Directory of Community Partners: South Okanagan/ Similkameen

2009 SouthOkanagan/ Similkameen Directory of agencies and services

United Way’s commitment is to provide stable funding, encourage innovation and support long-term solutions in our community. In addition to being an “umbrella” organization, United Way today works with the community to identify critical human service needs and garner the resources to address them. United Way of the Central & South Okanagan/Similkameen conducts two separate campaigns and has two separate committees that oversee the fundraising and distribution of funds. This way the funds raised in your community, stay in your community.

Agur Lake Camp Society:

This society’s purpose is to build and operate an extensive facility from which to work with and assist families with special needs. Activities include day trips, picnics, bringing in of specialized speakers, mentoring, public awareness, arranging and transporting students to classes and other essential support. Providing these services has not only benefited children and families, but has motivated the community and has led to an exponential growth of members and active volunteers in our society. The Agur Lake Camp Society increases awareness in the community about the need to help families who may not be able to enjoy the outdoors without an accessible facility such as this camp.

Arthritis Society - BC Yukon Division

This is a volunteer-led organization, committed to excellence and leadership in research, care, education and advocacy. The agency offers educational programs including: Inflammatory Arthritis Education program, Take Charge - Early Intervention for Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia Management including public information forums, and Workshops (Gardening, Golf, and Advocacy). A private practice arthritis physiotherapist is located within the centre, providing physiotherapy and an exercise class for those with inflammatory arthritis. The Arthritis Society raises awareness through health education events and public speaking, offers support groups, recommends exercise programs, and participates in public speaking.

  • 150A - 1855 Kirschner Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7
  • Phone: 250 868-8643 Fax: 250 868-0779
  • E-mail:tbattaglio@bc.arthritis.ca Web: www.arthritis.ca/bc or
  • Arthritis Answers Line: 1-800-321-1433 
 

Canadian Mental Health Association - South Okanagan/Similkameen

This is a national affiliated non-profit association working in partnerships with the Interior Health Authority and other community partners to maintain support and promote the optimal wellness of the community. It provides a range of services, which include: Unity House, Crisis Line, Peer Support, Consumer Development Project, and Community Awareness Programs. Family Support Program funding was made available to provide children and families and to help those living with anxiety and fear. Unity House: is a clubhouse for adults in the community who live with a mental illness. It allows members to connect and socialize with others in a safe environment through activities, outings, and drop-in meals and provides information and education, work through volunteer opportunities, and a sense of belonging and empowerment. The Crisis Line (250) 493-6622 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people who need to talk for any reason. It is staffed with trained, caring volunteers. All calls received are anonymous and confidential.

  • 825 Westminster Avenue West
  • Penticton, BC V2A 1L1
  • Phone: 250 493-8999
  • Fax: 250 493-5541

Canadian Red Cross Society - South Okanagan Branch

The Regional office provides administration and program support for Red Cross branches in the BC Interior. Community based programs include: Medical Equipment Loan Service, Disaster Management; First Aid Services/ Children’s Safety Programs; Water Safety Service; Respect Ed - Violence and Abuse Prevention Program; Additional services include International relief and humanitarian services. Volunteers govern the direction of the Society - both nationally and locally.

  • #5 - 1414 Hunter Court
  • Kelowna, BC V1X 6E6
  • Phone: 250 763-1859 or 800-661-3308
  • Fax: 250 763-6131

Desert Sun Counseling and Resource Centre / S. O. Integrated Community Services Society

  • Community Action Program for Children/Community Kitchen – support for parents of children 0-6 years and pre/post natal women.
  • Children Who Witness Abuse – counseling for children 3- 18 years of age who have been exposed to intense family conflict in their family.
  • Men’s Counseling – counseling for men who would like to improve their relationships, reduce stress and manage conflict.
  • Stopping the Violence – counseling for women who have experienced sexual assault, violence in relationships or childhood abuse.
  • Safe Home Project – short term safe shelter for women and their children fleeing an abusive situation.
  • Culture, Media & Healthy Relationships – an educational program for Grade Nines to increase awareness among youth about the impact of media on self-image and promote development of healthy relationships.
  • Learning Centre – Individual counseling to students that attend the Learning Centre.
  • Violence is Preventable – offered to elementary students that aim to reduce negative social skills and promote positive conflict resolution skills.
  • Income Tax Preparation for Low Income Earners.
  • Mental Health & Addictions – space is provided in the Oliver office to provide counseling thru the Interior Health Authority.

  • PO Box 1890
  • 35649 – 97th Street
  • Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0
  • Phone: (250) 498-2538
  • Fax: (250) 498-6088

Dragonfly Pond Family Society

Supports families with children 0-19 years of age who have complex care needs and who live in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.

  • PO Box 20010, 187 Westminster Ave W
  • Penticton, BC V2A 1J0
  • Phone: 250 488-2800

Meals on Wheels / Penticton Hospital Auxiliary

Meals on Wheels is a not for profit organization that is operated under the auspices of the Auxiliary to the Penticton Regional Hospital. Both organizations are not for profit organizations operated by volunteers. Meals on Wheels is a community service which delivers hot and frozen nutritious meals to individuals in our community who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. We also provide hot and frozen meals to those that have special dietary needs. The meals are delivered 3 times a week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We do not close for any holiday. If this service was not provided to our clients, many would have to leave their own homes and find residency in care facilities.

  • 550 Carmi Avenue
  • Penticton, BC V2A 3G6
  • Phone: 250 492-9095
  • Fax: 250 492-9054

Neighbour Link

Neighbour Link is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to help people in our community. It is run by a cooperative group of Christian churches in Summerland and can help with things like car rides, errands, home repairs, meal preparation and more!

  • Box 20031
  • Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0
  • Phone: 250-404-HOPE (4673)

Okanagan Boys & Girls Club

Okanagan Boys & Girls Club supports families in their quest to be healthy and happy.

  • 1295 Manitoba Street
  • Penticton, BC V2A 4Z9
  • Phone: 250-493-0512

Penticton & District Community Resources Society

This is a not-for-profit organization serving the South Okanagan. It has a history of researching community needs, bringing together groups of individuals to help solve community problems, disseminating information and developing programs which improve the quality of life of people in Penticton. The society, through its community services office, currently acts as an administrative umbrella for 18 programs and more than 90 staff. Services are provided to children, youth and families, as well as individuals with developmental disabilities. The services are funded through contracts with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies, user fees, and by donations from individuals and community groups. Family Support Program funding supported republication of the Community Services Directory and made it possible to expand Families and Schools Together through the school district.

  • 60 Calgary Avenue
  • Penticton, BC V2A 2T6
  • Phone: 250 492-5814
  • Fax: 250 492-7572

South Okanagan/Similkameen Brain Injury Society

South Okanagan/Similkameen Brain Injury Society educates and supports people with brain injuries.


South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society

South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society (SOVAS) promotes the safety, wellness and recovery of individuals of all backgrounds who have experienced abuse in a relationship or family violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. We are mandated to provide justice system information, support, advocacy and referral services for the whole community, and counseling for women. We also recognize emerging issues and gaps affecting our community and respond by further developing our services and initiating special projects accordingly. Support is available to individuals from the whole South Okanagan-Similkameen.

  • #204 – 304 Martin Street
  • Penticton, BC V2A 5K4
  • Phone 250 493-0800
  • Fax: 250 493-2241

Summerland Asset Development Initiative

Is a proactive movement that was initiated in 1998 to build developmental assets in young people. Developmental assets are characteristics that young people need to develop positive values, and become more caring and responsible. It is a movement that engages all community members to take a more proactive role in becoming involved with young people, and providing them with opportunities to take leadership roles within the community. It provides local youth opportunities to identify activities they feel are important to themselves as well as the community, and provides support and facilitation to ensure success of these activities. These activities focus on developing positive values, skills and a connection to their community.

  • Box 988, 9117 Prairie Valley Road
  • Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0
  • Phone: 250 494-9722
  • Fax: 250 494-9722

St. John Ambulance

St. John Ambulance is dedicated to enabling Canadians to improve their health, safety and quality of life by providing first aid training and community service. The Kelowna Branch has 3 divisions: 1) the highly trained Medical First Responder Advanced Volunteer Brigade, which provides volunteer first aid community events from Oyama to Peachland; 2) the First Aid Training Division, which provides Emergency, Standard and CPR Courses as well as WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid Courses; 3) and the Volunteer Therapy Dog Division, which provides companionship through visits to adult residential care facilities and the TAILS program in SD 23.

  • Kelowna Training Centre
  • 1941 Kent Road, Kelowna BC V1Y 7S6     
  • Phone: (250) 762-2840  Fax: (250) 762-2062 
  • Web:www.sja.ca/bc  Email:  kelowna@bc.sja.ca