History
ANKORS (AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) was established in 1992 as a non-profit society. ANKORS provides a multitude of services. We are pleased to assist your inquiries by phone, mail and email or you can drop-in to one of our offices.
ANKORS programs are based on the belief that services are provided in a non-judgmental manner without prejudice that ensures individuals right to anonymity and confidential access. We serve those living with and at the greatest risk of acquiring HIV / AIDS and/or HCV, who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere, especially due to substance use, mental illness, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity, and/or other social barriers.
ANKORS programs are based on the belief that services are provided in a non-judgmental manner without prejudice that ensures individuals right to anonymity and confidential access. We serve those living with and at the greatest risk of acquiring HIV / AIDS and/or HCV, who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere, especially due to substance use, mental illness, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity, and/or other social barriers.
Vision
Mission Statement
ANKORS’ mission is to respond to the evolving needs of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other blood borne pathogens; and to foster healthy, informed communities.
Mandate
ANKORS will work from a wellness model and through: Support and advocacy; Harm reduction, prevention and education; Delivery of programs and services that are client-centered and focused on the whole person; and Partnerships with others.
ANKORS Services
Support & AdvocacyOutreach, support and advocacy for individuals living with HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis C and their support persons. Including: visiting individuals in their home or home communities to provide information on services and support available for health, social and financial issues or concerns
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Harm ReductionNeedle Exchange Services, as well as other harm-reduction supplies such as Crack Pipe Kits, Safer Snorting Kits, Condoms, Lubricant, Internal Condoms, Oral Barriers and more. An important component of community building is reaching out and networking with those affected by drug use. This includes those that use drugs, family and loved ones, businesses in our communities and the communities at large. Community building helps minimize risk and harms associated with the use of drugs.
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Trans Connect
On January 20, 2009, ANKORS opened its doors to Trans Connect. Transgender (Trans) and Gender Variant is used to describe a wide variety of people; people whose identity, history or way of expressing themselves does not conform to social norms relating to gender.
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Prevention & Education
The Prevention & Education program provides education, information, resources and counseling services on HIV/AIDS prevention to the communities in the East and West Kootenay region. Prevention and Education sessions are delivered to organizations, schools, employee groups, individuals and social service agencies.
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People
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West Kootenay Region
Cheryl Dowden: Executive Director [email protected] Laura Kearnes : Support Services [email protected] Thomas McLeod, Nic Cornell : Administration coordinators [email protected] Brad Ferguson : Bookkeeping [email protected] Serge Popoff: Harm Reduction & Needle Exchange Coordinator [email protected] Jamie MacBeth: Prevention & Education & Hep C [email protected] Chloe Sage: Prevention & Education & Hep C [email protected] Alex Sherstobitoff: Rise Up Community Engagement Project Coordinator [email protected] Christopher Moore – Trans Connect Coordinator [email protected] |
East Kootenay Region
Gary Dalton: Community Care Team [email protected] Polly Sutherland: Education and Prevention [email protected] Michelle Shewell: Hepatitis C Project [email protected] |