We are connected to and involved with the wider community, where educators, health practitioners, community workers, activists and residents share resources and ideas. There is a continuum of care and a continuum of learning. Learners can cycle in and out, back and forth, always knowing that there is a place for them, whatever stage they are at.

We respect, value and support our Peer workers — whether they are tutoring in the learning centre or picking up needles in the alley. We do not see our peers as cheap labour, but as assets to the program with wisdom and experience we will never have. In our peer training program, there is time to develop as a group, set priorities and engage in meaningful learning. Peer workers are encouraged and supported to move into new positions, take on new challenges and move into leadership positions when they are ready. We recognize and address power imbalances that may occur in peer/non-peer work relationships and engage peer workers in a way that is meaningful and useful to them.

This dream seems to in line with advice from Gabor Maté: “If you want the addict to say NO, first you have to give her something to say YES to: connection is possible without drugs, love is possible without drugs, success is possible without drugs” (presentation to Carnegie Community Centre staff, December 2006).

We might add…

Connection is possible off the street
Love is possible without violence
Success is possible outside of the sex trade.

That is the dream. The following recommendations will help to make it come true.