PARN began when a small group of concerned people got together in 1987 to respond to the growing need for HIV/AIDS services.
The result was an incorporated agency which opened its doors August 8, 1990.
In the beginning PARN's services were mainly education and general awareness. Since then, PARN's work has expanded to address the needs of people living with HIV or AIDS and those directly affected; prevention events; hepatitis C information and support.
Many of the programs and services are also provided via outreach to all the communities we serve in Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. All services are confidential and include such things as:
Support
Individual counselling, peer support and practical help in meeting the needs of people infected and affected (friends, partner, family) by HIV and AIDS.
Referrals to appropriate health/social service organizations, health care professionals and income maintenance programs.
Opportunities for people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS to meet together and share information about HIV related issues.
Resource Centre
Large collection of HIV and AIDS information open to the general public, including books, videotapes and files.
Self-help resource centre where materials can be signed out on loan or copied.
Computers with internet access.
Brochures on topics such as treatment strategies, safer sex pamphlets, and how to help people with HIV and AIDS.
A kitchen and meeting room space for PARN programs that is also available for use by community groups with similar or complementary mandates.
Philosophy Statements
1. We believe people living with HIV/AIDS have the right to remain fully integrated in society.
2. We believe in affirming human dignity in the context of HIV/AIDS. We strive for open attitudes, protection against discrimination, accurate and non-prejudicial perception of people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. We believe people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS must have accurate information and compassionate support that will enable them to make informed choices and live productive lives.
4. We believe HIV/AIDS cannot be defeated without addressing the causes of discrimination and of social and economic inequality. These include homophobia, heterosexism, poverty, racism, sexism, discrimination based on disability and all forms of violence and injustice. These social inequalities can only be addressed by social and political activism, which must be a significant component of our movement.
5. We believe AIDS is a potentially fatal syndrome of epidemic proportions. We regard AIDS as a disability and a challenge, not a defeat.
6. We are proud of our roots in the gay/lesbian community and recognize the universality of AIDS.
7. We are committed to providing confidential services.
8. We believe that as a publicly funded organization, we are accountable for our stewardship of funds.
9. We value the passion, dedication and expertise of our directors, volunteers, supporters and staff.
10. We honour the courage of people living with HIV/AIDS, and the lives of those who have died from AIDS.
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