Outreach Centre Programming
Meeting Basic Needs
Lots of what the 601 does is about helping people meet their basic needs: a full belly, a warm place to hang out, and a friendly face. For many PWAS at AIDS Saskatoon, the fact that they're HIV+ or HCV+ may be last on their list of concerns (after finding a place to sleep, eating, etc...) To this end, the 601 provides services like:
- Telephone with message board (local calls only: 665-1251)
- Washroom
- Free laundry
- Monthly visiting hairstylist
- Safer sex supplies
- Television with cable, computers, books & daily newspaper
Nutrition Programming
AIDS Saskatoon's ongoing nutrition programs are among our post popular services. Light breakfasts (with fruit & multigrain toast, cereal or granola bars) are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Soul Food lunches and brunch provide a hot, healthy meal three times a month; Outreach Coordinator Sherri is our chef, and she's well-known for her delicious lasagna and pork chops. We serve special meals at holidaytime: Christmas dinner, an Easter feast, and June BBQ -- complete with s'mores! In addition, affordable Freezer Meals ($1.50) are available. The coffee is always on, as well as cool, fresh water from a Culligan dispenser.
A big thank you to AIDS Saskatoon friends Starbucks and Christies Mayfair Bakery for supplying delicious coffee and breads.
Access to support, advocacy & educational programming
The 601's pamphlet racks are stuffed with a variety of educational pamphlets, books and posters. Guest speakers present on topics like safer needle use, gambling, Hepatitis C and alternative therapies. The Outreach Coordinator is not a social worker, but is certified in Suicide Intervention. Patti, Outreach Worker with Addictions Services (and AIDS Saskatoon board member!), sees clients at the 601 every Thursday.
Activities, Crafts & Games
The 601 is always packed during bingo, where PWAS have the chance to win small donated prizes. Like everything, bingo is free... but collects donations for the Small Change Campaign, a local initiative of Grandmothers4Grandmothers. Third Tuesdays are movie day, complete with popcorn. Crafts are popular, too -- and not just for the kids. Past projects have included a pinata contest and float decorations for the Saskatoon Pride Parade. See our Wish List for hints about what we'd like to craft next.
Community Garden
In May 2009, CHEP's Community Garden Coordinators visited the 601 for a workshop and BBQ. They taught PWAS and staff about gardening, and helped plant our three raised beds. We grew tons of lettuce, beans, onions, dill and teeny tiny carrots. PWAS weed and water the garden and mow the lawn -- it's beautiful!
Donation Depot
AIDS Saskatoon's donation depot resembles a tiny thrift store in the center of the 601. It's stocked with children's, women's and men's used clothing, as well as household goods and small appliances. Men's casual clothing and boots are especially popular, as are blankets, towels and sheets Items are donated by our generous members and friends. We also try to keep basic personal care and hygiene items in stock in the needle exchange. These are available as we receive donations: soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual supplies, baby items and laundry supplies. We accept donations anytime we're open; please do not leave things outside, as they may become damaged. Large appliances and furniture can sometimes be placed directly with families; please call before hauling over a sofa, and see Donate.
Resources for Employment
Although we don't run formal employment programs, we can provide a variety of services for people looking to enter or reenter the labour force. PWAS can access a fax machine and photocopier; computers and newspapers facilitate access to job sites. AIDS Saskatoon staff often help PWAS create resumes, and keep them on file; we also write support letters and references. PWAS who like to help out around the 601 can participate in the 'Empowerment Through Incentive', which is a fancy name for earning stars on Sherri's chart (5 stars = a freezer meal). Through the CANSASK employment program, AIDS Saskatoon regularly hires keen PWAS to work as Drop In Assistant.
