Good Work

The AIDS Committee Of Ottawa has been in service for thirty years, offering support, education, social services, and a drop in community centre for those diagnosed with or impacted by HIV/ AIDS. The organization was part of Doors Open this year, from their new quarters just outside the downtown core. This was something entirely different for me from the usual churches, historical buildings, and embassies of Doors Open, but quite informative and engaging. While the exterior is non-descript, the interior of the building is inviting, and larger than one might expect. ACO deals with clients from a range of social classes and at different stages of diagnosis. A number of staff were on hand, speaking with visitors about the work done here, including social support, harm reduction, outreach, specialist counselling, and a variety of other services. The first floor is dominated by what's called the Living Room. 

These two chairs happened to be there- they're massage chairs, both for the clients and for the staff to unwind after a long day.

This art on one of the walls caught my eye.

Upstairs most of the office space can be found, organized into specific areas for social workers. They do customize their workplaces; this particular staffer has an appreciation for pirates.

Heading back downstairs on my way out, I wanted a shot of the ACO banner.