Step into YOUR best life with the help of a vision board.

Join us for a fun, creative, powerful and inspirational workshop on setting intentions and goals.

Using a variety of tools such as magazines and quotes, and a short video introduction, you will build a pictorial representation of your vision – and a powerful way to make your dreams more tangible and attainable. That’s because the very act of creating the vision board tells your mind what’s important. You’re teaching your mind what you want to focus on in your life. Where focus goes, energy flows.

Date: Friday, June 16, 2023
Time: 9am to noon
Location: NexusBC Community Resource Centre

Sign up here:

This workshop is delivered as part of the START Program. To attend, you must be age 17-29, unemployed or have unstable employment. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and living in the Thompson-Okanagan Region of BC.

NexusBC is hosting a series of free informational workshops. Review the schedule and descriptions below and sign up today! Seating is limited.

Scams and Fraud

Monday, June 5, 2023 | 10am |  Presented by Rachel Zubick, Community Safety Coordinator – Public Programs

Frauds, cons and scams: how to protect yourself from the modern snake oil salesman looks at the many ways that fraudsters are trying to part you from your money and in some cases your identity. We will discuss the new ways scammers are targeting folks, strategies to avoid being duped and what to do if you have been scammed. One hour workshop.

Personal Safety Workshop

Monday, June 5, 2023 | 1pm |  Presented by Rachel Zubick, Community Safety Coordinator – Public Programs

Feeling confident in our ability to be safe in the community provides peace of mind.  Learn strategies to personal safety as well as helpful  tips to increasing security in the home.  We will also discuss some basic internet safety as well as guidelines to online buying and selling. One hour workshop.

We are also hosting Emergency Preparedness workshops for seniors. Learn more and sign up here: Emergency Preparedness

Registration

Please sign up one person as a time. Seating is limited. Thank you!

Exciting contest announcement: Existing and new Volunteer Drivers with NexusBC are eligible to win one of three $500 gift certificates towards a set of tires from Kal Tire!

If you are not already a Volunteer Driver at NexusBC and have even 1 to 2 hours available in a week, please consider this opportunity to help seniors get to appointments and get groceries.

Once you enroll in the contest, you will receive one entry for every return ride you do between May 1 and August 30, 2023. The more drives you do, the more chances you have to win!

It is with great appreciation for Kal Tire’s Tires For Good program that we are able to offer this contest.

Volunteer Drivers Are Needed

Drivers can choose to do only in-town drives or out-of-town, or both. You can choose to do lots of rides or just a few. Drivers even receive a fuel reimbursement. Rides take place on weekdays only.

Driving a senior is a beautiful way to make a direct difference in someone’s life.

Learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities here: https://nexusbc.ca/get-involved/volunteer

NexusBC is offering one-hour workshops to help seniors prepare for many possible emergencies that may occur in our community.

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. We will be discussing ideas about how best to prepare yourself and your loved ones.

We will help you recognize what you should have at home, in case of a shelter in place (stay in your home) order, and what you should have ready for an evacuation order.

We will be discussing who your safety people are: those you check on, and those who check on you.

During the workshop we will be handing out a free Grab-and-Go bag (while quantities last) that you can start filling with items that are important during a possible evacuation (important phone numbers, medications, first aid kit, etc.)

Workshops will take place at NexusBC. Our address is #102 – 3201 30th Street, next door to Service BC.

Sign up here:

September 23, 2023 | 10am to 2pm | Schubert Centre

Looking to volunteer? Join us at the Vernon Volunteer Fair to learn more about over 20 local non-profit organizations and various types of opportunities they have available! Connect with your community, enjoy networking, gain experience, develop your skills, get involved and make an impact. This event is free to anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Register Your Organization Now!

Non-profit organizations and events: Early Bird: $50 | Regular: $60
For-profit businesses: Early bird: $100 | Regular: $120
Early Bird Deadline: July 31, 2023
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2023

Limited space available.

Register here: Table Application

Did you know that you can find or post your volunteer opportunities for free on our user-friendly platform? Visit www.volunteervernon.ca

Friday, October 6, 2023 | 10am to 2pm | Schubert Centre

Connect with 30+ information kiosks on community services, home support, healthy aging, seniors housing, and emergency preparedness.

Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free.

Register Now!

Non-profit organizations: Early Bird: $50 | Regular: $60
For-profit businesses: Early bird: $100 | Regular: $120
Early Bird Deadline: August 31, 2023
Registration Deadline: September 22, 2023

Limited space available.

Register here: Table Application

If you are a senior or soon-to-be a senior, doing your taxes on time is important for you to be eligible and continue to receive benefits such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) and the quarterly Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit.

At NexusBC, we understand this and so we provide free basic income tax returns for lower-income seniors through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. This free service is provided by trained volunteers and operates year-round by appointment, as well as through a tax clinic during regular tax season (March and April). If you haven’t filed taxes in several years, we can file back taxes as well.

Here is what you need to know.

  • The maximum income level for this service is $30,000 for a single person, or $40,000 combined for a couple.
  • Please bring all your T-4 slips and your previous year’s tax return. This is a drop-off and pick-up service only.

Please note that we do not prepare returns for:

  1. Deceased persons
  2. Bankrupt individuals
  3. Self-employed individuals
  4. Individuals who report capital gains or losses
  5. Individuals who report interest income of more than $1,000.
  6. Individuals who report employment expenses or business or rental income and expenses.

If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, phone the Connect Program at 250.545.0585.

Appointments are available from March 6 to April 21, 2023.

The Vernon Seniors Action Network, in collaboration with many of our local cultural and recreational partners, is pleased to offer the Greater Vernon Multi-Agency Pass for Seniors (GV-MAPS).

Attendance at many local cultural and recreational facilities may be beyond the financial ability of seniors on very limited incomes. The GV-MAPS pass is designed to provide free and/or lower cost opportunities to enjoy these facilities.

Here are some examples of what comes with your Pass:

  • Free General Admission at the Vernon Museum
  • Free Annual Membership at the Vernon Community Arts Centre
  • 50% off up to two tickets for certain shows at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
  • Free One-Day Family Pass at the Okanagan Science Centre
  • Free Season’s Pass with unlimited access to the ranch at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch
  • and more!

To qualify for the Pass:

  • You must be 65 years or older
  • You must be a resident of Great Vernon
  • For a single senior, your total after-tax income must be below $25,000
  • For a senior couple, your total after-tax income must be below $40,000 combined

Application forms and passes are available at the Vernon Museum or NexusBC Community Resource Centre.

When applying for your pass, please bring along proof of residency and your photo identification.

At NexusBC, we are so proud of the high success rate in our training for jobs programs. This is thanks to our amazing job coaches who motivate, inspire and help our clients become passionate about their own success. It is also thanks to the certificate training that makes our clients so much more qualified for the job they want. Whether you need to upgrade old skills, improve your tech skills, or learn how to promote yourself, we help build your confidence and position you for success.

At the moment, we have three employment programs. All are offered at no cost and tailored to each person. You can meet with a job coach in-person or virtually. Your choice. Start anytime.

START: Training For Jobs
Job coaching and certificate training for youth age 17-29 to learn new skills, develop confidence and feel supported to thrive.

To qualify for our no-cost coaching through START, you must be age 17-29, unemployed or have unstable employment. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and living in British Columbia.

NAVIGATE: Training For Jobs
Job coaching and certificate training for adults age 30-99 to move forward after job loss, unsuccessful job search or retirement.

To qualify for our no-cost coaching through NAVIGATE, you must be unemployed or have unstable employment. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and living in the North Okanagan.

OPPORTUNITY: Training For Jobs 
Job coaching and certificate training for newcomers to Canada, visible minorities and francophones to help you overcome challenges and see opportunities for success.

To qualify for our no-cost coaching through OPPORTUNITY, you must be a permanent resident within 10 years of landing, and/or a visible minority, and/or member of a francophone community. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and living in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Let us help you become who you were meant to be.

Are you experiencing difficulties getting out of your home for activities? Would you like to stay socially connected?

Join our free Telephone Events and Activities for Seniors (TEAS).

The program is available for any senior 55+ living in Vernon area (includes Lumby and Armstrong), and who may find it difficult to join community activities in person. Enjoy all sorts of engaging activities and talks from the comfort of your own home such as

  • Trivia games
  • Community presentations
  • Health and wellness talks
  • Friendly conversations

How does it work?

  1. Call or email a TEAS coordinator to register anytime during the term: 250-545-0585.
  2. You will receive a reminder call to confirm your attendance.
  3. A few minutes before the program starts, you will receive a phone call from the TEAS coordinator.
  4. Press “1” to join the call and enjoy!

You will be mailed or emailed new program guides when they are published.

Download the TEAS flyer.