Cold Weather Outreach in Courtenay Offers Warmth during the Winter Months

BY SARAH SULLIVAN

Manager, AVI Courtenayand Campbell River

As the sun goes down over the Coastal Mountains, a green pick-up truck rumbles up the 6th Street alley and parks behind the Courtenay AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) office. It is Tuesday night and the AVI outreach worker and volunteer driver load up the truck with tents, sleeping bags, tarps, harm reduction supplies, coffee and sandwiches before heading out for another night of Cold Weather Outreach.

The Cold Weather Outreach program brings supplies and food to folks living on the streets of the Comox Valley. From the beginning of November to the end of March, the outreach team is out on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, starting at the public library where many folks who are homeless find some shelter from the cold. The team then follows several scheduled stops throughout Courtenay and Comox. The goal is to help someone get through the night and connect to services the next day.

Our volunteers and staff are passionate about connecting with homeless and at risk people in the Comox Valley. Peter Quatrale has been the volunteer driver since the program started and has deep concern for people living outside in the harsh winter weather. Del and

Jesse from AVI hand out sandwiches and coffee along with making referrals to social service programs and health care workers in the community. Many individuals who access the truck are housed, but in very marginal conditions and at high risk for homelessness. Others are living around the community in cars, boats and campers.

Ongoing funding is always a challenge. Every year there is uncertainty about finding the money to keep the program going, but doing so is a major priority for the organization. Last season, the Cold Weather Outreach had 1407 interactions with people in need. As Peter Quatrale puts it, “once you go out and provide supplies to someone in the rain and cold, how can you not continue to do it?”

At times the contact has been a matter of life and death: Several times the outreach workers have called emergency medical services to connect (Continued on page 4)

IN THIS ISSUE:

2. PROFILE: NEW STAFF AT AVI

3. AVI EDUCATORS ON WHAT THEY LOVE MOST ABOUT THEIR JOB

5. NEW ROSTER OF BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED

6. WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS

THE LO PWINTER 2013 BY

Introducing Alex Wade, Volunteer Program Coordinator

In June 2013, Alex came to AVI as a practicum student from the Mental Health and Addictions Program at Camosun College. Working in different areas such as Street Outreach, the Positive Wellness Lunch Program, and Reception opened her eyes to the varied opportunities and created the desire to become part of the AVI staff team in Victoria. Since that time Alex has worked as a Casual Cook in the Positive Wellness Program, as a Casual Counselor/Advocate in the Positive Wellness Program, as a Casual Street Outreach Worker, and her most recent gig as the Volunteer Coordinator (filling in while Leslie’s away).

Alex enjoys wearing many hats at AVI as it gives her the opportunity to interact with many clients and staff members alike. When asked what role she likes best Alex replied “It’s hard to choose, as they all offer such different learning experiences. “Fortunately, each area allows me to work directly with clients; which I find to be the most rewarding” says Alex. “The Volunteer Coordinator position also appeals to the organizational side of me that gets to work with a database and spreadsheets. I’m just happy to be part of AIDS Vancouver Island, and feel fortunate for the opportunity.”

New Men’s Wellness Program Support Worker

Jonathan is excited to begin his position as the Men’s Wellness Support Worker with AIDS Vancouver Island. His interest in LGBTQ support and wellness began when he was 17 and had the opportunity to get involved in YouthQuest in the Lower Mainland. This led to Jonathan moving to Ontario to get his degree in Social Work where he focused on working with LGBTQ Youth. He was fortunate enough to be placed with the AIDS Committee

of Windsor in their Gay Men’s Sexual Health Program, and eventually became the GMSH Program Coordinator. This opportunity further amplified Jonathans’ drive to work within and support a community that he so strongly identifies with and is passionate about. Jonathan will be working Monday to Friday at our Victoria offices and can be reached by calling 250 384 2366 or via email at jonathan.degenhardt@avi.org.

Looking Ahead: Events & Important Dates

WORLD AIDS DAY is DECEMBER 1st

Each year AVI co-hosts a number of events in collaboration with key community partners in commemoration of AIDS Awareness Week (November 23rd to November 30th) and World AIDS Day (December 1st). Stay tuned to our website www.avi.org, visit us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter for more details, and check out our listing of events on page 6 of this newsletter.

Alex Wade, Volunteer Program Coordinator

Jonathan Degenhardt, Men’s Wellness

Program Support Worker

2 THE LOOP Fall 2013

THE LOOP NEWSLETTER

PUBLISHED BY

CONTRIBUTORS: ERIC BERNDT, JONATHAN DEGENHARDT, ALEX WADE, JEANETTE REINHARDT, CLAIRE DINEEN, SARAH SULLIVAN, KATRINA JENSEN

WWW.AVI.ORG

“What do you love the most about your job?” An Interview with Three Educators @ AVI

Last year across the Island, AVI educated more than 37,000 people in over 1,200 workshops and sessions about topics ranging from HIV basics to harm reduction. For the newsletter, we asked three our top notch educators what they loved about their work. Here are their answers:

What I like most about my job is the challenge of communicating with individuals who can be highly resistant to education. I especially like that moment when someone is listening to you, but perks up because you’ve

given them a bit of information they didn’t know before. Then I get really excited if they ask a related, follow-up question. That makes it worth it for me. In the end, creating connections and building trust with our clients through our programs is really rewarding. I really enjoy getting to know people and sharing bits of information while working together and eating together (through our Hep C Community Kitchen in Courtenay). While it can be chaotic at times, it’s a nice change from formal educational settings.

Jeanette Reinhardt, Health Promotion Educator, Courtenay Office (10 years at AVI)

I’ve been with AVI nearly 20 years, starting out in Victoria as the Manager of SOS, and then filling in as Interim Executive Director. In January 2001, I moved up to the Nanaimo office to work as a Health Promotion Educator. I

have a lot of autonomy in this job and I’ve chosen to concentrate on working in under-resourced communities, which means travelling around quite a bit. I present different workshops related to HIV and Hepatitis C to a variety of audiences in 12 communities and enjoy creating connections in places that I’d otherwise know nothing about. And the best part of doing prevention education is that maybe some of what I do has an impact on the folks I work with – empowering them to make choices that decrease their chances of getting infected. And for those who are already infected, increasing their options and improving their outcomes.

Claire Dineen, Health Promotion Educator, Nanaimo Office (~20 years at AVI)

As an educator, I love engaging in the difficult, sensitive, edgy human rights issues around HIV/AIDS in a way that invites people to think “outside of the box” of stigma and discrimination. Because often times, it’s this very “stigma

box” that creates a sense of fear and isolation – not just for those living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, but for everyone. I hate being afraid. Fear separates us from one another, and makes it easier for HIV/AIDS and HCV to spread and hurt us. I strongly believe in the power of education to wake us up, help us “snap out of it” and shake off stigma’s ability to trap us in fear – fear of speaking up, speaking out, getting support, getting tested, using protection, talking to our kids and friends and loved ones – all because we “don’t want to sound as if we have it”. That’s stigma’s power, and we give it fuel through our fear and silence. I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to challenge stigma with education, and see people’s brains spark when they learn the difference between the myths and the truth about HIV/AIDS...and realize that they don’t have to put up with it any longer. They can change the world, starting with their own. That, to me, is endlessly inspiring.

Heidi Exner, Health Promotion & Community Relations Manager, Victoria Office  (10 years at AVI)

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Fall 2013 THE LOOP 3

Cold Weather Outreach Program helps in Comox (Ctd. from page 1)

(Continued from page 1) clients to vital medical care.

As well, many people who have lived on the streets for years are now housed in the community after repeated visits with our Cold Weather Outreach Team who were able to build trust and rapport with clients over time.

As the weather gets colder in the Comox Valley this winter, take a moment to think about those in our community without access to shelter. If you’d like to get involved, you can make a cash donation online at www.avi.org or if you’re in the Comox Valley you can drop off new or gently used tents, tarps, and sleeping bags at AIDS Vancouver Island at 355 6th Street Courtenay or call (250) 338-7400 for further information.

A version of this article has been submitted to the Comox Valley Record.

Above: Tents can help those sleeping outside stay warm during chilly nights. Below: View of backdoor of the AVI Courtenay office.

4 THE LOOP Fall 2013

Thank-you to everyone who made it to our AGM at the end of October.

At the meeting, Andrew Beckerman finished his term as Chair of the Board of Directors. We are

grateful to Andrew for his dedication and service to AVI in this role.

Two new co-chairs were voted in by the membership at the AGM.

They are Lena Locher and Herb Neufeld (pictured below).

The 2013- 2014 list of Board of Directors for AIDS Vancouver Island:

Lena Locher, Co-Chair

Herb Neufeld, Co-Chair

Lisa Cowan, Secretary

Mike Kalinka, Treasurer

Andrew Beckerman, Past Chair

Charlene Anderson, Member-at-large

Frank Buruma, Member-at-large

Bob Clark, Member-at-large

Dylan Collins, Member-at-large

Brett Harper, Member-at-large

Will Nikl, Member-at-large

Charlotte Reading, Member-at-large

Katrina Jensen, (ex-officio, Executive Director)

Questions to AVI’s board can be made to Katrina Jensen at katrina.jensen@avi.org

2013 Annual General Meeting

Herb Neufeld

Lena Locher

Fall 2013 THE LOOP 5

World AIDS Day 2013

To commemorate AIDS Awareness Week (Nov. 24 – Nov.30) and World AIDS Day (Dec. 1st) AVI across Vancouver Island will be (co) hosting and participating in a number of events.

BLOOD BLITZ TESTING DAY

When: Wednesday, November 27th (9:30am - 1:30pm)

Where: 1371 Unit C Cedar Street (Campbell River)

More Info: Click Here or Call Leanne: 250 830 0787

WORLD AIDS DAY COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE (NANAIMO)

When: Thursday, November 28th (11am -2pm)

Where: AVI Office 201-55 Victoria Road

More Info: Call Anita: 250 753 2437

10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AVI HEALTH CENTRE

When: Thursday, November 28th (6pm -8pm)

Where: The Vault, 499 Wallace Street (Nanaimo)

More Info: Click Here or Call Dana: 250 753 2437

ROCK YOUR AWARENESS: COUNTRY EDITION

When: Saturday, November 30th (8pm)

Where: Logan’s Pub 1821 Cook St. (Victoria)

Cost: 10$ in support of AIDS Vancouver Island

More Info: Click Here or Call Hermione 250 384 2366

RED RIBBON CANDLE LIGHT MEMORIAL DISPLAY

When: Sunday, December 1st (5pm-7pm)

Where: On the Steps of the BC Legislature (Victoria)

More Info: Call Heidi 250 384 2366

WE ARE HERE: AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING

When: Monday, December 2nd (6:30pm- 9:30pm)

Where: The Belfry Theatre (1291 Gladstone) (Victoria)

More Info: Click Here or Call Heidi 250 384 2366

6 THE LOOP Fall 2013