I’ve been writing about wellness and mental health for some time now, but I realized I haven’t shared much about how we at CMHA South Cariboo can help, or the resources we offer. Many people in the community are still unfamiliar with what we do, the fact that we’re a registered charity and non-profit organization, or that we rely on funding, grants and donations to help enrich the lives of the people we serve in the South Cariboo.
It’s so important for everyone to know that we’re here to help—and exactly how we can support them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be introducing you to our programs with the hopes of reaching those who may not know where to start when seeking support.
If you’re struggling with your mental well-being or know someone who is, we offer a wide range of programs and services, all free of charge. Most of our services don't require a referral, making it easier to access the support you need.
I wasn’t sure which program to start with—they are all equally important, and I didn’t want to make one seem more significant than the others. But I have to start somewhere, so I’ll begin by highlighting our Homeless Outreach Program.
When I moved to the Cariboo from the coast, I quickly realized that homelessness here looks much different than it does in larger coastal areas. It wasn’t until I started working at CMHA South Cariboo that I gained an in-depth understanding of what homelessness looks like in a small, rural community.
Our Homeless Outreach program is designed to meet the various needs of the homeless population, offering services to help them move toward stable housing. It's a crucial resource that gives much-needed support to those facing the challenges of homelessness.
In the South Cariboo, our program offers more than just temporary shelter. Homeless Outreach Program can sometimes provide financial help, like assistance with rent, utilities or emergency food, for those who qualify.
Our program is easy to access—people can call us or visit our office. Anyone facing homelessness in the South Cariboo can reach out for help, and we’re here to assist day or night with after-hours availability.
You can contact Homeless Outreach 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 250-706-7599, or stop by the office at: 555B South Cedar Avenue,100 Mile House, B.C.
Next, we have our Supported Independent Living (SIL) Program, which helps individuals with mental illness thrive in the community. This program offers emotional and social support, advocacy, life skills guidance, and access to valuable resources for daily living.
The SIL Program can help clients through advocacy by problem-solving in areas such as landlord-tenant disputes, accessing community resources, and setting clients up with volunteer placement in a work incentive program. The SIL Program provides transportation for doctor appointments, shopping, support in setting goals, meal planning, financial management, housekeeping, interpersonal skills, and banking for those who require it. SIL will also provide Food Bank hamper deliveries weekly for those unable to pick up their own.
Access to our SIL Program is facilitated through a referral process, ensuring that individuals receive the support best suited to their needs. Following a referral from Interior Health MHSU, prospective clients undergo an intake meeting with our SIL worker to ensure a seamless transition into our program. To access the SIL Program, contact Interior Health MHSU Intake services at 250-395-7676.
Next up is our Stopping the Violence counselling program. The program is free of charge and offers specialized services for women and trans women aged 19 and older who have experienced childhood violence and abuse, sexual assault, relationship violence and other forms of abuse. Women under 19 may also qualify based on their specific needs.
Individual counselling, group counselling and emergency services are offered within a safe, trauma-informed practice environment. Referrals can be initiated independently, by organizations, or by family and friends. You can contact the Stopping the Violence program at: 778-482-1788 or in person at #228-475 Birch Avenue – in the South Cariboo Business Centre, 100 Mile House.
The last program I will be telling you about this week is our Safe House Program. Our Safe House program provides temporary, confidential emergency shelter for women and their families escaping abuse. Abuse can take many forms—verbal, emotional, physical, financial and sexual assault—and no one deserves to suffer in silence. You are not alone. We are here to help. Call Victim Link at 1-800-563-0808, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. *Please ask to be connected to the 100 Mile House Safe House.
In addition to offering these amazing free programs, our office is always stocked with resources and staffed by knowledgeable team members who are here to help. Anyone is welcome to stop by and ask for assistance. Whether it’s our welcoming receptionist or any of our departments, we’re all happy to help and guide you in the right direction. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our office—we’d be more than happy to assist you. We are located at: 555B South Cedar Ave,100 Mile House, BC, located in the green building next to the ambulance station, beside the hospital.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. If you need support, you can contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
