Programs

CLIENT SERVICES
CCA’s Client Services Department programs provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS. In keeping with the agency’s mission, these programs are designed to support people with HIV/AIDS who are most impacted by economic and social inequality. These programs include Case Management, Peer Support Services, and Housing Services. CCA’s Client Services Department provides services and programming rooted in the Harm Reduction philosophy. This means all services are non-judgmental, easily accessible, and maintain limited barriers for service eligibility. These programs help people reach their self-identified goals and to address their stated needs. This includes accessing basic resources such as: food, shelter, medical care, mental health and substance use counseling and treatment, financial assistance, clothing, immigration assistance, and/or other social supports.

CCA Client Services Guiding Principles

Understand that behavior change occurs slowly and in increments. CCA staff support clients in making their stated goals at their own pace and view small changes as success.

Maintain an environment that is safe, comfortable and confidential for everyone receiving services regardless of race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, drug use, and/or mental health.

Form positive relationships and understand that trust is the first step towards effective service delivery.

Offer people choices/options to help guide their decision making process by emphasizing client strengths and not forcing service provider opinions.

Ensure staff is well trained to deliver services in a culturally competent, non- confrontational and non-judgmental manner.

Provide accessible services that are not solely appointment based and occur on a drop-in, on-call, and as needed basis.

Sustain limited requirements for services eligibility.

Maintain effective communication and collaboration between all Client Services staff and other community members/service providers.

Case Management
Services for HIV+ adults

Peer Support
Peer-led program for HIV+ adults

Housing
Services for HIV+ adults and their families

PREVENTION AND EDUCATION SERVICES

CCA’s Prevention and Education Department works in close partnership with individuals and communities most impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Together we design innovative programs and strategies to reduce the transmission of HIV and increase the overall quality of life within our communities.

We employ the principles of harm reduction to:

create non judgmental spaces to speak openly about sex and drug use with the goal of learning from each other new ways to reduce risk and stigma related to HIV status, sexuality, gender identity, drug use, commercial sex work and homelessness.
invest in our peers who have the power to teach and pass on practical strategies through their networks to reduce unintended consequences of drug use including overdose and Hepatitis C.
strengthen relationships between community members and providers to identify and remove barriers in accessing services and support for living with HIV/AIDS, physical and emotional health, housing, and legal and economic advocacy.
recognize and respond to how health disparities stemming from social and economic inequality impact our available options and shape individual decision making in the areas of negotiation, communication and participation.
work daily to preserve our program participant’s right to confidentiality, respect, and well-being, as well as in our collective ability to protect and advocate for ourselves, our partners, and our communities.

Cambridge Needle Exchange
Syringe exchange and harm reduction counseling

Peers Using More Prevention
Services for men who have sex with men

TransCEND
Services for transgender women and their partners

Youth On Fire
Services for homeless and street-involved youth