Connect Program
Free service to help adults with forms, phone calls, government concerns, problem solving and referrals to local support. Specialized services for seniors also available.
Drop In Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to noon. You can also call to schedule an appointment: 250.545.0585.
Services For Adults Of All Ages
The Connect Program helps people of all ages with:
- Filling out pension applications and other government forms
- Sorting out income-related matters
- Speaking with government agencies
- Subsidized housing applications
- Problem-solving and understanding your next steps
- Resources on health, dental, legal and more
Questions? Email [email protected]
Specialized Services for Seniors
As we age, some of us need a little more help with living independently. Whether you need to find safe, affordable housing, help with understanding the complexities of federal pensions, want to know what subsidies are available, or need information on home support, we are here to help.
Through the Connect Program, our Seniors Specialists can provide adults 60+, their families, caregivers and the community with information on programs and services that enable all older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle.
Here are our services for adults 60+:
Applications
We provide information and assistance with:
- Federal applications such as Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Applications and renewals for Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER)
- Applications for the BC Housing Registry (to be considered for available rental units managed by BC Housing)
- Applications for Fair Pharmacare (helps you pay for many prescription drugs, dispensing fees and some medical devices and supplies)
Community Services Directory for Seniors
Are you experiencing some challenges with everyday tasks? Perhaps you need a ride to Kelowna for a medical appointment? We provide and maintain a very popular directory of affordable, local home support services and free resources for seniors. View the directory here
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. We offer one-hour workshops to help seniors prepare for many possible emergencies that can occur in our community. Learn more
Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program
With help from BC Farmers Markets and community partners, we can provide a limited number of low-income seniors with coupons for fresh, locally produced food at our local Farmer’s Market. Contact us to find our more.
Housing Information
Subsidized housing? Assisted Living? Residential Care? We can help you navigate the complex system of seniors housing in our area.
Each year, we put together an annual North Okanagan Seniors Housing Guide (pdf) that includes all independent, assisting living and complex care facilities in the North Okanagan. There is also a detailed listing of senior-friendly apartments. Printed copies are available at NexusBC for a $3 donation, if you can afford it.
We can help with applications and renewals for SAFER (Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters) and applications for subsidized housing through BC Housing.
Income Tax Clinic
We have trained volunteers who complete basic tax returns for low-income seniors. We also provide a seasonal income tax clinic during the months of March and April. Learn more
Resources
We have a large inventory of printed resources for seniors and can refer you to appropriate agencies for legal, tenancy, and elder abuse issues.
Some Of The People We’ve Helped
Tina, 84 years old, came into our office after having received an eviction notice. She had no family to support her and so when a Community Social Worker began visiting her, Tina began to get nervous that she was going to get “put in a home”. After this worker assisted in finding her an affordable apartment, she still didn’t trust the worker and refused to communicate with her. For months following, we took messages from her worker and relayed them to Tina. Tina felt that the folks at NexusBC were her trusted friends.
Paul, age 71, came to us because a good portion of his pension had been cut off. Because of this, he was late with rent. After one phone call we determined his previous year’s taxes had not been filed. A few days following our meeting, one of our volunteers successfully e-filed his taxes and helped Paul fill out a renewal form for his Guaranteed Income Supplement. Paul began receiving his full pension again three weeks later including all his missed payments.
Rose, age 73, came into the office feeling broken. Sadly, she had lost a substantial amount of money over a period of time in a Facebook romance scam. Through a series of appointments, we supported her to move forward. We helped her find affordable housing, apply for the SAFER rent subsidy and for the Guarantee Income Supplement, and referred her to affordable counselling so she could emotionally heal from this trauma.
Don, 70, came to us in an attempt to get his Old Age Security. He was Canadian-born, but lived and worked in the United States for part of his life. In order to get his OAS, he needed proof of re-entry into Canada which he didn’t have. He quickly went through all his savings and ended up living in his car for several months when he first came into NexusBC. He had almost given up. With winter approaching, we had to work quickly to help him. Thanks to internet searches and many, many phone calls, we were successful. Don finally began receiving his pension plus received back payment for 5 years. There were tears of joy that day.
