Okanagan Mental Health Services Society (OMHSS) is a Not-For-Profit organization that understands the many challenges people with mental illness face. Two of the most difficult challenges are finding and maintaining employment in a world that still has misgivings and misconceptions of mental illness, and finding a place to call home that offers support, acceptance and comfort.
These are the two areas that OMHSS focuses on while at the same time developing relationships that are caring and understanding with our clients. These programs provide flexible services that adapt to the challenging needs of individuals requiring assistance. Okanagan Mental Health Services Society receives some funding from the Interior Health Authority, the BC Housing Commission, and charitable donations.
These are the two areas that OMHSS focuses on while at the same time developing relationships that are caring and understanding with our clients. These programs provide flexible services that adapt to the challenging needs of individuals requiring assistance. Okanagan Mental Health Services Society receives some funding from the Interior Health Authority, the BC Housing Commission, and charitable donations.
Services
The Okanagan Mental Health Service Society (OMHSS) was formed by Larry Vandergrift in 2001. The society began with a vision to combat the stigmatism of mental illness, and to offer a helping hand to those who struggle, often in silence.
It began with 2 programs: 1) Yard By Yard - lawn and garden maintenance, forestry site development and maintenance, outhouse construction, and tree care; and 2) Supported Housing Program - which began by opening 2 homes as a pilot project for the BC government.OMHSS has expanded this program to include a 24 hour staffed resource known as Coral House.
It began with 2 programs: 1) Yard By Yard - lawn and garden maintenance, forestry site development and maintenance, outhouse construction, and tree care; and 2) Supported Housing Program - which began by opening 2 homes as a pilot project for the BC government.OMHSS has expanded this program to include a 24 hour staffed resource known as Coral House.
Okanagan Mental Health Services Society operates five centrally located, community-based Assisted Living Homes throughout the Kelowna area. Each home is staffed throughout the day to offer support and life skills training that assist residents. A 10-bed residence designed to provide short-term intensive rehabilitative support, and is staffed 24 hours.
Rehabilitation services with goals that are based on individual needs, preferences and life choices. Okanagan Mental Health Services Society operates centrally located community based homes throughout the Kelowna area. Each home accommodates an average of six residents. Each home is staffed throughout the day to offer support and life skills-training that assists individuals to attain independence.
Assists individuals who are experiencing serious mental health challenges. Clients gain valuable skills that will increase their ability to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. This, in turn, supports their recovery to better mental and overall health. Research shows that between 70-90% of people with serious mental health challenges are unemployed; additionally, they suffer the highest degree of stigmatization in the workplace.
Once our clients reach a point where they are consistently achieving their personal wellness and work place goals, our staff work individually with clients to transition them into alternative job placements in the Kelowna community. Vocational Planners/Job Coaches work with local businesses to create custom employments, combining the needs of the employer and the skills of the client to customize the most ideal opportunity.
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