Minister Jodie Wickens Visits arc programs Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre
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Caroline Pinheiro
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The arc programs Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre (FCC) welcomed the Honourable Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, on Friday March 14th, 2025, for a quick yet insightful visit. This occasion provided an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work we do in fostering partnerships and collaborating with the community to enhance the lives of children and youth with support needs, along with their families.
Honourable Jodie Wickens tours the arc programs Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre, meeting staff and partners.
During the tour, we engaged in valuable discussions with Minister Wickens, emphasizing how our innovative programs and holistic support services empower children and youth to reach their full potential. The Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre remains committed to working alongside the provincial government to continue making transformational differences in the lives of those we serve.
Community partners and collaborators join the FCC team for a discussion with Minister Wickens on enhancing services for children and youth.
A Coalition of Partners and Collaborators
Minister Wickens’ visit was made even more impactful by the presence of several key partners and collaborators who share in our mission. We deeply appreciate the participation of:
- Jeremy Welder, Danielle Needham, and Leah Allen (bgc Okanagan)
- Sydney MacKay (KidsPhysio)
- Sabrina White (Meridian Rehabilitation)
- Cassandra Thomas (YMCA)
- Betty Wiebe (Métis Community Services Society of BC)
- Bonnie Pattyn (Ministry of Children and Family Development – MCFD)
- Kelly McKenzie and Tammy Cummings (MCFD Child and Youth Mental Health)
Our shared efforts and partnerships strengthen the network of support available to children and families in our community.
Child engaging in a support program at the FCC.
FCC’s Commitment to Transformational Support
As part of the visit, we highlighted the FCC’s key priorities and our ongoing work towards decolonizing service models. Our approach is built on six pillars of transformative care:
- Prevention and Early Intervention
- We offer low-barrier services that prioritize early intervention, reducing family distress and improving long-term outcomes for children and youth. By acting early, we mitigate future challenges and create positive, lasting impacts.
- Coalition of Community Experts
- FCC is a hub for expertise, bringing together a coalition of partners to provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to childhood and youth needs. By leveraging diverse expertise, we ensure holistic, well-rounded care.
- Agent of Change Model
- Families take the lead in their journeys, supported by clinicians and specialists who share knowledge with caregivers, educators, and service providers. This shared responsibility model enhances both efficacy and flexibility in service delivery.
- Barrier-Busting Care Coordination
- FCC is committed to breaking down systemic silos in the care economy. Our Care Coordinators work to integrate services and enhance communication across different support networks, ensuring each family receives tailored, cohesive support.
- Serving the Unserved and Underserved
- We are dedicated to reaching marginalized populations, including children in care, kinship caregivers, and newcomer families. Our no cost to families, customized services are offered based on need rather than diagnosis, ensuring equitable access to critical support.
- From the Ground-Up Innovation
- Unlike modifying pre-existing structures, the FCC was built from the ground up with innovation and adaptability at its core. This approach allows us to continuously evolve and respond effectively to the ever-changing needs of families in our community.
FCC Practice Lead presenting some of key priorities and innovative approaches to Minister Jodie Wickens.
Looking Ahead
The Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre is proud to serve as a beacon of inclusive and responsive support for children, youth, and families in the region. We extend our gratitude to Minister Jodie Wickens for recognizing our work and to all our partners for their continued collaboration.
Together, we are driving meaningful change and ensuring that every child and family has access to the support they need to thrive.
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