Society

Our Mission Statement

It is the mission of North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society to serve our community by providing a broad range of programs which promote, nuture and protect the healthy development of our children, youth and their families.

NOYFSS History:

NOYFSS was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens and leaders from health, education, business and government. NOYFSS was founded to meet the needs of the children, youth and families in the North Okanagan.

The first service operated by NOYFSS was Mara House, which opened its doors in 1974. Mara House added an Intensive Support Program to assist foster parents and developed into Residential Services. In response to community needs, Community Based Services evolved to assist children, youth and families with a variety of programs. Residential Services and Community Based Services continue to evolve to reflect the ongoing commitment of NOYFSS to the needs of the people of the North Okanagan.

Core Values:

TRUST: NOYFSS believes that trust between individuals is the basic element of meaningful interaction

GENUINENESS: NOYFSS behaves honestly, sincerely and without judgment when working with individuals

RESPECT: NOYFSS holds respect as the single most important aspect of authentic communication and interaction

COMMUNITY: NOYFSS acts on the commitment to collaboration and community involvement

COMMITMENT: NOYFSS is focused on the belief that every child deserves to be safe and is dedicated to each individual we serve

EMPATHY: NOYFSS strives to understand each individual’s situation by listening to every story

Board of Directors:

Clara Tees - Chairperson
Ron Birch
Derryane Hubbard
Juliette Steen
Gord Adams
Dean Francks
Ryan Molitwenik
Maggie Badgero

Funding

NOYFSS primarily receives funding from the following agencies:

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)
Interior Health Authority
The Ministry of Attorney General
School District #22
Community donations
Gaming

Organizational Memberships:

NOYFSS is a member of:

The Federation of Child and Family Services of BC
Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA)
Social Planning Council