- NOFCS has limited funds to distribute for food security for Urban Indigenous people living in the North Okanagan Regional District and off-reserve.
- Our new program requires that you to complete a new application form, with the required supporting documents, and to us know each month that you need support.
- NOFCS will issue one grocery card per household
- NOFCS varies the amount per month to be paid based on the total number of applications.
- Please do not expect higher amounts due to the limited funding and the higher number of applications each month. Amounts of the support will vary depending on the number of applicants per month
- The grocery gift card is a supplement only to your regular income should not be considered as anything else.
- For recipients to continue to receive monthly gift cards:
- Submit a form to report any changes to address or family size, by mail, email or drop off box.
- You can renew on-line by sending an email requesting continued support for the current month, and to report that your information is current.
- Please submit by the 7th of each month.
- Ways that we can receive applications or monthly renewals. Please send by Canada Post, or if you can place in our Drop Box located on our front gate entrance at 2904-29th Avenue, Vernon, BC.
- If you have access to a scanner, you can sign and fill out the completed information and email to covid19@nofcs.ca
- Please send your completed form to:
North Okanagan Friendship Center Society
2904 – 29th Avenue, Vernon BC V1T 1Y7
Attention: COVID-19 Support 2021
Please call our main office number 250-542-1247 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We will do our best to provide you with food security support within the limits of our funding.
NOFCS reserves the right to discontinue services to those who mistreat staff. NOFCS has a zero–tolerance policy on bullying and harassment.
Politeness and courtesy go a long way to creating a safe, secure and healthy environment for all.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
North Okanagan Friendship Center 2020
Background:
Friendship centres have been around since the late 1960s. We have helped Indigenous people when they moved from their home communities to urban centers seeking work or coming out of residential schools and deciding to move into urban communities rather than moving home to their communities.
Urban Indigenous people who had left their communities and had a sense of isolation started looking out for each other for social connections and support, and a helping hand.
Over the years, Friendship Centres have evolved into service centres, where we are providing every kind of service.
- Children and family services are a big part of what we do, currently we have a prenatal outreach service and early child and infant development center operating
- Employment Training Services
- Family Support Counseling
- Youth at Risk of Being Homeless — Kekuli Apartments
- Youth Safe House Services
Please check out our website www/vernonfirstnationsfriendshipcentre.ca
North Okanagan Friendship Center will provide a one-time only support to those who fit
the criteria of off-reserve residency and Indigenous ancestry with the limited funding we have received, The current allocation made available through Indigenous Services Canada through the National Association of Friendship Centres and the BC Association of Friendship Centres is limited and we will do what we can to stretch the funding to meet the needs of as many Indigenous individuals, couples, elderly (65 and over) and families.
Funding is very limited to and is provided to off-reserve Indigenous people who need assistance.
