What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm Thursday 9:30am - 4pm Friday 9:30am - 4pm

arc programs

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arc programs

arc programs exists to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope.

Who we are
arc programs is a multi-disciplinary social services agency established over 35 years ago to bring about equity, inclusion and belonging in our communities. Our specialized support extends to children, youth, families and adults – who’ve historically been marginalized by systems and colonial ways. Simply put, we help families and folx in conflict. We aim to breakdown barriers, reduce st

igma and elevate voices. By fostering right relations and forging connections to the right people and programs, we strive to create caring communities across BC’s Interior through a lens of possibility, not disability. What we do
arc programs has a bold vision to ensure everyone in our communities feels connected and cared for. Our programs and services are designed to support children, youth, families and adults with diverse needs. Complex issues such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health or substance use, require complex support. And navigating the system to find it can be daunting. We’re here to make sense of it all, by working alongside parents, children, youth and adults on their journey towards hope and healing.

09/03/2026

You are invited, celebrated, and needed!

Young Life Capernaum is an inclusive ministry for children and teens with diverse abilities.

They are having an info night for families with neurodiverse children/youth ages 10 to 18 on Monday, September 21st from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Staff and leaders from Young Life will be at the event to answer any questions parents and guardians may have.

Every young person deserves to experience friendship and belonging.

RSVP by September 18th for the Young Life Capernaum Info Night by scanning the QR code on the attached poster.

09/02/2026

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is one of the world’s largest hidden disabilities.

“When you know one person with FASD, you know ONE person.”

“I am normal for me. I was born like this. Yes, I am different from you.”
- Liz Kulp

The sails in downtown Kelowna will light up red for International FASD Awareness Day Wednesday, September 9th.

This year’s theme of “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community” reminds us that everyone can help create inclusive spaces for people with FASD.

Greater understanding of FASD helps challenge stigma and create communities where people with FASD and their families feel supported, valued, and included.

For arc programs, this connects to our work supporting children, youth, adults, and families, along with our commitment to building communities that recognize individual strengths and needs and reduce barriers to inclusion.

Please join us Wednesday, September 9th, downtown at 7 pm (the sails light up at dusk).

Learn more about FASD Awareness Month and the national campaign:

https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.

The 2026 theme of “25 Years On. Still Needed,” recognizes the reality that too many people continue to be lost to overdose, and families, friends and communities carry that grief.

Overdose is not an individual failing. Stigma, criminalization and barriers to health care and support can make it harder for people to access the help they need.

Let’s remember those who have died without stigma or judgment, listen to people with lived and living experience, and recognize the need for compassionate, evidence-based supports, harm reduction and systemic change.

Learn more: https://www.overdoseday.com/

08/26/2026

From 2010 to 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard from Survivors, families, communities and others affected by the residential school system. The Final Report documents those truths and sets out 94 Calls to Action toward reconciliation.

Relatives in Reconciliation and the Métis Community Services Society of BC is creating space to engage with those Calls to Action this fall by hosting a five-session Reading Circle of the Executive Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.

At arc programs, we know that reconciliation asks us to keep showing up with humility, with open hearts, and a willingness to be changed by what we learn. Some truths are difficult to sit with. They should be. Learning the truth about the harms caused by colonial systems, and the ways those harms continue, asks something of us beyond simply knowing.

The first Reading Circle is Tuesday, September 8, with two session options:

☀️ 12:00–1:30 PM
🌙 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Kelowna Branch, Okanagan Regional Library, 1380 Ellis Street

The remaining Circles are October 13, November 10, December 8 and January 12.

You need to register by September 3, and arrangements will be made to receive a copy of the Executive Summary. Sandwiches will be provided at the afternoon session.

Afternoon: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-reading-circle-the-executive-summary-of-the-trc-report-tickets-1996405494576?aff=oddtdtcreator

Evening: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-reading-circle-the-executive-summary-of-the-trc-report-tickets-1996414735215?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/25/2026

arc programs will be at the West Kelowna Library this Friday for the 3rd annual International Overdose Awareness Day Event, ‘Who Is At The Table?’.

This year’s ‘Lunch and Remember’ will feature one empty purple chair at the table to honour those who are missing from the community.

Guests are invited to add a place card with the name of a loved one affected by the overdose crisis.

📅 This Friday
🕛 12:00 to 2:00 PM
📍 Okanagan Lake Room, West Kelowna Library

Let’s create space for conversations about grief and loss, substance use, harm reduction, mental health needs, and local supports and services.

This is a drop-in event. Bring your own lunch. Naloxone training will be available.

08/23/2026

Today is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, a day to remember those subjected to the transatlantic slave trade and honour those who resisted enslavement and fought for freedom.

The International Labour Organization estimates that 50 million people worldwide are living in situations described as modern slavery, including 28 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriages.

At arc programs, our vision of communities free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity and hope calls us to recognize injustice, past and present.

Learn more about the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition:

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/slave-trade-remembrance

08/19/2026

Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to recognize humanitarian workers around the world and the people and communities affected by humanitarian crises.

It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting human dignity and responding to people with compassion and care.

At arc programs, our values of kindness, inclusion and justice guide how we work to build belonging and hope in our communities.

Today, we recognize those providing critical humanitarian assistance around the world.

Learn more:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/humanitarian-day

08/17/2026

Supporting others includes the well-being of the people who do the work.

The Caring for Communities Conference is October 27 at the Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre.

This full-day conference brings frontline workers and Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee members together to explore psychologically supportive workplaces, collective care, cultural safety, and practical approaches to worker well-being.

Presented by the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association of BC (CSSHSA) in partnership with WorkSafeBC and The Federation of Community Social Services of BC.

Early bird registration is $75 per person until September 27.

Learn more and register:

https://csshsa.ca/caring-for-communities-conference/

08/15/2026

What a wonderful day of connection, learning, and community!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the arc programs table at the 17th Annual Indigenous Family Gathering. It was a pleasure connecting with so many children, families, and community members.

A heartfelt thank you as well to our amazing staff and volunteers who helped make the day a success.

We are grateful to the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓əmálaʔ Early Years Table (those who care for the children) for another year of connection and collaboration, and a wonderful summer event filled with fun activities for children and families.

08/12/2026

Today is International Youth Day.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and shape their future.

This year's theme is "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations."

While young people around the world grow up in different circumstances, they share many of the same hopes: access to education, meaningful opportunities, supportive communities, good mental health, and the chance to reach their full potential.

Investing in young people strengthens families and communities. By listening to youth, removing barriers, and creating opportunities to thrive, we can help ensure every young person feels seen, valued, and supported.

Learn more about International Youth Day and this year's theme:

https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026

Address

120/1835 Gordon Drive
Kelowna, BC
V1Y3H4

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4pm
Friday	9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+12507632977

Website

https://arcprograms.com/

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