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

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 (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

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.

· Website: 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

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

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

• Register to get a family doctor: 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

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

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/

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/

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

Trovit

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

For Rent in Vernon BC

https://www.facebook.com/groups/449358458800907

Okanagan Homes and Suite Rental (Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton & Area)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1410927995809455

Vernon BC Places for Rent

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

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

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)

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

Application: http://www.vernonnativehousing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/application.pdf

Okanagan Village Society

Affordable rental housing

Website: www.okvillage.ca

Phone: 250-545-6475

Travel by Bus (BC Transit)

There are three ways to pay for the bus.

Pay with coins, tickets, or bus pass. Tickets and bus passes can be purchased at the following locations: bctransit.com/Vernon/fares/where-to-buy

When you get on the bus you will need to pay the exact fare in coins. You can also ask the driver for a day pass if you will be taking the bus several times throughout the day. Buses pick up people at the bus stop. People get on at the front door and get off at the back door. If you want to get off the bus at the next stop, pull the yellow cord above your seat or push the red button on some of the poles on the outside of the seats.

Bus Fares

Transit Map

Travel by Taxi

Taxis can be fast and easy, but they can also be expensive. At the end of your trip the meter in the taxi lets you know what to pay. Most people tip the driver which is 10-15% of the fare. You can order a taxi to your location by telephone.

Vernon Taxi

Phone: 250-545-3337

Uride – Similar to Uber. You must download the app to book a ride. The app can be downloaded from the link below.

Website: https://www.uridetech.com/

Travel By Electric Scooters or Bikes

There are electric scooters and bikes spread out among various locations around Vernon. You have to download the app to be able to pay and access the bikes or scooters. Below is the link to download the app and some tips to get started.

https://www.scootsafe.com/learn/start_riding

Travel by Bicycle

In British Columbia there are laws that relate to riding a bike. You must wear a helmet when you are riding. If you do not wear a helmet you may receive a fine. People ride bicycles on roads and paths, not sidewalks. Some roads have bicycle lanes.

New bicycles can be purchased at the following locations:

Canadian Tire

Address: Unit #345 4900 27th St, Vernon BC

Sportchek

Address: Unit #340 4900 27 St, Vernon BC

Sun Country Cycle

Address: 16500 Kalamalka Road, Vernon BC

Vernon E Ride

Address: Unit #103 2800 29th St, Vernon BC

Used (affordable) Bicycles:

Cycle Cycle

Address: 4240 Alexis Park Drive

Vernon Community Bike Map:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aa089d56549c41ca9d36405c2497878a

If you cannot afford to buy enough food, you can go to a food bank, community run church, or the Upper Room Mission to receive free food.

Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank

Address: 3303 32nd Avenue

Phone: 250-549-4111

(must phone ahead to book an appointment to receive a food hamper)

• Food Hampers - families receive two banana boxes full of food that include 1 box of staples, and another box of frozen meat, dairy, and vegetables. Larger families receive more.

• They accept walk-ins Monday – Friday 9am – 12pm and 1:30 – 4:30. What you receive will depend on what they have at the time.

Alexis Park Church

Address: 3906 35a St, Vernon BC

Phone: 250-542-4135

• Emergency food hampers

Vernon Alliance Church

Address: 2601 43rd Ave, Vernon BC

Phone: 250-545-7105

• Frozen Meals

Trinity United Church

Address: 250-545-0797

Phone: 250-545-0797

• Non-Perishables

Upper Room Mission

Address: 3404 27 Ave, Vernon BC

Phone: 250-549-1231

• Prepared meals 7 days a week

Okanagan Learning Foundation – “Food for Thought” Pantries

• Available to all high school students. Program operates during the school year

• To sign up, student goes to the school office and fills out application

• Selection of healthy food and other essentials that they can take home each week

Starfish Backpack Program

Website: www.starfishpack.com

• The Starfish Pack Program provides a knapsack of food each week throughout the school year to school children who experience food insecurity. Each pack provides food for two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners and is supplemented by fresh fruit and vegetables, along with snacks.

Good Food Box

Website: www.goodfoodbox.net

• Monthly food boxes of fruit and vegetables. The selection of produce in the box changes with the seasons according to what is good quality and affordable at the time

• Comes in two sizes - Large boxes are suitable for a household of 3 or more and cost $20.

• Small boxes are suitable for a household of 1 or 2 and cost $12.

• Order and pay on each month that you would like to receive the box on the good food box website above

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

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

Map of Available Childcare Spaces:

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

wait list policy - Maven Lane

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)

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)

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; 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

• Complete the school registration form

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

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

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

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 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

• 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 or visit the RNIP website.

Nexus BC

Address: 3201 30th Street, Vernon BC

Phone: 250-545-0585

Website: 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

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

Settlement Services

Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society

Address: #100 3003 30th St, Vernon BC

Phone: 250-542-4177

Website: 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

Find out if you are eligible to apply

• 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/

To find a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in your area, go to

• 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

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

Legal Aid BC

Help with legal issues for those who cannot afford a lawyer

Phone: 1-866-577-2525

Website: 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

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

Translation Services

Accurate Translations

Website: www.accuratetranslations.ca

Phone: 250-212-8590

Culture Links Co-op Vernon

Address: www.culturelinks.coop

Phone: 250-241-8841

• Spanish, Persian, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Pashtu, Serbian, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese

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

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

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/

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/

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

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

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.

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/

Kelowna Pride

LGBTQIA2S+ resources, community connections, events, and education

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/

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

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/

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/

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

Email: 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

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

Phone: 24 hour direct line – 250-545-4933

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.al-anon.org

Find a 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 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