The mobile Early Years Centre is a one-stop resource for aboriginal families in Osoyoos, Oliver and the Similkameen Valley. From left are Wendy Kenward, team leader of community development for Penticton and District Community Resources Society; Catherine Hall, aboriginal support and child development consultant; Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson; Tanya Behardien, executive director of the society; Penticton MLA Dan Ashton and Celina Alex from the Osoyoos Indian Band. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Aboriginal families in Oliver and Osoyoos can now take advantage of a mobile support centre to assist them with early learning and health needs.
The Penticton and District Community Resources Society (PDCRS) host the new centre in partnership with local First Nations, including the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB).
“When I got the phone call from the province, I was in tears,” said PDCRS executive director Tanya Behardien.
She was on hand at Nk’ Mip Daycare in Oliver last Friday to announce the project with Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson and Penticton MLA Dan Ashton.
The centre is part of the provincial government’s strategy to implement a network of “early years” centres that will provide families with one-stop, convenient access to a range of services and support.
It is geared to families with young children (from newborns to age six).
Larson said the partnership with First Nations communities would help aboriginal families in the South Okanagan and Similkameen better connect with existing resources and provide vital support to help improve the quality of life of their children. “The mobility of the centre means a lot to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to travel to resource centres outside of their community,” Larson said.
Catherine Hall, aboriginal support and child development advocate, said they can do home visits, or families can come to the mobile centre at Nk’Mip Daycare (located at Sen Pok Chin school).
Behardien said the centre is very flexible in that service providers can meet families basically anywhere.
“The whole spirit around it is how do we reduce barriers to help families reach these resources?”
For example, if a family needs particular resources for a special needs child, that can be arranged.
Ashton said any extra support for families to ensure their children have the best possible start in life is more than welcome.
“Children in these communities will be able to reach their full potential at this critical stage,” Ashton said.
Behardian said PDCRS is honoured to have the opportunity to work alongside First Nations partners to support this initiative.
“Investing in the early years is a winning proposition. These centres provide much needed culturally-informed support which leads to healthier children, stronger families, and strong communities.”
She reiterated that the new initiative would lower the barriers for some families who may have trouble accessing services or may be afraid to reach out for support.
Behardian is confident the program will reap benefits for aboriginal children and families in the area for many years to come.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
