Pathways | Family Services

Family Services

Family / Parenting, Mental Health - Adult, Mental Health - Child & Youth, Pregnancy Care, Public Health, Services for Children, and Services for Youth

Provided by The Bridge - Youth & Family Services

Works together with children, youths, parents and families to build healthy and positive relationships within their families and communities.

Offers programs and services that include:
Family Services:

Foster Home Support: Families are provided dedicated support and education to develop a deeper understanding of the children they care for, including crisis intervention and debriefing. Referrals through the Ministry of Children & Family Development.
Family Counselling: Provides counselling and support for families with children under age 19. Promotes safe, healthy and nurturing families that are strongly connected to community and culture, using trauma-informed and strength-based strategies to best meet their needs. Provides assessment, intervention, counselling, modelling and education to assist and support families to build competencies and strengthen family functioning. Referrals through the Ministry of Children & Family Development.
Family Support: Provides counselling and support for families with children under age 19 who are referred by their social worker at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Promotes safe, healthy and nurturing families that are strongly connected to community and culture. Counsellors and facilitators use trauma-informed and strength-based strategies to support family needs.  Services include assessment, coaching, counselling, modelling and education to assist and support families to build competencies and strengthen family functioning. This service is referral-based (MCFD referrals only) and not available to the general public.
Central Okanagan Dads Group: This group aims to support men who are parenting their children, grandchildren or other relatives by providing supportive connections, education and resources while participating in healthy activities.
Creative Playtime: A drop-in group for children from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Provides opportunities for play, connecting with other parents and information on community resources. Locations in Kelowna and Peachland. Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Kelowna, Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Peachland.
Parent Talk: Provides weekly drop-in sessions for parents and caregivers with children under the age of six. During the sessions, adults meet to discuss parenting, wellness, and child development while children are supervised in a playroom. Parent Talk is a facilitated support and information group for parents with at least one child aged 0–6 years. The group meets on Friday mornings from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and offers an opportunity for parents to share experiences, access information on parenting-related topics, build connections, and participate in a welcoming and supportive parenting community. Call the number below to access the program.
Prenatal Wellness: Provides a weekly drop-in program for pregnant individuals and their partners, offered in partnership with the Kelowna Family Y. The program includes education on lifestyle and nutrition, exercise guidelines, stress management, and connections to community resources. Participants may begin attending early in pregnancy and continue after their baby is born. The program features six rotating educational topics, allowing participants to attend sessions based on their individual needs. No registration is required. Education sessions are held virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, followed by Virtual Prenatal Yoga at 7:00 PM. The Kelowna Family Y also provides opportunities for fitness at its Rutland location.
To receive an access link for Tuesday’s virtual program, please email karla.hagel@ymcaokanagan.ca.
Beyond the Blues: A therapeutic program that promotes recovery from postpartum depression and anxiety. The program includes psychoeducation, opportunities to build social connections and community referrals. Registration and Referral Required. Contact a Public Health Nurse, Medical Professional or Adult Mental Health Counsellor for a referral. To access the program, please call the number below.
The Path: Supports and houses young people with complex needs in MCFD-approved foster homes. Young people and caregivers are provided access to expert care to promote stability and success at home, school, work and in the community. Referrals through the Ministry of Children & Family Development
Special Deliveries: A weekly support group for pre-and-post natal women (up to 6 months) that includes a nutritious meal, prenatal vitamins, visits from a Public Health Nurse, and information on breastfeeding and healthy eating during pregnancy. Registration is Required. Contact The Bridge to register.
Food Support Program: A program offered in collaboration with Kelowna Community Resources at the Central Okanagan Family Hub. Families can receive food, household necessities and have an opportunity to connect with program staff and learn more about community programs and services.