Autism Okanagan has opened a permanent community space in Kelowna, B.C., bringing its programs for neurodivergent people under one roof after years of using rented recreation centres and libraries.

The organization officially opened its “Home for Belonging” on Monday, Nov. 9, following more than 13 months of work to prepare the property, Global News reporter Cohan Sassaman reported.

The Hall family donated the home so the organization could move away from relying on temporary spaces.

“Now, all of our programs will be in the same place,” executive director Christy Phillips told Global News. “All the kids will come, and all the kids will now have a regular routine.”

Preparing the property involved more than a year of work with the City of Kelowna on rezoning. During that process, someone broke into the home and stole programming equipment. Phillips said community members helped replace what was lost.

The space will host activities including LEGO, digital arts, comics and drawing, Dungeons & Dragons, cosplay and social groups. Programs typically run for two to five months, allowing participants time to develop relationships and routines.

Autism Okanagan serves about 1,000 people aged four to 40 across the Okanagan. The organization says the new location could eventually help it double that reach. Any neurodivergent person can participate; a formal diagnosis is not required.

Programs currently take place after school on weekdays and on weekends. More programming is planned as funding becomes available, along with a group for parents and caregivers to connect with one another.

Sources