Pathways

The Pathways program, funded by the Ministry of Social Development, provides coaching to assist with pre-employment issues.  Individuals are referred to the Pathways Program by the Ministry of Social Development.  Pathways supports participants while they are accessing other services.

Financial Help

Ministry of Housing and Social Development 
Toll Free: 1.866.866.0800

Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society provides confidential and free credit counselling services, credit education and debt management programs.   
Toll Free: 1.888.527.8999

Tax Preparation
Individuals within specified income amounts can file their personal Canadian tax return for free. Specific eligibility rules for QuickTaxWeb are as follows: If you have a gross household income (line 150) of $20,000 or less, you can prepare your tax return with QuickTaxWeb at no cost. If eligible, you can also file your return using NETFILE for no charge. QuickTaxWeb will automatically determine your eligibility - you don't need to worry about a thing.

Disability

Independent Living Vernon
A resource centre for people with a variety of disabilities.
Tel: 250.545.9292

Ministry of Housing & Social Development
Providing services to help individuals with disabilities participate in their communities; pursue their employment goals as they are able, increase their self-reliance, and build skills and experience that may lead to further employment or volunteer opportunities.
Toll Free: 1.866.866.0800

Housing

Residential Tenancy Branch
The Residential Tenancy Branch provides landlords and tenants with information and dispute resolution services.
Toll Free: 1.800.665.8779

BC Housing
Subsidized housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.
Toll Free: 1.800.257.7756

Vernon Native Housing Society
Housing for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and families.
Tel: 250.542.2834

CMHA Housing
Subsidized housing for families and those with physical and mental disabilities.
Tel: 250.545.0094

Childcare

Ministry of Children and Family Development
Providing programs and services to ensure that healthy children and responsible families are living in safe, caring and inclusive communities.
Toll Free: 1.800.663.7867
Tel: 250.558.2700

Legal Aid

Legal Services Society - Vernon 
The Legal Services Society provides legal aid services for people with low incomes. The Vernon location for legal services is the Provincial Court building on 27th street (lower level). Hours: Wednesday and Thursday - 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. 
Tel: 250.545.3666

Free Legal Drop In Clinic
Volunteer lawyers provide 15 minutes of confidential legal advice on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9pm at the People Place (3402 27th Avenue, Room 303).
Tel: 250.542.3322 for an appointment.

Health

Canadian Mental Health Association - Vernon Branch
Providing information, knowledge and support necessary to empower recovery for individuals expeiriencing mental illness.
Tel: 250.542.3114

Interior Health - Vernon Health Unit
Interior Health provides the following services: Acute Care, Mental Health & Addictions Services, Public Health, Home Support & Community Care, Residential & Supportive Living Facilities, Laboratory & Diagnostic Service.
Tel: 250.549.5700

Downtown Primary Care Centre - Vernon
Free doctor and nurse practitioner services; no medical insurance required. 2902 - 29th Avenue
Tel: 250.541.1097
Hours: Tuesday 9am-12noon (physician); Thursday & Friday 9am-4pm (nurse practitioner), closed 12-1pm
Dental Access provided one day per week. Please phone for an appointment.

Note: The Cammy Lefleur Street Clinic is now closed.

Transportation

Bus Schedule & Fares
Bus schedules can be picked up at the City of Vernon, and the municipal offices in Lumby, Enderby, Armstrong and Spallumcheen.

We gratefully acknowledge our funder:

BC_SD_H_RGB_pos

Pathways_Logo

After Awhile

Written by Veronica Shoftsall

After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and you really do have worth. And you learn, and you learn. With every goodbye you learn.