Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Corey Fischer
Society Dissolves But Programs Continue

Society Dissolves But Programs Continue

Apr 3, 2019 | 9:53 AM

Programs to help families with mental illness will be maintained in the Vernon area.

The group that runs the Mental Illness Family Support Centre has decided to dissolve the society which has been around for nearly 20 years, but the Canadian Mental Health Association has agreed to continue operating the programs for local families, using the same staff.

“So we’ll make sure that Kids in Control and Farm Friends and the support to families is still happening in our community, even though that society is no longer running,”  Julia Payson, executive director for CMHA Vernon, told Beach Radio News.

The family support office will continue to run its services out of The People Place.

“It is important for families who are experiencing unsettling life changes to know that they will continue to have the same supports in the same familiar environments, with the same staff who have been working with them,” says Payson.

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
23h ago
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Jul 24, 2026
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
Jul 24, 2026

MIFSC was named the recipient of the Beach Radio Community Airtime Award in February, which provides a non-profit organization with $35,000 in airtime over a six-month period.  With the dissolution of MIFSC, CMHA has been designated as the recipient of the award.

“CMHA is excited and grateful for the opportunity to share our message with the community to help understand mental health, to break down mental health stigma, to take part in educational opportunities, and how to support families and those living with mental health challenges,” adds Payson.

by Corey Fischer

Other Matters

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
City council has given initial approvals for a proposed senior supportive housing development in Vernon's north end, despite some discussion involving parking at the property.A developer wants to build a five-storey, 126-unit supportive senior housing building at a vacant lot at 5,000 24th Street. The development would...
23h ago
Read More
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Okanagan sports heroes were celebrated at a special event in Vernon.On July 20, Sport BC recognized 18 volunteers in the Okanagan with 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards.The awards celebrated the individuals who make amateur sports possible in their community."Volunteers are the backbone of sport in British Columbia...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
A local organization has asked for aide in making sure seniors stay cool and safe during the summer.Some seniors in B.C. are eligible for provincial assistance accessing a portable air conditioner.However, to fill the gaps and ensure seniors who do not qualify for the provincial program, NexusBC runs its own operation ...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Low Levels
Low water levels impacting Okanagan Lake boat launches
Low water levels on Okanagan Lake are creating challenges for boaters, with several launch sites facing reduced access due to ongoing drought conditions.The City of Kelowna is warning boaters to plan ahead before launching or retrieving watercraft, saying lower lake levels are increasing the risk of damage to boats, tr...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
A local business owner will throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming municipal election. David Scarlatescu, owner of the Fig Bistro and co-founder of Millennium Valley Productions, announced he would run in the Local General Election for a seat on Vernon City Council.Scarlatescu has lived in Vernon for the last 20 ye...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Clearer Forecast
Air quality improves across Okanagan after wildfire smoke blankets region
Air quality conditions are improving across the Okanagan after wildfire smoke blanketed much of the region Thursday, creating hazy skies and unhealthy conditions for some residents.Smoke from multiple wildfires burning across British Columbia moved into the Southern Interior, affecting communities throughout the valley...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Municipal election
Local media business leader to run for city council
Local businesswoman Nikki Csek is taking a run at Kelowna City Council in the October election.The founder and CEO of Csek Creative and NowMedia Group, said her campaign isn't the beginning of her service to Kelowna but simply the next way she hopes to serve.She's served on boards, chaired organizations, and volunteere...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
The province's fruit industry advocacy group has called for a halt in the current water management approach for local agricultural properties. As of July 13, Greater Vernon Water (GVW) was authorized to shut off water service to agricultural properties that had reached their seasonal water allocation limit.B.C. Fruit G...
Jul 23, 2026
Read More
42-Unit Project
Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon
A new supportive housing project in Vernon will get some municipal support.At their meeting on Monday, July 20, Vernon City Council was asked to waive the Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for the project at the site of the former Polson Park Motel on 24th Avenue.City staff recommended waiving $125,518 in fees and coveri...
Jul 23, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
23h ago
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Jul 24, 2026
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
Jul 24, 2026
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
Jul 24, 2026
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
Jul 23, 2026