https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business/newcomers_guide.pdf(https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business/newcomers_guide.pdf) Download the newcomers guide in 13 languages https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Newcomers-Guides(https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Newcomers-Guides)

Health Care Coverage B.C. Medical Services Plan In Canada, the cost of a medically necessary physician and hospital services is covered by the public medical plan in the province where you live. In B.C., this plan is called the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp)(MSP). All B.C. residents must enrol in the MSP, including: • Non-permanent residents, such as those holding study and work permits valid for six months or more • Applicants for permanent resident status who are the spouse or child of an eligible B.C. resident • Tourists and visitors to B.C. are not eligible for Medical Services Plan (MSP). Apply for BC Health and Drug Coverage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/ahdc(https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/ahdc) Health Information HealthLink BC HealthLink BC provides free non-emergency health information and advice in B.C. Information and advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of HealthLink BC’s services are free. Use it to find walk-in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, immunization locations, pharmacies, laboratory services, and Urgent and Primary Care Centres near you. · Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. Translation services available in 130 languages. · Healthlink BC has an app for your smartphone.(https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/app) · Website: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/(https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/) John Rudy Health Resource Center One-to-one services for assistance with: accessing health information, navigating the healthcare system, health literacy, and completing health forms. Address: #107 3402 27th Avenue Phone Number: 250-938-8092 Website: www.johnrudyhealth.ca(http://www.johnrudyhealth.ca/) Vernon Health Clinic Provides health programs and services to keep people healthy, prevent injury and illness, and promote health and wellness in the community. Services include immunizations, nutrition, harm reduction, pregnancy and early motherhood care, hearing clinics, speech therapy, and early childhood dental development. Address: 1440-14th Avenue, Vernon BC, V1B 2T1 Phone: 250-549-5700 Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-health-unit(https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-health-unit) Finding a Family Doctor It may be hard to find a family doctor or a nurse practitioner who can take you as a patient. Keep looking and talking with people. New care providers can come to your community anytime. • Search for a list of family doctors here: https://www.findadoctorbc.ca/vancouver-island-region-text-search/?list_town=Vernon(https://www.findadoctorbc.ca/vancouver-island-region-text-search/?list_town=Vernon) • Register to get a family doctor: https://hcr.healthlinkbc.ca/s/(https://hcr.healthlinkbc.ca/s/) Walk-in Clinics If you do not have a care provider yet, or you can’t get an appointment with your care provider, you may be able to go to a walk-in clinic or an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC). Doctors and nurse practitioners at walk-in clinics and UPCCs are for people who have a medical problem, but not an emergency. CareConnect IDA Pharmacy Address: #120 5301 25 Ave, Vernon BC Phone Number: (236) 426-1721 Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 AM to 1 PM Interpretation is available Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Provides team-based care for non-emergency health concerns to individuals in Vernon. Offers same-day care for concerns such as minor injuries, sprains and strains, less serious child illness and injury, infections, and cuts, wounds or skin conditions. · Appointment Required Address: 3105 28th Ave, Vernon BC Phone Number: 250-541-1097 Website: www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-urgent-and-primary-care-centre(http://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-urgent-and-primary-care-centre) Interpretation is available Hospital Vernon Jubilee Hospital Address: 2101 32 St, Vernon, BC Hours: 24 hours Phone: 250-545-2211 Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-jubilee-hospital(https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-jubilee-hospital) Dental Community Dental Access Center Offers reduced-cost dental services to residents with low income or other barriers that prevent them from receiving dental health care. Address: 3107C 31st Avenue Phone: 778-475-7779 Website: https://www.communitydentalaccess.ca/(https://www.communitydentalaccess.ca/) Sexual Health Options for Sexual Health Clinic Birth control, pregnancy and STD testing, sexual health education and counselling for all ages, all genders, and orientations. Confidential, nonjudgmental, youth-friendly, pro-choice, and sex-positive services. Female doctors and nurses. Address: 1440 14th Ave, Vernon BC Phone: 250-241-3154 Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 6PM – 11PM Website: https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/clinic/vernon-opt-clinic/(https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/clinic/vernon-opt-clinic/) Pregnancy Support Vernon Midwifery Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care Address: #202 3117 32nd Street, Vernon BC Phone: 250-275-5005 Mountain Midwifery Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care Address: #8 3100 35th Street, Vernon BC Phone: 778-790-0999 Friendship Center Pregnancy Outreach Free and confidential support during pregnancy and continued until your baby is 6 months old Address: 2904 29th Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-1247

Rent a Home, Apartment, or Suite Kijiji Vernon https://www.kijiji.ca/b-for-rent/vernon/c30349001l1700229(https://www.kijiji.ca/b-for-rent/vernon/c30349001l1700229) Trovit https://property.trovit.ca/for-rent-vernon(https://property.trovit.ca/for-rent-vernon) Facebook Groups • Must join groups to see places for rent • You can post on the group that you are looking for a place to rent, provide some information about yourself or your family (example, how many people) and what’s your budget, etc. Vernon Home & Suite Rentals https://www.facebook.com/groups/158405347911009(https://www.facebook.com/groups/158405347911009) For Rent in Vernon BC https://www.facebook.com/groups/449358458800907(https://www.facebook.com/groups/449358458800907) Okanagan Homes and Suite Rental (Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton & Area) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1410927995809455(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1410927995809455) Vernon BC Places for Rent https://www.facebook.com/groups/898633123832327(https://www.facebook.com/groups/898633123832327) Shared Housing Happipad Happipad.org is a Canadian federally incorporated non-profit on a mission to make home sharing safe, affordable, and accessible to those who can benefit most. Listings: https://app.happipad.com/listings?address=vernon(https://app.happipad.com/listings?address=vernon) Subsidized Housing BC Housing - BC Housing is a provincial Crown agency under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. Website: bchousing.org(http://bchousing.org/) Phone: 250-493-0301 • Subsidized Housing - Subsidized housing is long-term low-income housing for people who permanently reside in British Columbia. Rental fees are calculated on a rent geared to income basis (30% of household total gross income, subject to minimum rent based on # of people). • Rental Assistance Program - Provides eligible low-income working families with monthly assistance to help with their monthly rent payments • Canada-BC Housing Benefit – Available to eligible renters where the households are identified as a priority group in housing need • Affordable Rental Housing - Available for people who have low to moderate income but may not be eligible for subsidized housing. Anyone can apply, however housing providers may have specific requirements Find and select housing: 1. Apply to The Housing Registry (https://housingapplication.bchousing.org/olf/faces/welcome)(https://housingapplication.bchousing.org/olf/faces/welcome) 2. The Registry allows your single application form to be considered for available units managed by BC Housing and a number of non-profit and co-operative housing providers that have chosen to use The Housing Registry database. Includes Affordable Housing. Vernon Native Housing Low-cost housing to low-income families and/or individuals of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous descent. Priority Phone: 250-542-2834 Website: www.vernonnativehousing.ca(http://www.vernonnativehousing.ca/) Application: http://www.vernonnativehousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/application.pdf(http://www.vernonnativehousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/application.pdf) Okanagan Village Society Affordable rental housing Website: www.okvillage.ca (http://www.okvillage.ca/) Phone: 250-545-6475

Voyager en Autobus (BC Transit) Il y a trois façons de payer l'autobus: en pièces, en billets ou avec un abonnement. Les billets et les abonnements sont disponibles aux endroits suivants: bctransit.com/Vernon/fares/where-to-buy(http://bctransit.com/Vernon/fares/where-to-buy) Lorsque vous montez dans l'autobus, vous devrez payer le prix exact en pièces. Vous pouvez aussi demander au chauffeur un forfait journalier si vous prévoyez d'utiliser l'autobus plusieurs fois dans la journée. Les autobus s'arrêtent à l'arrêt principal. On monte par la porte d'en avant et on descend par la porte arrière. Si vous voulez descendre au prochain arrêt, tirez sur la cordelette jaune située au-dessus de votre siège ou appuyez sur le bouton rouge situé sur l'une des barres extérieures des sièges. Tarifs des autobus https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bbbbb0_7e452dcf1f2849229b355414fe614175~mv2.jpg https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bbbbb0_5d1cdf6dd10f4735afef4cb8931f14ee~mv2.jpg Transit Map https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bbbbb0_aa42a32d79974b29a528bf707d006d70~mv2.jpg Voyager en taxi Les taxis sont rapides et pratiques, mais peuvent aussi être chers. À la fin de votre course, le compteur vous indique le montant à payer. La plupart des gens laissent un pourboire au chauffeur, ce qui représente de 10 à 15 % du prix de la course. Vous pouvez commander un taxi par téléphone. Vernon Taxi Téléphone: 250-545-3337 Uride – Comme Uber, vous devez télécharger l'application pour réserver une course. Vous pouvez la télécharger via le lien ci-dessous. Site Web: https://www.uridetech.com/(https://www.uridetech.com/) Voyager en scooter ou en vélo électrique Des trottinettes et des vélos électriques sont disponibles à différents endroits à Vernon. Pour payer et utiliser cet équipement, vous devez télécharger l'application. Voici le lien de téléchargement et quelques conseils pour bien démarrer. https://www.scootsafe.com/learn/start_riding(https://www.scootsafe.com/learn/start_riding) Faire du vélo En Colombie-Britannique, la circulation à vélo est réglementée. Le port du casque est obligatoire. Le non-port du casque est passible d'une amende. Les cyclistes roulent sur les routes et les pistes cyclables, pas sur les trottoirs. Certaines routes sont aménagées avec des pistes cyclables. Vous pouvez acheter des vélos neufs aux adresses suivantes : Canadian Tire Adresse: Unit #345 4900 27th St, Vernon BC Sportchek Adresse: Unit #340 4900 27 St, Vernon BC Sun Country Cycle Adresse: 16500 Kalamalka Road, Vernon BC Vernon E Ride Adresse: Unit #103 2800 29th St, Vernon BC Vélos usagés (abordables): Cycle Cycle Adresse: 4240 Alexis Park Drive Carte cyclable de la communauté de Vernon: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aa089d56549c41ca9d36405c2497878a(https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aa089d56549c41ca9d36405c2497878a)

Si vous n'avez pas les moyens d'acheter de la nourriture de qualité, vous pouvez vous rendre à la banque alimentaire, dans une communauté religieuse ou à la mission Upper Room pour recevoir de la nourriture gratuite. Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank Adresse: 3303 32e Avenue Téléphone: 250-549-4111 (Il faut appeler à l'avance pour prendre rendez-vous afin de recevoir un panier alimentaire) • Paniers alimentaires: les familles reçoivent deux caisses remplies de nourriture, dont une de produits de base et une autre de viande, de produits laitiers et de légumes surgelés. Les familles nombreuses reçoivent plus de paniers. • Ils acceptent les clients sans rendez-vous du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 12h et de 13h30 à 16h30. Ce que vous recevrez dépendra de ce qu'ils ont en stock à ce moment-là. Alexis Park Church Adresse: 3906 35a rue, Vernon BC Téléphone: 250-542-4135 • Paniers alimentaires d'urgence Vernon Alliance Church Adresse: 2601 43e Avenue, Vernon BC Téléphone: 250-545-7105 • Plats congelés Trinity United Church Adresse: 3300 Alexis Park Dr, Vernon BC Téléphone: 250-545-0797 • Produits non périssables Upper Room Mission Adresse: 3404 27 Avenue, Vernon BC Téléphone: 250-549-1231 • Repas préparés 7 jours sur 7 Okanagan Learning Foundation – “Food for Thought” garde-manger • Ce programme est offert à tous les élèves du secondaire. Il a lieu durant l'année scolaire. • Pour s'inscrire, l'élève se rend au bureau de l'école et remplit le formulaire de demande. • Sélection d'aliments sains et autres produits de première nécessité qu'ils peuvent rapporter à la maison chaque semaine Starfish Pack Program Website: www.starfishpack.com (http://www.starfishpack.com/) • Le programme Starfish Pack distribue chaque semaine, tout au long de l'année scolaire, un sac à dos rempli de nourriture aux écoliers en situation d'insécurité alimentaire. Chaque sac contient de quoi faire deux petits-déjeuners, deux dîners et deux soupers, et est complété par des fruits et légumes frais, ainsi que des collations. Good Food Box Website: https://goodfoodbox.ca/(https://goodfoodbox.ca/) • Paniers mensuels de fruits et légumes. La composition des paniers varie selon les saisons, en fonction de la qualité et du prix des produits disponibles. • Disponible en deux tailles - Les grandes boîtes conviennent aux foyers de 3 personnes ou plus et coûtent 20$. • Les petites boîtes conviennent à un foyer de 1 ou 2 personnes et coûtent 12$. • Commandez et payez chaque mois pour recevoir votre boîte sur le site Web de Good Food Box ci-dessus.

VERNON CHILDCARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL CENTER (CRRC): BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OKANAGAN (BGC) The CCRR is a service for Families and Child Care Providers. Child Care Resource and Referral work with the North Okanagan communities to promote quality, inclusive childcare services that meet the needs of families and promote the healthy development of children. · Referrals to local caregivers and other childcare services · Answers to your childcare questions · Assistance with application for Affordable Child Care Benefit · Drop-in programs for families and children · Resource/toy lending library For more information please call: General Enquiries – CCRR at 250-542-3121 Ext. 111 Program Coordinator – Chere Lane at 250-542-3121 Ext. 107 Vernon 3300-37th Avenue Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Contact Program Manager: Becky Kirkham Phone Number: 250-542-3121 Ext. 108 Email Address: ccrrvernon@bgco.ca(mailto:ccrrvernon@bgco.ca) Affordable Child Care Benefit The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of child care. Factors like income, family size, and type of care determine how much support families can get. Families need to renew their application every year. Application for childcare benefit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-funding/child-care-benefit/apply(https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-funding/child-care-benefit/apply) Map of Available Childcare Spaces: https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/ccf/(https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/ccf/) • Can click on each individual childcare provider to see what programs they offer and if they have availability • Shows if the child care provider is participating in the childcare fee reduction initiative which reduces and stabilizes parents’ monthly childcare fees $10 a Day Childcare Centers in Vernon 1. Maven Lane • 4 locations: Vernon, Lavington, Armstrong, and Coldstream (opens on June 1) Additional Information: contact us - Maven Lane(https://mavenlane.org/contact-us/) wait list policy - Maven Lane(https://mavenlane.org/programs/wait-list-policy/) 2. Snc’c’amala?tn Early Childhood Education Centre (Band/Tribal Council) • Must fill out waitlist form • Order of priority: • Okanagan Indian Band members and their children • Other First Nations with a status number • Any other child (first come, first serve basis) Additional Information: SN-C’C’A-MALA?-TN (okib.ca)(https://okib.ca/_pdf/parent_handbook.pdf) 3. BGC Okanagan - Vernon • Ranges from $20/day - $44/day • Parents can apply for Affordable Childcare benefit For more information: $10 a Day ChildCareBC Centres - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)(https://alpha.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/running-daycare-preschool/10-a-day-childcarebc-centres)

School Registration Vernon Immigrant Services has a program called Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) that supports newcomer children and their families adjust to their new school and community. SD22 and VDICSS has partnered to offer a Welcome Centre for all newcomer or ESL children registering in school in Vernon. It is located at the School District office, 1401 – 15th Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 8S8 Please contact us for help in registering your child in school: Contact: Daniel Vallejo or Laura Zimmer Email: Daniel.vallejo@vdicss.org;(mailto:Daniel.vallejo@vdicss.org) laura.zimmer@vdicss.org (laura.zimmer@vdicss.org) Phone: Laura 250-309-3295, 778-475-8853; Daniel 778-475-8851 In British Columbia, all children between the ages of 5 and 16 must be educated. They can be homeschooled or attend a local or online school. The school system is made up of public schools, independent schools, and private schools. Public schools are fully funded by the government. There is no cost for your child to attend public school. Independent schools are partially funded by the government. Private schools are not funded by the government. Parents are required to pay for their child to attend independent and private schools. Public Schools Children usually attend the public school closest to where they live. To register your child in public school: • Locate the school that is closest to your home https://mybaragar.com/index.cfm?event=page.SchoolLocatorPublic&DistrictCode=BC22(https://mybaragar.com/index.cfm?event=page.SchoolLocatorPublic&DistrictCode=BC22) • Complete the school registration form https://sd22.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Student-Registration-Form_122022.pdf(https://sd22.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/Student-Registration-Form_122022.pdf) • Contact the Welcome Centre in Vernon (250-309-3295) to complete the process or the school closest to your home if your child does not need any English Language Support When you register your child you will be asked to provide these official documents: • Your child’s birth certificate • Parent’s proof of Canadian Citizenship (Canadian passport, citizens card, permanent resident card, work visa, study permit, birth certificate). • Child’s personal health number (BC Services Card) The parent/guardian must provide TWO pieces of proof of residency. Acceptable documents are: • BC Government ID, i.e.: Driver’s licence, BCID, BC Services Card • Utility Bill • Rental insurance • Property tax notice • Property purchase agreement • Bank statement • Credit card statement • Government document (MSP bill, notice of assessment) Early Years Programming (for children under five years of age) Strong Start Provides early learning programs for parents/caregivers and their pre-school children ages birth to 5 years. At no cost to families, the drop-in programs allow children to make friends and interact with children of a similar age in a quality learning environment. Facilitated by passionate Early Childhood Educators, our StrongStart programs engage families in meaningful learning experiences and help families learn ways to support their child’s development both at the program and in the home. Locations: Alexis Park Elementary School: Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am 4205 – 35 Street, Vernon Harwood Elementary School: Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am 4320 20th Street, Vernon Mission Hill Elementary School: Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am 1510 – 36th Street, Vernon Ellison Elementary School: Monday – Friday, 8:30-11:30am 2400 Fulton Road, Vernon Register on your first visit with legal proof of identification for your child. StrongStart Registration Form(https://sd22.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/StrongStart_Registration_Form.pdf) Seamless Day Program Provides before & after school care for Kindergarten students and other school-aged students, as space allows. For more information about Seamless Day, see the Child Care Program Guide here: SD22 Child Care Program Guide(https://sd22.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/SD22-Child-Care-Program-Guide.pdf) Offered at the following schools: Okanagan Landing Elementary (after-school child care program) Ecole Bearisto (before and after school child care program) If your child attends OKL or Beairsto and you are interested in applying to register in the child care program, please click here(https://himama.com/online_registration/apply/sd22-early-learning-child-care-program)

Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society Helping you become effective in your job search. Whether you are a permanent resident, a naturalized Canadian citizen, or a temporary foreign worker (some exceptions apply) looking for work, we have services that may assist you. We support and deliver one-to-one and group employment services. Our employment-related services equip clients with skills and support when accessing the labour market, including preparation for the credential assessment process. Contact us (https://www.vdicss.org/contact)and we can determine what services and programs you are eligible for and help with your employment needs. Community Futures Address: 3105 33 St, Vernon BC Phone: 250-545-2215 Website: www.futuresbc.com(http://www.futuresbc.com/) • Search and prepare for a job • Career planning • Training and education • Employment services • Newcomer loans • Starting & growing a business • Youth employment program • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP) – creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the pilots participating North Okanagan communities If you are interested in RNIP, please contact rnipcoordinator@futuresbc.com (mailto:rnipcoordinator@futuresbc.com)or visit the RNIP website.(https://rnipnorthokanaganshuswap.ca/) Nexus BC Address: 3201 30th Street, Vernon BC Phone: 250-545-0585 Website: www.nexusbc.ca(http://www.nexusbc.ca/) • Job training for adults & youth • Free one-on-one job coaching for newcomers to Canada – Immigrant job coaches are career specialists and they are also immigrants to Canada and can speak several languages Indeed Website: https://ca.indeed.com/l-vernon,-bc-jobs.html?vjk=423525272d8ae67c(https://ca.indeed.com/l-vernon,-bc-jobs.html?vjk=423525272d8ae67c) Active job listings in Vernon – you can apply for jobs directly through the indeed website

Language Services Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society provides English language training, from beginner to advanced levels, through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. LINC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Adult refugees and permanent residents can take these classes for free. Students will learn and practice English through settlement-related topics such as housing, banking, transportation and community resources while learning more about the community of Vernon through field trips and guest speakers. Three language levels are offered: Beginner, Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate/Advanced. An English level placement test will be taken to determine your current CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) English level and the appropriate class. To enroll in language classes: 1. Make an appointment by calling 250-542-4177 2. Take a placement test 3. Join class ! Free child minding is available during morning and afternoon classes for eligible students, depending on availability. We also offer conversation circles in the evening where people whose first language is not English can practice and improve their English in a friendly and encouraging setting. You can talk with native English speakers and gain more confidence in speaking English. These classes are an opportunity to socialize and meet new people in a non-formal setting. They are a lot of fun ! The Westcoast Reader A newspaper and online resource published from September through June to help learners develop reading and language skills through newsworthy articles about living in British Columbia and Canada. Provides an introduction to Canadian daily newspapers, as well as an orientation for newcomers to aspects of Canadian life and culture. Website: www.thewestcoastreader.com(http://www.thewestcoastreader.com/)

Settlement Services Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society Address: #100 3003 30th St, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-4177 Website: www.vdicss.org(http://www.vdicss.org/) • Assistance with filling out forms • Employment services • School registration support • English Classes • Childcare • Community activities • Language classes • Translation services Please note that the Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society does not offer immigration consulting services. We are here to help once you have been granted permission to live in Canada as a Temporary Resident or a Permanent Resident. Immigration For inquiries on how to immigrate to Canada, extend your stay or obtain work/study/visitor’s visa • https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html) Find out if you are eligible to apply • http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/getting-started.asp(http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/getting-started.asp) Frequently asked questions: • http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre For questions about applying for visas and immigration, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC) at 1-888-242-2100 or http://www.cic.gc.ca/(http://www.cic.gc.ca/) To find a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in your area, go to • https://iccrc-crcic.ca/find-a-professional/ (https://iccrc-crcic.ca/find-a-professional/) Legal Support Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic Provides free legal representation and advice to low-income refugee claimants, immigrants, and people without legal status. Phone: 778-372-6583 Website: www.irlc.ca (http://www.irlc.ca/) Migrant Workers Center Provides free legal assistance to caregivers and other migrant workers and survivors of labour trafficking who are dealing with employment standards or immigration law issues. Phone: 604-669-4482 or toll free at 1-888-669-4482 Website: www.mwcbc.ca (http://www.mwcbc.ca/) Legal Aid BC Help with legal issues for those who cannot afford a lawyer Phone: 1-866-577-2525 Website: www.legalaid.bc.ca(http://www.legalaid.bc.ca/) Penny Renyk Free affidavits and sworn statements Address: #1 3105 29th St, Vernon BC Phone: 250-260-5020 The Legal Advocate has knowledge about and experience working in certain areas (for example, child protection, family law, disability benefits, or housing). They can help you understand information about: your rights and options, court process and rules, procedures and investigations Address: #105 3402 27th Ave, Vernon BC Phone: 778-475-0808 Access Pro Bono Free legal advice Website: www.accessprobono.ca(http://www.accessprobono.ca/) Phone: 1-877-762-6664 Rise Women’s Legal Center Provides legal services (primarily in family law) for clients otherwise unable to access legal help Phone: 236-317-9000 Website: www.womenslegalcenter.ca (http://www.womenslegalcenter.ca/) Translation Services Accurate Translations Website: www.accuratetranslations.ca(http://www.accuratetranslations.ca/) Phone: 250-212-8590 Culture Links Co-op Vernon Address: www.culturelinks.coop(http://www.culturelinks.coop/) Phone: 250-241-8841 • Spanish, Persian, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Pashtu, Serbian, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese

https://bc.211.ca/ (https://bc.211.ca/)- an online information service that is a gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and government services. Children, Youth, and Families Archway Society for Domestic Peace Address: 2400 46th Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 250-545-0585 • Shelter and support for women with or without children seeking safety from abuse in their relationship and for recent survivors of sexual assault • Counselling for women • Outreach for women leaving or living with abuse • PEACE child and youth counselling • Pregnancy and parenting support for young mothers and their children • Oak Center – Advocacy and support for children and youth who have experienced abuse, sexual assault, or witnessed a crime • Equine therapy Family Resource Centre Provides affordable counselling and support to families Address: #201 – 3402 27th Avenue (People Place) Vernon, BC V1T 1S1 Phone: 250-545-3390 Website: www.vernonfrc.ca(http://www.vernonfrc.ca/) North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society NOYFSS provides counselling and support services to individuals and families in our community through a variety of community based and residential programs. Address: 2900 - 32nd Avenue Vernon, BC Phone: (250) 545-3572 E-mail: noyfss@telus.net (mailto:noyfss@telus.net) Website: http://www.noyfss.org/ Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vernon Boys and Girls Club Offers recreation and development programs for children and youth of all ages, and families. Address: 3300 37th Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-3121 Website: https://www.bgco.ca/club-location/north-okanagan/vernon/(https://www.bgco.ca/club-location/north-okanagan/vernon/) Nona Child Development Center offers a range of programs and services to families and caregivers of children with a wide variety of developmental challenges. They provide services in the home, community and at their Centre. Address: 2802 34th St, Vernon BC Phone: 250-549-1281 Website: https://nona-cdc.com/(https://nona-cdc.com/) Ministry of Child and Family Development Supports the well-being of children, youth, and families, especially those who are vulnerable, through child and youth mental health services. Also offers services for children and youth with support needs. Address: 3007 35th Ave, Vernon BC Phone: 250-549-5404 Centralised Screening & Intake (24 hours): 1-800-663-9122 Website: www.gov.bc.ca/mcf(http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf) Newcomers Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society Community Connections: Assists immigrants and newcomers become engaged and feel at home in the Vernon area. Activities include conversation circles, tutoring, mentoring, and participation in community events. These connections help newcomers practice their English, introducing them to people and places, while helping them become familiar with local services community events, and celebrations. Address: #100 3003 30th Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 778-475-8852 Website: www.vdicss.org (http://www.vdicss.org/) Family Resource Center in collaboration with the Vernon and District Immigrant & Community Services Society Women’s Group Weekly women’s support group for newcomers. The group is facilitated by Ziyba Ibragimova, and is open for all immigrant and refugee women (regardless of immigration status). Childminding is available for children 12 and under. This group meets weekly at the VDICSS. To find out more about the group, please contact: zibragimova@vernonfrc.ca.(mailto:zibragimova@vernonfrc.ca) LGBTQIA2S+ Family Resource Center Queer Field Trip Free field trip for youth aged 13-18 to visit places around town that are friendly to LGBTQIA+ people, and to spend time with other LGBTQIA+ people and allies. Queer field trip meets on the second Wednesday of every month, and runs from 4:30 – 5:30. Follow @queerfieldtrip on Instagram Connecting Rainbows Support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQIA2S+ children and youth. Connecting rainbows meets at the Okanagan Learning Foundation (#102 – 3126 31st Ave). Come and meet with other caregivers, ask questions, learn more, make connections, and receive support from people who “get it”. Connecting Rainbows is a drop-in group that meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7PM – 8PM Vernon Pride Society Check out the Vernon Pride Society website for information about local LGBTQIA2S+ events and updates. https://vernonpride.ca/ (https://vernonpride.ca/) Kelowna Pride LGBTQIA2S+ resources, community connections, events, and education www.kelownapride.com (http://www.kelownapride.com/)

Canadian Mental Health Association Social and recreational programs, wellness education, suicide grief support, youth wellness, family support services, mental health information. Address: 3100 28th Ave, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-3114 Website: https://cmhavernon.ca/(https://cmhavernon.ca/) Interior Crisis Line – Are you having a bad day? Worried about a loved one? Stressed or anxious? Having thoughts of suicide? Feeling isolated? Our crisis line responders are here for you 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. All of our support is free, confidential and non-judgmental • The Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273 • The Provincial Mental Health Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed) • The Provincial Suicide Line – 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE) Online chat available Thursday to Sunday 5PM – 9PM at https://webapp.icarol.com/pub/Messaging/StatusBadge.aspx?orgNum=2210&pid=529&cc=en-US(https://webapp.icarol.com/pub/Messaging/StatusBadge.aspx?orgNum=2210&pid=529&cc=en-US) Kids Help Phone 24 hours a day for children and youth aged 5-20 to speak to a professional counsellor. It’s free, confidential, anonymous, and available across Canada. Available in French and English. • 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 • Live chat https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat-counselling/(https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat-counselling/) Virtual Foundry For young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers. Can drop-in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, access primary care, get support with employment, access groups & workshops. Download the app of access in web browser. Website: https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/(https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/) Hours: Monday – Friday 10AM – 9PM, Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 6PM Family Resource Center Provides counselling and support services to children, teenagers, adults, couples, parents and families who need support to overcome a range of life challenges. To register for counselling or a group, contact the Family Resource enter for an Intake Form. Website: www.vernonfrc.com (http://www.vernonfrc.com/) Email: info@vernonfrc.ca(mailto:info@vernonfrc.ca) Phone: 250-545-3390 Vernon Downtown Mental Health & Substance Use Provides a range of mental health and substance use services for all ages. An intake clinician will ask you a series of screening questions with your permission to understand you better, connect you with the right team, program or resources. Address: 3306 32nd Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 250-503-3737 Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-downtown-mental-health-substance-use(https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-downtown-mental-health-substance-use) BC Alcohol and Drugs Information and Referral Service To talk to someone about substance use. They can also connect you with local substance use resources. It’s available 24 hours a day. More than 100 languages available. • 1-800-663-1441 Alcoholics Anonymous Vernon Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership. Website: www.vernonaa.org (http://www.vernonaa.org/) Phone: 24 hour direct line – 250-545-4933 Find a Meeting: https://vernonaa.org/find-a-meeting(https://vernonaa.org/find-a-meeting) Al-Anon Vernon Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. Website: www.a(http://www.al-anon.org/)l-anon.org(http://www.al-anon.org/) Find a Meeting: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/(https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/) Gamblers Anonymous 24/7 helpline for support in dealing with gambling addiction To speak with someone NOW, call our 24/7 Toll Free Hotline at 1 (855) 222-5542 BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions • Visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca (http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/)for the Mental Disorder Toolkit, more fact sheets and personal stories about mental disorders. The toolkit is full of information including templates for creating your action plan and tips for avoiding crisis and emergencies