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Services Definitions

This is a listing of what programs are offered grouped by service type:

Browse by Service:


  • Aboriginal People (First Nations, Inuit, Metis)

  • Caregivers

  • Family/Children

  • Gay Men/Bisexual Men

  • General Public

  • Heterosexual Men

  • Homeless/Street Involved People

  • Immigrants/Newcomers/Refugees

  • LGBT

  • People from countries where HIV is endemic

  • People living/with HIV/AIDS (PHAs)

  • People who inject drugs or use substances

  • Prison/Legal

  • Service providers

  • Sex Workers

  • Specific ethnocultural community/ies

  • Women

  • Youth

  • Community Development
Community development is the process or effort of building communities on a local level with a focus on the economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects of community well-being. In this process, community members come together to take action together to come up with solutions to common problems. The scope of community development can range from small initiatives or plans developed by a small group, to larger initiatives or plans that involve the whole community.

  • Education

  • Outreach
Outreach refers to the provision of programs, services, activities, and/or information/expertise to people who are in target areas or groups in the community.

  • Skill Development
Skill development programs or sessions focus on enhancing the knowledge level and skill sets of individuals.

  • Training

  • Workshops

  • Food Banks
Non-profit establishments where donated food is made available to individuals who require it. Certain criteria may have to be met to be eligible.

  • Meal Programs
In-home or on-site programs where nutritious meals are delivered or made available to those individuals who require them. Certain criteria may have to be met to be eligible.

  • Nutritional Counselling
Education and information on nutrition provided to individuals or groups often by a registered dietitian. This may also include information on access to nutritious food.

  • Retreats
Retreats may take a variety of forms and provide an opportunity for participants to get together in a social environment for relaxation, workshops and community.

  • Scheduled Drop In Program
Scheduled programs geared to members of certain groups providing a wide range of support, resources and access to services.

  • Social Support Groups
Support groups meet periodically to share information, experiences and testimonies on different topics and to offer support to one another.

  • Support Groups

  • Complementary Therapies
Treatments that have not been considered part of Western Medicine such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, meditation, art, dance, and/or nutrition, which may reduce stress, boost the immune system, or have other beneficial effects.

  • Health Promotion
Health Promotion is a strategy for improving the health of the population by providing individuals, groups and communities with the tools to make informed decisions about their well-being. Moving beyond the traditional treatment of illness and injury, health promotion efforts are focused on the social, physical, economical and political factors that affect health, and include such activities as the promotion of physical fitness, healthy living and good nutrition.

  • Treatment Information
This could include a variety of treatment resources such as: alternative therapies, nutrition, government drug programs and accessing medications. Counselling on treatments and their side effects may also be provided.

  • Anonymous Testing
In this situation, the person who takes the blood sample keeps no written record of the individual’s personal information (name, address, etc.). The blood sample goes to (and comes back from) the testing lab with a code number on it that only the individual knows. The individual hands in the code number in order to get the test results.

  • HIV Testing

  • Rapid Testing
Rapid HIV point of care screening test is done by a finger prick blood sample and testing is done on site by clinic staff. Results are ready in about 5 - 10 minutes. Individuals receive their results at the same visit.

  • Homeless Outreach
Homeless outreach refers to the programs, services, activities, and/or information/expertise provided to people who are homeless. Often assistance locating temporary shelter and/or referral information for long-term housing is provided if appropriate.

  • Housing Assistance
Information, advocacy and referrals for housing-related issues including rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, residential programs, shelters, supportive housing etc.

  • Residences
Some organizations may support residences usually offering a limited number of rooms to individuals on a short or long-term basis. Certain criteria may have to be met to be eligible. In some cases, other services and assistance may be provided or accessed on-site.

  • Shelters
Accommodations usually on an emergency or short-term basis. Shelters provide a safe place to sleep and may also offer nutritious meals, counselling and access or referral to other services.

  • Supportive Housing
Supportive housing refers to housing, which is coupled with social services such as job training, alcohol and drug abuse programs, and case management. It is often targeted at populations in need of assistance such as the homeless, those suffering with physical or mental illness or substance abuse problems, and the elderly.

  • Bereavement Services
Services are provided on a wide range of grief issues including counselling and assistance with memorial/funeral arrangements.

  • Buddy Programs
A Buddy is a well-trained volunteer who can provide emotional support to individuals who require it. Buddies help clients maintain their independence and provide companionship to relieve isolation. Buddies can conduct regular visits or accompany individuals to appointments or on errands.

  • Case Management
Case management consists of client centered services that link clients with health care and psychosocial services in a manner that ensures timely, coordinated access to appropriate levels of care. In general, case management provides the following functions: (1) Intake into care, (2) On-going assessment of client needs, (3) On-going service planning, (4) Coordination of and referral to primary care, (5) Coordination and referral to other medical and support services, (6) Monitoring and follow-up, (7) Discharge planning, (8) Housing assistance.

  • Counselling
Short- and long-term professional counselling is available for clients living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS, on issues such as loss, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, planning for healthy living, changing health status, self care and impact on sexuality. Counselling is offered to individuals, couples and families.

  • Employment Counselling
Counselling is designed to assist individuals with employment barriers to achieve paid employment. This may includes services such as resume building, employment preparation, vocational counselling, skills, interest and abilities assessments and job placement services.

  • Financial Counselling
Counselling provided to help individuals meet their financial obligations through budgeting, assistance programs and other means.

  • Home & Hospital Visits/Care Teams
Usually conducted by volunteers. Services provided might include practical assistance, companionship, physical comfort and personal care, life review and legacy work, respite for caregivers, spiritual care.

  • Individual Advocacy
Programs may advocate and intervene on behalf of our clients to make sure they get the services and entitlements they need. Others may focus on the empowerment of clients, through training and support, to act as advocates for themselves and others.

  • Intake and Assessment
Intake and assessment procedures are specific to each organization and may depend on program offerings and requirements.

  • Legal
Assistance in accessing legal services including legal advice and referrals.

  • Mental Health Support
May take a variety of forms including individual counselling, group therapy and participation in support groups. Psychiatric, psychosocial and other support may be provided by a variety of mental health professionals and others.

  • Pre/post Test Counselling

  • Settlement Services
Often targeted towards new immigrants of specific ethnic heritage. Services may be provided in the areas of health, mental health, housing, legal, employment, ESL, childcare, etc.

  • American Sign Language (ASL)

  • Amharic

  • Arabic

  • Armenian

  • Bengali

  • Cantonese

  • Cree

  • Czech

  • English

  • Farsi

  • French

  • Fuchien

  • Ga

  • Gujarati

  • Hausa

  • Hebrew

  • Hindi

  • Ibo

  • Italian

  • Kinyarwanda

  • Kirundi

  • Korean

  • Lingala

  • Luganda

  • Mandarin

  • Mohawk

  • Ndebele

  • Odawa

  • Oji-Cree

  • Ojibway

  • Pilipi

  • Polish

  • Portuguese

  • Punjabi

  • Quebec Sign Language (LSQ)

  • Shona

  • Somali

  • Spanish

  • Swahili

  • Tagalog

  • Taiwanese

  • Tamil

  • Thai

  • Tigrinya

  • Turkish

  • Twi

  • Ukrainian

  • Urdu

  • Vietnamese

  • Xhosa

  • Yoruba

  • Zuulu

  • Complementary Therapies
Treatments that have not been considered part of Western Medicine such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, meditation, art, dance, and/or nutrition, which may reduce stress, boost the immune system, or have other beneficial effects.

  • Hospital Clinics
Specialized clinics within hospitals geared towards individuals with specific medical conditions and which may require referral from a primary care physician.

  • Primary Care
Primary care physicians usually provide first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions.

  • Financial Assistance
Financial assistance or help in accessing financial assistance programs such as the Trillium Drug Fund, Treatment Fund, Medical Disability Fund, Positive Children's Fund, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (on-site workers), Canada Pension Plan, and Employment Insurance may be provided.

  • Food Banks
Non-profit establishments where donated food is made available to individuals who require it. Certain criteria may have to be met to be eligible.

  • Furniture
Furniture or help accessing donated or used furniture may be provided.

  • Transportation/Moving
Assistance with transportation/moving or in accessing programs which provide these services.

  • Condoms/Lubricant
Donated condoms/lubricant or assistance accessing these products may be available.

  • Gloves
Donated gloves or assistance accessing these products may be available.

  • Information Services
Services providing information and referrals on a variety of specific topics.

  • Needle Exchange Program
NEPs are anonymous fixed or mobile sites where clean needles are available under a harm reduction model.

  • Student Placement

  • Volunteer