Business Details
25 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Supportive Housing & Mental Health Programs in Kelowna
Founded in 2001, the Okanagan Mental Health Services Society (OMHSS) has dedicated over two decades to improving the lives of individuals in the Central Okanagan area facing serious mental health challenges. Our organization specializes in providing supportive housing and therapeutic work programs designed to foster independence, stability, and community integration. With a team deeply experienced in mental health support, we combine compassionate care with practical solutions to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery goals. Our expertise lies in creating structured environments where individuals can develop life skills, gain meaningful work experience, and build confidence.As a trusted leader in our field, we collaborate closely with healthcare providers, local businesses, and government agencies to ensure our services align with community needs. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and client-centered care has earned us recognition as a reliable partner in mental health support. By focusing on both housing security and vocational development, we address critical barriers to recovery while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency.
Services
Supportive Housing Programs
Therapeutic Work Programs
Vocational Planning Services
Janitorial Services
Landscaping Services
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of expertise in mental health support services
- Our programs provide coordinated housing and vocational training solutions
- We maintain 24/7 staff support in specialized assisted living environments
- Our team includes experienced mental health professionals and advocates
- We partner with local healthcare providers and community organizations
What people say
Fantastic reputation
Amazing job
Meaningful employment
Supportive environment
Dedicated team
Services
Supportive Housing Programs
Our supportive housing programs provide safe, stable living environments for individuals with mental health challenges. Residents receive daily support for life skills, appointments, and community integration. With five centrally located homes in Kelowna, we offer both short-term intensive support at Coral House and longer-term housing solutions tailored to individual needs.
Therapeutic Work Programs
Yard By Yard and Room By Room programs offer structured job training in landscaping and janitorial services. Participants develop work skills through supervised contracts while receiving emotional support and leadership development. These transitional programs prepare individuals for sustainable employment in the local job market.
Vocational Planning Services
Our Vocational Planning Services assist program graduates in transitioning to permanent employment. We provide resume development, job placement assistance, and employer support through personalized coaching. This service connects trained participants with community employment opportunities matching their skills and interests.
Janitorial Services
Room By Room offers professional janitorial services for residential, commercial, and strata properties. Our trained teams provide regular cleaning, special event preparation, and enhanced sanitization services. Clients benefit from competitive rates and reliable service delivered by supervised staff pairs working seven days a week.
Landscaping Services
Yard By Yard provides comprehensive landscaping solutions including lawn maintenance, tree care, and property cleanups. Our certified crews handle seasonal preparations, arborist services, and groundskeeping for residential and commercial clients. All work follows WorkSafeBC guidelines with supervised staff ensuring quality outcomes.
People
Larry Vandergrift
Executive Director
Larry founded OMHSS in 2001 after a decade with the Canadian Mental Health Association. His personal experience with mental health recovery informs his leadership approach. He oversees program development and community partnerships while advocating for mental health awareness across the region.
Jennifer Pfliger
Manager of Coral House
Jennifer manages Coral House and all supported living homes. She coordinates 24/7 staff support for residents transitioning from hospital care or experiencing crisis. Her team focuses on creating safe environments that promote independence and recovery through structured daily support.
Jessie Atkinson
Program Manager
Jessie supervises the Room By Room janitorial program. She provides quotes, manages service delivery, and supports client transitions to permanent employment. With direct oversight of cleaning teams, she ensures quality service while mentoring participants in professional development.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide supportive housing, therapeutic work programs, and vocational planning services for individuals with persistent mental health challenges.
How can I access your housing programs?
Referrals for our supportive housing come through Interior Health. Contact us for more information about availability and eligibility.
Do you offer employment support services?
Yes, our Yard By Yard and Room By Room programs provide job training in landscaping and janitorial services with transition support to permanent employment.
Are donations to your organization tax-deductible?
Yes, we are a registered charity and provide official tax receipts for all donations received.
How can local businesses partner with your organization?
Businesses can partner by hiring our clients, offering employment opportunities, or contracting our janitorial and landscaping services.
