Behind the Doors: How the Penticton Access Centre Supports Our Community

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At The Access Centre, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to live with dignity, stability, and hope. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families navigating financial challenges, housing uncertainty, health concerns, and the complex systems that can feel overwhelming.

Our vision is simple: To see all people in our communities have equal and just access to all available support services

A Place Where You’re Heard

For many of the people we serve, visiting The Access Centre is more than a transactional appointment; it’s a safe place to be heard.

Take Alexis (name changed for privacy), for example. She came to us after a sudden personal loss. What she needed most wasn’t forms or paperwork; it was someone to listen and guide her through the next steps. We helped her navigate survivor benefits applications and connected her with grief support, giving her space to begin healing.

Stories like Alexis’ remind us that our work is as much about human connection as it is about services. Every interaction matters.

What We Do

Our team helps with a wide range of supports, including:

  • Income and disability assistance applications
  • Housing support and advocacy
  • Connections to mental health and community resources
  • Support navigating government programs

We meet people where they are, whether it’s in crisis, in need of practical guidance, or simply looking for information about what’s available. Our goal is to make systems easier to navigate and reduce the stress that comes with uncertainty.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by our core values:

  1. Respect 

We treat the people we support, staff, and community partners in a respectful manner by interacting with people we support and each other without judgement; maintaining confidentiality, recognizing the agency of each person to make their own decisions, and by removing stigmas/biases by putting the individual first. Respect is also shown by behaving in a professional manner, and being open to recognizing that everyone has something of value to offer. 

  1. Empowerment 

We support people in discovering their own capabilities by encouraging them to make their own decisions, giving them information on their options, and acknowledging the steps they’ve taken. We support staff, volunteers, and partners by providing professional, high quality and relevant training and education in a culturally sensitive manner. 

  1. Equity 

We value the concept of equity, and we work towards promoting an equitable society by understanding power imbalances and how this impacts people we support and the broader beliefs in our community, and by using awareness of such inequities and barriers when providing support. 

  1. Safe Environment 

We follow protocols which allow for physical safety within the offices and outreach locations. We stay aware of the ways to create a mentally and emotionally safe environment by; providing trauma informed, culturally competent and client centred support, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, and ensuring non-judgemental and supportive communication between people we support, staff, and volunteers. We provide regular debriefing, qualified supervision, and mental health supports as required 

  1. Community 

We acknowledge that we exist within numerous communities in our region, other service providers, the Access team, and our clients without resources. We value the relationships we have by doing outreach, fostering stronger connections, collaborating, providing education, and advocating for cultural change. We work to increase accessibility to us and to the greater community. 

How You Can Connect With Us

If you or someone you know needs guidance, support, or simply a listening ear, we encourage you to visit our office or reach out online. 

Get in Touch

The Access Centre
 ? 209 – 304 Martin Street, Penticton, BC
? 250-493-6822
? www.accesscentre.org

Why the Disability Earnings Cap Is Holding People Back

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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 live with dignity and independence, and as full and equal participants in the community. Our mandate as an organization is now more timely than ever. People with disabilities face higher poverty rates and worse housing outcomes and incur higher and additional expenses for basic needs of daily living than non-disabled people.

I often hear from clients on disability assistance who feel that they have become trapped within a cycle of poverty due to the punitive restrictions put in place by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

A stark example of this is the annual earnings exemption limit. This limit means that a person receiving disability assistance can make only up to $16,200 from employment income before their person with disabilities, or PWD, payments are cut off for the rest of the year.

As an employer, I feel disgusted by the fact that I am complicit in working within the constraints of an ableist system. It’s a system that forces disabled employees to make choices about their work based on how much a person on disability assistance is allowed to earn as employment income before they are rendered ineligible for PWD income — income that is a lifeline as much as it is constraining, and not enough.

It is sickening that I need to have these conversations with staff regarding how many hours they can work solely based on the earnings limit put in place by the ministry.

What I want, and can’t have, is a discussion with my staff on how many hours they can work based on their own understanding of what they are able to do.

The earnings limit for people on PWD income makes a mockery of living-wage employers like us and other organizations that work to uphold the dignity and self-determination of people with disabilities.

The current rules don’t reflect reality

What’s missing — both from the general public’s understanding of the lives of people with disabilities, and from the ministry, if we are to interpret its policy making as a reflection of its understanding of disabled life — is that people with disabilities are contending with realities that require more flexibility than what they’re often given.

Some people with disabilities have moments of time in which they can work more hours. And there are other times when they may need to take some time off due to the nature of their disability.

It is precisely this factor of the unknown that prevents people on disability assistance from choosing full-time employment, or even part-time employment, over their disability assistance.

As a living-wage employer, the difficulty of the discussions we have with our staff is magnified by the fact that because the cost of living keeps rising, the living wage keeps increasing.

If I want to lift my staff’s wages to keep pace with the living wage, then I may have to cut their hours so they don’t reach the earnings limit set by the ministry.

It is a form of discrimination and ableism that people receiving disability assistance won’t be able to access the benefits of a living wage or be promoted into higher positions.

This can keep disabled workers trapped in a cycle of poverty.

My colleague Steve Wright shares his experience as a person who was receiving disability assistance for many years:

I was on disability assistance from January 2008 until late 2023. My path to receiving, then leaving behind PWD [income] and thus financial support was a long one. While on disability assistance, I felt othered. At times, I experienced the crushing powerlessness of my livelihood being beholden to a faceless governmental ministry. Our government knows us and our existence; they have our statistics, control our support at all levels, and they are the ones who adjudicate on whether we are severely disabled enough to receive PWD income and, thus, control our survival in society. The ministry restricts and regulates in this manner with the full knowledge that we have little recourse. But disability assistance is not enough to survive in this economy. And oftentimes people on disability assistance are pushed into precarious situations to eke out a livelihood. We work to earn money to pay for what PWD doesn’t. Not extras, just absolute necessities. We find our own extra income to take us out of abject poverty. When my earnings limit was reached in 2023 and my disability assistance was stopped, I kept working because I was able to at that time. But my ability to work is never guaranteed because I am severely mentally ill. Disabilities are not often set in stone. They are erratic beasts that can alter our existence at any time and which can hinder our ability to work. If that happens after we reach the earnings limit, most of us are bereft of options. We are abandoned and left without support by the very government that declared us in need of sustained financial support to begin with. So, we must choose between working beyond our abilities and possibly harming ourselves; ceasing work before reaching the earnings limit; or being left without any income at all. The earnings limit is a rule that is targeted squarely at a population known to be vulnerable and which denies us basic dignity. The only way this can change without a meaningful and substantial increase of the disability assistance rate to the equivalent of a full-time living wage is to remove the earnings limit for people on disability assistance.

Impossible decisions that shouldn’t have to be

Time and time again, Disability Alliance BC has advocated to increase assistance rates, including calling upon the government to index rates to inflation so that people on disability assistance have some level of confidence in financial planning for their future.

We have heard from clients who continue to make impossible decisions between essentials like food, medication, rent and utilities.

The rise in the cost of living over the past few years has made things even harder.

Even though the ministry has raised PWD income in small increments over the past few years, rates have not kept pace with inflation and thus have been inadequate in addressing deep poverty in our province.

This means that people on disability assistance have to make do with less year over year, while knowing they will lose their PWD income if they earn more than the earnings limit.

Beyond our client base, the majority of my organization’s staff are people with disabilities.

To ensure we do not negatively impact their access to disability assistance, we often work with the employee to determine how much they can feasibly work while staying on PWD income or develop a plan for them to transition to relying solely on their employment income from Disability Alliance BC.

We have tried to make our employment environment more inclusive by offering more sick days (18 sick days per year), robust extended health benefits and a health spending account for other health-related expenses

Reduce stress and boost your well-being this holiday season

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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 of year. Here are some tips for managing stress going into the holiday season:

Prioritize your tasks
It’s easy to feel like you have a never-ending to-do list during the holiday season. It can help to prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important to you.

Take breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush and forget to take time for yourself. This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or having a cup of tea.

Set boundaries
Setting boundaries during the holiday season can look like saying “no” to certain events or activities if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Connect with others
The holiday season is a time for connecting with friends and family. Make sure to prioritize time with loved ones and connect with them in meaningful ways.

Seek help if needed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage your stress, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member or consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Remember to take care of yourself and make your well-being a priority to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.

Press Release: Community Foundations – Featuring Penticton Access Centre

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Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund supports pandemic recovery of South Okanagan Similkameen organizations.

 

Penticton BC: Community service organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen have received a boost to their pandemic recovery through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund.

The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen was responsible for delivering $306,000 from the Fund. A total of $900,786 was awarded to projects by 22 organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen.

The Penticton & Area Access Centre is a beneficiary of funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund through the Community Foundation. The Access Centre saw everything about their operations affected by the pandemic. They lost 50% of their staff and many of their highly experienced volunteers. They had to quickly adjust to new policies and remote work scenarios necessitated by the pandemic, at the same time trying to manage dramatically higher demand for services they had traditionally delivered face-to-face. They experienced a significant drop in revenues because they could no longer run their annual fundraising events. The mental health of their remaining staff suffered due to heightened stress at work, leading to more incidences of medical leave.

Despite all these challenges, the Access Centre continued to deliver its vital services to the community. Now, they are applying what they learned to build a stronger and more resilient organization. “Like so many community service organizations across the country, the pandemic deeply challenged us,” said Brandi Beckett, Executive Director of the Access Centre. “With the help of the Community Services

Recovery Fund, we are already making significant progress towards building our resilience to weather future challenges. The improvements we are making are definitely driving us forward in our work helping people navigate social systems in our region.”

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time, $400 million investment by the Government of Canada to support Canada’s community services organizations as they adapt and modernize in response to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross are administering the program.
“We’re very proud to announce this funding, and to celebrate the collective investment made in our region through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund,” said Aaron McRann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. The organizations benefiting from this funding have learned hard lessons from their pandemic experience and determined the steps they need to take to become more resilient—through their pandemic recovery and beyond. We’re excited to support them on their journey.”

“Community service organizations are at the heart of communities like the South Okanagan Similkameen, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast. The Community Services Recovery Fund will enable organizations like the Penticton and Area Access Centre and others that serve our diverse communities to adapt and modernize their programs and services and to invest in the future of their organizations, staff and volunteers. Together, we can rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more just and equitable future for those in the South Okanagan Similkameen,” said the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds.

The organizations receiving funding through the Community Foundation are listed on its website. To learn more about the Fund and to view a map of funded projects across the country, please visit: Community Services Recovery Fund

More information:
Kevin Ronaghan, Grants & Community Initiatives
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
236-500-1243; kevinronaghan@cfso.net

Finding My Way in an Ableist Profession

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Thanks to Disability Alliance Blog for this article:

Finding My Way in an Ableist Profession by Salina Dewar

 

As an aspiring lawyer, my first hint of what lay ahead of me came at age 13. When I told classmates and teachers I wanted to be a lawyer to help people, almost all of them suggested I could be “a lawyer for people with disabilities.”

At the time, I shied away from that idea for two reasons. First, my understanding of human rights and injustice was broader than “just disability.” Second, I felt typecast. I wanted to be recognized for my ability, my talent and my contribution, not “just” for my disability.

My acceptance into law school was the beginning of my legal education. It was also the beginning of a crash course in ableism in the legal profession.

In one class, I mentioned to another student with a disability that I feared our peers would take me less seriously because I used crutches. That student responded to the effect of, “Yeah, I should probably be using [a mobility aid], but I don’t want to do the disability thing.”

The amount of time I needed to perform some tasks became a concern, too. I discovered that I needed more time to process and respond to information, particularly if I was under pressure. I learned later that this was an effect of my disability.

I was granted extra time to write some of my school exams and later to write the bar exams required to practice law.

I had some difficulty finding articles. This is the year you work under the guidance of a practicing lawyer, leading up to being permitted to practice law.

In 2004, I brought up my disability during interviews for articles because I wanted to address any concerns head-on. During one interview with a pair of male lawyers, the older lawyer brushed off the disability, saying he wasn’t worried about it.

His younger colleague chortled nervously and said something like, “Yeah, maybe it’ll help us win more because the judge will take pity on you.” His colleague elbowed him. I was both amused and horrified. I knew I would never work there.

Eventually, I practiced for over two years in an office that placed some weight on how much billable time you could generate. This created significant stress for me because almost everything I did seemed to take longer. I constantly felt the need to shave time off clients’ bills because I wasn’t sure how much time another lawyer would take.

Court appearances were nerve-wracking, too, because of the pressure not only to get it right but to appear perfect. I often brought a cheat-sheet I could refer to, to make sure I did not forget key points. I once had a judge say, “It will be better when you let go of the paper.” I think this was genuinely intended as encouragement, but fear and even shame kept me from explaining why I had notes.

In 2013, I switched to non-practice status to focus on my well-being and on finding my way to meaningful, law-related work in the non-profit sector (I’m a member of the Law Society, but I don’t currently practice law). In 2016, I joined DABC and moved over to our new Disability Law Clinic (DLC) in 2020.

In a recent conversation with an established practicing lawyer who has a disability, I learned that some BC courts have removed the option of virtual hearings for simple matters–an option widely used during the pandemic. This lawyer has been denied requests for virtual hearings or asked for a great deal of personal information to allow the accommodation, even when the other party has no concerns about it.

We often look to courts and tribunals when we have been wronged, but there is a great deal of ableism within the legal profession itself. I am determined to raise awareness about this ableism, so it can be addressed.

In the meantime, my experience navigating a rather rigid profession and the changes in the impact of my disability give me additional insight into the struggles, fears and frustrations of many of our clients at the DLC.

I no longer feel typecast. Instead, I thrive living as, and working with and for, people with disabilities many of whom are also members of other marginalized communities. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to do this work.

Salina Dewar, BA, LLB, is Law Clinic Assistant and Advocate with DABC’s Disability Law Clinic.

“Elevate Your Well-being: Mastering the Art of Self-Care”

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Welcome to our blog on self-care, a topic that is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy life. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, we often find ourselves putting the needs of others ahead of our own. However, it is crucial to remember that self-care is not selfishness; rather, it is a necessary practice that allows us to be the best versions of ourselves. Whether you are a student, a working professional, a parent, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, dedicating time to self-care is crucial for overall well-being. Throughout this blog, we will explore different aspects of self-care, its benefits, and practical strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to prioritize yourself. So, join us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and learn how to nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits through self-care practices.

Walking

Engaging in regular walks exemplifies a simple yet potent form of self-care that can have transformative effects on overall well-being. Walking offers a rejuvenating escape from the demands of daily life, allowing individuals to reconnect with both nature and themselves. Whether taken as a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, this activity promotes physical health by boosting cardiovascular fitness, enhancing muscle tone, and aiding in weight management. Equally important, walking provides an opportunity for mental restoration, reducing stress and anxiety while stimulating the release of endorphins – the body’s natural mood elevators. As footsteps align with breath, walking becomes a rhythmic meditation that clears the mind and fosters creative thinking. By prioritizing regular walks, individuals embrace a holistic approach to self-care, nurturing their body, mind, and spirit with every step taken. I know for us here in the beautiful Okanagan we have lakes on both sides of our town and the views are impeccable! When I walk along the lake, with tunes in my ears, I feel absolutely amazing! This part isn’t cheap by any stretch but if you have a dog, use them as an excuse to do more walking!

Meditation

Meditation serves as an invaluable self-care practice, offering a sanctuary of stillness amidst the chaos of modern life. By dedicating even a few minutes each day to quiet contemplation, individuals can experience a myriad of benefits that positively impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Through focused breathing and mindfulness, meditation cultivates self-awareness, reduces stress, and enhances the ability to manage life’s challenges with equanimity. It encourages a break from the constant stream of thoughts, promoting mental clarity and a heightened sense of presence. Ultimately, incorporating meditation into one’s self-care routine fosters a harmonious balance between the inner self and the outer world, fostering resilience and nurturing a profound sense of inner peace. There are so many free options for Mindfulness and Meditation. Youtube has many great options with free meditation channels. If you have a smart phone there are also many free podcasts and free apps that can be downloaded directly to your Smartphone so no matter where you are you can stop and take 5-10 minutes or even longer to take a step back and calm your body.

Take a nap

Napping is an essential component of self-care as it provides time for rest and rejuvenation. Taking a short nap can help to recharge the mind and body, improving overall well-being and performance. It allows for a break from daily responsibilities and allows individuals to reset and recharge, leading to increased energy levels and enhanced cognitive functioning. Moreover, napping has been proven to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve memory retention. By prioritizing the act of napping, individuals can effectively manage their physical and mental health, leading to increased productivity and better overall quality of life.

Clean or Organize

Cleaning or organizing can be good for self-care because it helps create a clean and peaceful environment that can positively impact our mental state. When we clean or organize our living or working spaces, we remove clutter and disarray, which can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Tidying up not only improves visual aesthetics but also creates a sense of order and control over our surroundings. This process can be incredibly therapeutic, giving us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Additionally, the physical activity involved in cleaning or organizing can release endorphins and boost our mood. Taking the time to care for our environment through cleaning and organizing is a simple yet effective way to prioritize self-care and nurture our overall well-being.

Dance

Dancing can be a wonderful self-care activity because it allows individuals to express themselves freely and let go of any accumulated stress or tension. Engaging in dance helps to increase the release of endorphins, which can enhance mood and provide an overall sense of happiness and well-being. It promotes physical fitness, as it is a great cardiovascular exercise that improves strength, flexibility, and coordination. Additionally, dancing encourages mindfulness and concentration, as it requires individuals to be present in the moment and focus on their body movements. Whether dancing alone or with others, it provides a sense of connection, fosters self-confidence, and allows individuals to embrace their unique creativity, making it a fantastic activity for self-care and nurturing one’s overall mental and emotional health.

Journal

Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-care because it allows individuals to express and reflect upon their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and private space. By putting pen to paper, individuals are able to externalize their internal thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Journaling provides a therapeutic outlet for processing and navigating through difficult emotions, stressors, or challenging situations. It can also promote self-discovery, personal growth, and self-compassion as individuals gain insights into their patterns, beliefs, and values. The act of journaling itself can be a form of self-care, as it encourages individuals to carve out time for self-reflection, mindfulness, and self-expression. Ultimately, journaling can foster a sense of inner calm, clarity, and empowerment, making it an invaluable tool in one’s self-care routine.

Colour

Coloring stands as a delightful and therapeutic form of self-care, inviting us to reconnect with our innate sense of creativity and playfulness. Engaging in the simple act of coloring not only provides an escape from the pressures of daily life but also offers a meditative experience that soothes the mind. The gentle strokes of color on paper can translate into a profound sense of mindfulness, where worries fade and focus narrows onto the present moment. As we select hues and bring life to intricate designs, our brains release dopamine, triggering feelings of joy and accomplishment. This accessible and enjoyable practice transcends age and artistic prowess, making it a wonderful way to unwind, destress, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment, one vibrant shade at a time.

Read

Reading serves as a gateway to mindfulness and self-reflection. As we dive into the pages, a captivating story can transport us to another time, place, or even another dimension. It allows us to temporarily detach from our own worries and stresses, providing a much-needed break for our overworked minds.

Engrossing ourselves in a good book not only provides relaxation, but also fosters personal growth. Whether it’s a gripping novel, a compelling memoir, or an enlightening self-help guide, reading expands our knowledge, ignites our imagination, and encourages empathy. We gain new perspectives, understand different cultures, and connect with diverse characters who help shape us into more compassionate human beings.

Work in your Garden

Gardening is important for self-care as it offers numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Firstly, engaging in gardening activities allows us to connect with nature and experience a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The act of nurturing plants and flowers brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting our mood and reducing stress levels. Additionally, gardening provides an opportunity for gentle physical exercise, improving our physical health and promoting better sleep. Being responsible for the growth and development of plants fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, boosting our self-confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, gardening allows us to escape from the everyday stresses of life, fostering mindfulness and providing a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and creativity.

Cook a meal

Cooking can be a wonderful form of self-care as it allows individuals to engage in a nourishing and creative activity. When we cook for ourselves, we have control over the ingredients we use, ensuring that they are wholesome and nutritious. It provides an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment, as we chop, stir and savor the aromas. Cooking can also be therapeutic, offering a way to express ourselves and explore our creativity. It can be a form of self-expression and self-care by preparing and enjoying meals that bring comfort and joy. Moreover, cooking allows us to take a break from the fast-paced world and focus on something satisfying and fulfilling, ultimately promoting overall well-being.

In a world that often glorifies hustle and constant connectivity, the essence of self-care emerges as a vital counterbalance, a gentle reminder to prioritize our own well-being. This journey through the facets of self-care underscores its profound significance in nurturing not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional equilibrium. From the soothing embrace of meditation to the revitalizing rhythm of a simple walk, these practices grant us the invaluable permission to pause, reflect, and replenish. Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, offering us the tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. As we conclude this exploration, let us carry forward the understanding that by embracing self-care, we embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting contentment. So, take that step, inhale that moment, and wholeheartedly embrace the journey of self-care – a journey that, in nurturing the self, radiates its positive light to every corner of our lives.