Our programs are designed to create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and participation.
Strengthening Skills, Celebrating Community
From skill-building and cultural activities to community engagement and support services, each program reflects our commitment to inclusion. No matter the path, we focus on helping people feel valued, supported, and empowered to take part fully in community life.
Self-Help Program
The self-help program provides staff support to those who are living independently in the community or, in some cases, with family, and are in need of life-skills support and assistance to maintain or improve their living situation. The group participates in bowling, swimming, Special Olympics and many other special events and social activities. This program also provides opportunities for clients to meet in a social setting.
If a person would like to live independently in the community, SOCIS will assist the individual to find accommodation, help with set up and assist in determining the level of continuing services we can provide to ensure success. For clients who live independently, SOCIS offers rental properties in Oliver and Osoyoos in partnership with SOAICL. If we do not have vacancies or if an available property does not fit the need of the client, the association will assist in finding the right match. Contact our team for more information on available accommodation supports.
Self-Help Program Contact
250-498-0309 ext 104
idias@socisbc.ca
Day Program
SOCIS operates a Day Program in Oliver. The Program offers a variety of activities tailored to participants interests. These range from cooking, exercise, swimming and bowling to social activities, workshops and group outings. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and we regularly update our schedule based on talking with participants about their interests. You can view upcoming events on our Events Calendar. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm and we are closed on statutory holidays.
Day Program Contact
250-498-0309 ext 105
llyons@socisbc.ca
Home Share
Home Share is a service option for people who want to share a life and home with a family or another person. The Home Share provider supports the person in the home that they share together. Support may include assistance with self-care, relationship building, life skills, meal preparation, personal care and use of community resources and services. The person and Home Share provider live together, and the person is supported to become fully integrated into their home, the family and community.
SOCIS recruits, screens and monitors the Home Share providers. Home Share providers are contracted to provide care and support to the person. The person is involved in planning for their supports and the selection of the Home Share provider. The Home Share provider receives compensation based on the needs of the individual they are supporting. Home Share placements are regularly reviewed and monitored to ensure that the goals of the individual are being supported and that the supports and resources needed are in place for the provider and resident.
Home Share Program Contact
250-498-0309 ext 104
Idias@socisbc.ca
Staffed Residential Program
A staffed home is designed to provide the person with a home to live in where they receive support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from SOCIS staff. A full range of support is provided in the home, including assistance with cooking, personal care, health and wellness, maintaining the home, seeking and receiving medical attention. Residents are supported to access and engage with their community, including recreational and leisure pursuits. The goal is to help the person to gain the skills needed to be in control of their own life to the greatest degree possible. SOCIS understands that families and friends are important, so we support people to develop and maintain these positive relationships.
Living in a staffed home may mean sharing the home with others who also require support. Every person has their own room and shares the rest of the home as roommates. Each client/resident has a personal plan that highlights their goals and priorities relating to activities, personal goals and health and wellness. The health, safety and well being of our clients are a key priority for our organization and staff. All of our group homes are held to high standards of safety and personal care. Currently SOCIS operates two group homes in the community of Oliver, and provides housing for independent living clients at three more locations in the community in partnership with SOAICL.
Staffed Residential Program Contact
250-498-0309 ext 106
tmah@socisbc.ca
Life Skills
SOCIS operates a Life Skills program that offers dedicated staff support to individuals living in the community, helping them build essential skills and engage in social activities. As our largest program, it provides both individualized support and opportunities for individuals to participate in group outings and activities. Each participant works with staff to help set personal goals and priorities for support that works towards them achieving their personal objectives and the experiences that are a priority for them.
If you’re interested in our Life Skills program, we can discuss how you can get connected to our services through CLBC and can even assist you with that process.
For information about the Life Skills program, please contact us.
Job Development
Employment services support people to obtain meaningful, community-based employment, earning competitive wages and benefits like other members of the community. SOCIS works with jobseekers to develop their skills so they can obtain “real work for real pay”. SOCIS has a staff person dedicated to working with individuals towards their employment and skill development priorities. Each person receives one to one support towards achieving their employment and learning goals. The employment counsellor works with participants to identify goals, learn new skills and match up with employment and work experience placements. The program also operates several community work experience activities that participants can get involved in as well.
Employment services assist the jobseeker to develop a personalized employment plan that reflects their strengths, interests, skills, and abilities. Employment supports include:
- Job readiness skills – resume writing, interviewing and discovering new skills;
- Building relationships with local potential employers;
- Meeting with employers to negotiate or customize job positions;
- Identification of possible supports at the workplace to increase independence and decrease the need for paid supports;
- On-site job training;
- Ongoing assistance to the job seeker, and the employer; and
- Additional job coaching when needed to ensure that everyone’s needs continue to be met.
To learn more, contact our team.
Together, We Create Change
Each of our programs is more than an activity. It’s a step toward a stronger, more connected community. By focusing on inclusion, growth, and meaningful participation, we ensure that everyone has the chance to be seen, heard, and valued. Together, we’re creating spaces where belonging isn’t the exception, but the norm. Contact us today to discover more.
