CAYR Community Connections

Vision & Mission

To create safe, confidential, and inclusive spaces and services in York Region where people can access dignified support and meaningfully engage in self-determined pathways to well-being. We envision an informed, healthy, stigma-free, and compassionate community.

Who We Work With

We offer specialized and combined programs for:

• People living with HIV/AIDS (newly diagnosed to long-term survivors)
• People affected by or at risk of HIV and Hep C
• People who use drugs
• People who identify as 2SLGBTQ+
• People supporting vulnerable and marginalized community members

Our Values

• Inclusion: We cultivate an environment where individuals and communities can equitably and meaningfully achieve their full potential.
• Self-Determination: We uphold human dignity and the rights of individuals and communities to make informed choices.
• Well-Being: We nurture a holistic approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspirations.
• Collaboration: We build upon the collective strengths of individuals and communities.

Our values are rooted in the principles of:

• Greater and meaningful involvement and engagement of people with lived experience of HIV/AIDS, drug and substance use, as well as 2SLGBTQ+ identified community members.
• Harm Reduction
• Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression

Programs at CAYR Community Connections include:

• HIV Support and services
• Harm Reduction: support and services
• Rainbow Space: social support & inclusive spaces for folks who identify with the 2SLGBTQ+ community