A Message from the Board Chair and the Executive Director Rejuvenate, Reconnect, and Recharge

Dear ACAS members, sponsors, volunteers, and service users,

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how we think about our lives, health, economies, and societies. In the early fall of 2022, health experts declared that we had entered the endemic stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite the virus continuing to be present, it is less fatal than it was in 2020 and is more predictable. These endemic conditions have given us optimism though the level of risk from the disease remains uncertain.

In this 2021-22 Annual Report, we would like to start by addressing positive notes to our community. Rejuvenate, Reconnect, and Recharge are the concepts we hold dear and put into practice this year. We realize how important it is to reach out to reconnect with one another. We continue checking in with our clients living with HIV. We brought back the in-person program activities as much as possible, and reached out to other East and Southeast Asian communities, such as the Asian migrant farm workers in Chatham-Kent and the Leamington area, and those who use drugs in Toronto.

Our community members are continuously a ected by Anti-Asian racism, AIDS phobia, homophobia and transphobia. In our own little way, ACAS has provided them with a safe and caring space. Community members came to ACAS to recharge their life batteries, and rejuvenate their bodies, mind, and spirits by participating in various program activities. These activities ranged from health promotion educational workshops, HIV/STI educational sessions, movie nights, closed-group support, expressive-art therapy, fruit-picking, and meditative walk in the wood.

In July, Monkeypox outbreaks disproportionally a ected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and Trans women in Toronto. ACAS responded by joining other AIDS organizations to raise awareness and educate community members on the issue. We worked with Toronto Public Health to set up the Monkeypox vaccine pop-up clinic at ACAS. Over 200 community members were vaccinated at the pop-up clinic in the past four months. To rejuvenate and recharge our organization, the Board of Directors, sta , and community members have recently developed ACAS’ strategic plan covering 2023-2025. We started by working with an OODP (Ontario Organizational Development Program) consultant and an external consultant to plan, conduct an environmental scan, and participate in a day retreat to develop the plan. The summary of the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan will be presented at this year’s AGM. Lastly, we wish to thank our sta team and volunteers who continue tirelessly to provide services to our community. We want to express our sincere gratitude to individual and corporate sponsors, and funders. Any grant, donation and gifts you give matter as we work daily to rejuvenate, reconnect, and recharge our community.

Supporting our community, caring for our future,

Lindsey Li Board Chair Noulmook Sutdhibhasilp

Our Mission

To provide HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support service to the East and Southeast Asian Canadian communities.

What We’re Doing

With your support, we provide HIV and sexual health education workshops, community outreach and forums, support for LGBTQ+ youth, case management, health promotion and referral services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs).