Living Wage in Penticton jumps to $24.63 per hour, while minimum wage sits at $17.40 per hour
A sharp spike in the region’s cost of living—primarily due to soaring housing costs and highlighting the region’s affordability crisis—has led Penticton’s living wage to rise to $24.93 per hour, a 3 per cent increase from last year. A strikingly large gap exists between the 2024 Penticton living wage and BC’s current minimum wage of […]
Breaking Down Barriers: Jim Morrison’s Journey to Supporting the Disability Community
Jim Morrison, a successful businessman, never truly understood the struggles faced by people with disabilities—until he was confronted with those challenges firsthand through his brother, Paul. When Paul, who lived outside the region, faced serious health issues, Jim found himself stepping into the role of medical advocate. As he navigated the complex healthcare system, Jim […]
Men’s Mental Health Checklist
Great article from GroupHEALTH on Men’s Mental Health There can often be obstacles for men to address their mental well-being; To navigate this, here’s a checklist crafted to support men in prioritizing their mental well-being: Find healthy coping mechanisms: Develop constructive ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. Engage in activities like exercise, meditation, or […]
Why the Disability Earnings Cap Is Holding People Back
Article from Why the Disability Earnings Cap Is Holding People Back | The Tyee One in four people in B.C. lives with a disability. Most people accessing social assistance in B.C. also receive disability assistance. I’m the executive director of Disability Alliance BC, a provincial non-profit that supports people with all types of disabilities to […]
5 Free or Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
The state of mental health in the country is alarming. According to the CDC, around 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness, while 1 in 25 adults is diagnosed with a serious condition like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Unfortunately, while these conditions are manageable, pursuing treatment for them can be difficult. Across the board, not […]
Lean Caregiving: Achieving More With Less in the Caregiving Journey
Guest blog post done by: Hal Salazar, Elders Today For caregivers operating within the constraints of limited financial resources, the challenge of providing care can often feel doubly burdensome. This reality, however, does not diminish the possibility of managing caregiving responsibilities with effectiveness and grace. For those navigating the caregiving landscape on a low income, […]
Navigating Life with Access & Advocacy
Navigating Life with Access & Advocacy “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller In a world that seems divided by disparities, it’s so important that we find ways to bridge the gap and empower those facing the most challenging circumstances. The Access Centre is not just a […]
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: Embracing Compassion and Equality
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: Embracing Compassion and Equality In a world where poverty and inequality persist, it is essential to highlight the detrimental effects that stigma and discrimination can have on the lives of the marginalized people in our community. The recently published report, “What We Heard: Engagement Summary Report Updating TogetherBC: B.C.’s Poverty […]
Inclusive Survival Strategies That Make a Difference
Inclusive Survival Strategies That Make a Difference In our ongoing journey to create positive change, we dive deeper into the heart of our work with a focus on inclusive survival strategies. Recognizing the diverse challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities, seniors on small pensions, those battling substance misuse, and people and families in poverty, […]
Reduce stress and boost your well-being this holiday season
From GroupHealth Benefits Solutions As the holiday season approaches, you may be feeling excited or you may be starting to feel some stress. With so many things to do and people to see, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, it’s important to take care of yourself and manage your stress during this busy time […]