conducted by the applying agency, a consultant is matched to the request. Services include board development, organizational capacity building and executive director mentorship.

African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario

PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region sits as an ex-officio member of the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO). ACCHO is made up of organizations and individuals committed to HIV prevention, education, advocacy, research, treatment, care and support for African and Caribbean communities in Ontario. ACCHO has developed a strategy to reduce the incidence of HIV among African and Caribbean people in Ontario and improve the quality of life for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS by:

• coordinating the work of agencies, institutions and policy makers working with and for African and Caribbean people concerning prevention, education, health promotion, care and support
• facilitating community development in response to HIV/AIDS challenges
• identifying research needs, priorities and opportunities

Other Vulnerable Population-Based Initiatives

The AIDS Bureau of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has developed a number of community-focussed initiatives with the involvement of PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region. These include:

• the Gay Men Prevention Strategy (including Positive Prevention)
• the Gay Men Syphilis Task Force
• the Gay Men HIV Surveillance Project
• the Women and HIV Advisory Committee

PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region also collaborates with the AIDS Bureau and the Hepatitis C Secretariat of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto Public Health on various issues related to building the capacity of the HIV/AIDS community-based response, specifically harm reduction, sexual health promotion, and HIV/hepatitis C co-infection.

Ontario Community HIV/AIDS Reporting Tool

In 2003, the AIDS Bureau and PHAC Ontario and Nunavut Region began working with AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in Ontario to implement a common reporting tool to reduce the duplication of information being reported to funding organizations by ASOs. While development of the Ontario Community HIV/AIDS Reporting Tool (OCHART) was driven by funding organizations, it also benefits ASOs by improving access to data and helping them to plan and evaluate their programs and services. The Ontario HIV Treatment Network provided technical assistance for the development of OCHART.

ACAP Funding Approaches in Ontario

ACAP funding recommendations in Ontario take into account directions from national and provincial HIV/AIDS strategies, epidemiological data and advice from expert panels. The region targets support by focussing on three of ACAP's four funding approaches (the exception is creating supportive environments, which is considered a common component in the other three approaches).

Health Promotion for People Living With HIV/AIDS

This stream funds initiatives that address both the local and province-wide needs of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Ontario, including projects/programs in Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ottawa and Toronto. ACAP-funded initiatives also increase support for people living with HIV/AIDS in rural and remote areas of the province.

For example, ACAP is supporting a leadership training program delivered by the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) that aims to strengthen the inclusion and meaningful involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in the OAN and community-based organizations, as well as increase the skills and knowledge of people living with HIV/AIDS in relation to care, treatment, support and governance.

Prevention Initiatives

Projects addressing this funding approach can be found in Toronto, Sudbury, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Ottawa, Kingston, St. Catherines and Peterborough. Many of these projects are reaching vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men, Aboriginal people, injection drug users, prisoners and women at risk.

Strengthening Community-Based Organizations

This stream funds projects throughout Ontario, including in Toronto, Sudbury, Guelph and Ottawa. One example is the Masai Centre for Local, Regional and Global Health, a community-based outpatient clinic for people living with HIV/AIDS in Waterloo Region, Wellington-Dufferin counties and Grey-Bruce counties. Located in Guelph, the clinic offers HIV/AIDS information/education, treatment services, case management, testing, pharmacy and laboratory services from a single location. Its services are integrated and coordinated with those of the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County and the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

ACAP Operational Funding in Ontario

ACAP currently funds 31 operational programs in Ontario, representing a total financial commitment of more than $7.3 million over four years (October 2004 to September 2007). Funding priorities for the current cycle of operational funding are to:

• coordinate programs and services, where appropriate, with relevant partners in order to meet needs identified by service users
• develop, renew and sustain leadership and expertise, such as spokespersons for gay men, Aboriginal people, women and people living with HIV/AIDS
• increase accessibility to services by reducing barriers for populations that are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS
• address key determinants of health (housing, social support networks, social environments, income and social status, gender and culture)
• deliver public and professional education to reduce discrimination, reduce barriers to HIV testing, promote sexual health, and increase understanding of treatment information
• deliver harm and risk reduction strategies (e.g., in areas such as supportive housing, substance use and sexual health)

The following organizations are currently receiving operational funding:

• Voices of Positive Women
• Prisoners With HIV/AIDS Support Action Network
• Asian Community AIDS Services
• Ontario AIDS Network
• Hamilton AIDS Network
• Peel HIV/AIDS Network
• Access AIDS Network
• Bruce House
• AIDS Committee of Toronto
• AIDS Committee of Ottawa
• AIDS Committee of London
• Peterborough AIDS Resource Network
• Fife House
• HIV/AIDS Regional Services
• Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention
• AIDS Niagara
• Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
• AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area
• AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area
• AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County
• AIDS Thunder Bay
• 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
• The Teresa Group
  

Voices of Positive Women

Address: Voices of Positive Women
66 Isabella St.
Suite 105
Toronto, ON M4Y 1N3
Telephone: (416) 324-8703
Fax: (416) 324-9701
Web Site: www.vopw.org

Title: Peer Network Community Collaboration Program

Description:

Established in 1991, Voices of Positive Women (VOPW) is a provincial, community-based non-profit organization directed by and for women infected with HIV/AIDS living in Ontario. Its mandate is to empower women living with HIV/AIDS through confidential support, outreach, information and education; represent the issues of women living with HIV/AIDS in order to improve HIV-positive women's health and quality of life; and to educate the public by promoting accurate, affirming images of women living with HIV/AIDS. Its clients have grown from 31 in 1991 to over 550. Of the 2,339 women known to be infected in Ontario, about 25 per cent are women from regions where HIV is endemic and 25 per cent are current or former injection drug users. The partners with whom VOPW will work are the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario, the Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network, Casey House Hospice, the Teresa Group and the Ontario Aboriginal AIDS Strategy.

The objectives of this project are to reduce the isolation, increase self-esteem and enhance the quality of life of women living with HIV through a provincial peer network; to increase access to community supports, services and healthcare through the development and distribution of women-specific HIV resources; to increase the capacity of organizations to respond to the needs of HIV-positive women through consultation, training and joint programming; and to enhance the leadership skills of HIV-positive women. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are: capacity building workshops for service providers and HIV-positive women; peer support and information to HIV-positive women through peer mentorship and networking; a dialogue conference for HIV-positive women and service providers; joint programs with community partners; regional training sessions for peer mentors; and the development of HIV-positive women's specific HIV print and web-based resources.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are: reduced isolation, increased self-esteem and enhanced quality of life for women living with HIV; increased access to community supports, services and healthcare; increased capacity of organizations to respond to the needs of HIV-positive women; and enhanced leadership skills of HIV-positive women. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys and evaluations. The deliverables are the activities, including HIV-positive women's specific HIV print and web-based resources. The results will be disseminated through the Ontario AIDS Network, the Canadian AIDS Society and the Canadian and Ontario Women's Health Network.

Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network

Address: Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network
489 College St.
Suite 500
Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Telephone: (416) 920-9567
Fax: (416) 920-4314
Web Site: www.pasan.org

Title: Prison In-Reach Project

Description:

Established in 1995, the Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN) is a community-based organization working with prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders, ex-young offenders and organizations to provide education, support and community development on HIV/AIDS and related issues. PASAN has a client base of over 400 across Ontario, including HIV-positive prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and ex-young offenders. They work with youth, women, Aboriginal people, people of colour, transgendered and transsexual people, and currently provide services in over 50 adult and youth facilities across the province of Ontario. The partners with whom PASAN will work are the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario, the HIV/AIDS Regional Services and the Ontario Aboriginal AIDS Strategy.

The objectives of this project are to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS among prisoners/ex-prisoners; to increase health promotion and health services for prisoners and ex-prisoners living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Ontario; and to increase skills-building opportunities for AIDS service organizations and community-based organizations working with prisoners and ex-prisoners. The activities PASAN is undertaking to meet the objectives are HIV and harm reduction education sessions in provincial and federal prisons; train-the-trainer workshops and resources to federal peer groups/prisoners about high-risk behaviour and ways to reduce this behaviour in the prison system; development and distribution of HIV prevention education materials; partnerships and training programs to increase accessibility for ASOs and community-based organizations to prisoners and ex-prisoners; "Prison 101 &102" training presentations to ASOs and community-based organizations on issues related to prison work; and act as a resource to ASOs and community-based organizations on prisons and prison related issues.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are reduced transmission of HIV/AIDS among prisoners/ex-prisoners; increased health promotion and health services for prisoners and ex-prisoners living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Ontario; increased skills-building opportunities for ASOs and community-based organizations working with prisoners and ex-prisoners. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys, workshop tracking sheets and evaluation forms, interviews, verbal feedback and log sheets. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated to the general public through newsletters, coalition and network meetings, and ASO and community-based presentations in the form of updated training and skills building.

Asian Community AIDS Services

Address: Asian Community AIDS Services
107- 33 Isabella St.
Toronto, ON M4Y 2P7
Telephone: (416) 963-4300
Fax: (416) 963-4371
Web Site: www.acas.org

Title: Creating and Sustaining Healthy and Effective Communities / Volunteer Development Program

Description:

Established in 1994, the Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) is a charitable, non-profit, community-based organization whose mandate is to provide education, prevention and support services on HIV/AIDS to the East and Southeast Asian communities. Global trends of HIV/AIDS have clearly identified Asia (including Vietnam and the Philippines) as the emerging crisis zone for increasing infections. In China, the number of officially reported HIV infections is over a million. With increasing international travel, trade and family relations with Asia, reality of the threat of AIDS is ever increasing for Asian-Canadian communities. The 2001 volunteer evaluation identified the need for training in leadership skills, updated HIV/AIDS information, and skills related to the large number of new Asian immigrants. The partners with whom ACAS will work are the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, the Chinese Interagency Network, Regent Park Community Health Centre and the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention.

The objectives of this project are to increase ACAS stakeholders' involvement in needs assessment and service planning; to increase community leadership and expertise through board and staff development; to increase positive social changes through the active participation of stakeholders; to increase volunteer skills, abilities and knowledge; to improve the quality of the volunteer training program to reflect emerging needs; and to increase the strength of other community-based organizations by sharing volunteer management expertise. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are: board and staff development; the development of systematic resource management; volunteer leadership training and recognition; program needs assessment; and evaluation.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased stakeholder involvement in needs assessment and service planning; increased community leadership and expertise; increased positive social changes; increased volunteer skills, abilities and knowledge; improved quality of the volunteer training program; and increased strength of volunteer programs for other community-based organizations. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are the Annual Strategic Meeting report, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups and service statistics. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through program activities which involve community stakeholders, conference presentations, and network workshop activities.

Ontario AIDS Network

Address: Ontario AIDS Network
25 Adelaide St. East
Suite 915
Toronto, ON M5C 3A1
Telephone: (416) 364-4555
Fax: (416) 364-1250
Web Site: www.ontarioaidsnetwork.on.ca

Title: Ontario AIDS Network PHA Program

Description:

Established in 1993, the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) is a province-wide coalition of 50 diverse community-based AIDS service organizations). The OAN mandate is to strengthen and support its member organizations and the Person living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) Caucus of the OAN by providing education, skills and capacity building, and by working for sustainable government funding, appropriate public policy and user-friendly legislation, and state-of-the-art treatment for all PHAs in the province. A 2001-2002 survey of 367 PHAs indicated a need to increase access to social support, HIV/AIDS information, involvement in community-based organizations and connection to the HIV/AIDS movement. The partners with whom the organization will work are the OAN PHA Caucus and Steering Committee, the Canadian Treatment Action Council, the AIDS Bereavement Project of Ontario and the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange.

The objectives of this project are to maintain and enhance the existing network of PHAs within the OAN and community partnerships that support PHAs; to increase the knowledge and skills of PHAs relating to care, treatment and support; to increase the number of PHAs involved with community-based organizations, including member groups of the OAN; and to maintain and increase effective PHA inclusion and meaningful involvement in the OAN. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are care, treatment and support updates, information distribution and workshops; and formal and informal networking and peer support.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are a maintained and enhanced network of PHAs within the OAN and community partnerships supporting PHAs; increased knowledge and skills of PHAs relating to care, treatment and support; increased number of PHAs involved with community-based organizations; maintained and increased effective PHA inclusion and meaningful involvement in the OAN. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluations, surveys, reports and registration records. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through the OAN PHA Caucus, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. PHAs who attend workshops and meetings also take information back to their communities and share it through their local ASO.

Hamilton AIDS Network

Address: Hamilton AIDS Network
135 Rebecca St.
Hamilton, ON L8R 1B9
Telephone: (905) 528-0854
Fax: (905) 528-6311
Web Site: www.aidsnetwork.ca

Title: PHA Resource Program

Description:

Established in 1986, the mandate of the Hamilton AIDS Network is to recognize and respond to the stigma and challenges posed by HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities through education and support. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Special Immunology Services Clinic, McMaster University; Brant, Halton and Hamilton Public Health and McMaster University Education Programs.

The objectives of this project are to increase the knowledge of people living with HIV/AIDS, including information and resources around treatment and health promotion; to develop, enhance and support skills development for people living with HIV/AIDS in the areas of communication, public speaking, facilitation and leadership; to increase the supportive environment amongst health care providers working with people living with HIV/AIDS and youth through effective educational programming; and to increase the opportunity for peer-based resources for people living with HIV/AIDS. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop peer assistance training for people living with HIV/AIDS resource educators; to recruit and train people living with HIV/AIDS as resource tutors; to further previous research by incorporating people living with HIV/AIDS facilitators into existing curriculum in occupational therapy, medical and physiotherapy programs; and to increase the participation of people living with HIV/AIDS in regional, provincial and national peer-based programs or conferences.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are people living with HIV/AIDS having local access to relevant treatment and health promotion information; people living with HIV/AIDS developing new skills and knowledge that will increase self-esteem and improve quality of life; youth and health care providers receiving interactive educational opportunities; and people living with HIV/AIDS being more integrally involved in service provision through peer-based programs. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluation forms, questionnaires and interviews, conference registration documentation and caucus minutes/documents. The results will be disseminated through community partners, at conferences and through communication tools such as the Ontario AIDS Network newsletter/meetings, the Canadian AIDS Society Forum and the Internet.

Peel HIV/AIDS Network

Address: Peel HIV/AIDS Network
315 - 1515 Britannia Road East
Mississauga, ON L4W 4K1
Telephone: (905) 362-2025
Fax: (905) 362-2030
Web Site: www.phan.ca

Title: Health Promotion for People Living With and Affected by HIV/AIDS

Description:

Established in 1993, the Peel HIV/AIDS Network's mandate is to serve people living with HIV/AIDS and to limit the spread of the virus through support, education, advocacy and volunteerism. The partners with whom the organization will work are the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County, which will provide staff and volunteer HIV/AIDS training; the Prisoners with AIDS Support Action Network, which will provide expertise, consultation and training of volunteers and staff who go into correctional facilities; and the Ontario Correctional Institute, which will provide access to residents.

The objectives of this project are to increase the level of knowledge and skills of people living with HIV/AIDS, including prisoners and their caregivers in the Peel Region; to improve access to HIV/AIDS-related treatment and services in Peel Region; and to increase involvement of ethnic communities in Peel HIV/AIDS Network activities. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are health promotion and skills development workshops for people living with HIV/AIDS, including prisoners, their caregivers and service providers; provision of a Web site; volunteer coordination; outreach and partnering with ethno-specific organizations; and recruitment of past prisoners for peer volunteer positions.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased knowledge and skills of people living with HIV/AIDS, including prisoners, their caregivers and service providers in the Peel Region; improved access to HIV/AIDS-related treatment and services in Peel Region; and increased involvement of ethnic communities in Peel HIV/AIDS Network activities. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluation forms and verbal evaluation from prisoners. The results will be disseminated through the Peel HIV/AIDS Network's annual general meeting, Web site, newsletter, information-sharing sessions and workshops.

Access AIDS Network

Address: Access AIDS Network
111 Elm St., Unit 203
Sudbury ON P3C 1T3
Telephone: (705) 688-0500
Fax: (705) 688-0423
Web Site: www.accessaidsnetwork.com

Title: Community Education and Prevention Program

Description:

Access AIDS Network is a non-profit, community-based charitable organization committed to promoting wellness, education and harm and risk reduction. Access AIDS Network supports individuals and serves the whole community in a healing response to HIV/AIDS and related health issues. The partners with whom Access AIDS Network will work are Benton House, Phoenix Rising Women's Centre and the Sault Area Hospital.

The objectives of this program are to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS among youth, women and service providers. The activities Access AIDS Network will undertake to meet the objectives are to develop an advisory committee; distribute a newsletter; participate on community committees (youth/women issues); co-facilitate a youth peer support group; and create workshops specific to women's needs.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are strengthened community partnerships; increased knowledge on issues pertaining to educational and supportive programs; and enhanced distribution of HIV/AIDS information and resources among youth, women and service providers. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are board reports, statistics, pre/post evaluations and the number of requests for information. The results will be disseminated through the Community Advisory Committee (findings will be shared with all staff from both the Sault Ste. Marie and the Sudbury sites and will be made available upon request to other AIDS service organizations/agencies); the Ontario AIDS Network Educator's workshops and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse

Title: Healthy Sexuality Program

Description:

Established in 1989, the AIDS Committee of Sudbury (ACCESS) is a non-profit, community-based charitable organization whose mandate is to promote wellness, support the individual, and serve the whole community in a healing response to HIV/AIDS. Over the past 10 years, ACCESS has provided anti-homophobia workshops to 30 workplace environments. This has expanded the knowledge of service providers on safer sex and reduced possible discrimination on HIV/AIDS and homophobia. ACCESS has also facilitated the lesbian, gay, bisexual and youth group since 1996, with over 150 participants, while the gay bisexual men's group has had over 250 participants. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Sudbury and District Public Health Unit, the Pastoral Institute of Northern Ontario, and Zig's Bar (local gay bar).

The objectives of this project are to prevent the spread of HIV among MSM and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered (LGBT) youth; to provide a safe environment to express concerns of sexual orientation and assist in increasing self-esteem and decreasing internalized homophobia among MSM and LGBT youth; and to increase HIV/AIDS awareness in relation to drug/alcohol use to patrons of bars/pubs through a bilingual poster campaign. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are bilingual safer sex workshops to MSM and LGBT youth, service providers and primary and secondary school teachers; a volunteer program to promote safer sex information in internet chat rooms; bilingual anti-homophobia and heterosexism workshops to service providers; and a poster campaign on HIV/AIDS transmission due to alcohol/drug use.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are decreased spread of HIV/AIDS; increased knowledge of safer sex and condom use; reduced homophobia and heterosexism; increased participation in MSM and LGBT youth groups; increased venues and activities for the LGBT community; and a bilingual poster campaign. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are attendance sheets, pre/post workshop questionnaires, referral logs, the Sudbury and District Health Unit's inventory logs, monthly board reports, intake forms and needs assessments. The deliverables are the activities, including a bilingual poster campaign. The results will be disseminated through annual reports and summary reports distributed to the Sudbury and District Health Unit, the Greater City of Sudbury Sexual Health Coalition and the Northern Rainbow Pride Centre.

Bruce House

Address: Bruce House
402 - 251 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3
Telephone: (613) 729-0911 Ext. 24
Fax: (613) 729-0959
Web Site: www.brucehouse.org

Title: Volunteer Support Program

Description:

Established in 1989, Bruce House is a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support in Ottawa-Carleton for people living with HIV/AIDS, believing that all people have the right to live and die with dignity. Bruce House has a 15-year history of working with volunteers in various capacities, including augmenting services to their transitional 24-hour care and support group residence, governance activities, administrative duties, and assisting in both fund-raising and community development activities. The partners with whom Bruce House will work are OASIS, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa and the Inner City Health Project.

The objectives of this project are to increase the number and types of volunteer opportunities and activities supporting Bruce House programs and services; to increase the capacity of the Volunteer Support Program to provide more opportunities for volunteers to have meaningful and satisfying leadership and decision making-roles in the organization; to increase, improve and develop appropriate tools and activities for the recruitment, training, recognition and retention of volunteers; to increase knowledge, skills and abilities for PHAs for increased meaningful involvement in the agency; and to provide additional employment and/or volunteerism opportunities. The activities Bruce House is undertaking to meet the objectives are volunteer program development, management and evaluation, which include recruiting, intaking, screening and assessing, training, supervising and recognizing volunteers.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased numbers and types of volunteer opportunities and activities; increased capacity of the Volunteer Support Program for meaningful and satisfying leadership and decision making; increased and improved tools and activities for volunteer recruitment, training and recognition; and increased knowledge, skills and abilities for PHA volunteers. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are volunteer activity records, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, evaluations, log books and training needs analysis. The deliverables are the activities, including policy and procedure manuals and training plans and modules. The results will be disseminated through other HIV/AIDS supportive housing providers and partner agencies; to interested stakeholders through program updates in Bruce House newsletters and evaluation reports; and by sharing policy and procedure manuals, training plans and modules, evaluation tools, train-the-trainer opportunities, and other volunteer resources.

AIDS Committee of Toronto

Address: AIDS Committee of Toronto
399 Church St., 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M5B 2J6
Telephone: (416) 340-2437
Fax: (416) 340-8224
Web Site: www.actoronto.org

Title: VIVER: Portuguese-Speaking Community Development

Description:

Established in 1983, the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is a community-based, charitable organization whose mandate is to provide support, HIV prevention and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. ACT sponsors this program on behalf of VIVER (the Portuguese-Speaking HIV/AIDS Coalition), whose mandate is to reduce the spread of HIV infection and to enhance the quality of life of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS; to promote awareness and advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS and to break down AIDS-related taboos; and to promote the development and delivery of culturally competent and language-specific HIV/AIDS services. The Toronto Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic reported that less than 5 per cent of its patients identified as being Portuguese-speaking, even though the demographics of Toronto's population suggest that 10 to 12 per cent of persons infected with HIV are of Portuguese-Canadian background (Toronto Hospital 1999). The partners with whom VIVER will work are ACT and the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario.

The objectives of this project are to increase access to HIV/AIDS information and services for Portuguese-speaking PHAs and those affected and/or at risk for HIV/AIDS; to increase volunteer capacity to provide HIV-related information, referrals and facilitated access for PHAs; to increase the capacity of Portuguese-speaking social service programs and AIDS service organizations to provide services to Portuguese-speaking PHAs. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are education about HIV and HIV/AIDS services with health care providers and social service agencies; recruitment and training of Portuguese-speaking PHA volunteers and bilingual "cultural interpreter" volunteers; an annual HIV/AIDS forum with Portuguese-speaking physicians; and the development of Portuguese HIV/AIDS information.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased access to HIV/AIDS information and services; increased numbers of Portuguese-speaking volunteers; and increased capacity of Portuguese-speaking social service programs and AIDS service organizations to provide services to Portuguese-speaking PHAs. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys, activity records, client logs and volunteer statistics. The deliverables are the activities and Portuguese-language HIV/AIDS resource materials. The results will be disseminated through VIVER meetings and the Ontario AIDS Network.

Title: Health Promotion for People Living With HIV/AIDS

Description:

Established in 1983, the AIDS Committee of Toronto is a community-based, charitable organization whose mandate is to provide support, HIV prevention and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. There were 1,465 new HIV infections in Ontario in 2001. With traditional health care providers already overloaded and unable to meet the ever-increasing demands of patients, people living with HIV/AIDS increasingly look to community-based AIDS service organizations to provide them with programs and services designed to offer support, education and health management strategies. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, Voices of Positive Women, Wilfrid Laurier University and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

The objectives of this project are to increase the capacity of PHAs to make informed decisions related to their health and well-being; to increase the capacity of women living with HIV/AIDS to enhance their health and well-being and reduce isolation; to increase access to services for PHAs by providing opportunities for peer support, information sharing and skills development; to decrease social isolation of many PHAs by providing opportunities for peer interaction, information sharing on health management issues, and participation in hands on health promoting activities. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are community health forums, anger management and rise meditation workshops, music therapy, art therapy, health promotion weekend retreats, the Buddy Program and the Social Support Network.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased capacity of PHAs to make informed decisions related to their health and well-being; increased capacity of women living with HIV/AIDS to enhance their health and well-being and reduced isolation; increased access to services for PHAs; and decreased social isolation of many PHAs. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are participant surveys, workshop logs, resource material distribution logs, session reports and referral logs. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through the Ontario AIDS Network and ACT's annual report.

Title: Positive Youth Outreach - Health Promotion and Outreach to HIV Positive Youth

Description:

Established in 1983, the AIDS Committee of Toronto is a community-based, charitable organization whose mandate is to provide support, HIV prevention and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. ACT sponsors this program on behalf of Positive Youth Outreach (PYO), a Toronto-based not-for-profit, peer-driven program whose mandate is to empower, support and affirm the lives of young people (29 and under) infected with HIV/AIDS. A 2002 "Survey of Positive Youth Outreach Clients" indicated strong support for social support programming through a drop-in, skills development, accessible HIV treatment information workshops and opportunities to learn life skills. The partners with whom the PYO will work are ACT, the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, Voices of Positive Women and the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange.

The objectives of this project are to increase access to health promotion information and skill development opportunities for HIV-positive youth; to increase access to HIV treatment information and support for HIV-positive youth; to decrease social isolation and increase access to HIV-related psychosocial and medical services; and to increase awareness of PYO and its services among HIV-positive youth and other AIDS/youth-serving agencies in Toronto. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are workshops on employment, treatment information and nutrition; monthly women-specific support/drop-in groups; drop-in groups for HIV-positive youth; a peer youth counsellor program; quarterly newsletter to AIDS/youth-serving agencies; outreach and networking targeted at youth-serving, street-based and/or women's health-related organizations in Toronto; and a print campaign to promote the services of PYO.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are that HIV-positive youth increasingly access employment and nutrition-related programs and services at ACT and PWA; HIV-positive youth have increased knowledge of HIV treatment options; HIV-positive youth increasingly access peer-related support services; HIV-positive youth gain valuable skills supporting their peers through volunteering as peer counsellors; and greater awareness of PYO programs/service among HIV-positive youth and other service providers. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys, client logs, intake statistics, attendance records, program activity records and focus groups. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through AIDS and youth-serving organizations in Toronto, including the Youth and HIV Network, the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society.

Title: VIVER: Portuguese-Speaking Case Management

Description:

Established in 1983, the AIDS Committee of Toronto is a community-based, charitable organization whose mandate is to provide support, HIV prevention and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Committee of Toronto sponsors this program on behalf of VIVER (the Portuguese-Speaking HIV/AIDS Coalition), whose mandate is to reduce the spread of HIV infection and to enhance the quality of life of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS; to promote awareness and advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS and to break down AIDS-related taboos; and to promote the development and delivery of culturally competent and language-specific HIV/AIDS services. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Toronto PWA Foundation and the VIVER Coalition.

The objectives of this project are to increase accessibility for Portuguese-speaking PHAs to health and social services; and to increase access to programs and services that promote self-efficacy, reduce social isolation and improve the emotional health and well-being of Portuguese-speaking PHAs. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to implement a culturally appropriate case-management model; link with higher needs clients; facilitate connections, skills building and social support; develop action plans to reduce barriers to accessing services; and work to build stronger referrals and partnerships with other service providers to reduce barriers to accessing service.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased accessibility for Portuguese-speaking PHAs to health and social services; and increased access to programs and services which promote self-efficacy, reduce social isolation and improve the emotional health and well-being of Portuguese-speaking PHAs. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are monthly logs, samples of promotional tools, pre/post-workshop training surveys, client intake notes and activity records. The results will be disseminated through VIVER meetings, AIDS Committee of Toronto team meetings and the Ontario AIDS Network.

AIDS Committee of Ottawa

Address: AIDS Committee of Ottawa
251 Bank Street, Suite 700
Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3
Telephone: (613) 238-5014
Fax: (613) 238-3425
Web Site: www.aco-cso.ca

Title: The Gay Men's Health and Wellness Project

Description:

Established in 1987, the mandate of the AIDS Committee of Ottawa is to work to empower people living with HIV/AIDS and the PHA community in Ottawa through promoting the well-being and quality of life of persons living with or closely affected by HIV/AIDS. The partners with whom the organization will work are Pink Triangle Services, the City of Ottawa Department of Public Health and the Ottawa Gay Men's Wellness Initiative.

The objectives of this project are to increase HIV risk reduction behaviours that enable gay men to maintain their health/wellness; increase peer education and support networks for gay men; increase gay men's knowledge of societal, cultural and psychological contexts in which safer sex decision making occurs; increase knowledge in the community and among social and health providers about gay men's issues and needs; and increase partnerships with service providers to gay men to support initiatives in the promotion of gay men's health and HIV prevention. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are park, bath, bar and Internet outreach; safer sex materials; community events and workshops to promote gay men's health and wellness; volunteer recruitment and training; peer-based wellness education; existing community supports promotion; and sensitivity training to service providers.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased HIV risk reduction behaviours that enable gay men to maintain their health/wellness; increased peer education and support networks for gay men; increased gay men's knowledge of societal, cultural and psychological contexts in which safer sex decision making occurs; increased knowledge in the community and among social and health providers about gay men's issues and needs; and increased partnership with service providers to gay men to support initiatives in the promotion of gay men's health and HIV prevention. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are contact sheets, outreach logs, activity reports, evaluation forms, event reports; progress reports from staff and board members, and minutes of the meetings. The results will be disseminated to partner agencies and community groups with whom this organization works on an ongoing basis.

AIDS Committee of London

Address: AIDS Committee of London
120 - 388 Dundas Street
London, ON N6B 1V7
Telephone: (519) 434-1601
Fax: (519) 434-1843
Web Site: www.aidslondon.com

Title: Ontario Organizational Development Program

Description:

The AIDS Committee of London sponsors the Ontario Organizational Development Program (OODP), whose mandate is to strengthen the capacity of AIDS service organizations in Ontario to determine their direction with awareness and to foster a culture within AIDS organizations in Ontario to take responsibility for their own organizational development. Given the complexity of issues relating to HIV/AIDS, it is imperative that employees and volunteers of community-based ASOs are provided with the organizational supports and skills necessary to create stable and effective organizations that will deliver appropriate services to their consumers. The partner with whom the OODP will work is the AIDS Bureau, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

The objectives of this project are to enhance the ability of the local ASOs to identify and respond to issues relating to organizational development; to increase the availability of appropriate resources that will support ASOs and programs as they deal with organizational development issues; and to enhance the skills and experience of the key leaders within the AIDS community and the not-for-profit sector in the area of organizational development issues. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives include carrying out needs assessments with agencies delivering on-site interventions, such as yearly plans, strategic planning and board development; and developing and maintaining a team of knowledgeable and experienced consultants and a depository of resource materials.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are enhanced ability of local ASOs to identify and respond to issues relating to organizational development; increased availability of appropriate resources that will support ASOs and programs; and enhanced skills and experience of key leaders within the AIDS community and the not-for-profit sector in the area of organizational development issues. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are assessments, evaluations, interviews and consultant reports. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through an annual report and poster presentations at HIV/AIDS conferences.

Title: HIV Prevention Services for Gay, Bisexual and Men Who Have Sex with Men

Description:

Established in 1989, the mandate of AIDS Committee of London (ACOL) is to bring people together in partnership to provide leadership in education, support and advocacy to meet the challenge of HIV/AIDS. In 2001-2002, ACOL responded to 1,892 HIV/AIDS information requests by telephone and 2,398 walk-in requests for prevention information and materials, including pamphlets and condoms. The partners with whom ACOL will work are the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the Options Clinic, Club 181 and Club London.

The objectives of this project are: to increase knowledge regarding HIV transmission and related issues among men who have sex with men in London; to increase the ability of MSM in London to implement and maintain risk reduction behaviour change; and to increase accessibility of HIV prevention services for MSM in London. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives include providing HIV-related information to MSM through one-to-one contacts and displays; providing HIV-related information and new skills to MSM through presentations and workshops; providing MSM with condoms, lubricant and other prevention materials; providing HIV-related information to MSM through regular outreach services where they meet; providing HIV-related information to MSM through chat lines and the web page; and providing MSM with referrals to and information about other HIV services in London.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are that MSM in London will have increased knowledge about HIV transmission and related issues; MSM will have increased skills and access to materials to implement and maintain risk reduction behaviour changes; and MSM will have increased access to prevention services through the provision of outreach services in their community. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are statistics forms, evaluation forms, surveys, field notes and a web counter. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through a quarterly newsletter, the London HIV/AIDS Coordinating Council, the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society.

Peterborough AIDS Resource Network

Address: Peterborough AIDS Resource Network
159 King Street, Suite 302
Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8
Telephone: (705) 749-9110
Fax: (705) 749-6310
Web Site: www.parn.ca

Title: PARN HIV Education Program - Building Our Community Response

Description:

Established in 1990, the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN) is a community-based organization whose mandate is to provide support, health promotion and advocacy for people HIV-infected and HIV-affected. PARN also provides education for people at risk for HIV and awareness of AIDS issues to the broader community. The service area has an estimated population of 1,711 men who have sex with men, with current prevention programs reaching approximately 100 to 150 MSM per year. In 2001-2002, PARN experienced a 150 per cent increase in the demand for anti-homophobia workshops and harm reduction services from the previous year. The partners with whom the sponsor will work are the Rainbow Service Organization, the Rainbow Youth Coalition and the Four Counties Needle Exchange Coalition.

The objectives of this project are to increase the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of gay, bisexual and MSM to reduce their risk of HIV infection; to decrease homophobia and other barriers to reduce risk of HIV in young gay/bisexual men; and to maintain and enhance community harm reduction services/resources to reduce HIV infection in intravenous drug users. The activities being undertaken to meet the objectives are peer education and training of gay/bisexual men; workshops on safer sex and dealing with homophobia; peer-based outreach in chat rooms; promotion and distribution of harm reduction and safer sex information/resources/services; workshops and consultations to service providers and community organizations on harm reduction, safer sex and issues facing intravenous drug users.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased knowledge and skills to enhance personal health and coping strategies related to HIV/AIDS, sexual health, sexual orientation and injection drug use; increased capacity and coordination of services to groups at risk for HIV; and increased community awareness of stigmas and barriers for the target populations. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are group evaluation and tracking forms, volunteer log sheets and facilitator notes, health unit and HIV Lab reports, and testing data. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through surveys and focus groups, newsletters, Ontario AIDS Network workshops and local and regional planning bodies, such as the Boards of Health and the District Health Council.

Fife House

Address: Fife House
571 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M4Y 2J1
Telephone: (416) 205-9888, Ext. 33
Fax: (416) 205-9919
Web Site: www.fifehouse.org

Title: Fife House Volunteer Services Program

Description:

Established in 1988, Fife House's mandate is to provide secure and affordable supportive housing and support services in Toronto for persons living with HIV/AIDS. In just four years, Fife House has experienced a 236 per cent increase in the number of overall clients served (from 104 clients in 1999-2000 to 245 clients served in 2002-2003) and now requires volunteer management resources to meet this growing use of services and complex needs. The partners with whom the organization will work are Casey House Hospice and the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.

The objectives of this project are to maintain and enhance the strength, integrity and operational efficiency of the Volunteer Program at Fife House. It will promote leadership skills and expertise in supportive housing for PHAs amongst the Fife House volunteer community. It will also improve the effectiveness of the Volunteer Services Program and maintain and increase the commitment of Fife House volunteers. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are volunteer recruitment, volunteer orientation, training and professional development, evaluation, planning and feedback, reward and recognition, and program management.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are enhanced volunteer recruitment and increased awareness of Fife House volunteer opportunities; increased skills and knowledge to meet needs in the current context of HIV/AIDS; enhanced volunteer orientation, training and development; enhanced evaluation, planning and feedback; increased motivation; increased tenure and decreased turnover rates; increased knowledge of service use and increased program efficiency. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are volunteer data, surveys, application forms, volunteer supervision meetings, focus groups and evaluations. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through quarterly and annual reports, staff meetings, semi-annual resident focus groups, Direct Service Committee meetings, Homeless Outreach Community Advisory Committee meetings, a monthly volunteer newsletter, the Fife House Web site, the AIDS Network of Toronto, the Ontario AIDS Network's volunteer skills building workshops, and the Canadian AIDS Society's skills building conferences.

HIV/AIDS Regional Services

Address: HIV/AIDS Regional Services
844A Princess Street
Kingston, ON K7L 1G5
Telephone: (613) 545-3698
Fax: (613) 545-9809
Web Site: www.hars.ca

Title: Regional Prevention and Education Program

Description:

Established in 1988, the HIV/AIDS Regional Services' (HARS) mandate is to use health promotion and community development principles to carry out comprehensive HIV/AIDS education and support programs and limited hepatitis C services. Requests for HARS' HIV/AIDS prevention and education programming have remained consistently high, ranging from 254 to 257 activities per year with 4,086 to 5,190 participants per year. The partners with whom this organization will work are the Northern Frontenac Community Services, three public health units, Options for Change and the Community Addictions Treatment Services.

The objectives of this project are: to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS and to increase the skills and ability to practice safer sex and safer needle use by individuals within targeted populations; to increase the capacity of communities to provide targeted populations and others with accurate, non-judgmental information, support and appropriate referrals related to HIV/AIDS; to reduce barriers that limit accessibility by target populations and to key agencies, groups and institutions in the region; and to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS, discrimination, related issues and services. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are peer training, presentations, consultations/collaborations, community development, displays/media, training sessions and joint events planning.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are enhanced personal health practices related to HIV/AIDS and sexual health for targeted populations; and increased knowledge of prevention, risk, testing, harm reduction and services, reinforced by supportive social networks within the various geographic communities and communities of shared culture across the region. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are participant feedback forms, field notes, planning meeting minutes, annual surveys, data sheets and ACAP narrative reports. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through HARS' regular quarterly newsletter, at the Ontario AIDS Network Educators skills building sessions, the HARS Web site, the Canadian AIDS Society and Opening Doors conferences.

Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention

Address: Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention
126 - 20 Carlton St.
Toronto ON M5B 2H5
Telephone: (416) 599-2727
Fax: (416) 599-6011
Web Site: www.asaap.ca

Title: South Asian PHA Program/Volunteer Program

Description:

Established in 1995, the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAP) is a charitable, non-profit, community-based organization whose mandate is to prevent the spread of HIV and to promote the health of South Asians infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The April 2002 Epi Update shows a sharp increase in infections among South/West Asians/Arabs, from about .08 per cent to 3.2 per cent of all reported AIDS cases, which reflects a 50 per cent increase of clients in the past two years. The partners with whom the organization will work with are the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, Regent Park Community Health Centre and the Asian Community AIDS Services.

The objectives of this project are to reduce barriers to accessing services for South Asian people living with HIV/AIDS; to increase the capacity of South Asian PHAs to deal with psychosocial issues associated with HIV/AIDS; to increase the knowledge and capacity of South Asian PHAs to manage their own health; to enhance a supportive environment for PHAs among service providers and the South Asian community; and to increase, diversify, support and enhance volunteer involvement in ASAP to enhance organizational capacity. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are client case management; language translation and interpretation, including resources in South Asian languages; cultural competency workshops; lay counselling for those infected and affected; peer-based support and health promotion; outreach and networking; media awareness; evaluation activities, needs assessments and volunteer management.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are reduced barriers to accessing services for South Asian PHAs; increased capacity of South Asian PHAs to deal with psychosocial issues associated with HIV/AIDS; increased knowledge and capacity of South Asian PHAs to manage their own health; enhanced supportive environment for PHAs among service providers and the South Asian community; and increased volunteer involvement. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are annual client satisfaction survey, focus groups, intake and reports, evaluations, needs assessments and volunteer records. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated by newsletters, email and Web site updates, brochures and media coverage.

AIDS Niagara

Address: AIDS Niagara
Normandy Resource Centre
111 Church Street
St. Catherines, ON L2R 3C9
Telephone: (905) 984-8684
Fax: (905) 988-1921
Web Site: www.aidsniagara.com

Title: Community HIV Prevention and Education Program

Description:

Established in 1990, AIDS Niagara is a community-based charitable organization whose mandate is: to improve the quality of treatment, support and advocacy for all those affected by HIV/AIDS; to prevent the spread of the virus through education and awareness; and to eradicate this deadly disease. Region of Niagara Public Health Department statistics state that there was over a 100 per cent increase of HIV-positive cases in the region in 2002. The partners with whom AIDS Niagara will work are the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre; the Niagara Region Public Health Department, including the Medical Officer of Health; the StreetWorks Program; the Niagara Regional Native Centre; the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GBLTQ) Youth Outreach Project; the Erie Sauna; and the Sudanese Association of Canada.

The objectives of this project are to reduce high risk behaviour through education; to increase and promote awareness of HIV; to increase intervention and prevention techniques; to increase geographical distribution of outreach practices; and to increase program's base of knowledge. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are development of a speaker's bureau, volunteer recruitment, safer sex workshops and in-services, needs assessments, peer-based education workshops and training, and distribution of harm reduction materials.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are reduction of high-risk behaviour; increased awareness of HIV; increased intervention and prevention techniques; increased geographical distribution of outreach practices; and an increased knowledge base for programming. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are focus groups, log books, surveys, activity reports, statistics and interviews. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through evaluation reports and presentations to community partners and agencies and through public forums and symposiums. Disseminating program findings to target populations will also be undertaken on an ongoing basis.

Toronto People with AIDS Foundation

Address: Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
399 Church St., 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5B 2J6
Telephone: (416) 506-1403
Fax: (416) 506-1404
Web Site: www.pwatoronto.org

Title: Food For Life

Description:

Established in 1987, the mandate of the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (TPWAF) is to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct and practical services. It sponsors this project on behalf of Food for Life, whose mandate is to enhance the health and well-being of homebound people living with symptomatic AIDS through the delivery of nutritious and appropriate meals by regular volunteers. Since June 2002, Food for Life has served almost 70 homebound PHAs. It is estimated that 250 to 300 people will seek this service when it expands to serve clients from Casey House Home Hospice, McEwan House, Fife House and the Victorian Order of Nurses, as well as referrals from medical practitioners and hospital social workers. The partners with whom Food for Life will work are the TPWAF, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, Casey House Hospice, FoodShare Toronto, Mid-Toronto Community Services and the Sherbourne Health Centre.

The objectives of this project are to increase access of homebound PHAs to adequate and appropriate nutrition; to decrease social isolation of PHAs in Toronto; and to increase access to already existing programs and services offered by Toronto AIDS service organizations to homebound PHAs. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are developing key partnerships for distribution sites; developing fund-raising strategies; coordinating food delivery by trained, regular volunteers; and recruiting and training regular delivery volunteers to offer different levels of companionship.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are that Food for Life will be available to all homebound PHAs in Toronto; improved access to meals; reported weight stabilization or gain by 25 per cent of participants; decreased sense of social isolation reported by homebound PHAs; increased access by homebound PHAs to ASO services now only offered on-site. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys of participants and health and support care service providers, demographic analysis of requests and monthly program statistics. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated within the Food for Life Implementation Steering Committee, the Canadian AIDS Society, the Ontario AIDS Network and the AIDS Network of Toronto.

Title: Volunteer Program

Description:

Established in 1987, the mandate of the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation is to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct and practical services. The increase in clients at TPWAF (approximately 1,000 clients over a three-year period, bringing their caseload to 5,000 clients in 2003) requires more volunteers to maintain services and provide innovative programming to meet new client needs. In 1998-1999, volunteers gave 7,176 hours of their time; this increased to 9,038 hours in 2001-2002. Approximately 95 per cent of TPWAF's 200 volunteers are PHAs. The partners with whom the TPWAF will work are the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the AIDS Bereavement Project of Ontario, Canada World Youth, the Community-Linked Evaluation AIDS Resource (CLEAR) Unit, the 519 Church Street Community Centre and Kikkawa College.

The objectives of this project are to increase the number of volunteers providing programs, services and supports to all agency activities, thus increasing the agency's capacity to meet increased client need; to increase volunteer skill levels and their capacity to effectively contribute to agency activities; to increase the volunteer information base to inform them of agency activities and client referral options; to increase volunteer commitment to the agency and decrease volunteer turnover; and to increase volunteers' levels of skill and employment readiness. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are the development and implementation of volunteer recruitment, training and retention strategies; a monthly volunteer newsletter; volunteer manual update; social opportunities for volunteers and staff to connect; and volunteer acknowledgment and appreciation.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are an increased number of volunteers; increased volunteer skill levels; increased volunteer information base; increased volunteer commitment to the agency and decreased volunteer turnover; and increased volunteer level of employment readiness. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are activity records, reports from the volunteer database, evaluation forms, interviews and surveys. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through the CLEAR Unit, the Canadian Association for HIV Research and the Ontario AIDS Network.

AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area

Address: AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area
201 - 269 Main Street West,
North Bay, ON P1B 2T8
Telephone: (705) 497-3560
Fax: (705) 497-7850
Web Site: www.aidsnorthbay.com

Title: HIV Education Services Program

Description:

Established in 1992, the mandate of the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area (ACNBA) is to assist and support all persons infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS and to limit the spread of the virus through education and outreach strategies. This project will address education needs in diverse target populations. The Men who have Sex with Men Program has reached and exceeded its projected goal of reaching 120 at-risk men for the current programming cycle. The ACNBA hosts a needle exchange site which saw 160 clients in 2002, representing an increase of over 500 per cent from 2001. There are 2,320 off-reserve Aboriginal people residing in the City of North Bay, and national and local data confirm that they are at risk of HIV infection. In 2002, the ACNBA facilitated seven presentations to women's organizations, reaching 147 marginalized and front-line women. Locally, 58.9 per cent of the ACNBA's Youth Survey (N=165) participants reported that they have had unprotected sex. In 2002, the ACNBA made 33 presentations, reaching 763 youth. The partners with whom this organization will work are Amelia Rising, North Bay and District Health Unit, Nipissing Detoxification and Substance Use Programs, and the Métis Centre.

The objectives of this project are to increase the number of program volunteers; to increase the HIV/AIDS knowledge of all target populations; and to increase HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness among service providers who work with the at-risk target populations. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are volunteer recruitment and training; on-line education to MSM seeking anonymous sex on-line; peer education; presentations/workshops to members of the target populations; resource development for target populations; distribution of HIV/AIDS information, testing and needle exchange information to local physicians, obstetricians and gynecologists.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are an increased number of program volunteers; increased HIV/AIDS knowledge of all target populations; and increased HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness among service providers working with target populations. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are attendance and program log sheets, questionnaires, activity records and evaluation forms. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through participation at conferences, seminars and workshops, on a local, regional (Opening Doors) and provincial (Ontario AIDS Network) level.

AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area

Address: AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area
85 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2L5
Telephone: (519) 570-3687
Fax: (519) 570-4034
Web Site: www.acckwa.com

Title: Community Education Program

Description:

The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area aims to mobilize the community to respond effectively and with compassion, through education, support and advocacy, to individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Ethnocultural HIV/AIDS Committee; the PHA Speakers to High Schools, University/College and Youth; and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) Youth Group.

The objectives of this project are to increase availability and use of culturally sensitive approaches and materials for prevention education targeted to the ethnocultural populations in Waterloo; increase access to and requests for prevention services and presentations that will increase awareness of HIV/AIDS to high school students and youth in Waterloo; and increase access to a supportive environment for GLBT youth. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to recruit ethnocultural members; conduct a literature review; youth forums with PHA speakers for high school and university students; weekly group meetings for GLBT males and females; and the development and distribution of brochures to increase community awareness of GLBT youth.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased capacity within the Ethnocultural HIV/AIDS Committee; increased opportunities to train community leaders regarding HIV/AIDS; creation of a four-year plan that will increase culturally sensitive and appropriate prevention/education approaches in the Region of Waterloo; youth having improved awareness, knowledge and skills related to HIV/AIDS and safe sex health practices; increased self-esteem among GLBT youth; and reduced transmission of HIV in ethnocultural populations and youth in the region. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are membership lists, analysis of best practices, attendance sheets, group process evaluations, semi-annual surveys, co-facilitator post-meeting notes, intake forms, pre/post-questionnaires and evaluation forms. The results will be disseminated through the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area's annual report, quarterly newsletters and Web site, through information sharing with Opening Doors Central West (which includes Niagara, Hamilton, Peel, St. Catharines and Guelph), at Ontario AIDS Network skills building workshops, and through the HIV Endemic Task Force.

AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County

Address: AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County
Masai Centre for Local, Regional and Global Health
409 Woolwich Street, 2nd Floor
Guelph, ON N1H 3X2
Telephone: (519) 763-2255
Fax: Fax: (519) 763-8125
Web Site: www.aids.guelph.org

Title: Wellington & Grey-Bruce Rural Prevention / Outreach Program

Description:

The mandate of the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County is to provide exemplary service in the area of HIV/AIDS in Guelph and Wellington County through innovative health promotion strategies and community partnerships. The partners with whom the organization will work include Public Health, Grey-Bruce Mental Health Services, Change Now Youth Drop-in Centre, M'Wikwedong Native Resource Centre, Peel HIV/AIDS Network and the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

The objectives of this project are to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and sexual health among Aboriginal people in Grey-Bruce; decrease isolation among HIV-positive Aboriginal people; decrease stigma and discrimination experienced by rural Aboriginal people, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community, the mental health community, and people living with HIV/AIDS; increase knowledge, skills and ability to access resources among rural physicians in the care and treatment of PHAs; increase knowledge of gay-specific psychosocial risk factors around transmission among gay rural men; and increase knowledge of HIV treatment and complementary therapies among rural PHAs. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are delivery of a culturally appropriate annual Native Health Fair in Owen Sound; train-the-trainer workshops provided for front-line workers of the Native Resource Centre; cultural competency workshops to AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County staff/volunteers and community groups; physician training; anti-homophobia and anti-discrimination workshops in school and youth-serving agencies; and safer sex outreach targeted to rural gay men.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are a reduction in the spread of HIV among Aboriginal people in Grey-Bruce County; support groups established for HIV-positive Aboriginal people; increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS among rural physicians; reduced barriers to treatment reported by PHAs; a reduction in the spread of HIV among rural gay youth; increased tolerance of diversity in rural communities; reduced isolation among gay rural men; a reduction in the spread of HIV among rural gay youth and men. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are records of attendees, participant survey, reports from health unit nurse, PHA surveys, workshop reports and focus groups. The results will be disseminated through in-service for other community agencies, AIDS service organizations, stakeholders, PHAs, volunteers and board members.

AIDS Thunder Bay

Address: AIDS Thunder Bay
217 South Algoma St.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3C3
Telephone: (807) 345-1516
Fax: (807) 345-2505
Web Site: http://www.my.tbaytel.net/actb

Title: Enhancing Healthy Options Program

Description:

Established in 1987, AIDS Thunder Bay is a community-based organization whose mandate is to confront HIV/AIDS and related issues through prevention, support, education and advocacy, and currently serves approximately 100 clients. This project is based on comprehensive surveys for 2001-2003 that identify the need for enhancing options for basic good health. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Bayview Family Chiropractic, BodyWise Yoga and Healing Arts, and the Addictions Services of St. Joseph's Care Group.

The objectives of this project are to increase social contact for people living with HIV/AIDS and their partners/families; to increase personal knowledge and skills about good health options; and to increase the level of knowledge/information and actual experience with complementary/alternative therapies. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are support groups; skills building and training workshops on computers, treatment information and complementary therapies; and PHA retreats.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased social contact for PHAs and their partners/families; increased personal knowledge and skills about positive health options; and an increased level of knowledge/information and experience with complementary/alternative therapies. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are client evaluations, minutes of meetings and client surveys. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through program reports, newsletters, the AIDS Thunder Bay Web site and Ontario AIDS Network skills building workshops.

2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations

Address: 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
43 Elm Street, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 1H1
Telephone: (416) 944-9300
Fax: (416) 944-8381
Web Site: www.2spirits.com

Title: Services and Projects Development Program

Description:

Established in 1995, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations' (TPFN) mandate is to provide HIV/AIDS-related education, counselling and support services to the Aboriginal community, to two-spirited people and to Aboriginal people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, their partners, families and communities. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Casey House Access Advisory Committee, Voices of Positive Women, Fife House and the Prisoners with AIDS Support Action Network.

The objectives of this project are to increase TPFN's strategic planning, evaluation and policy development capacity; and to increase access to all existing and potential funding and volunteer resources. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to organize focus groups and workshops; participate in strategic planning meetings, advisory committees and other action groups with the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community; prepare evaluation tools; review and apply for governmental and non-governmental funding; and provide progress and annual reports.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project include increased capacity at TPFN for strategic planning and policy development; and increased access for TPFN to all existing and potential funding and volunteer resources. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are interviews, surveys and evaluation forms. The results will be disseminated through Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal partners and colleague agencies, the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network and skills building meetings.

The Teresa Group

Address: The Teresa Group
124 Merton St., Suite 300
Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2
Telephone: (416) 596-7703
Fax: (416) 596-7910
Web Site: www.teresagroup.ca

Title: Volunteer Support Program

Description:

Since 1991, The Teresa Group's mandate has been to provide practical assistance and emotional support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS through trained volunteers. Providing leadership through example, information, education and innovation, it serves over 200 families and nearly 350 children, youth and infants. Client records for 2002 indicate that 60 per cent of all clients in the Greater Toronto Area requested volunteer services and approximately 80 volunteers logged over 9,000 hours of service. The partners with whom The Teresa Group will work are Women's Health in Women's Hands, Toronto Emergency Medical Services, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, Voices of Positive Women, the AIDS Bereavement Project of Ontario, the Phillip Aziz Centre and the Hospital for Sick Children HIV Clinic.

The objectives of this project are to increase the number of volunteers; to increase volunteer knowledge and awareness of HIV issues for affected children and families; to increase the skills of mid- and long-term volunteers about the changing needs of clients; and to maintain opportunities for support and recognition to volunteers. The activities The Teresa Group is undertaking to meet the objectives are volunteer recruitment, initial intake, screening and assessment; initial and ongoing volunteer training; volunteer recognition; and volunteer program evaluation.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are an increased number of volunteers; increased volunteer knowledge and awareness of HIV issues for affected children and families; increased skills of mid- and long-term volunteers about the changing needs of clients; and maintained support and recognition to volunteers. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are volunteer application and intake forms, evaluations, surveys and interviews. The deliverables are the activities. The results will be disseminated through reports, the volunteer newsletter, The Teresa Group In Touch newsletter and The Teresa Group's annual report.

ACAP Time-Limited (Project) Funding in Ontario

ACAP currently funds 16 time-limited projects in Ontario, for a total financial commitment of more than $1.7 million over two years (April 2005 to March 2007).

The priorities for this funding cycle were developed using an expert panel that included an epidemiologist, people living with HIV/AIDS and representatives of communities at risk and three levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal). The panel used epidemiological data and the recommendations of various provincial and national strategies to establish priorities, which were then shared and discussed with community stakeholders. As a result of this approach, evidence was used to inform decisions, multi-stakeholders were meaningfully engaged, and alignment with provincial and federal strategies was considered in developing the following priorities for time-limited funding:

• HIV/AIDS prevention for Aboriginal people
• HIV/AIDS prevention for gay men and MSM
• HIV/AIDS prevention for people from countries where HIV is endemic
• harm reduction for injection drug users in Northern Ontario
• harm reduction for injection drug users in Ottawa and/or Eastern Ontario
• service coordination and integration for people living with HIV/AIDS from vulnerable communities
• organizational capacity building for AIDS services organizations
• development of health policy and guidelines to reduce systemic barriers resulting from existing policy and legislation

More information about this priority-setting process can be found in Overview On Setting Priorities For ACAP Time-Limited Project Funding (2005-2007).

The following organizations have received time-limited funding in the current funding cycle:

• Centre Francophone de Toronto
• Warden Woods Community Centre
• AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County
• Fife House
• Regent Park Community Health Centre
• AIDS Committee of Toronto
• Somerset West Community Health Centre
• Hamilton AIDS Network
• Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre
• ACCESS AIDS Network (Sudbury Site)
• HIV/AIDS Regional Services
• Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention
• Native Men's Residence
• Asian Community AIDS Services
• Ontario AIDS Network
• Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention
  

Centre Francophone de Toronto

Address: Centre Francophone de Toronto
22 College Street, Main Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 1K3
Telephone: (416) 922-2672
Fax: (416) 922-6624
Web Site: www.centrefranco.org

Title: VIH/Sida : Lisalisani - Kombit - Entraide communautaire

Description:

Established in January 1989, the Centre médico-social communautaire (CMSC) was integrated into the Centre francophone de Toronto on April 30, 2004. The mission of CMSC is to help Toronto francophones to lead healthy lives physically, economically and socially. The partners with whom the organization will work on this project are Réseau de chercheures africaines (RECAF) and Africans in Partnership Against AIDS.

The objectives of this project are to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS among sexually active members of the francophone communities where HIV is endemic; to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS; and to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS in the wider Toronto francophone community, as well as to increase the participation of the general francophone community in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are mobilizing members of the Toronto francophone community to create an environment that is conducive to discussion of HIV/AIDS prevention; training resource persons; holding creative exchange sessions; having project participants organize a community awareness event; updating the resource directory; and creating a support group.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are a group of 19 trained resource persons with increased knowledge and skills; reduced stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS as a result of the special community awareness events; and a mobilized community, positioned to take action on HIV/AIDS issues. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are minutes of meetings, participant questionnaires, attendance sheets, pre- and post-knowledge tests, logs and pre- and post-training evaluations. The deliverables are the activities. The project evaluation results will be disseminated through the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS of Ontario. A summary of the results will be available to partners and other interested organizations.

Warden Woods Community Centre

Address: Warden Woods Community Centre
74 Fir Valley Court
Scarborough, ON M1L 1N9
Telephone: (416) 694-1138
Fax: (416) 694-1161
Web Site: www.wardenwoods.com

Title: Scarborough HIV/AIDS Prevention Project (SCHAPP) Young People Rethinking Gender Roles

Description:

Established on November 1, 1985, the mandate of the Warden Woods Community Centre is to build caring, compassionate, interdependent and just communities in southwest Scarborough and create strong and vital partnerships with these communities to enhance the quality of life and personal wellness. The partners with whom the organization will work are the AIDS Committee of Toronto, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation and TEACH/Planned Parenthood of Toronto.

The objective of this project is to increase knowledge about gender vulnerability and develop skills to negotiate safer sex and safety in relationships for youth and young adult males and females from African and Caribbean communities in Scarborough. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objective are development of a peer education training model; training for peer educators, including monthly discussion groups; one-on-one peer led information sessions; separate group sessions for males and females; community outreach; and community events.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased knowledge and awareness about HIV prevention measures and psychosocial aspects of the HIV epidemic, the determinants of health and masculinity and gender vulnerability; increased skills to be able to negotiate safer sex, safety in relationships and sexual responsibility; decrease in homophobia; increased connections between community members and social service agencies providing HIV/AIDS specific services; and more effective networking around HIV prevention within the community resulting in enhanced development of youth leadership. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are surveys, questionnaires, community feedback and logbooks. The results will be disseminated through a community forum, where the results of the evaluations conducted during the different phases and activities of the project will be shared. In addition, this information will be available through the Web sites of the Warden Woods Community Centre and the collaborators.

AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County

Address: AIDS Committee of Guelph & Wellington County
Masai Centre for Local, Regional & Global Health
409 Woolwich Street, 2nd Floor
Guelph, ON N1H 3X2
Telephone: (519) 763-2255
Fax: (519) 763-8125
Web Site: www.aids.guelph.org

Title: Masai Centre: A New Paradigm for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Care, Treatment, Support & Prevention

Description:

Established in 1989, the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County's mandate is to provide exemplary service in the area of HIV/AIDS in Guelph and Wellington County, through innovative health promotion strategies and community partnerships. The partners with whom the organization will work are Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik, Regional HIV Specialist; Wellington, Dufferin, Guelph Health Unit; Homewood Health Centre Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) Division; Allan Strong, Mental Health Consultant; and the University of Guelph Wellness Centre.

The objectives of the project are to reduce barriers to treatment for rural people living with HIV/AIDS; and to increase access to services previously not accessible to rural PHAs in Guelph, Wellington County and Grey Bruce through the development of a model of coordination of services at the new regional HIV care centre called the Masai Centre. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop and coordinate a new in-take process with clinicians to identify the specific needs of each PHA and barriers to service; to formalize service agreements and efficient referral systems with key service providers; to conduct in-house cultural sensitivity, human rights and harm reduction workshops for clinicians and other service providers; to promote the new Masai Centre through the development of brochures and a Web site; and to develop and disseminate a final report on this model of service coordination, including best practices in rural Ontario.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are an increase in access to services and treatment for rural PHAs. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are client surveys, logs and evaluations. The results will be disseminated through the Ontario AIDS Network, the Canadian AIDS Society and media releases

Fife House

Address: Fife House
571 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M4Y 2J1
Telephone: (416) 205-9888, Ext. 33
Fax: (416) 205-9919
Web Site: www.fifehouse.org

Title: Wellesley Supportive Housing Development Project

Description:

Established in 1988, Fife House's mandate is to provide secure and affordable supportive housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The partners with whom the organization will work are WoodGreen Community Services and Wellesley Central Health Corporation.

The objectives of this project are to increase service coordination and integration with WoodGreen Community Services and Wellesley Central Health Corporation in the establishment of the Wellesley Supportive Housing Project (a new supportive housing project that includes units for PHAs); and to decrease barriers to service delivery during the transitional period for current and future Fife House clients. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to create and conduct surveys and focus groups; conduct meetings with partners; prepare reports on the development of the service delivery model; develop models for client transfer; and develop a communication strategy, housing applications and a waiting list for housing units.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are reduced barriers to service for the target population; improved access to health care and other social services; and improved understanding of partnership building activities and requirements for partner agencies. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are anecdotal information, focus groups, surveys and client meetings. The results will be disseminated through annual reports, communication bulletins, minutes, project reports and meeting presentations.

Regent Park Community Health Centre

Address: Regent Park Community Health Centre
465 Dundas Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 2B2
Telephone: (416) 364-2261
Fax: (416) 364-0822
Web Site: www.regentparkchc.org

Title: Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment: Improving service for immigrant and refugee PHAs through improving relevant policies and programs

Description:

Established in 1973, the Regent Park Community Health Centre's mandate is to provide comprehensive primary health care services and multi-disciplinary health promotion programs and community support services to the residents of Regent Park in Toronto. The Centre sponsors this project on behalf of the Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT), a community coalition of organizations and frontline service providers formed in 1999 whose mandate is to specifically address barriers faced by marginalized people living with HIV/AIDS in accessing HIV/AIDS treatments and services. The partners with whom the organization will work are the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario, Asian Community AIDS Services, the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the National Anti-Racism Council of Ontario and the STATUS Campaign.

The objectives of this project are to increase knowledge about relevant policies and programs affecting their target groups; increase dialogue and collaboration amongst stakeholders to explore systemic improvements to reduce service barriers; and reduce service access barriers experienced by target group people living with HIV/AIDS by exploring/recommending systemic improvements in relevant policies and programs. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are the development of an in-depth cross-ministerial policy discussion paper; training activities to increase community awareness of policies; and think tank sessions to identify/develop systemic policy/program improvements.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased target group awareness of existing policies and programs; and development of an educational and problem-solving resource to facilitate/increase cross-sector stakeholder collaboration to reduce access barriers for the vulnerable groups and to identify systemic improvements. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluation forms, a feedback tracking system and reports. The results will be disseminated through printed and electronic reports to reach target audiences through community networks of various stakeholder groups, forums, conferences and appropriate public or community media channels.

AIDS Committee of Toronto

Address: AIDS Committee of Toronto
399 Church St., 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M5B 2J6
Telephone: (416) 340-2437
Fax: (416) 340-8224
Web Site: www.actoronto.org

Title: Case Management for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Description:

Established in 1983, the AIDS Committee of Toronto is a community-based, charitable organization whose mission is to provide support, HIV prevention and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. The partner with whom the organization will work is the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.

The objective of this project is to increase overall coordination of service delivery through comprehensive case management for high-needs people living with HIV/AIDS. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop and implement a common intake system for preliminary needs identification; and a coordinated, comprehensive case management program, including a strength-based needs assessment for high-needs clients. Project activities will also maintain ongoing contact and supportive relationship with clients; strengthen internal ACT/TPWAF program links, as well as connections with other AIDS service organizations, including Voices of Positive Women, the Teresa Group, Positive Youth Outreach, the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention and other community agencies; and develop a target population-specific resource and referral resource guide to be shared with TPWAF.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are a decreased number of unmet needs in the client population; increased access and referrals to internal and external services and programs; increased coordination of service delivery and utilization; increased knowledge and awareness of available services and programs; increased client empowerment in making informed choices regarding optimal health; decreased confusion regarding services available at ACT and TPWAF; and increased access and referrals to internal and external services and programs. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are client surveys, referral logs and service activity records. The results will be disseminated through Ontario AIDS Network meetings, the Toronto AIDS Network, the Canadian AIDS Society and community-based newspapers and other community resources.

Somerset West Community Health Centre

Address: Somerset West Community Health Centre
55 Eccles Street
Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3
Telephone: (613) 238-8210
Fax: (613) 238-7595
Web Site: swchc.on.ca

Title: Multi-Cultural Health Coalition: Ethnocultural Peer Training for HIV/AIDS Prevention

Description:

Established in 1972, the Somerset West Community Health Centre's mandate is to help its residents achieve optimal health and social well-being. The Somerset West Community Health Centre sponsors this project on behalf of the Multicultural Health Coalition, formed in 1997, whose mandate is to bring together ethnic associations to work together and support each other in the promotion of health to ethno-cultural communities. The partners with whom the organization will work are Planned Parenthood Ottawa, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Canadian African Solidarity, Carlington Community and Health Services and the Rwandan Association of Ottawa/Gatineau.

The objectives of this project are to increase the ability of Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean communities in Ottawa to provide HIV/AIDS prevention education in their own communities; to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS within this target population; to increase access of this target population to mainstream health services; and to increase the body of knowledge about best practices in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention activities for these communities. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop and implement an HIV/AIDS prevention training program for peer educators from the target population; to educate mainstream health care providers on cultural barriers to service access; to build partnerships with ethnic organizations for peer education; and to review, refine and evaluate the training program, materials and delivery system.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are a strong training program for peer educators for HIV/AIDS prevention in the sub-Saharan African and Caribbean population; increased awareness of HIV/AIDS among this target population; a strengthened system of prevention education delivery which can be sustained by partner ethnic organizations; increased access to mainstream health services by the target population; and increased cultural knowledge and sensitivity by mainstream health care providers. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are: project records, interviews, surveys and case study data. The results will be disseminated by evaluation reports, promotion at AIDS service organization coalitions, and via the project's multiple partner agencies.

Hamilton AIDS Network

Address: Hamilton AIDS Network
135 Rebecca St.
Hamilton, ON L8R 1B9
Telephone: (905) 528-0854
Fax: (905) 528-6311
Web Site: www.aidsnetwork.ca

Title: COPEC: Community Outreach People from Endemic Countries

Description:

Established in 1986, the Hamilton AIDS Network's mandate is to recognize and respond to the stigma and challenges posed by HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities through education and support. The partners with whom the organization will work are the Special Immunology Services Clinic, Settlement and Integration Services, North Hamilton Community Health Centre and the Hamilton Urban Core Community Centre.

The objectives of the project are to increase the knowledge of barriers to delivering HIV prevention and awareness, including existing programs and services for people from countries where HIV is endemic; and to increase the provision of effective strategies to deliver HIV prevention and awareness to this target population. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to consult with organizations and individuals to identify barriers to service and local programs; to identify, implement and evaluate best strategies to reach the target population; to promote awareness/prevention; and to share results among people from countries where HIV is endemic.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased participation in the Hamilton AIDS Network's programs and services; reduced stigma to accessing support; and community outreach strategies that are culturally appropriate and gender sensitive. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are consultation reports, interviews and evaluations. The results will be disseminated by distribution of the final report/manual to partners, collaborators, the HIV Endemic Task Force, AIDS service organizations and community partners as appropriate or requested. Information will also be posted on agency Web sites.

Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre

Address: Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre
2 Carlton Street, Suite 500
Toronto, ON M5B 1J3
Telephone: (416) 593-7655
Fax: (416) 593-5867
Web Site: www.whiwh.com

Title: HIV Education and Prevention Project for African and Caribbean Women

Description:

Established in 1988, the mandate of the Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre is to provide community, mental and clinical health promotion support to Black Women and Women of Colour from the Caribbean, African, Latin American and South Asian communities in Metropolitan Toronto and surrounding municipalities. The partner with whom this organization will work is the African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario.

The objective of this project is to increase the proportion of African and Caribbean women in Toronto who have accurate knowledge of HIV transmission patterns, risks and how to reduce primary and secondary HIV infection within the broader determinants of health. The activities the organization is undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop and pilot a model of HIV/AIDS education and risk reduction for African and Caribbean women; and to develop a culturally appropriate educational video highlighting the lives of African and Caribbean HIV-positive women to illustrate their experience since diagnosis with HIV and their coping strategies.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are an increased proportion of African and Caribbean women in Toronto who have accurate knowledge of HIV transmission patterns, risks and how to reduce primary and secondary HIV infection within the broader determinants of health. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluation forms, questionnaires, interviews and data collection forms. The results will be disseminated through community forums and through the distribution of the education model and video, at conferences and workshops, and on the Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre's Web site.

ACCESS AIDS Network (Sudbury Site)

Address: ACCESS AIDS Network
203 - 111 Elm Street, Suite 203
Sudbury, ON P3C 1T3
Telephone: (705) 688-0500
Fax: (705) 688-0423
Web Site: www.accessaidsnetwork.com

Title: Enhancing Supportive - IDU Services

Description:

The Access AIDS Network is a non-profit, community-based charitable organization committed to promoting wellness, education, harm and risk reduction. The Network supports persons living with HIV/AIDS and serves the whole community in a healing response to HIV/AIDS and related health issues. The partners with whom the Network will work are the AIDS Committee of North Bay, Ontario Works, Peer Support of Sudbury, the Lakeside Treatment Centre, Canadian Mental Health housing program, the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, Foyer Notre Dame and the Elizabeth Fry transition house. These partners will form the Outreach Coordination Committee, which will assist with the development and evaluation of the volunteer training program.

The objectives of this project are to increase the number of volunteers working within the injection drug use (IDU) outreach program; and to increase knowledge and skills related to HIV and IDU issues among IDU outreach volunteers and the IDU community. The activities the Network will undertake are to recruit potential volunteers for the IDU Program; to create an IDU volunteer training manual and train newly recruited IDU volunteers in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay; to develop a train-the-trainer harm reduction manual and workshop for service providers in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay; and to develop workshops for the IDU population and for those affected by the IDU population on vein care, HIV/AIDS prevention and methadone maintenance.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are an increased number of volunteers; a volunteer training manual; increased skills and knowledge of IDUs; a train-the-trainer manual; and increased knowledge of IDUs on harm reduction strategies. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are evaluations, workshop attendance sheets, outreach logs and monthly reports. The results will be disseminated through staff meetings and monthly reports to the executive director and board. The Outreach Coordination Committee will review results from the IDU Outreach Program. Each participant of the PHA workshops and retreats will receive a copy of the summary of the evaluations. This material will be used to develop and enhance future PHA workshops/retreats.

HIV/AIDS Regional Services

Address: HIV/AIDS Regional Services
844A Princess Street
Kingston, ON K7L 1G5
Telephone: (613) 545-3698
Fax: (613) 545-9809
Web Site: www.hars.ca

Title: Harm Reduction in LGL

Description:

The mandate of HIV/AIDS Regional Services is to use health promotion and community development principles to carry out comprehensive HIV/AIDS education and support programs, and limited hepatitis C services in Leeds-Grenville and Lanark. The partners with whom HARS will work with are the Leeds-Grenville Lanark District Health Unit, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Tri-County Addictions, the Merrickville District Community Health Centre, the Safe Communities Coalition of Brockville and District, Grenville Pharmacy, Shoppers Drug Mart and Delta the Community Pharmacy.

The objectives of this project are to increase the health/safety and quality of life of people who use injection drugs; to increase awareness in the IDU community of the benefits of harm reduction in reducing HIV transmission; to increase community support for harm reduction principles and practices; to decrease inequities in access to health care for IDUs; and to decrease stigma and discrimination surrounding substance use and users. The activities HARS is undertaking to meet the objectives are media releases and newspaper articles; IDU participation on the Harm Reduction Advisory Committee; resource development and distribution; support for policy development for community agencies and protocols between agencies for IDUs who are clients; presentations to the Board of Health, youth groups and community agencies; the dissemination of relevant studies to support the Needle Exchange Program; and presentations to increase the understanding of health issues and increase the number of agencies who can demonstrate their support for the Needle Exchange Program.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are greater social supports for harm reduction; better understanding of IDUs and the importance of equitable health care; strengthened partnerships and linkages between community groups to support IDUs; and overall reduction of risks related to HIV amongst IDUs. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are activity logs, user feedback, surveys and evaluation forms. The results will be disseminated by a final report made available to all community partners, media and to other AIDS- and hepatitis C-serving organizations.

Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention

Address: Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention
126 - 20 Carlton St.
Toronto ON M5B 2H5
Telephone: (416) 599-2727
Fax: (416) 599-6011
Web Site: www.asaap.ca

Title: Cover the Right Things/ Discover with a Cover - Healthy Sexuality Resources for South Asian Men who have Sex with Men

Description:

The mandate of the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention is to provide health promotion, support, education and advocacy in a non-discriminatory manner for those identified as South Asian, living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The partners with whom the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention will work are the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, the AIDS Committee of York Region and the Asian Community AIDS Services.

The objectives of the project are to increase awareness of homophobia among South Asian men who have sex with men; increase awareness of culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV prevention education material; increase awareness of Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention services; and increase knowledge of safer sex practices among South Asian MSM. The activities the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention is undertaking to meet the objectives are to create South Asian-specific print and audio-visual resources for posters, postcards, condom inserts, magazines and newspapers; and to distribute print and audio-visual resources at South Asian social cultural events, as well as to mainstream communities.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased awareness of homophobia and safe sex practices among South Asian MSM; and production and distribution of culturally appropriate educational materials. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are question sheets, reference sheets, focus groups, organizational logs and written reports. The results of the project will be distributed and advertised at South Asian community social cultural events and in media, as well as at mainstream culture venues. Community forums will be organized and a written report summarizing the impact of the campaign will be distributed and discussed with community stakeholders.

Native Men's Residence

Address: Native Men's Residence
14 Vaughan Rd.
Toronto, ON M6G 2N1
Telephone: (416) 652-0334
Fax: (416) 652-3138
Web Site: www.nameres.org

Title: Na-Me-Res/Tumivut Aboriginal Homeless Youth HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative

Description:

The mandate of the Native Men's Residence (NaMeRes) is to produce culturally appropriate materials on HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention and treatment for Aboriginal homeless youth. The partners with whom NaMeRes will work with are the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, the Tecumseh Art Collective, Nishnawbe Homes, Spirit of the People and 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

The objectives of this project are to increase awareness among Aboriginal youth of HIV/AIDS modes of transmission and risk factors and to promote safer sex amongst street involved Aboriginal youth. The activities NaMeRes will undertake to meet the objectives are to develop, design, print and translate culturally relevant communication materials on HIV/AIDS prevention in the form of a Medicine Wheel toolkit; to disseminate material during a two-day Grassroots Street Health Fair to coincide with National AIDS Awareness Day; and to create a poster on HIV/AIDS prevention to be posted in parks, health agencies and shelters where Aboriginal homeless youth assemble.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased knowledge on HIV/AIDS and safer sex practices and healthier lifestyles amongst Aboriginal homeless youth. The tools that will be used to measure achievements are anecdotal record forms, volunteer sign-in sheets, surveys, informal questions, observations, one-on-one feedback and formal statistics. The results will be disseminated through community forums (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in the Greater Toronto Area. The toolkit will also be posted on the NaMeRes Web site.

Asian Community AIDS Services

Address: Asian Community AIDS Services
107- 33 Isabella St.
Toronto, ON M4Y 2P7
Telephone: (416) 963-4300
Fax: (416) 963-4371
Web Site: www.acas.org

Title: Developing culturally competent and holistic treatment support and health promotion models for vulnerable ethnoracial people living with HIV/AIDS

Description:

The Asian Community AIDS Services is a charitable, non-profit, community-based organization that provides education, prevention and support services on HIV/AIDS to East and Southeast Asian communities in Toronto. The partners with whom the Asian Community AIDS Services will work are the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, the Centre for Spanish Speaking People, Regent Park Community Health Centre and Women's Health in Women's Hands.

The objectives of this project are to increase the ability of ethnoracial people living with HIV/AIDS to effectively manage their physical and mental health needs through skills development training; to increase awareness and knowledge of treatment and health resources for ethnoracial PHAs; and to increase knowledge and capacity among peer and professional service providers in addressing the case management needs of ethnoracial PHAs. The activities ACAS will undertake to meet the objectives are to develop a PHA peer-training module for the target population to train Community Treatment Support Experts; organize a mentorship support network for training participants; pilot peer-driven support initiatives at five ethnoracial agencies; and produce a best practice tool kit to document experience for knowledge dissemination.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are increased knowledge and skills of ethnoracial PHAs through peer-based learning; a new holistic PHA-driven case management model; increased PHA leadership; increased community resources on culturally competent services; and increased collaboration among service providers. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are informal interviews, observation, workgroup meetings, questionnaires, surveys and performance evaluation. The results will be disseminated through a community forum and through the partner agencies' involvement in community planning processes in Ontario. Presentations will be made to the Ontario AIDS Network, the Canadian AIDS Society's skills building conferences, the Ontario Health Treatment Network and other AIDS-related conferences as appropriate.

Ontario AIDS Network

Address: Ontario AIDS Network
25 Adelaide St. East
Suite 915
Toronto, ON M5C 3A1
Telephone: (416) 364-4555
Fax: (416) 364-1250
Web Site: www.ontarioaidsnetwork.on.ca

Title: Making Connections

Description:

The Ontario AIDS Network is a province-wide coalition of diverse community-based organizations. The members of the Ontario AIDS Network work together to establish an effective response to AIDS. The Ontario AIDS Network enhances the ability of organizations to improve the quality and length of life of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The partners with whom the Ontario AIDS Network will work are the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Ontario AIDS Network PHA Caucus, the AIDS Committee of Windsor, the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area, The Teresa Group and the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network.

The objectives of the project are to increase the capacity of AIDS service organizations through the creation of a Web-based learning template; to increase participation of PHAs in PHA programs and the Ontario AIDS Network PHA Caucus; and to increase the ability of front-line workers to support PHAs in decision making through utilizing online training and resources on the Web site. To meet the objectives, the Ontario AIDS Network will create a Web site for ASOs and PHAs containing an online interactive learning template; various video clips (e.g., clips of participants from the PHA Caucus welcoming visitors and explaining the purpose of the Ontario AIDS Network PHA Caucus, clips of ASO front line workers sharing challenges and opportunities in their everyday work and sharing individual stories so others can benefit from them); an e-mentoring program; information on the Ontario AIDS Network PHA Caucus; information on mental health issues; referral lists; and an online evaluation form. This Web site will also build the capacity to more effectively connect ASOs to each other and to PHAs.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are greater connection and capacity building of ASOs and PHAs; the creation of a curriculum that will benefit the training needs of ASOs; increased decision-making ability and participation by PHAs in the Ontario AIDS Network. The tools that will be used to measure the achievements are interactive surveys online, interviews and questionnaires. The results will be disseminated with other provincial ASOs and partners throughout Canada, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, and globally though the Internet and a submission of an abstract for the International AIDS Conference in 2006.

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Address: Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention
207 - 110 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, ON M5V 2K4
Telephone: (416) 977-9955
Fax: (416) 977-2325
Web Site: www.black-cap.com

Title: Muungano (Together): African and Caribbean ASOs working together to coordinate HIV/AIDS services for communities from Endemic regions in the GTA and surrounding areas

Description:

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is a volunteer-driven, charitable, non-profit, community-based organization. Black CAP works to reduce the spread of HIV infection and enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in diverse Black communities. The partners with whom Black CAP will work are African Community Health Services (ACHES) and Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA).

The objectives of this project are to increase the capacity among the three African and Caribbean agencies (Black CAP, ACHES and APAA) to coordinate service delivery, develop culturally appropriate resources, and jointly plan organizational strategies for board and staff. The activities Black CAP will be undertaking to meet the objectives are to develop baseline evaluation of staff skills and knowledge; organize and coordinate training activities; review program mandates, objectives and reports of all agencies; assess the culturally appropriate resource needs for staff working with communities speaking French, Portuguese and Swahili; and participate in joint strategic planning for the three agencies.

Expected Results:

The expected results of the project are increased understanding of agency strengths and abilities; increased program planning and coordinated service delivery; and development of culturally, linguistically and educationally appropriate resources to be shared with other service providers. Tools that will be used to measure the achievements are user surveys, reports, human resource tools and agency statistical data collection. The results will be disseminated through the sharing of outcomes with other African and Caribbean communities, the African Carribean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario, the Ontario AIDS Network and through a presentation at AIDS 2006 (XVI International AIDS Conference) in Toronto.