Our Mission
PARN (Peterborough AIDS Resource Network) is a community based agency providing support and health promotion for people HIV-infected and HIV-affected. PARN provides education for people at risk for HIV and awareness of HIV issues to the broader community.
Our Goals
- To promote the well-being and independence of people living with or at risk for HIV and/or AIDS in the counties of Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes by providing services such as: counseling, workshops, and information on progression and treatment of the condition for themselves and their families; referrals to other service providers; basic necessities to those in need; and assistance with other health issues.
- To prevent the transmission of HIV by providing education, information and resources to groups at risk and the general public in the counties of Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes.
HIV Support
- As our anchor program at PARN, we offer compassionate and confidential support to people who are living with and affected by HIV and/or AIDS in the four
counties of Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland and City of Kawartha Lakes.
If you, a friend or family member, are living with HIV and/or AIDS, we will help you find the services , and support your need as you learn more about living with HIV and/or AIDS.
There are a variety of programs and services offered by PARN that may assist you in your
everyday life. These include:
– a lending library,
– an emergency financial assistance fund,
– access to the internet,
– emergency food services,
– and referrals to a variety of other supportive community agencies.
We also offer harm reduction education and supplies at no cost, including:
– condoms and lube
– as well as new injection and inhalation equipment.
How to access PARN’s support services:
First there is a friendly, non-judgmental initial intake and assessment: this is an opportunity
for our professional support staff to learn more about you and for you to learn more about
us.
Together, we will begin to understand your unique experiences, challenges and
needs, and you can learn about PARN, our programs, services and community care
partners. We will ask you for confirmation of HIV status.
We will also need proof that you live in our region.
Then, you can take full advantage of PARN’s services:
Supportive counselling: either in-person or by telephone on issues related to living
with HIV and/or AIDS, and general health and wellness. This is not therapeutic
counselling.
Referrals: to other community services, including: legal, housing, mental health, and other HIV-
related supports and services.
Social Activities: for example, the Holiday Social and the Annual Picnic are
opportunities to expand your social network, connecting with others living with and
affected by HIV and/or AIDS.
Lakeridge Positive Care Clinic: provides HIV & Hep C testing and treatment in
Peterborough at the PARN site on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
* To connect directly with Lakeridge Positive Care Clinic, please contact:
Andrea, Nurse, Lakeridge Positive Care, 905-242-0046
Living With HIV Now?
For direct support, Contact: 705-957-2137, email :
Hep C Services @ PARN
Hep C Services @ PARN works to ensure that people living with and at risk for Hep C have increased access to testing and treatment.
We are working in partnership with Lakeridge Positive Care Clinic and the Durham Community Health Centre to establish an integrated network of Hep C services to ensure that people living with and at-risk for Hep C have increased access to services in community.
You can reach PARN’s Hep C Program Coordinator at:
Josh JohnstonPeterborough Hep C Program Coordinator705-957-3552
GBMSM Program
Our GBMSM Program is dedicated to fostering community and building capacity for Gay, Bisexual, and other Cis and Trans Men who have sex with Men across the Four Counties. Guided by community input and supported by the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance of Ontario (GMSH), our initiatives are designed to address the unique needs of this group.
We are excited to announce upcoming presentations and educational sessions focused on GBMSM-centered HIV and Hepatitis C education, as well as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in sexual health and related concerns. Additionally, we will be launching a Peer Engagement Committee starting in September.
For more information and to get involved, please contact Shikhar at or Shan at .
Women and HIV
Check out WHAI at PARN Instagram and join the conversation.
Harm Reduction Works @ PARN
PARN provides harm reduction supplies to people who use injection and inhalation drugs in order to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and other blood-borne infections.
Harm reduction is a range of pragmatic and evidence-based policies and practices designed to minimize the harmful consequences of drug use and other high risk activities.
It focuses on supporting people as they attempt to make informed decisions about their use and remain as safe as possible. Harm reduction strategies respect a person’s right to continue to use while providing options, support and resources to minimize the negative consequences or “harm” that may result.
Non-judgmental service delivery means meeting people where they are at and is the heart of a Harm Reduction approach.
To contact Harm Reduction Works Outreach please call 705-559-0656. And, or Aizha ()
Rainbow Youth
The Rainbow Youth Program works to make lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, 2-spirit, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth (aged 13-23 yrs.) feel safe, included, and empowered in Peterborough and the four counties. We give LGBTQ+ youth the space to be themselves and the tools to lead positive change in their schools, peer groups, and community.
Today, the Rainbow Youth Program hosts a weekly youth drop-in with an average of 100 youth attending in a year. Our youth ambassador programs, the queeRAdicals, are active in community outreach, including delivering inclusivity trainings to local schools, service providers, and organizations. The RYP is also involved in organizing many events, including Peterborough Pride, and building partnerships with schools, GSAs, and organizations throughout the four counties.
What We Do:
- Workshops – Teaching a Generation of Youth and Adult Allies
- queeRAdicals – Mentoring Youth Leaders in Fostering Change in their Communities
- Weekly Drop In – Supporting Youth Resilience and Community Building
Please contact Leah by email to find out more.
Request a Workshop
PARN Workshops and Training
PARN offers a range of workshops and training programs, including those focused on Harm Reduction, GBMSM, Rainbow Youth, Women and HIV (WHAI), and Naloxone training. We also provide guidance on safely picking up needles and sharps in the community.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at 705-957-3516 or email .
Volunteer with PARN
How Can You Get Involved?
At PARN, we offer a variety of ways you can contribute based on your interests and skills. We will inform you about upcoming activities, and you can choose the ones that appeal to you.
Here are some of the ways you can help:
- Office Reception
- Organizing Special Events
- Writing Articles for the Newsletter
- Graphic Design
- Postering and Marketing Assistance
- Research
- Applying Computer Knowledge
- Committee Work (fundraising, social action, special events)
- Photography
- Making Red Ribbons
- Photocopying, Envelope Stuffing, Stamping Pamphlets
- Board Membership
- Keeping Track of Pamphlets
- And More!
Do you train volunteers?
Yes, our staff provides individual and formal group training sessions for all eligible volunteers.
Student Placement Opportunities
Are you a student looking to gain valuable experience while making a positive impact in the community? We offer student placement opportunities for those eager to volunteer and contribute their time and skills. Whether you’re fulfilling a course requirement or seeking hands-on experience in your field of study, our volunteer program is designed to help you grow both personally and professionally.
Please note that we also receive placement requests through academic institutions. Due to our limited capacity, we advise you to inquire early to secure a spot in our program.
For more information or to inquire about student placement opportunities, please contact Bridget at . We look forward to welcoming you to our team and supporting your journey!
JOIN PARN
Volunteering with PARN is not the only way to show your support of PARN. Community members may become Enduring Members, or Board Members. Occasionally Job Vacancies may also be posted here. Learn more below.
Become an Enduring Member
In April 2013, PARN updated its policy by developing the new Enduring Membership. This recognizes people’s ongoing interest in helping PARN continue its work to provide HIV prevention and support in the four counties.
A new application form ensures that individual and associate memberships are renewed automatically every April 1, unless a member submits a formal resignation, the board of directors resolves to remove a member, or a member no longer agrees with the mission statement and goals of PARN.
The Enduring Membership is free and non-transferable. It entitles members to receive agency newsletters, other communications, and invitations to special events and annual general meetings at which voting rights may be exercised.
Please note that the membership form has been temporarily removed. Stay tuned for updates!
OUR BOARD
PARN’s work is guided by a Board of volunteer directors who ensure that PARN is meeting and exceeding its commitments to the communities we serve in Peterborough County, Northumberland County, The City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. If you are interested in joining PARN’s Board of Directors, please download the application here and email the completed form at with the subject line: “Board Application”.
Current Board Members:
WORK AT PARN
There are no current vacancies at PARN. This will be updated with any postings as they occur.
Make a Donation
PARN depends on donations from engaged community members to support a number of our programs. Fundraised dollars are used to support projects such as the Doc Fund which provides financial assistance for people living with HIV and/or AIDS to meet emergency needs that are not covered by existing medical and social services. Donations from the community also support out Rainbow Youth and Harm Reduction programs.
Making a donation is simple:
By Mail:
60 Hunter Street East, 2nd Floor,
Peterborough, ON, K9H1G5
Online:
Our prefered online donation service is Zeffy. Please click here to donate online. A dollar donated here is a dollar donated to PARN.
CONTACT STAFF
Education (Priority Populations) Team
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WHAI Coordinator: [Vacant]
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Rainbow Youth Workers (P/T):
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Hep C Coordinators:
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GBMSM Community Engagement Coordinators:
Office Coordinator:
Harm Reduction Team
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Harm Reduction Workers:
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Harm Reduction Workers (P/T):
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Hub Workers:
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Harm Reduction Workers (Specific Locations):
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Northumberland Harm Reduction Workers:
Make a Complaint
At PARN, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and care. Your feedback is important to us and helps us to continuously improve. If you have a complaint or concern, please let us know. We are here to listen, and we promise to handle your complaint with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality. Together, we can work towards a positive resolution. Thank you for helping us serve you better.
Making a complaint is simple:
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
Address:
60 Hunter Street East, 2nd floor
Peterborough ON
K9H 1G5