Community Connector Program

Our Community Connectors help seniors improve their health and well-being by participating in meaningful activities and being connected to community services. These services include accessing nutritional supports, physical activity, grief and loss support, social opportunities and more.

Seniors are referred by a professional such as a family physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, social worker, Interior Health clinician.

This program is funded by the BC Ministry of Health and managed by United Way British Columbia’s Healthy Aging Programs.

Download the brochure for more information.

Referral Criteria

This program is for older adults living in Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong who are experiencing multiple of the following:

• social isolation
• mental health challenges
• major life events such as loss of a spouse
• chronic diseases
• physical inactivity
• housing insecurity (we are unable to work with clients to find housing)
• poor nutrition and/or food security concerns
• poor health outcomes associated with social determinants of health (low income, Indigenous/Metis/Inuit, LGBTQA2S, history of Adverse Childhood Experience, etc.)
• frequent use of primary health care

To make a referral, please fill out this Referral Form.

Questions? Please phone 250.545.0585 or email [email protected]

How It Works: Social Prescribing with a Community Connector

1. A health professional from Interior Health or a private doctor’s office refers an older adult to the Community Connector Program.

2. The Community Connector contacts the participant to learn about their needs, interests, and goals.

3. Together, they create a personalized wellness plan focused on social connection, independence, and quality of life.

4. This plan may include referrals to meal programs, transportation services, grief support, social groups, physical activity programs, and more.

5. The Community Connector checks in regularly to ensure the supports are working and adjusts the plan as needed.