Southern Okanagan Community Inclusion Society (SOCIS) has a long legacy serving the community and individuals back to the 1960s.
Our History and Purpose
In 2024/25, SOCIS was created and became independent from the Southern Okanagan Association for integrated Community Living (SOAICL) to provide all direct services. We support neurodiverse people through a variety of programs and services available in the Southern Okanagan region. Our Legacy goes back to the 1960’s when SOAICL began offering supports and services.
Empowering People to Thrive
Our programs include information and referral, life skills, day programs, community inclusion, home share, staffed residential group homes, affordable living and job development supports. At SOCIS we empower individuals to thrive in their communities.
Through tailored supports like our Life Skills program, we provide hands-on support to help participants build confidence, develop essential skills and foster meaningful connections and experiences. Each individual we work with defines the supports and resources they receive and the path they want to travel towards their goals and dreams.
Programs and supports are funded by CLBC.
Meet Our Team
Board Members
Mary Mersereau
President
Lorne Dearsley
Vice President
Jane Clarke
Treasurer
Bobbe Ardiel
Bonnie Despins
Management Team
Deanne Gray
Interim Manager of Health Services
Cassandra MacCarthy
Manager of Finance and Admin
Isabel Dias
Manager of Home Share and Self Help
Lorene Lyons
Manager of Day Programs
Timothy Mah
Resource and Program Manager Main Street Group Home
Marshall Thompson
Executive Director
Loretta Geernaert
Admin Assistant
Our Mission
Enhance, empower, and support both collectively and individually, every person with special needs to achieve their potential and to access and enjoy the same opportunities, rights, responsibilities, and quality of life as an equal member within our community.
Our Vision
Communities are where everyone lives fully and with dignity.
Our Values
Respect
- Every person is a unique individual, with strengths, abilities and value
- Making choices is a right, with support as necessary from friends, family and trusted advisers
- Each person is entitled to live with dignity and equality in a safe, healthy and secure environment
Community
- Community is where we are known as individuals and as citizens
- Each community is strengthened by the inclusion of people from all walks of life
- We support social change that contributes to stronger, healthier communities for everyone to thrive and succeed
Integrity
- We all work with sincerity and are dependable in our interactions.
- We support staff to advance our mission and encourage life long learning
- We are flexible and responsive to individuals and use best practices in the work we do.
Accountability
- We are guided by the personal outcomes of the individuals we serve.
- We encourage feedback to learn, grow and continuously improve in the work we do.
- Our resources are responsive, accountable and applied in innovative ways
Moving Forward Together
At SOCIS, inclusion is not just something we talk about—it’s something we live and breathe every day. Our work is about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the strengths each person brings to our community. We believe that when everyone is supported and welcomed, the whole community thrives.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: fostering connection, belonging, and possibility for all. Together with our partners, families, and community members, we are building a future where everyone has a place and a voice.
Contact Us
