We are focused on creating opportunities for individuals and families living with autism in the Okanagan.
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Programs for Empowerment
See our range of programs and activities inclusive for all ages diagnosed with autism.
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We Need Your Help!
Your financial support will help us establish an Autism Centre and bring more programs to the Okanagan to support individuals and families living with autism.
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Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with autism by providing programs and activities in an autism-friendly environment throughout the Okanagan. To support and help individuals and families living with autism participate in community activities and events. To support and help individuals and families living with autism navigate resources and information.
Mother’s Day 2021
Happy Mother’s Day from our family to yours!
This month we are hosting our annual Mom’s Night event (in a virtual setting) on May 7th, 2021 and we are so excited to present to you an evening of inspiration and fun to celebrate your fierceness!
This year – although it may be a virtual meetup – we are really looking forward to connecting with and celebrating all of the wonderful mamas who have worked so hard this past year for their families.
We are also so thrilled to have guest speaker Mare McHale, author of “Finding Your Cape”. “At the age of 33, Mare McHale became a widow, losing her husband to suicide. In an instant, she found herself the single mum of her beautiful son Thomas, born with special needs. Devastated, her world thick with grief, she needed to continue on, holding down her home, supporting Thomas, running her business and managing her growing online community. Through extensive self-work, Mare climbed back on her feet, tripling her business, garnering more than one million views on her YouTube channel and winning two entrepreneurial awards.” (https://www.findingyourcapebook.com/)
Brefoot Venus has once again supplied some great gifts for our moms, as well as many other donors from the community. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who donated to this event this year!
2021 Mom’s Night In Donors Barefoot Venus Blu Saffron Cantina del Centro Enhanced Healing Massage Therapy Gilmour Counselling Kelstone Contracting Okanagan Ability Center Plan B Headquarters Sage Hills Urban Liquor
In September 2013, Sue Noble, a teacher-librarian and mother of a teenage boy with autism, brought together a small group of parents and professionals to discuss the need for increasing employment opportunities for youth and adults with autism living in the Okanagan.
We have a variety of programs to get involved in, including Adult and Kids Hockey Programs, Young Ambassadors, Mom’s Night Out, Sensitive Santa, and more. Watch for announcements of exciting new programs to be added.
This one-stop resource centre lists service providers, agencies and non-profit organizations that individuals and families living with autism in the Okanagan may find helpful.
All YAP schedules are now on our Events Calendar which can be seen on our News and Events page. If you have questions , or would like to join YAP please contact our YAP leaders by email yapleader@autismokanagan.ca As always, before attending YAP (in person or on line) please review our discussed and agreed upon an online Code of Conduct:
Here is the February 2021 YAP schedule: Feb 3 – Dungeons and Dragons Feb 10 – Among us and Board Game Night Feb 17 – Virtual Gym Workout Feb 24 – Cooking Lesson As always, please review our discussed and agreed upon an online Code of Conduct: Online Code of Conduct · No swearing · Take turns when speaking · Always be nice
“So much fun to watch the Kelowna Wildcats Hockey Team. It’s a great mix of kids of all ages and abilities and they just get out there and have such a good time.”
Ross
“I finally found a place where I can relax and just be me.”
Young Ambassadors Participant (YAP)
“Since joining YAP, my daughter has gone from feeling isolated and depressed to having friends who come over for dinner, go out to movies, and even sleep over. She feels connected to a peer community for the first time in years.”
Sharon
“Thank you to Tracey and Quincy Vrecko and all the volunteers for organizing Sensitive Santa. This is the first time my 7 year old daughter has visited Santa since she was 3 months old. What a wonderful event.”
Riki-Lynn
“The Fall Family Picnic was awesome. My son rode a horse for the first time. I liked that it was a collaboration between AOK, CAN and ASBC! And Arion Farm rocks, what a wonderful safe place for kids.”
