ASK Wellness Society

History

Our roots go back to a basement couch where HIV/AIDS activists sought out to support those in their community who were struggling. Originally founded in 1992, as the AIDS Society of Kamloops, the Society was formed to promote health and wellness and to provide education to strengthen the Kamloops community. The Society soon recognized the need to house individuals before they could focus on their health. From there, the housing first initiatives began. Others soon called on the Society to help all who were seeking assistance to find HOPE, shelter, and support. In 2016 the Society changed its name to the ASK Wellness Society to reflect the initiatives to serve all in the community who struggle with their housing, health, or employment to the ASK Wellness Society.

Vision

The vision of ASK Wellness Society is to work towards a society that recognizes the value and potential of each individual.

How is this done?
This requires acceptance of the choices that individuals make and an acknowledgement of the disproportionate impact of harm to certain groups due to individual and cultural realities. The Society is client centered and provides services and support in an interactive manner that is responsive to individual and collective needs. The Society is focused on developing prevention goals and strategies that support a holistic approach to health with offices throughout the B.C. Interior in Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton.

Mission

The mission of the Society under our constitution is:

To provide outreach, housing, health, education, employment, and emotional support services for the marginalized and persons at risk.

To promote financial, emotional, and personal care support services to the community for individual/family/friends affected by HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, the marginalized and persons at risk-if and when the need arises.

To liaise with other local/provincial/national organizations involved/interested in HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, the marginalized and persons at risk.

To promote research on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, the marginalized and persons at risk.

To receive donations, grants and funds, and administer same consistent with the objectives of the Society.

Values

Adaptation is necessary in the face of complexity and uncertainty.

Inclusivity is a defining feature of a healthy community.

Trust is at the heart of community both in ASK Wellness and in the communities we serve.

Compassion ensures no one gets left behind.

Hope is the key to helping people to become self-sufficient.

Guiding Principles

Housing First
The Society believes all individuals have the right to safe and affordable housing. We are charged with the task of
assisting those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in finding, securing, and maintaining suitable
housing in the service area.

Client Centered
The Society recognizes the value and dignity of each individual. We encourage and support our clients to make
healthy choices and we respect the choices that they make. We advocate with and on behalf of our clients to
improve their quality of life.

Social Justice
The Society believes all individuals deserve equity in accessibility. We collaborate with community partners and
actively participate in community efforts to ensure that basic human rights are protected. We promote shared,
private, and public responsibility in the delivery of education and awareness activities in the community.

Harm Reduction
The Society believes harm reduction promotes and supports the health and well-being of both individuals and
communities. We believe that all humans have the right to comprehensive, non-judgmental services based on
individual need. Through education and prevention efforts we work to reduce the risk of harm for individuals
engaged in or affected by risky behaviours.

Innovation
The Society responds to emerging community needs in innovative ways. We embrace new approaches to complex
issues and strive to be a learning organization in order to remain relevant in our communities.

Decolonization and Reconciliation
The Society recognizes the devastating impacts of colonial and postcolonial policies on individual, community, and
intergenerational levels. We are committed to reducing systemic inequities, to Truth and Reconciliation, and to
serving Indigenous people with humility, safety, and respect.

our funding providers

ASK is a non-profit society that relies on local community organizations and government to provide funding that allows us to assist people in need. Here is a list of our current providers: