arc programs

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arc programs arc programs exists to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope.

Who we are
arc programs is a multi-disciplinary social services agency established over 35 years ago to bring about equity, inclusion and belonging in our communities. Our specialized support extends to children, youth, families and adults – who’ve historically been marginalized by systems and colonial ways. Simply put, we help families and folx in conflict. We aim to breakdown barriers, reduce stigma and elevate voices. By fostering right relations and forging connections to the right people and programs, we strive to create caring communities across BC’s Interior through a lens of possibility, not disability. What we do
arc programs has a bold vision to ensure everyone in our communities feels connected and cared for. Our programs and services are designed to support children, youth, families and adults with diverse needs. Complex issues such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health or substance use, require complex support. And navigating the system to find it can be daunting. We’re here to make sense of it all, by working alongside parents, children, youth and adults on their journey towards hope and healing.

Today is International Pronouns Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of respecting and using people's pers...
10/21/2026

Today is International Pronouns Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of respecting and using people's personal pronouns.

Using someone's correct pronouns is a simple but meaningful way to acknowledge their identity and show respect. This is particularly important for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people, whose dignity and identity are affirmed when their pronouns are respected, supporting a sense of acceptance and belonging.

At arc programs, kindness and inclusion are central to creating communities where everyone feels respected, valued, and connected through a sense of belonging.

Learn more about International Pronouns Day:

https://pronouns.org/day

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Canada, a time to recognize the contributions that ...
10/15/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Canada, a time to recognize the contributions that people with disabilities make in workplaces, and the importance of creating more inclusive employment opportunities.

arc programs is proud to join the Light It Up! for NDEAM, raising awareness of disability-inclusive employment and recognizing the skills, knowledge and experience people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities.

At arc programs, inclusion and belonging are central to our vision of communities where everyone has opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive.

Learn more:

https://www.supportedemployment.ca/initiatives/disability-employment-awareness-month/

The Youth For People & The Planet Youth Forum is Saturday, October 24th at the UBC Okanagan.Diverse youth ages 15 to 30 ...
10/15/2026

The Youth For People & The Planet Youth Forum is Saturday, October 24th at the UBC Okanagan.

Diverse youth ages 15 to 30 are invited to hear from youth leaders, get inspired, and connect and participate with other young changemakers.

Refreshments will be provided.

Let’s work together and help create ‘divercitys’ across the province.

See the attached poster for full details.

The Human Trafficking 101 course is Tuesday, November 3rd from 2 to 4:30 pm at arc programs in Kelowna.This course is d...
10/14/2026

The Human Trafficking 101 course is Tuesday, November 3rd from 2 to 4:30 pm at arc programs in Kelowna.

This course is designed for social service professionals and provides a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking; how it works, recognizing the signs, relevant laws.

Register online:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/human-trafficking-101-okanagan-tickets-2002754618978?aff=oddtdtcreator

See attached image for full workshop details.

This is a competency-based training for CARF-accredited social services, and it is hosted by PLEA and FCSSBC.

Share this post with people in your network that may benefit from this type of training.

Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real ChangeThis is the theme for World Mental Health Day.People with lived experie...
10/10/2026

Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

This is the theme for World Mental Health Day.

People with lived experience (PWLE), need to influence decisions and co-design mental health services.

At arc programs, we see how positive mental health outcomes helps create connected and compassionate families and communities.

For more information about World Mental Health Day, click here:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2026

True or false, a concussion only happens when there is a direct hit to the head?False.A concussion can be caused by a jo...
10/02/2026

True or false, a concussion only happens when there is a direct hit to the head?

False.

A concussion can be caused by a jolt to the head, body, or neck that causes the brain to move within the skull, including sports, vehicle collisions, or a fall where there is no direct hit to the head.

September 27th to October 3rd is BC Concussion Awareness Week.

Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) provides free resources and training for recognition, management, and recovery from concussions.

CATT: https://cattonline.com/

Share this post with someone you know who might benefit and help spread awareness about proper concussion recognition, diagnosis, and management.

Today is National Seniors Day in Canada, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions older adults make to our fam...
10/01/2026

Today is National Seniors Day in Canada, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions older adults make to our families, communities and society.

Seniors bring knowledge, experience and connection across generations, while continuing to contribute to their communities.

At arc programs, our vision of belonging includes communities where people of all ages are valued, included and able to participate.

Learn more about National Seniors Day:

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-seniors-day.html

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.Today, we honour Survivors, the child...
09/30/2026

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Today, we honour Survivors, the children who never returned home from residential schools, their families and communities. We also recognize the lasting harms the residential school system has caused to Indigenous children, families, cultures and communities.

Reconciliation requires more than a single day. It requires listening to Indigenous voices, learning the truth of Canada's history and taking meaningful action toward addressing the systems and inequities that continue today.

At arc programs, reconciliation is an ongoing commitment grounded in learning, relationships and meaningful action.

Learn more:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

Let’s join hands and celebrate the contributions of people with diverse abilities!Pathways Abilities Society is hosting ...
09/30/2026

Let’s join hands and celebrate the contributions of people with diverse abilities!

Pathways Abilities Society is hosting their Annual Community Inclusion Chain Wednesday, October 7th at noon at Kelowna City Hall.

All members of the community are welcome to come join hands and create the longest chain to date.

After the event there will be pizza and socializing at Metro Hub on Ellis.

Let’s build an inclusive world together!

See the attached image for details.

September 23 is the International Day of Sign Languages, recognizing the importance of sign languages to the human right...
09/23/2026

September 23 is the International Day of Sign Languages, recognizing the importance of sign languages to the human rights, identity and participation of Deaf people around the world.

For many Deaf people, American Sign Language (ASL) is their primary language. Interpretation can provide communication access between people who use ASL and those who use spoken language, allowing Deaf people to communicate in their own language.

At arc programs, inclusion means respecting different ways of communicating and working toward communities where everyone can participate and belong.

Learn more:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day

Address

120/1835 Gordon Drive
Kelowna, BC
V1Y3H4

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4pm
Friday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+12507632977

Website

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