Programs and support for young people
Sailing programs for adults and youth with disabilities. Everyone sails together.
Specialized inpatient program for youth ages 12-17 with significant psychiatric symptoms like psychosis, mood disorders, or severe anxiety that need extended assessment and treatment. 8-bed unit,...
Help for children and youth with autism who have challenging behaviours, at home, school, or in the community. Can include in-home visits, behaviour plans, social skills training, parent coaching,...
Counselling for youth in School District 23 who are dealing with both mental health and substance use issues.
Staffed group homes for children and youth aged 9-18 with complex needs. Staff help with daily life, behaviour support, and building life skills. Typically need a referral through the Ministry of...
Support for families caring for children or youth with FASD or similar conditions. Works directly with caregivers to build skills and provide education, family support, and connections to other...
Provides funding and coordination for children and youth with complex health needs and their families in the Central Okanagan. The At Home Program is a BC government program, now delivered locally...
Support for children and youth ages 1-18 with autism, FASD, or other developmental conditions who are having behavioural challenges — and for their families. Contact the Ministry for Children and...
Support for children and youth ages 6-18 on the Autism Spectrum. Includes in-home behaviour assessment, parent and family meetings, positive behaviour planning, and group or individual sessions...
Drop-in centre for youth ages 13-24 who are homeless or at risk. Free hot meals, showers, laundry, recreation, and life skills programs.
Runs after-school programs, youth centres, early childhood programs, family support, and mental health counselling across Kelowna. The Downtown Youth Centre on Richter Street is a drop-in for...
Mental health support for youth ages 12-18 who are not comfortable going to a regular office. Staff come to the young person. Referral from Child and Youth Mental Health required.
Drop-in centre with recreational activities. Open gym, video games, movies, basketball, floor hockey.
Free and low-cost youth programs in West Kelowna — after-school activities, summer camps, mentorship, and leadership development for ages 6-18.
The Richter Street Overnight Program is BGC Okanagan's emergency youth shelter — the only dedicated emergency youth shelter in the Okanagan — located at the downtown youth centre at 1633 Richter...
Programs for children, youth, adults, and families on the autism spectrum in Kelowna. Includes sports, recreation, wellness, mental health, and employment programs designed for neurodivergent...
Over 5,000 free school meals per week across School District 23. The Starfish Pack program also sends kids home with weekend food backpacks (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks). It's...
Nearly 2,000 monthly packs of healthy after-school snacks — granola bars, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cheese strings — for children and youth ages 1-15 in the Central Okanagan.
Hospice, palliative, and grief support in the Central Okanagan. Includes compassionate home visitors, wellness programs (yoga, reiki, meditation), vigil support in final days, adult grief...
The public school district serving Kelowna and surrounding areas. Provides K-12 education, special programs, and support services for students and families.
Health, inclusion, and wellbeing supports for students in School District 23, including help with attendance, behaviour, and learning needs. Free.
French-speaking and living in the Okanagan? This cultural centre offers programs, services, and a way to connect with other Francophone residents in the area.
Free mental health services for children and youth ages 0–18. Includes assessments, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatrist-prescribed medication when needed. Anyone...
Free mental health assessment and therapy for children and youth up to age 18. Run by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
A team of police, child welfare, medical, and counselling professionals who work together to support children and youth (up to age 18) who have experienced abuse or sexual exploitation....
A partnership of community groups working together to support early child development in the Central Okanagan. Connects early years services and raises awareness about child development. Meets...
Programs for kids and youth 18 and under: playtime for infants and toddlers, arts and adventure clubs, swim nights, yoga, karate, babysitter training, spring break camps, and more. Free for...
Residential group homes (2- to 5-bed) and support for children and youth in government care.
Government funding for families of children ages 6-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder to help pay for autism services that support communication, social skills, learning, and daily living skills.
Government programs to help parents care for children with special needs at home. Includes respite, child and youth care workers, behaviour support, summer programs, and homemaker help....
Helps families plan ahead when a child with special needs is turning 19 and childhood services will end. Starting at age 16, a worker can help with planning for adult services through Community...
Flexible individualized services to strengthen relationships between youth and their families or natural supports (teachers, coaches, mentors). Services include advocacy, mentoring, coaching,...
Housing programs for youth ages 17-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness: • Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) — safe, affordable housing with wellness supports • Bright Mindz Youth Housing...
Drop-in programs for youth ages 12-18 dealing with substance use, street involvement, probation, or homelessness. No live-in required.
Free counselling for children, youth, and families dealing with difficult behaviour, separated or blended family issues, parent-child conflict, grief and loss, or sexually intrusive behaviour.
Summer camp for children and adults (ages 6–49) with physical and cognitive disabilities, located 30 minutes north of Kelowna in Lake Country. 4-night/5-day programs with 3:1 care ratio and...
Free outdoor sports for youth ages 12-18 — snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, sailing, and leadership development. All equipment, instruction, mentorship, and transportation...
Four-month life skills program for women and girls ages 15-40 who have experienced sexual exploitation, addiction, or abuse. Covers relapse prevention, healthy boundaries, anger management,...
Training, support, and education for foster parents to help them care for children in their homes. Referral by MCFD only.
Free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-24. Includes counselling, peer support groups, health services, and a safe, affirming space.
Free youth wellness centre for ages 12-24. Get help with substance use, mental health, primary care, and peer support. Walk-in counselling available Tuesday-Thursday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Foundry services in West Kelowna for ages 12-24, inside the CYMH office. Drop-in single-session counselling, brief therapy, and help for youth and families. Run by CMHA Kelowna. Call Foundry...
One-on-one job support for youth ages 15-24 who are struggling to find work, stay in school, or get training. Includes mental health and housing help. Located at Foundry Kelowna.
Supports Indigenous children, youth, and families through child protection, guardianship, mental health, youth justice, and disability-related services.
Free mental health and substance use services for youth under 19 and their families. Includes assessment, counselling, treatment planning, and connections to specialized programs.
Early support for youth who are starting to use substances or at risk. Free.
Substance use assessment, counselling, and connections to services for Indigenous youth, with a focus on cultural safety. Free.
Affirming assessment and counselling for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth with substance use concerns. Free.
Free job help for youth ages 15-30. Includes job search support, resume writing, interview skills, and connections to training programs.
Free employment help including job readiness, skills training, newcomer job support, youth employment, and support for people with diverse abilities. Part of KCR Community Resources.
HelpKelowna
Community resources for Kelowna & West Kelowna