Mid year Toronto HIV/AIDS Network Newsletter by torontohivaidsnetwork

MID YEAR

N E W S L E T T E R

Here’s what has happened in the first half of the year and what’s to come!

We are pleased to share with you the latest edition of our Toronto HIV/AIDS Network newsletter. As we continue to navigate through 2024, our commitment to supporting our member organizations and by extension our communities affected by HIV/AIDS remains steadfast.

The THN is currently going through a transitioning phase, with leadership, staff, program review and evaluation We have brought onboard Carolina Berinstein Consulting to conduct a needs assessment and evaluation of our work, which will be completed November 30th, 2024. We are excited about this phase we are going through as it will be creating the opportunities for engagement and support from of our membership in guiding and forging our path forward for the next few years as how best The THN can and should continue to support its membership and community.

Your continued support and engagement are crucial and important to us We encourage you to participate in our upcoming events / consultations and provide feedback Together, we will continue to make significant impact in the fight against stigma and HIV/AIDS.

Thank you, COMMUNITY.

Enjoy this month’s newsletter!

ADDRESSING HIV STIGMA: KEY INSIGHTS AND NEXT STEPS FROM ZERO HIV STIGMA DAY

IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU SHOULD EXPECT

UPDATES FROM THN CELEBRATING THN MEMBERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

THN TEAM INTRODUCTION

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATION

On July 21, 2024, we celebrated Zero HIV Stigma Day, with notable contributions from the Toronto People Living with AIDS Foundation, Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC), Community Alliance for Accessible Treatment (CAAT), African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario(ACCHO), Latino Positivos(LP), and Hope for Refugees. This day provided an essential opportunity to evaluate our progress and identify areas for improvement in the fight against HIV stigma.

A key highlight was a panel featuring individuals living with HIV, who shared impactful stories about the stigma they face living in the shelter system. A critical issue emerged: reports from shelter residents indicate that their medications are being confiscated and stored in staff offices. This practice compromises their privacy and confidentiality.

Research from the HIV Stigma Index in Ontario, part of the REACH Nexus project, underscores the need for interventions targeting internalized stigma and mental health. Addressing these issues is vital for improving the health and well-being of those living with HIV.

In response, we are drafting a call to action to present to the ombudsman, Toronto City Council and the Shelter management system, advocating for policy changes on shelter medication policies and stigma within shelters.

THN PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Toronto HIV/AIDS Network (THN) is finalizing a crucial evaluation and needs assessment with the help of a consultant specializing in health systems planning for nonprofit, community-based organizations in Toronto.

Evaluation Overview

The evaluation will assesses the effectiveness of THN’s previous strategic plan, highlighting both successes and challenges. It aims to identify areas for increased focus and opportunities to build on past achievements for the next five years.

Needs Assessment Focus

The needs assessment will identify gaps not currently addressed by THN and aligns with the HIV Action Plan to 2030. It prioritizes the needs of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized and marginalized communities living with and at risk of HIV in Toronto.

Next Steps

The project is scheduled to commence on September 3, 2024. The consultant will be contacting THN members, and the final report is anticipated to be completed by November 30, 2024.

The Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples is marking its 50th anniversary of serving the Hispanic community in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this year. Since its inception, the Centre has been dedicated to providing essential services across various sectors to support and uplift its community.

The Centre offers a comprehensive range of services including:

Legal Clinic: Providing legal advice and support on issues such as immigration and labor rights.

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program: A safe haven for women who have experienced violence, offering emotional support, counseling, and resources.

Settlement Programs: Assisting newcomers with housing, employment, and education to help them integrate into Canadian life.

Senior Program: Featuring activities like Zumba, art classes, training sessions, and English classes for seniors.

Youth Empowerment and Career Development: Encouraging youth participation through volunteer opportunities and career development initiatives.

Sexual Health Program: Focused on sexual health education, STI and HIV prevention, mental health counseling, and reducing stigma, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community

Additionally, the Centre provides:

Mindfulness Groups: To enhance stress management and overall well-being.

Sexual Health Education Workshops: Covering topics such as STI prevention and safe substance use.

LGBTQI+ Community Groups: Offering spaces for connection and recreational activities to combat social isolation.

All services are confidential and inclusive, with special attention to newly arrived LGBTQI+ individuals. The Centre also offers mental health counseling, coordination with sexual health services, and a harm reduction program aimed at preventing STI and HIV transmission among people who use substances.

120 carlton st, suite 201, Toronto

CASEY AWARD

The Casey Awards are an annual celebration of outstanding leadership and dedication to social justice and HIV/AIDS advocacy across Canada. Since their inception in 2008, inspired by the pioneering June Callwood, a Casey House founder and the first award recipient, these awards honor her spirit of groundbreaking leadership. For 2024, Casey House is calling on the entire community to submit nominations, including selfnominations, and especially encourages submissions from the diverse tapestry of our society Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as individuals living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV Every nomination will be carefully evaluated by a committee composed of Casey House’s board, volunteers, staff, and engaged community members, ensuring a thorough and inclusive review process.

Click here to nominate

THN MEMBER ACTIVITIES

OPPORTUNITIES

This bursary is open to all Two-Spirited, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit folks living with HIV who are currently undergoing HIV treatment and reside in Ontario. It aims to provide support and empowerment to recipients as they navigate their treatment This bursary is open to any 2-Spirit (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) community member from Ontario, living with HIV of any age.

Bursary amount: $1000

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ACROSS OUR MEMBER ORGANISATION

Position advertised Organization

Prison in reach and community development coordinator PASAN

Coordinator, community Development (events & Story

The 519

Case manager (youth resource Worker Sherbourne Health

Research assistant II MAP UPSTREAMLAB CANTREATCOVID

Unity Health Toronto

Behavioral personal support worker Loft community services

Project Manager Loft community services