Introducing Our Interim Executive Director: Elizabeth Mutinda

COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS MEETING – OCT 24 2024

Community and Business Meeting

We are writing to inform you of the updated venue for our upcoming Community Meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024. You are welcome to join us either in person or online:

View Meeting Agenda Here

Location:

Regent Park Community Centre

402 Shuter St., Toronto, ON M5A 1X6

Registration starts at 5:30 PM (ET).

Please remember to register early to secure your spot for in-person attendance, as voting will be conducted in person only.

To register, please click the link below:

Join in-person

Join Online

Sincerely,

The Transition Board

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP)

[HOLD] Community Meeting – OCT 24 2024

Community Meeting with Transition Board

We hope this message finds you well.

Please hold the date for an important Community Meeting hosted by our Transition Board at Black CAP on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Regent Park Community Centre.

This meeting will provide key updates regarding our organization’s governance, financial status, programs, and operations. Your participation is crucial to ensuring the continued success of Black CAP and its mission.

Kindly be on the look for an official invitation, including the meeting agenda.

We look forward to your engagement and input.

Sincerely,

The Transition Board

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP)

Transitional Board Recruitment: Calling for Nominees

Transitional Board Recruitment: Calling for Nominees

Friday, July 19, 2024

Introducing Our Transitional Board of Directors

We are specially grateful to the 80 members who joined in person and online, community supporters and partners who attended the July 18^th, 2024, Special Members’ Meeting. This meeting focused on putting in place a Transitional Board to help guide the organization and stabilize operations.
We are pleased to announce that the Member’s approved the implementation of a Transitional Board of up to seven (7) Directors, for a term not to exceed 12 months or until the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Recruitment for Additional Transitional Board Members

At that meeting the Membership elected four (4) members to serve as part of a Transitional Board and we are looking to secure three (3) additional members.
In filling these three (3) Board positions, Black CAP is focused on securing youth participation, and individuals with Financial and Legal expertise. If you wish to contribute to the rebuilding work of the Transitional Board and to seek election to the Board kindly complete an application before Friday, July 26, 2024 using the link below;

Complete Application for Transitional Board Member

Kindly note;

To qualify as a director, an individual must

Be a member of Black CAP
Not be a current employee of Black CAP, and have not been an employee or Board Member of Black CAP in past two years; and
Not be disqualified by section 23(1) of Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

Important reminder that those elected to serve on the Transitional Board are not eligible to serve on the longer-term Board, or to be employed by the organization within 2 years after leaving the Transitional Board. Hence, if you wish to be considered for employment or membership the long-term Board you should not apply to serve on the Transitional Board.

With sincere gratitude and solidarity,

Transitional Board of Directors, Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

SPECIAL MEMBERS MEETING – JULY 18 2024

Monday, July 8, 2024

Notice of Special Meeting of the Members

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Greetings, Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (“Black CAP”) Membership, community members and stakeholders.

Thank you to all the members who attended the Town Hall meeting on June 13, 2024. From that meeting members, staff, community and stakeholders voiced their concerns about governance and operations leadership of Black CAP. Your concerns were heard and since then the Board has been focused on addressing the crisis that the organization faces.

This notice is to inform you that Black CAP is calling a Special Member’s Meeting for

Thursday, July 18^th, 2024, 6:30 pm (ET)

Registration will open at 5.30 pm

at Location to be confirmed.

Location and meeting package details will follow by July 12^th, 2024.

The purpose of the meeting is as follows:

To fill vacancies on the board of directors by electing members to serve on a Transitional Board of Directors of Black CAP for a period not to exceed one (1) year or until the annual general meeting of Black CAP in 2025.

This meeting and voting will be held in-person only. This is out of an abundance of caution due to previous concerns explained at last year’s Special Members Meeting about Proxy voter intimidation; hence we will not permit Proxy voting at this time.

Members Eligible to Vote

In accordance with section 7(1)(d) of Black CAP By-Laws, a member must have

submitted a membership application or membership renewal prior to June 18^th, 2024, to be eligible to vote at the special meeting.

Please register for the Special Member’s Meeting through this link: https://blackcapto.formstack.com/forms/special_members_meeting

If you require childcare, please complete your response at least 24 hours before the meeting via the link above, and you will receive information about the childcare arrangements.

Nominations for Directors

To qualify as a director, an individual must

Be a member of Black CAP
Not be a current employee of Black CAP, and have not been an employee of Black CAP in past two years; and
Not be disqualified by section 23(1) of Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

Individuals wishing to seek election at the special meeting as directors are invited to provide written notice of their candidacy to the Board (membersmeeting@black-cap.com).

All director candidates are requested to provide their name, email address, phone number, and residential address.

Director candidates may also provide, for circulation to members:

a brief write-up of no more than 400 words. The write-up may be a message to members or a biography,
a photo no larger than 2MB. The photo may be cropped/scaled down by staff before posting/distribution

The Board will endeavor to make publicly available the names, write-up and photos of director candidates received prior to Monday, July 15, 2024, 12pm, and reserves the right to decline posting any write-up or photo deemed inappropriate. All nominations received after will be treated as nominations from the floor.

In accordance with section 10(4) of Black CAP By-Laws, nominations will be accepted from the floor.

We must never forget what really matters: the lives of the communities, particularly our black communities living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, who desperately need the services and support provided by Black CAP.

With sincere gratitude and solidarity,

Board of Directors, Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Standing Together: Honoring Lives, Breaking Stigma – International Overdose Awareness Day 2023

On International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), our hearts echo with empathy and determination as we gather to remember, reflect, and recommit to supporting our community. IOAD stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to overdose, and a call to action to address this crisis with compassion.

In the tapestry of our ACB community in the Greater Toronto Area, the theme of this year’s IOAD, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” resonates deeply. We understand that behind every statistic is a story, and behind every struggle is a person deserving of care, understanding, and hope.

At Black CAP, our commitment to Harm Reduction and support remains unwavering. We tirelessly strive to break down the barriers that often keep individuals from seeking help, and to create spaces where they can share their experiences without fear or judgment. We recognize that the impact of overdose reaches far beyond the individual; it touches families, friends, and communities. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing resources, education, and a supportive network to everyone affected.

As we commemorate this day, we stand in solidarity with all those who have been touched by overdose. We honour the memories of those who have left us too soon, and we offer our unwavering support to those who continue to fight their battles. Together, let’s amplify our voices against stigma, advocate for comprehensive support systems, and create a world where every individual’s journey towards healing and recovery is met with empathy and respect.

We invite you to join us in this ongoing journey, as we work to empower our community, lift the unseen voices, and strive for a future free from overdose and its devastating consequences. Your support, your stories, and your resilience inspire us every day.

Eno Akan-Essien, Interim Executive Director

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Art of Awareness (Youth Edition): Expressing Stories Through Creativity

We welcome you to the “Art of Awareness” event, a unique and empowering gathering designed to give voice to the experiences and emotions of the African, Caribbean & Black (ACB) community. Through the transformative power of art, we aim to create a safe and open space where individuals can freely express their stories, particularly those related to substance use and its impact.

Why It Matters In the ACB community, stories of loss, resilience, and strength often go unheard or unnoticed. The “Art of Awareness” event aims to change that by providing a platform for creative expression. Art has the remarkable ability to transcend words and connect people on a deeper level. It allows us to share our journeys, confront challenges, and find healing together. By sharing our experiences through art, we not only raise awareness about the impact of substance use but also stand against stigma and isolation.

What to Expect Join us for an inspiring afternoon of self-expression and community connection. Our event will feature a variety of art supplies and materials, enabling you to choose the medium that best resonates with your story. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or any other form of artistic expression, you’ll have the freedom to create something truly meaningful. Engage in guided activities that encourage you to explore your emotions and experiences while surrounded by a supportive and understanding environment.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2023

Time: 12 PM – 4 PM

Location: HQ Toronto, 790 Bay St. #820, Downtown Toronto

How to Participate Participation in the “Art of Awareness” event is open to all members of the ACB community who wish to share their stories through art. The event is free, and art supplies will be provided. Simply register by submitting this form (click here) to secure your spot.*

Limited spots available.

Join us at Trans Beach Day: A Day of Fun, Sun, and Solidarity!

Date: Friday, 1 September 2023
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meeting Point: Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Ferry Tickets: Provided upon boarding together.

Dive into a day of joy, connection, and celebration at Black CAP’s Trans Beach Day! This special event is dedicated to Transwomen, Transmen, and Non-binary individuals, offering a safe and inclusive space to come together, enjoy the beach, and create unforgettable memories.

Engaging outdoor activities
A warm and supportive community atmosphere
Opportunities to connect and make new friends
Good food, refreshing drinks, and beach vibes

Event Details:
Our meeting point is Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto, at 4 pm. Ferry tickets will be provided upon boarding. Come ready for an evening of fun and relaxation by the water.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate our diverse community, build connections, and enjoy a day at the beach like no other. Register now to secure your spot! [Registration Link]

Let’s make Trans Beach Day a day to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register Now

JOB POSTING: Mental Health Peer Navigator

Position Type: Part-time
Supervised by: Mental Health Coordinator
Hourly rate: $23 per hour
Department: Support
Days per week: 3 (22.5 hours per week)
Years of Experience: 1 year
Duration: 18 months

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves Toronto’s diverse African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. The mission of the agency is to reduce the transmission of HIV within Toronto’s Black communities while enhancing the quality of life of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Our approach to services recognizes that holistic approaches are required as we work with people who are living with, or at risk for, HIV. Black CAP is an inclusive space that provides services to a diverse ACB population that includes newcomers, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other at-risk populations. Operating in downtown Toronto, we are supported by a broad range of government and foundation funders. As an employer we also offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive health benefits plan, an Employee Assistance Program, annual RRSP contributions and access to a wellness program. To learn more visit us at www.blackcap.ca or on social media (Facebook and Twitter) at @BlackCAPTO.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Mental Health Peer Navigator responsible for supporting the mental health coordinator in service delivery and providing support to our HIV+ and/ or LGBTQ+ clients at Black CAP. This individual is interested and/ or has experience in mental health and community service. Additionally, they have some knowledge or experience of operating from a trauma informed lens and harm reduction approach. They are comfortable working with folks from varying backgrounds and experiences and are passionate about supporting the ACB community.

The Mental Health Peer Navigator will be responsible for supporting in the facilitation of Black CAP’s support groups for our ACB HIV+ and/ or LGBTQ+ clients, along with co-creating two (2) wellness retreats for clients, providing system navigation support and intake assessment. They will work collaborating with other members of Black CAP’s support team, specifically the Mental Health Coordinator, and other Black CAP staff and volunteers to achieve the objectives of the program/ mission of Black CAP.

* Please note that we strongly encourage candidates from Toronto’s African, Caribbean or Black communities who bring lived and/or employment experience in relation to mental health and harm reduction. We also strongly encourage applicants who are living with HIV to consider this role.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

Assessing the needs of clients received from the community, advising and/ or referring to other services, agencies or programs and developing strategies for each.
Providing system navigation supports and identifying appropriate referrals to complementary programming based on a determinants of health framework.
Maintain knowledge of existing and emerging services for ACB PHAs and develop service relationships with relevant organizations.
Providing mental health supportive counselling for clients where needed.
Referring clients to Black CAP’s registered psychotherapist.
Support the facilitation of support groups for both ACB LGBTQ+ folks and PHAs.
Co-creating two (2) wellness retreats for clients.
Entering data into Black CAP’s data collection system.
Conducting appropriate follow-up and complete monthly/ annual reports.
Representing the agency on appropriate community networks and working in conjunction with other agencies and community groups to coordinate/facilitate the delivery of services.
Participating as a team member on the delivery of other activities in the Support Department.
Attend and participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and team meetings.
Other duties as assigned.

We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:

An understanding and/ or interest of mental health and harm reduction practices within ACB communities.
Some knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and sexual health issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s ACB communities with excellent skills and knowledge of community resources and supports.
Comfort facilitating groups and presenting to crowds.
Ability to enter accurate information into data collection sites in a timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to refer and supporting them to access required services.
Experience researching effective strategies and models for peer-based programming for individuals and groups to inform program delivery.
Experience providing system navigation supports and identifying appropriate referrals to complimentary programming based on a determinants of health framework.
Ability to work and operate in an environment using anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks.
Ability to accept feedback and take initiative as well as work independently and cooperatively with staff and volunteers in a culturally diverse environment.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated and able to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude as you deal with multiple personalities, projects and deadlines.
Knowledge of MS Office (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point), internet and email are essential.
Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings and weekends.
The ability to speak a language other than English is an asset.

This is a bargaining unit position reporting to the Program Director. The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023
Please forward resume and cover letter to:
Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto ON

email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Mental Health Navigator.’ as the subject of your email.

JOB POSTING: Program Coordinator

Job Title: Program Coordinator
Department: Health Promotion
Supervised by: Program Director
Position requirements: 37.5 hours per week
Term: Full-time, permanent
Salary: $ 48,500

Organization Description: Black CAP is a leading organization in Canada serving the needs of Black, African and Caribbean communities impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and communities aﬀected by HIV, including the provision of comprehensive and culturally appropriate sexual health services.

Position Overview: Black CAP is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Coordinator to join our Programs and Services team. The Program Coordinator is responsible for developing HIV strategies, strengthening prevention eﬀorts, and promoting HIV treatment adherence. This role will involve working on two Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funded projects, focusing on addressing Anti-Black Racism (ABR) as a root cause and implementing an integrated national HIV prevention strategy for ACB (African, Caribbean, and Black) people in Canada.

Responsibilities:

Project 1: Anti-Black Racism as Root Cause: ACB Knowledge in the Fight Against HIV-AIDS

Conduct desktop research on approaches to addressing ABR and community-led monitoring tools.
Engage in in-person consultations with HIV Prevention Hubs.
Facilitate online consultations and feedback processes with service providers and users.
Develop an ABR index for HIV prevention.
Create an ABR community scorecard for HIV services.
Pilot the ABR index and community scorecard in Hubs, making necessary adjustments.
Develop a training guide on the index and scorecard.
Oversee peers in delivering 3-5 trainings to other providers and users.
Conduct baseline data collection and analysis.

Project 2: Integrated National HIV Prevention Strategy for ACB People in Canada

Adapt the Community Health Ambassador Model for Alliance Peer Coordinators specific to ACB sub- populations.
Develop a Peer Toolkit to support the implementation of activities.
Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to diverse communities of ACB people.
Develop and disseminate a framework for delivery and national advocacy strategy based on a status- neutral approach, barrier reduction, Anti-Black Racism, Intersectionality, Anti-Oppression, GIPA/MIPA, SGBA+.
Create outreach/media materials and strategy, identify pop-up sites, and procure prevention technologies and external resources.
Conduct 1Love1Stop intervention pop-ups annually from year 2-5 (2024-2027).
Conduct 1 community consultation in year 1 (2022-2023) to inform the design and development of Service Provider workshops.
Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to service providers.

General Responsibilities:

Assess the needs of HIV-infected and aﬀected clients, provide counseling, advice, and referrals to other services, agencies, or programs, and develop strategies for each individual.
Conduct research on eﬀective strategies and models for peer-based programming to inform program delivery.
Provide system navigation support and identify appropriate referrals to complementary programming based on the determinants of health framework.
Oﬀer Prevention Case Management (PCM) and other case management support to Peers.
Coordinate the development of intake and assessment tools to assess risk and factors related to risk.
Provide ongoing system navigation support to Peers.
Recruit, train, and place Peers to engage in peer activities at all levels of program delivery.
Support the delivery of workshops on safer sex, disclosure, goal setting, and treatment adherence.
Provide referrals as required to HIV/STI testing sites, other ASOs (AIDS service organizations), and services such as housing, mental health, and employment.
Attend staﬀ and team meetings, as well as relevant training sessions.
Participate in staﬀ and team meetings, develop monthly reports, and perform other assigned duties.

Qualiﬁcations:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (public health, social work, or similar)
Experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and community engagement
Knowledge of Anti-Black Racism and its impact on health outcomes
Familiarity with peer-based programming and case management approaches
Strong research and data analysis skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Proficiency in relevant computer applications

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023
Please forward resume and cover letter to:
Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto, ON
or email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Program Coordinator.’ as the subject of your email.