About Us
Our Vision
We envision stigma-free, inclusive and informed communities, fostering an environment where individuals thrive.
Our Mission
CAYR creates welcoming, confidential, and inclusive environments for dignified support and education, empowering a diverse population including:
- People living with and those affected by HIV/AIDS
- Individuals affected by or at risk of HIV/Hepatitis C
- People who use substances
- Members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and
- Allies and partners supporting underserved communities
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
CAYR recognises and acknowledges the lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of The Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, on behalf of our agency, we would like to thank them for sharing this land. We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation community and recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the land and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and we join them in these responsibilities.
CAYR Community Connections also acknowledges that not all people came to these lands as migrants and settlers, and not all people came here voluntarily. Some people of African descent came to North America involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands through the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery.
CAYR is committed to continually acting in support of and in solidarity with African, Caribbean, and Black communities seeking freedom and reparative justice considering the history and ongoing legacy of multiple injustices, such as systemic racism, unequal access to health care, employment, housing, and more.
As part of this commitment, and in support of CAYR’s ongoing efforts to confront anti-Black racism, we pay tribute to those ancestors of African origin and descent. Our call to action is for the community to join CAYR in employing an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework in our work and lives.
*“CAYR” is phonetically pronounced /keə(r)/ and is based on the word “CARE” as in “to care for” persons served by the agency.