Mamas for Mamas - Kelowna Branch

Provides free support services to mothers and families in crisis, and ongoing support to low-income mothers and families in overcoming the negative impacts of poverty; includes referrals to community resources such as child care, housing, social support services, and dental care. The Kelowna At-Risk Comprehensive Support Program identifies barriers and provides resources and immediate support to low-income and struggling families and caregivers to access needs through Karma Market (such as food, baby formula, diapers, wipes, clothing, menstrual/hygiene products, and school supplies), as well as medical interventions not covered by MSP (Medical Services Plan); also helps with resource navigation for essential items and support services. The Kelowna Indigenous Support Program provides culturally sensitive services with a holistic and individual/family-centred approach in supporting Aboriginal individuals and families on- and off-reserve; works in partnership with Indigenous organizations, the school district and health authority, and homeless shelters/transition homes. The Mamas Ukraine Support Program works with local and national agencies to provide basic necessities for Ukrainian refugee families (such as food, water, shelter, baby equipment, and clothing), as well as mental health/trauma counselling. The Kelowna Sustainable Nourishment Program provides fresh food hampers and materials for families to plant gardens. Through the Kelowna Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provides free American Sign Language (ASL) to parents or guardians raising a child who is deaf/hard of hearing; also works with caregivers to provide financial assistance for hearing aids, ear molds, and supplies. Runs groups, including for anxiety and depression as well as for grief and loss. Also runs Whole Mama, a six-week facilitated group to improve mothers' lives through practical education (including sleep hygiene, changing their relationship with money/poverty mindset, and sustainable food security), life skills training, and personal discovery of values and strengths; free counselling is available. The Kelowna Young Mama/Teen Support Program is a seven-week workshop that focuses on supporting young at-risk mothers (youth and teen moms or young single mothers under age 24) to obtain life skills and parenting support. Accepts referral from self or other; an intake interview is required. The Kelowna Mental Health and Wellness Program provides prompt subsidized access to registered clinical counsellors, referrals to individual and group counselling with follow-up support, mindfulness groups, access to physical activities, and parenting support for transitions such as separation or divorce. Through the BC Children's Program, family caregivers receive support including clothing and toiletry supplies due to hospital emergency out-of-town care for their child. The Kelowna Back to School Program provides school supplies for low-income families with children. Serves Kelowna. Office hours are 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.