Residential Services

Decisions about where to live and with whom to live are personal choices that have a major impact on individuals' lives.

We offer the following options:

• Group Living
  Four individuals share a home that is regarded as a seniors' home. The individuals are at a point in their lives where they choose to lead a less active lifestyle, focusing on the types of activities that other seniors do.
• Host Family Services
  Some individuals receiving services prefer to live with family. In this situation, we contract with the family to support the person within their family home. This is particularly appealing to those who wish to be part of an extended family. We identify care givers whose lifestyles, interests and personalities blend harmoniously with those of the individuals with whom they will be sharing their homes. Care givers are chosen who will make long-term commitments to provide residential support to the individuals.

Seniors' Day Services

Seniors' community-based programs provide a supportive and stimulating environment wherein members can develop productive and enriched use of their senior years.

Programs operate daily Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Senior Citizens' Centres, known locally as Branch 55, Peachland Wellness Centre, and Seton Centre.

Through their active involvement within the local seniors' groups, members participate in activities such as bingo, exercise and art classes, various games and social events. Small groups also participate in various community group activities such as bowling, swimming, shopping and special events.

For more information, please contact us.

CARF Accreditation

Kelowna Community Development Society was awarded a three-year accreditation through CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) in Community Services: Community Housing, Community Integration, and Host Family Services.

CARF also noted the Society's exemplary practices in areas related to Community Integration and Risk Management. This represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to and organization.

In 2007, the Society was invited by CARF to share practices relating to its older adult programs at the 2008 Winter Conference, in Tucson, Arizona.

History

Kelowna Community Development Society was formed in 1983 by a group of concerned citizens in response to a government initiative to close institutions and move individuals to their communities.

In the fall of 1983, we provided the first community-based group home for individuals with developmental disabilities residing in the Central Okanagan.

On June 26, 1984, the Society was the first organization in the province to welcome individuals being relocated from Tranquille to their community.

In 1988, the Society addressed the needs of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities who could no longer take part in work training programs or sheltered workshops. A community-based seniors' program was developed to provide a supportive and stimulating environment.

In 1990, emphasis was placed on integration. Through their active involvement in local seniors' groups, members participate in a variety of activities.

In has been recognized that, given a choice, not everyone would choose to live in a group home; some preferred to live with a family who offered support. This new option was developed in 2003 under Family Homes and is now known as Host Family Services.