About

A social purpose organization, Partners In Resources (Piers) was created in 2005, to provide services to support vulnerable community members in the Central and South Okanagan. Incorporated in 2006, Piers currently enjoys working relationships with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills, Government of Canada, Community Living British Columbia, WCG International Consultants Ltd., the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal & Employment Training Association (PGNAETA), BC Housing, Angus Knight Group, Okanagan Clinical Counselling, as well as many other private businesses, services and clients in the North, Central and South Okanagan. We believe that these strong partnerships combined with our knowledgeable staff contribute to the on-going success of our participating individuals.

Our Commitment to our Communities:

To maintain the integrity of the company through professionalism, confidentiality, understanding and compassion.
To support the growth of individuals through the development of life skills and connection to the community.
To contribute to a stronger community by supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles and stronger family relationships.

Our Commitment to Poverty Reduction in British Columbia:

To provide relevant, current information around Income Assistance services through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, including efforts to assist individuals to utilize the Ministry’s annual earnings exemption through paid employment.
To support individuals to better their personal and financial lives through direct access to employment support and skill enhancement.
To provide housing placement services to our clients in need of a safe and affordable home.

Our Programs by Location

Kelowna – Head Office

Third Party Administration of Benefits

FreshSTART – Skills Training and Employment Program

Community Inclusion, Skills Development and Employment Services CLBC

Customized Employment Services – Delivered through WorkBC location

West Kelowna

Third Party Administration of Benefits

FreshSTART – Skills Training and Employment Program

Homeward – Reaching Home

Homeless Prevention Program

Community Inclusion, Skills Development and Employment Services CLBC

Customized Employment Services – Delivered through WorkBC location

Penticton

Third Party Administration of Benefits

FreshSTART – Skills Training and Employment Program

Homeward – Reaching Home

Community Inclusion, Skills Development and Employment Services CLBC

Customized Employment Services – Delivered through WorkBC location

Vernon

Third Party Administration of Benefits

FreshSTART – Skills Training and Employment Program

Homeward – Reaching Home

Community Inclusion, Skills Development and Employment Services CLBC

WorkBC Kelowna, West Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Princeton – Customized Employment Services

Client Centered Reputation

Piers believes that, as an organization, we have a responsibility to work hard to ensure that our clients receive holistic and meaningful services, respecting each persons’ journey as unique. This is evidenced by service contract extensions, community referrals to our programs, and in the repeat contracts we are awarded. Piers reputation of successfully supporting our most at-risk community members is widely recognized throughout the Okanagan.

Piers has historically played an active role in reducing poverty in our communities. We complement the province’s planned Poverty Reduction Plan throughout our programming, and believe that we have a responsibility to support people in goals around improved financial and personal well-being.

Strong Community Partnerships

* Ministry contractor for over 20 years *WorkBC sub-contractor *University of British Columbia Masters in Social Work and Psychology practicum hosts *CLBC pre-qualified agency *Member of the Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership (COLIP) *Members of the Coordinated Outreach Circle and West Kelowna Resource Focus group *Host of Turning Points HUB *Social Response Team *Partnerships with local businesses and property owners, faith-based groups, educational institutions and many social service providers. A special thank you to the private business support we receive in support of individuals experiencing poverty: Lifestyle Dentistry Kelowna – for your generous contributions of dental care products to community members in need and Tutt Street Optometry Kelowna- for the eye care services you provide community members who are experiencing homelessness, and the many many employers supporting our participants find meaningful work experience/employment in our community.

Knowledgeable and Experienced Staff

Piers core team has been together for over twenty years and staff and management’s combined government and community service experience in the Okanagan totals over 100 years. We pride ourselves in being a training environment for universities and colleges across BC, with many of our students hired as employees upon completion of their practicums with us.