Stacy Little, the program manager with Better at Home, last year moved her office to the Desert Sun office just west of the Bottle Depot. Desert Sun took over administering Better at Home from the Osoyoos Seniors Centre. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre is a continuous “lifeline” for many people facing crises in Osoyoos and Oliver.
That was apparent during the centre’s annual general meeting last week.
One of many programs making a huge difference in people’s lives is Better at Home, which helps seniors maintain their independence.
Program co-ordinator Stacy Little reported they are serving 259 clients by helping them with day-to-day tasks, such as housekeeping and grocery shopping.
The program serves 192 seniors in Osoyoos, 63 in Oliver and four in Keremeos.
Little said most of these seniors are low income. Many live on approximately $15,000 year, while some are struggling to live on less than $6,000 a year, she pointed out.
Little noted that many seniors become isolated and lose contact with people and the community.
That’s why the program is so important.
Little pointed out the impact the program is having. For example, one male client had been isolated for nine years. After getting help with some basic housekeeping and a connection to local resources, the man is getting new dentures and will be moving into low-cost housing.
“You get these stories and you ask yourself how do people live like this,” Little said.
She noted that one Oliver client had not been answering her phone. A volunteer driver checked up on her and found she had passed out during a summer heatwave.
Now the lady is in an assisted living program.
Tamara Aspell, who co-ordinates women’s counselling for Desert Sun, said her father was one of the first clients of Better at Home.
She talked about one incident where gas was leaking in his home without his knowledge. Thankfully his housekeepers dealt with the situation.
“It’s not just housekeeping, but we’re solving their problems (too),” Little said.
Aspell said they counselled 30 women in Osoyoos in 2013-14 (nine hours a week) and 52 women in Oliver (15 hours per week).
She noted they are increasing the program’s visibility in the local hospital by letting doctors know about the service.
Aspell said some of the cases are heart-wrenching, and, unfortunately, there can be a wait list for counselling.
Aspell said Desert Sun’s crisis line is a 24-7 service that helps women who are lonely, depressed or suicidal.
Executive Director Roxie Van Aller said this service is truly a lifeline for many women in the community.
She pointed out that Desert Sun is so fortunate to have dedicated people manning the crisis line.
In the 2013-14, the crisis line handled 557 calls, compared to 660 last year.
In 2010-11, there were only 37 calls.
The Safe Home program offers short term stays for women and children fleeing from abuse.
In 2013-14, there were 78 bed stays, compared to 71 in 2012-13. A total of 16 women and one child were sheltered in 2013-14.
Additional support mechanisms this year include gift cards, gas cards and long-distance calling cards for women in need.
Paul Edwards, who co-ordinates the men’s counselling program, said half of their clients need help dealing with relationship problems.
In 2013-14, a total of 32 clients were served.
“Some guys have been through a lot of childhood trauma,” Edwards pointed out.
Last year V-Day Oliver and Osoyoos raised $6,000 for Desert Sun, which was forwarded to men’s counselling services.
Desert Sun also offers “Parent Connection,” which oversees the Community Kitchen program in Osoyoos. A total of 69 clients were served in 2013-14.
Desert Sun’s total revenue for 2014 is nearly $484,000, with a surplus of more than $42,000.
At the annual general meeting, Van Aller was recognized for her work and dedication.
She has recently relocated to Kelowna, where she will be working for the city’s women’s shelter as manager of programs and services.
Van Aller will continue working for Desert Sun as a consultant until her replacement is hired.
The board of directors is expected to begin a search for a new executive director for Desert Sun in the next few weeks.
The Desert Sun office in Osoyoos is located on 76th Avenue, The phone number is 250-495-2623.
You can access their website at www.desertsuncounselling.ca.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
