Thrive HIV Prevention & Support

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Thrive HIV Prevention & Support Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Thrive HIV Prevention & Support, 5/1770 King Street East, Kitchener, ON.

Our Vision
At THRIVE, we work toward a future where new HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections are rare in Waterloo Region & Guelph-Wellington.

How does being a Peer change the way you help others?"Being a peer isn't a role. Its me being out there and laying it al...
10/16/2026

How does being a Peer change the way you help others?

"Being a peer isn't a role. Its me being out there and laying it all out. MY words. MY scars. MY pain. When my past is shared, im given the honor of being a moment of hope, or safety, or warmth, or love, or a smile..... a moment that let's me remind them of their worth and importance and how they ARE seen.

I get to open a door no one else has been able to knock on. Because I know the hurt. I FELT it. There is no other way to truely understand anything. As a peer im given an opportunity to help bridge gaps that otherwise cannot be built. I see a person in front me. Not a situation I read about. I am privileged to form relationships with people who are given every reason not to trust a soul. I felt that pain. I know what it takes. I know that fear. I have become visible proof its possible.

MY way, MY story, MY words, MY experience, MY scars. Being me. A trust. Safe spot. A smile. A moment. Hope. By being a peer."

The Cambridge Drop-In at 150 Main St, is open every day from 1-4pm, and there, you'll meet our peers that make the whole...
10/16/2026

The Cambridge Drop-In at 150 Main St, is open every day from 1-4pm, and there, you'll meet our peers that make the whole operation run. Having lived experience be the face of THRIVE is something we pride ourselves on. So much so, that we like to report numbers relating to it!

So, when the Peer Program Coordinator asked the Peers to start marking down the meaningful interactions, they all asked "How do we know what interactions count?" A great question, the Coordinator said "perhaps just the ones that feel important."

And in reponse, the peers responded: But they're all important.

How do you feel knowing that the value in your work comes from unique lived experiences?"I feel great about knowing bett...
10/15/2026

How do you feel knowing that the value in your work comes from unique lived experiences?

"I feel great about knowing better than someone who doesn't have experience how better to help somebody living with the struggles of addiction and mental health issues. I've been there and I know it's a very huge battle every single day. I am happy to support folks going through the same struggles as myself!"

What does it mean for you to be a Peer at THRIVE?"Every year during this time of acknowledgement, it allows a person to ...
10/15/2026

What does it mean for you to be a Peer at THRIVE?

"Every year during this time of acknowledgement, it allows a person to reflect on the importance of the choices we make in life. Having an organization such as Thrive as a part of a community, helps develop choices with passion and dignity. My own choice to be a part of Thrive, has allowed me to become more aware of myself and others. I'm truly grateful to feel connected to a chain of events, that allows such personal choices to help shape a better existence."

What do you feel is important when it comes to Peer work at THRIVE?"It's important to understand that you cannot help ev...
10/14/2026

What do you feel is important when it comes to Peer work at THRIVE?

"It's important to understand that you cannot help everyone but you can always do something. Peer work is important because everyone needs someone to feel connected to. That's what peer workers do. We connect. We connect with our participants and we connect them to resources. And sometimes, that's all someone needs."

A large of our outreach is possible through the tireless work of our Peers. Armed with safe supplies and lived experienc...
10/14/2026

A large of our outreach is possible through the tireless work of our Peers.

Armed with safe supplies and lived experience relating to substance use, our Harm Reduction Peers work to make sure that the people who are unable to physically come to our NSP are still able to be safe. Our Peers take it upon themselves to not only hand out supplies, but to bring clean drinking water, some snacks, and a smile to anyone they meet.

Street outreach was pioneered at THRIVE by Peers in the past, and continued by the Peers who know just how important harm reduction is.

What is something you learned from a peer that you take forward with you at THRIVE?"I learned to not give up on myself t...
10/13/2026

What is something you learned from a peer that you take forward with you at THRIVE?

"I learned to not give up on myself thanks to the good advice and support, but also the encouragement to find the strength to 'snap out of it' and get back up despite the hardships I was facing. Because of that I was able to overcome the obstacles in life I was going through."

What does it mean for you to be a Peer at THRIVE?"Being a peer here at THRIVE means the world to me. As a woman that has...
10/13/2026

What does it mean for you to be a Peer at THRIVE?

"Being a peer here at THRIVE means the world to me. As a woman that has been in the manufacturing sector for 18 years I wasn’t getting what I wanted in my life. I have always been moved by the beauty of community and the privilege of helping others.

THRIVE has given me all of that, here I can help every walk of like I can also help myself understand what people need in my community. THRIVE means so much to me, I have foubd a family that educates, never judges, and values my opinions. Without THRIVE I believe this community would be missing an important service that is needed and essential to the Cambridge community."

What is something you learned from a Peer that you take forwards with you at THRIVE?"One thing I’ve learned from a peer ...
10/12/2026

What is something you learned from a Peer that you take forwards with you at THRIVE?

"One thing I’ve learned from a peer is that peer support goes both ways. We come into this work wanting to support others and make a difference, but we also learn so much from the folks we support every day. At THRIVE, I’m reminded that everyone brings their own experiences, perspectives, and strengths, and there’s always something we can learn from each other. It’s taught me to stay open-minded, listen without judgment, and remember that we don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. I think that’s what makes peer work so meaningful: we’re not only supporting others in their journeys, but growing and learning together along the way."

How does being a peer change the way you approach helping others?"Being a peer helps me change the way I approach helpin...
10/12/2026

How does being a peer change the way you approach helping others?

"Being a peer helps me change the way I approach helping others by allowing me to listen and understand participant's issues, their values, and goals without judgement and incorporating my life's experiences into solving issues that may arise on a daily basis while supporting our community."

Address

5/1770 King Street East
Kitchener, ON
N2G2P1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 6pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 6pm

Telephone

+18777703687

Website

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