Services at ACT - An Overview
The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is a community-based, charitable organization that provides support, HIV prevention, and education services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS.
We provide confidential support and practical services to men, women, youth and trans people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and can provide information and support to their partners, friends, and families, all free of charge.
To find out more about any of our programs and services, call us at 416-340-2437, or drop by our offices at 399 Church St., 4th floor, Toronto.
I need someone to talk to. . .
Counselling
We provide confidential counselling to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as people who know someone with HIV/AIDS or are concerned about HIV/AIDS. Counsellors are available to speak with you at our office, over the phone, or at other locations. Clients concerned with confidentiality need not give their names at the time of booking.
Social Support Network
Each month, the Social Support Network offers PHAs the opportunity to get out of the city, meet new people, and visit interesting places, all at a minimal cost.
Buddy Program
We are able to connect PHAs with a buddy — a volunteer trained to provide ongoing friendly support.
Portuguese-Speaking Services
We provide services to Portuguese-speaking peoplle living with HIV/AIDS. We also provide HIV/AIDS information, workshops, and referrals to Portuguese-speaking individuals and service providers. Please call 416-340-8484 ext. 290 for more information or visit: www.actoronto.org/portugues
Para mais informação sobre os serviços em Português do ACT para as comunidades de língua portuguesa, ligue para 416-340-8484, extensõe 290 ou: www.actoronto.org/portugues
Women’s Community Kitchen
In partnership with other agencies, we offer a monthly community kitchen where Caribbean and African women living with HIV/AIDS get together to share a meal, a laugh, and their stories. The kitchen is also an opportunity for women to learn about strategies to stay well.
Women’s Retreat
We organize a weekend retreat that enables women with HIV/AIDS to get out of the city, meet their peers, and learn strategies for improving their health.
Men’s Retreat
We offer men living with HIV/AIDS an opportunity to leave the city to meet their peers and learn strategies for improving their health.
Positive Youth Outreach (PYO)
Run by and for young people living with HIV/AIDS, Positive Youth Outreach provides peer support, counselling, fun social activities, practical advice, and referrals. Please call 416-340-8484 ext. 281 for more information or visit www.positiveyouth.com
I need practical, concrete help. . .
Meet and Eat — Weekly Hot Lunch Program
Every Friday, PHAs come together to enjoy a free, nutritious, and delicious hot meal in a confidential and supportive environment. Registration in advance is required. Transportation to and from the weekly hot lunch is available to PHAs with limited mobility through the Good Company Lunch Program. Call to register.
Good Company Lunch
Provides an opportunity for peoplewith HIV/AIDS to meet over a three course meal once a week. This program is specifically for people who are unable to negotiate unassisted public transportation due to physical disabilities. Call 416-340-8484 ext. 219. Advance registration required.
Good Food Box Program
PHAs who are living on a restricted income can purchase a week’s supply of fresh fruits and vegetables at a greatly reduced cost.
BookAIDS
Held four times a year, BookAIDS offers free books to PHAs living on a restricted income.
Furniture Bank
Furniture and household items for PHAs living on a restricted income.
Drives Program
We arrange transportation to and from HIV/AIDS-related medical appointments within Toronto for PHAs who are unable to negotiate public transit.
Moves Program
We help PHAs who are on social assistance with moves to affordable housing within Toronto.
Insurance Benefits Clinic
We have volunteers from the insurance industry who can provide PHAs with confidential advice about insurance benefits. Topics include disability coverage, return-to-work issues, and benefits coverage.
Income Tax Clinic
We offer confidential, one-on-one consultations to help PHAs with their personal income tax returns.
Employment Action
Career counselling and job development for people with HIV/AIDS who are considering (re)employment. Call 416-340-2437 or 416-623-1782 for more information.
Community Naturopathic Clinic
Supervised by a registered naturopathic doctor, fourth-year students help PHAs explore treatment options that deal with the serious side effects caused by many of the AIDS treatment drugs. For more information, call 416-324-4187. This is a collaborative program of the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Sherbourne Health Centre and the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
Case Management
ACT provides case management for clients living with HIV/AIDS who have greater and more complex health needs. This program provides clients with assistance navigating the health and social service system. After completing a needs assessment, the case manager and client work together to set short and long term goals. Case managers work with clients to provide the resources and support needed to enable clients to attain their goals. To contact a case manager call 416-340-2437 and ask to book an appointment.
HIV and Dementia Day Program
This program provides individualize therapeutic care for people living with HIV/AIDS and dementia, offering social opportunities for participants and relief from their caregivers.
I want more information about HIV/AIDS. . .
Community Health Forums
Held four to six times a year, our community health forums feature expert presentations and panel discussions about health issues relevant to PHAs.
ASO411
ASO411 is an online mapping tool that provides access to up-to-date information about HIV/AIDS related services in Ontario for people who need services and for service providers. Developed in partnership with a number of community organizations. Visit www.aso411.ca
ACT Library
The ACT Library is the largest publicly accessible HIV/AIDS library in North America. Drop by our offices to check it out, or access our catalogue online at www.actoronto.org/library.
HIV/AIDS Community Wellness Calendar
This on-line calendar is a monthly listing of wellness programs and events for people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Toronto. To view the Calendar, click here A partnership with the Toronto HIV/AIDS Community Planning Initiative's Information and Access Working group.
Harm Reduction Outreach: Gay Youth and Men
Our Harm Reduction program provides outreach and information about sexual risk-taking and other risks associated with drugs and alcohol sexual
health, drugs to gay and bisexual men and youth at night clubs, late night bath house and party venues, festivals and events. We provide partiers with safe,
non-judgmental and confidential information and referrals. Visit torontovibe.com and himynameistina. com for more information.
Gay Men’s Community Education and Outreach
We provide HIV prevention outreach, training sessions, and workshops to gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men, and to the service providers who work with them.
Portuguese-speaking Community Education and Outreach
We provide workshops, training courses, HIV prevention education, outreach and other activities to Toronto's Portuguese–speaking communities and community health organizations.
I want to get involved. . .
There are many ways to get involved with ACT. Volunteer. Become a member. Participate in ACT fundraising events. Make a donation.
Interested? Drop by our office or give us a call at 416-340-2437..