3 11, 2026

The Family Hub Opens Bridge to Belonging

2026-11-05T15:03:15-07:00

(November 3, 2026, West Kelowna, BC)

Westside families have a new place to belong with the opening of the Family Hub – West Kelowna at the Mount Boucherie Community Centre today. It was a busy morning with program partners, donors and the community coming out to celebrate the expansion of the Family Hub model a one-stop shop for families that provides drop-in play times, educational workshops and connection to resources for free. The Family Hub – West Kelowna is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 12:30 pm. For 10 years, the Family Hub at Pearson Road Elementary in Kelowna has been building family wellness, proving the model that families can thrive when they are connected and in a supportive environment, and have access to resources and learning opportunities, especially during the critical early years from ages 0-6 years old.

“So often we hear, the Family Hub is so amazing, it should be in every community,” explained Katelin Mitchell, executive director of KCR Community Resources, the organization that runs the Family Hub.  “We have been listening, and today we are thrilled to be able to share Big News. Today, thanks to key partners, we are able to expand the Family Hub services to West Kelowna to open this centre when the need is so strong and the time for Westside families is now.”

West Kelowna is one of the fastest growing communities in the region and home to many young families who are learning to navigate systems and find resources and connection. Research like the City of West Kelowna’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and Central Okanagan Foundation’s Westside Sectoral Plan, confirmed the real need for a centre like the Family Hub to support families now, where they are at and remove the barrier of travel over the bridge. The collaborative Family Hub model of bringing resources and access to families at a central location in a friendly, families-first setting, answers many emergent needs that West Kelowna families face. One of the key issues for opening a new centre was a location and in partnership with the City of West Kelowna, the space in the new Mount Boucherie Community Centre became possible. The City of West Kelowna has entered into a one-year agreement to support KCR Community Resources open the Family Hub – West Kelowna until they are able to move into a permanent location in the fall of 2027.

“We’re pleased to welcome the new Family Hub to West Kelowna and see more programs and services available to support families in our community,” said West Kelowna Mayor Stephen Johnston. “When Council made the decision to renovate Mount Boucherie Community Centre, our goal was to bring this space back into community use. It’s great to see that vision coming to life, with the Family Hub putting the space to good use and providing meaningful support to local families.”

Along with a location, funds to operate the new location are required and KCR Community Resources has launched a three-year Bridge to Belonging fundraising campaign to open the centre, and ensure it is sustainable for the long-term for West Kelowna families. The total goal of the campaign is $1 million over three years, which supports the annual costs of running the centre of $300,000 plus initial start-up costs.

“This campaign is about more than funding a program, it is about securing a future,’ said David Brown, president of KCR Community Resources. “Opening the Family Hub – West Kelowna is a long-term investment in children, families, and the strength of Westside communities. Today, we can announce that we have secured funds to open the Family Hub and invite you to join us in building something that extends beyond today’s needs and creates lasting impact for tomorrow. Together, we can ensure The Family Hub remains a trusted place of connection, support, and belonging for years to come.”

A key funder has made the opening at this time possible.  The Central Okanagan Foundation, having been a part of the opening of the original Family Hub in Rutland and witness to its impact, has stepped up with a gift of $75,000 per year for three years, for a total commitment of $225,000.

“We are incredibly proud to support the expansion of the Family Hub into West Kelowna,” states Simon Adams, CEO of the Central Okanagan Foundation. “Having witnessed the difference, the original Family Hub has made for families in our community, we know the value of creating welcoming spaces where children and families can connect, access support and build a strong foundation for the future. This investment is about helping ensure West Kelowna families have the resources and relationships they need, close to home, during some of the most important years of a child’s development. We are grateful to KCR Community Resources and all the partners who have come together to make this possible, and excited to see the positive, lasting impact the Family Hub will have for Westside families.”

Central to the Family Hub’s success is the collaboration of over 20 early childhood and community partner organizations that bring programming to the Family Hub. Partners of the Kelowna location will also expand their offerings to include services to West Kelowna, to connect with families and meet them where they are at. These strategic partnerships place the families at the centre of service and make for the greatest impact. Individuals, organizations and businesses wanting to be a part of Bridge to Belonging and families wanting more information can reach out to familyhub@kcr.ca or check out www.kcr.ca/family-services/the-hub.

 

Contact:

David M. Brown
President, Board of Directors
KCR Community Resources
E: david@ascentemploymentlaw.ca
P: 604-800-5725

Katelin Mitchell
Executive Director
KCR Community Resources
E: katelin@kcr.ca
P: 236-970-4929

About KCR Community Resources and the Family Hub:
Kelowna Community Resources Society (dba KCR Community Resources) has been providing services to the Central Okanagan since October 25, 1983. Our mission is to foster diversity, collaboration and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet community, family and individual needs. With a participant-centred approach, and a values and equity-based lens, we offer programs through four core competency pillars: Immigrant Services, Employment Services, Community Services and Family & Adoption Services.    The first Family Hub opened in 2016 at Pearson Road Elementary in Kelowna providing a one—stop shop for families to connect through drop-in playtime and learning workshops and to access navigation support to community resources for child and family well-being. Research shows that early experiences for children shape developmental health, which leads to later well-being, mental health and academic achievement so the Family Hub is an upstream program that supports families at the critical early years.

The Family Hub Opens Bridge to Belonging2026-11-05T15:03:15-07:00
23 10, 2026

KCR Community Resources at Heart of Community for 43 Years

2026-10-29T14:54:08-07:00

KCR Community Resources is marking 43 years of offering programs and services that are at the heart of community on Sunday, having officially become a society on October 25, 1983.

“Anniversaries like this allow us to reflect on where we have come from and celebrate our success and impact,” says David M. Brown, President of the volunteer Board of Directors. “It also allows us to plan for the future, to ensure we keep being relevant, authentic and meeting needs at community, family and individual levels. As a Board, it is our job to focus on the strategic direction of the organization so that KCR can continue to be here to meet ongoing and emergent needs.”

KCR Community Resources has grown to be a strong social service not-for-profit organization, with over 100 employees and an annual budget of $10 million. It offers core services through more than 20 programs over four departments: Immigrant, Family & Adoption, Community and Employment Services. KCR serves primarily in the Central Okanagan region, although some programs extend beyond this area to include the Thompson Okanagan, the Fraser Valley and the province of BC.

“We are focused on participant-centred services that allow individuals and families and the community to thrive,” explains Katelin Mitchell, executive director of KCR. “Many of our programs are considered upstream in that they provide options for families and individuals, addressing root causes or offering early-stage interventions. Other programs are very responsive to emergent needs that arise, like the influx of refugees during world crises like the wars in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.”

“We are very proud of having offered the first Crisis Lines for the region and have continually been providing this critical safety net for our community for over 40 years already, before answering the national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline 2 years ago when it was launched,” adds Mitchell. “Other programs like the Family Friend and Family Hub are 26 years and 10 years old respectively. We have been providing settlement services for over 22 years and employment supports for almost 20 years.”

Offering these varied programs has naturally resulted in a very unique and diverse team of employees for the organization, which has recently been chosen by the Kelowna Chamber as a Finalist for the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging category of the Business Excellence Awards. Currently 58% of the organization’s employees were born outside of Canada and collectively speak 37 different languages, plus English. Age-wise the team is also uniquely diverse, with 25% of the team aged 25-34, 43% aged 35-54 and 25% aged 55+.

“Having an equity and values-based lens in how we deliver programs and how we operate as an organization, allows us to offer the strongest services with uniquely-skilled individuals that are making our community rich and strong,” says David Brown. “Speaking on behalf of our Board, which in itself is representative of our participants, diversity truly is our strength and we look forward to meeting community needs for the next 43 years.”

KCR Community Resources is funded through all levels of government, grants, private funding, and generous donors.

“We are grateful to have been able to do this work as an organization for so long because of the commitment of our funding partners and donors,” says Mitchell. “We thank them all and especially the committed community donors who make this impact possible because of their donations. We continue to see the change that is possible with your support.”

“And finally, we want to say a special Thank you to our participants over the years,” adds Mitchell. “It is a privilege to serve them and we thank them for placing their trust in us,”

Contact:

David M. Brown
President, Board of Directors
KCR Community Resources
E: david@ascentemploymentlaw.ca
P: 604-800-5725

Katelin Mitchell
Executive Director
KCR Community Resources
E: katelin@kcr.ca
P: 236-970-4929

About KCR Community Resources:

Kelowna Community Resources Society (dba KCR Community Resources) has been providing services to the Central Okanagan since October 25, 1983. Our mission is to foster diversity, collaboration and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet community, family and individual needs. With a participant-centred approach, and a values and equity-based lens, we offer programs through four core competency pillars: Immigrant Services, Employment Services, Community Services and Family & Adoption Services.

KCR Community Resources at Heart of Community for 43 Years2026-10-29T14:54:08-07:00
24 09, 2024

New Executive Director Appointment

2026-10-08T10:54:57-07:00

David M. Brown, President of KCR Community Resources, has announced the appointment of Katelin Mitchell to Executive Director of KCR, effective October 1, 2024.

“Our Selection Committee, which included current Board members, a former KCR executive director, and an HR consultant, clearly identified that our current Director of Services, Katelin Mitchell, is the best choice.

During the extensive interview process Katelin proved that her passion and vision for KCR perfectly aligns with the positive trajectory the organization has been on and we know her skills, strengths and deep personal commitment to KCR’s values, the staff team and the participants will ensure a smooth transition that will allow KCR to extend its growth and impact in community.

We couldn’t be more pleased with our choice and are confident that both the amazing team members, and the operations, of this incredible organization are in the best hands.

New Executive Director Appointment2026-10-08T10:54:57-07:00
13 09, 2024

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

2024-11-18T08:58:51-08:00

(September 10, 2024, Kelowna, BC) September is National Suicide Prevention Month with September 10th specifically marking World Suicide Prevention Day. National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, the many people who have been touched by suicide and those who have experienced suicidal thoughts. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope. Suicide can affect everyone regardless of gender, race, income, or family background.

KCR Community Resources (KCR) is responsible for providing Crisis Lines in the Central Okanagan and we are reminding people that help is just a call or text away on the new national 9-8-8 Suicide and Distress Line. In addition, KCR also manages three other Crisis Lines: 1-800-Suicide, 310-6789 Mental Health Support, and the 1-888-353-2273 Interior Crisis Line. All lines are monitored 24/7, 365 days of the year. No matter which line you call, you will be helped. All calls are confidential and both callers and responders maintain their anonymity. The 988 number also offers text support, which can be an easier way for those in crisis to connect, especially for younger people.

The phone and text support lines provide a “community safety net” to enable individuals and families with managing their mental health concerns, and to provide a non-judgmental ear to those who could benefit from engaging in collaborative problem-solving. Crisis Line Responders are trained, empathetic listeners who are there to support the caller or texter. They may refer individuals to appropriate community or professional resources and if needed may intervene in life-threatening or emergency situations.

This September, get informed about resources in the community that can help. In addition to maintaining the Crisis Lines, KCR also offers connections to resources in the community including the Suicide Prevention Handbook.

 

Suicide Stats:

  • 11 people die by suicide in Canada every day (source: www.988.ca)
  • Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide across the globe (source: World Heath Organization)
  • 11.8% of Canadians have had thoughts of suicide at some point (source: Health Canada)
  • For every person who dies by suicide, as many as 135 people are impacted. (source: Cerel et al, 2018)

 

Myths about Suicide: (sourced from www.988.ca)

Myth: People considering suicide only want to end their life.

Fact: Most people with suicide ideation or who attempt suicide, don’t necessarily want to die, but they do want to end their emotional pain. They may be overcome with hopelessness and unable to see another way out of their situation. They may have lost their sense of connection to the people around

them. But thoughts of suicide can pass, and people who have thought about or attempted suicide in the past can go on to live full and rich lives when they receive the support they need.

 

Myth: Suicide is caused by mental illness

Fact: There is no single cause of suicide. Having a mental health problem can increase your risk of suicide, but many factors and circumstances can contribute to someone’s thoughts of ending their life. Things like loss, addictions, trauma, depression, serious physical illness, and major life changes can make some people feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. It isn’t necessarily the nature of the loss or stress that makes someone want to end their life — it’s the feeling that these things are unbearable. Talking to someone about what you are going through can help ease that pain. If you are feeling like this, remember you can reach out to us any time.

 

Myth: It’s dangerous to ask someone if they are considering suicide

Fact: Talking about suicide does not make someone more suicidal.  Asking someone if they have been thinking about suicide can open up the conversation and help them share their feelings. They may well be glad that you asked. Find out more about how to talk to someone you are worried about.

In fact, talking about suicide and removing the stigma of it, are important steps in changing the narrative around suicide, which is part of creating awareness of the resources available to people, including help through Crisis Lines like 988.

 

For More Information, contact:

 

Dorothee Birker

Communications & Development Manager

KCR Community Resources

P: 250-860-4911

E: dorothee@kcr.ca

 

 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month2024-11-18T08:58:51-08:00
12 06, 2024

Dreams Really Do Come True

2024-11-18T08:47:39-08:00

Oh Hello … Dorothee here! As you know, I usually like to share stories of people in our community but today I am going to share my KCR story, the “full circle moment” of how my dream of building a family led to my dream job and how, through my job, I now get to implement my long-held dream of creating a volunteer Community Crew that KCR Community Resources, with funding from our amazing partners at the Prospera Foundation, will launch this summer.

Growing up in a close, large family, I always knew that I wanted kids and yet, by the time I was in my late 30s, that still hadn’t happened. It was time to take matters into my own hands and I contacted the Adoption Centre of British Columbia (ACBC). My world personally and professionally has changed dramatically because of this. The team at ACBC were so incredible to work with. Encouraging, caring and authentic only begin the list of positive adjectives I can use to describe the team. I will forever be grateful for their support in helping me build my dream of a family through the adoption of my (yikes!) now 18-year-old son Zhen.

My adoption journey then led to being connected to KCR as an organization that I trusted and whose values strongly aligned with my own. An agency that has the community at its heart, was exactly what I believed in and where I wanted to share my skills and expertise. I joined the fantastic team as a contract project coordinator for the Immigrant Services and Community Services departments while also producing community festivals and events. In 2019 I was fortunate to join the KCR team full-time in my current role, leading the Community Services team and the amazing things we get to do. My job combines all of my loves: strengthening and empowering volunteers, non-profit organizations and the people that work in this sector. I also have the honour of working on social equity initiatives that focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and making our society, work spaces and community more welcoming and just.

As someone who has spent many years volunteering myself (and yes admittedly, often volun-telling my family and friends too) I firmly believe in the intrinsic value of volunteering. When we give of ourselves, we receive immense value in return. As a volunteer manager, recruiting, training and working with volunteers is also a joy and I value the gift volunteers share in building community. It’s a win-win.

Producing festivals and community events, having a corps group of volunteers that come and help year after year, makes a world of difference. Of course, not everyone can return each year, but having key roles undertaken by volunteers who are already trained, vetted, trusted and skilled, is a huge boon, for the organizers, the volunteers and the community. Making it the perfect win-win-win scenario.

My dream for many years has been to create a Community Crew that can serve this purpose – be frontline volunteers that can be deployed to help at community events and festivals and enhance the experience of attendees, organizers and other volunteers. And at the same time, create a team of volunteers that get to work together, sharing the opportunity to build community and be a part of the excitement and life that festivals and events bring.

Thanks to the Prospera Foundation and their belief in volunteerism and community, we are able to launch the KCR Community Crew. Are you interested in being a part of this new project? Check out our listing on the VolunteerConnector.org or contact Wendy Williams, the Volunteer Centre Coordinator, at wendyw@kcr.ca. Are you coordinating an event and want to engage the Community Crew? Also contact Wendy.

And yes, if you are wondering, we are approaching the creation of this Crew with a DEI lens, fully inviting the rich diversity of people in our community to be a part of this team. We want you and we need you! Come, build community with us.

Dreams Really Do Come True2024-11-18T08:47:39-08:00
12 06, 2024

KCR is a Part of Who I Am

2025-09-29T14:01:50-07:00

You may remember that KCR Community Resources is celebrating its 40th anniversary year and we thought it would be fun to connect with some of the early KCR team members and volunteers and share their “Full Circle Moment” with you.

Deanna Notte is currently the longest-term staff person at KCR, having started as the Crisis Line Coordinator in 1995. What’s even more cool, is that she has been part of the KCR team for even longer as she actually started as a volunteer in 1986-87, while she was in grade 11.

“The agency was called CR3 back then,” remembers Deanna. “It was located downtown then too, but I can’t quite remember the exact address.”

“My best friend and I were interested in pursuing careers in the helping professions and CR3 was starting up a Youth Crisis Line,” adds Deanna. “We thought it would be a great experience and an opportunity to help people. We attended the training and then took shifts on the line. We were able to be in the room together as they recognized that having a buddy system would help the youth volunteers feel safe and more confident.”

“I remember when we had our first shift on the Youth Crisis Line, we felt so scared and nervous and prayed that the phone wouldn’t ring,” reminisces Deanna. “When it did ring, we would argue about who had to answer it, eventually deciding we would just take turns. Eventually my friend and I became more comfortable and confident with the calls coming in.”

Deanna notes that the training at the time was less intense and a lot shorter than it is now and that the technology also has changed so much. Today, training for Crisis Line Responders is intensive and provides great transferable skills for the Responders that many say benefits their everyday lives. The Crisis Line, and specifically the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lines have text options that allow those needing support to reach out via text, which for youth especially, can be a preferred way to communicate.

Deanna’s second volunteer stint with KCR started in 1994 as she was doing her practicum for her Social Work degree.

“As luck would have it, when I completed my degree, KCR was hiring for the Crisis Line and I jumped at the chance to apply,” explains Deanna. “I got the job and started working with KCR in 1995.”

“If you can believe it, I have been here ever since,” laughs Deanna. “I have taken on many positions and roles in my time here including Crisis Line Coordinator, Manager of Employment Services, Manager of Family Services and now I am working as an Adoption Social Worker for the Adoption Centre of BC, which is part of the KCR umbrella of programs.”

“KCR has been my ‘work family’ for the past 30 years,” Deanna says proudly. “They have seen me through my marriage and the birth and raising of my two kids. KCR is a part of who I am and I am thankful to still be here all these years later!”

“I think volunteering in an excellent way to give back to your community, to help others and at the same time to gain some valuable skills that will help you in your professional and personal life,” concludes Deanna. “Volunteering really makes a positive difference in the lives you touch and creates new and exciting opportunities for your future!”

Thanks Deanna for sharing your story and for your years of dedicated service to the community!

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, or the work KCR does in the community, check out our website at www.kcr.ca

KCR is a Part of Who I Am2025-09-29T14:01:50-07:00
7 12, 2023

Sharing Your Light Brings Hope

2024-02-12T12:08:36-08:00

How do individuals thrive, when the family – that is their everything – is hurting? They simply can’t. Community coming around those families through their support of social service agencies like KCR Community Resources makes all the difference in allowing children and parents to be their best selves. Will you Share your Light with those facing darkness today?

Financial stress, hunger, isolation and feelings of overwhelm are a reality that many in our community experience. There are many incredible organizations for you to share your donations with. Today I am making the case for you to consider KCR Community Resources as a place to holistically support vulnerable families and individuals to meet them where they are at and to provide services vital to them.

Our dedicated teams have offered services for 40 years, officially starting on October 25, 1983 as Kelowna Community Resources Society to offer life-saving Crisis Line safety net.  Dedicated to meeting critical needs on an emergent and proactive basis we have grown to serve in four key areas: immigrant and refugee services, employment services, family and adoption services and community services. Your donation today makes all the difference in allowing us to continue this work.

In 2016, we opened the Central Okanagan Family Hub to fill a crucial gap in the community: an inclusive space where along with programs, parents get support to navigate the varied resources that are available in the community and help to connect them to the most appropriate ones for them. 

Valeriia arrived in Kelowna on New Year’s Day this year, after fleeing the war in Ukraine and living in a refugee camp. She was nine months pregnant and brought with her a toddler and two suitcases. Although she already had a host family to live with, none of them knew where to turn as the new baby arrived just six days later. The Family Hub was able to provide support and resources, even though it was the holidays. As Valeriia has said, 

“I went to the Family Hub and they showed me the many opportunities that were here and they opened for me many doors. You don’t feel alone when you have an organization like KCR at your back. Now I have so much. I have friends, connections and opportunities. All because of KCR.”

Here are some of the ways that you make a difference with your support of KCR:

  • Families experiencing financial hardships get food support and personal hygiene necessities so that a parent doesn’t have to decide between buying milk or diapers;
  • Immigrant and newcomer families, are welcomed to a culturally-safe space that forges inclusive relationships;
  • Grandparents raising grandchildren, have critical connection with similar families as they parent for the second time;
  • Children access health and developmental supports at age appropriate stages.

Families are facing increasing needs. Bring them hope and relief. Cumulative effects of ongoing pandemic impact, rising inflation, increased mental health concerns, along with international strife and displacement of people, is having a profound effect on individuals, families and the community overall.

Thank you for your consideration a gift that will bring light to families. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will build more resilient families that can truly shine. When you Share your Light with the individuals and families that KCR serves, your gift makes a meaningful difference, empowering them and allowing them to thrive. Choose to allocate your gift specifically to Family Services, or direct your impact towards other services such as the Crisis Line, Immigrant and Refugee Services or Areas of Greatest Need.

For more information go to www.kcr.ca.

Sharing Your Light Brings Hope2024-02-12T12:08:36-08:00
3 11, 2023

Official Day to Recognize BC Non-Profits

2024-02-12T12:07:33-08:00

On Monday, October 30 was officially proclaimed BC Non-Profit Day by the Government of British Columbia, “to celebrate the non-profit sector, and create deeper understanding of the people and communities that non-profits support” and to “recognize the dedication of staff and volunteer who work each day to strengthen our communities”.

Did you know that there are approximately 31,000 non-profits in BC, ranging from community, business and government organizations? Government non-profits includes hospitals and education institutions like public school boards, universities and colleges. Business non-profits include professional, member and business associations like chambers of commerce. The community non-profits vary from small, completely volunteer run organizations to those that have staff teams. At the core, all non-profits still have volunteers that ensure the organization is able to function. At minimum, this would be the volunteer Directors that sit on the Board and most often it is volunteers that help at additional levels, including program and service delivery.

BC’s non-profits deliver services that include health support to seniors, childcare programs, food security, recreation, arts, housing, emergency response activities, religion, environment, Indigenous-led programs – and much more. The sector also contributes $28 billion to the provincial government and is a grassroots response to the socio-economic issues increasingly facing individuals and families across BC. KCR Community Resources is proud to be a part of this critical sector, offering services to build the social fabric of our community by addressing gaps and needs both proactively and responsively as they arise. If you are wondering how your daily life is impacted by non-profits, think about some of the things that would be missing from your life, or not accessible, if volunteers and non-profits weren’t part of ensuring these programs existed.

KCR maintains a database of community resources that are largely non-profit led that offer all kinds of services and supports. Check it out online at https://kelowna.cioc.ca. If you are needing help to connect with some of these services, feel free to reach out to us at 250-763-8008 or info@kcr.ca.

In marking BC’s first Non-Profit Recognition day, the province also made the announcement of $60 million dollars from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in funding for non-profit organizations that will be distributed by the Vancouver Foundation, with Premier David Eby remarking that “the work done by our province’s non-profits reflects some of the most important ways British Columbians show up for each other in tough times.”

Official Day to Recognize BC Non-Profits2024-02-12T12:07:33-08:00
31 10, 2023

KCR Milestone: 40 Years of Community – That’s All We’re About!

2024-02-12T11:51:27-08:00

Celebrate With Us Here!

October 25 is the official birthday of the Kelowna Community Resources Society – now better known as KCR Community Resources. In 2023, we are celebrating our 40th birthday and are inviting the community to celebrate with us. Our plan for our anniversary celebrations is to share milestones and stories from the past 40 years with the community and invite past participants, team members, volunteers and community partners to share their KCR stories also. It has been fun looking into our archives and learning about our past programs and to see how our current programs have evolved. They reflect how both the community and KCR have evolved and how we have always sought to meet current and emerging needs.

So who are we?

KCR Community Resources is a multi-service agency that fosters diversity, collaboration and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet community, family and individual needs. We have been a key partner in building a strong community fabric since 1983 by supporting and encouraging our participants in four key service areas: Family & Adoption Services, Community Services, Immigrant Services and Employment Services.

The Family & Adoption Team strengthens families by providing family-centred, preventative supports and program referrals to parents with young children to increase knowledge, skills and community connections. Through the Adoption Centre of British Columbia and our Adoption Services team, we facilitate the legal and emotional process for adoptive parents building their family through intercountry and domestic adoption, for birthparents who want to make adoption plans, and children in need of permanent homes.

Employment Services focus on preparing people for the workforce by helping unemployed and under-employed individuals identify career and educational goals, navigate the job search and develop essential job skills. Team member collaborate with employers in the Central Okanagan to more easily recruit quality applicants.

Immigrant Services integrate newcomers by assisting Immigrants to Canada to feel welcome by providing information and connecting them to the community. They also promote the benefits of cultural diversity in our community by coordinating cultural awareness activities.

In Community Services we help community members at large, non-profits and volunteers achieve by promoting community information, supporting volunteer management and hosting learning opportunities.

Many of our programs address issues of marginalization and we support the notion of self-reliance, where participants are encouraged to rely on their own involvement, resilience and inner strength to overcome obstacles. We are able to deliver these programs through federal, provincial and community funders, as well as corporate sponsorships, social enterprises and individual donations. 

Our team culture is built on the Core Values we are all committed to: 
  • Respect – We value everyone
  • Integrity – We do the right thing
  • Inclusiveness – We embrace and celebrate diversity
  • Empowering – We strengthen lives 

The KCR icon reflects our people-first approach, with a figure centred in the community circle and four colours representing each of the four departments that support the figure. Green for Community Services, purple for Adoption & Family Services, orange for Immigrant Services and light blue for Employment Services. All of the services are placed within the KCR main brand teal colour that binds us all together. 

For these celebrations we have showcased this icon in the centre of radiating beams to celebrate the broad impact we have been able to make and to highlight that people remain at the centre of our service approach.  Please join us in our celebrations. This could be sharing your KCR story or creating a new one this year. A great way to show support to the people and programs of KCR is by hosting a special fundraising event with your organization, team or family and friends. The funds raised make a huge impact and help to meet emergent needs for the people we serve. To learn more about hosting a third-party fundraiser or making a donation to a specific program, contact Wendy at wendycg@kcr.ca or call 250-763-8008 x256.

KCR Milestone: 40 Years of Community – That’s All We’re About!2024-02-12T11:51:27-08:00
9 08, 2023

5 Captivating Facts about Indigenous Communities

2024-02-12T11:53:29-08:00

The United Nations has rightly seen it fit to designate a day to celebrate indigenous cultures around the world. Whereas most memorial days focus on the losses these communities endured, World Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of celebration. It is meant to highlight the amazing culture of these communities and spread awareness of the impact they have had and continue to have on the world!

In an effort to celebrate indigenous communities in BC. Here are five surprising/ interesting facts about our indigenous communities you might not have known:

THE INVENTION OF KAYAKS AND SNOWSHOES
Are you an avid Kayaker? Do you love to Snowshoe? Well, you have the Inuit people to thank for the invention of both of these. Snow Shoes were built to traverse in deep snow and were made of caribou antlers and bone, kayaks on the other hand were made out of any available material including wood and animal skin and bones! Both of these are incredibly sophisticated technologies and remain so to this day.

A CREATION STORY
While each First Nation has its own creation story; there is a tale told by the Iroquois People of the first woman’s birth. In one version of this tale, there was an island floating in the sky on which all the Sky People lived. One Sky Person -the Sky Woman – was pregnant and craved different foods. There was a great tree in the middle of the island that grew many different fruits, all of which the Sky People were not allowed to eat. Her pregnancy cravings got the better of her, however, and Sky Woman asked her husband, Great Spirit, to get a piece of bark from the roots of the tree. The story goes that while her husband was grabbing the bark he accidentally dug a hole through the floor of Sky World. This frightened the poor spirit who then ran away hurriedly – leaving the bark. Sky Woman, overcome by her cravings, went herself to fetch the bark and fell through the hole and into the void. The animals that lived in the void banded together to help her and she took refuge on the back of a turtle, from where other animals brought her things like soil and seeds to plant on the turtle’s back for food. It was on this turtle’s back that she had her daughter Tekawerahkwa – the first human.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTIVITY
In many Indigenous Spirituality, connectivity is very important and circles are sacred. Circles represent many facets of life and nature including death, the sun, the moon, and the cycles of the season. As one Native leader put it beautifully
“Love settles within the circle, embracing it and thereby lasting forever, turning within itself.”
—Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux

THE INVENTION OF HOCKEY
Do you enjoy a good hockey game? Well, it is widely believed that Indigenous people invented the sport. It was reported in a Jesuit priest’s journal that the Mohawks would play with sticks and a piece of frozen ice coated with mud and stones. The priest reports that when one player was hit with the “puck” he would yes “Aukie!” meaning “Ouch!”, does any of this sound familiar?

PIONEERING THE CONCEPT OF RIDESHARE
When was the last time you did a rideshare? Maybe your last trip out of town? An interesting fact to know is that the original rideshare service in Canada started at the mouth of Humber River, where Indigenous people would leave canoes for anyone traveling upriver to use. The ones coming down the river would then leave their canoes and so it continued! Talk about a cool way to catch a ride.

It’s always great to learn more about cultures that you might not have known. As we strive to make the Central Okanagan an inclusive place that accepts and appreciates all cultures – take today to share these facts and any other facts you might know about the Indigenous Communities amazing First Nation community members!

5 Captivating Facts about Indigenous Communities2024-02-12T11:53:29-08:00
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