Here’s a look at the key highlights shaping our year ahead.
April
April began with more than 85 staff members and collaborative partners gathering at Spero House to celebrate World Health Day. This event highlighted the vital connection between housing and health, and how we have adapted our services to embed healthcare within program housing at Spero. Through on-site access to physicians, nurses, counselling, and a full clinic, we are working to remove barriers for those who have complex health needs and are living with opioid dependency. Meanwhile, our Merritt team conducted the Point-in-Time Count, which helped create a clearer understanding of homelessness and unmet housing needs in the region. This process utilized anonymous surveys and data collection and is intended to assist and inform on future support efforts.
Our leadership remained actively engaged in broader conversations this quarter. Executive Officer, Bob Hughes, and Peer Coordinator, Taylor Pridy, took part in a research panel at Thompson Rivers University for the Maverick Research Project. Drawing on lived experience and deep knowledge gained through multiple decades of working in social services, they shared valuable insights on recovery-focused care with the community.
April was also a time of remembrance and action. ASK staff joined the Penticton community in marking nine years since the declaration of the BC Provincial Toxic Drug Crisis as a public health emergency. Together, we honoured lost lives and recommitted to creating safer paths forward.
We also launched the ASK Newsletter, a new monthly digest featuring program updates, peer stories, moments of impact, and upcoming events. It has quickly become a staff favourite, helping keep teams and partners connected.
As April drew to a close, members of our administrative team, alongside Executive Officer Bob Hughes, visited 346 Campbell Avenue to check on the progress of The Confluence, our upcoming affordable housing project in partnership with BC Housing. Seeing the early stages of construction firsthand was an exciting moment that truly helped staff members see the vision of the project coming to life.
May
In May, we stood in solidarity on Red Dress Day to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). In Kamloops, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc hosted a community event and Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society organized a march and gathering of remembrance. In Penticton, staff and dedicated peer navigators had the honour of participating in a community ceremony. We were proud to witness one of the peers sing and play her drum during the march along Okanagan Lake.
May also brought forward celebration and healing. Participants in the Peer Navigation Program in Kamloops and Penticton graduated from the program after months of in-depth training in cultural safety and community care, marking robust personal growth. Throughout the programming, individuals were guided by Bernice Jensen through various Indigenous teachings, such as creating beaded spiders and medicine pouch necklaces, which are symbols of resilience and cultural connection.
June
June maintained the momentum with a strong focus on action, visibility, and community building. Staff across our regions participated in GoByBike Week, choosing active transportation and demonstrating environmental responsibility. We also led Rise-Up Merritt, a new and ongoing community cleanup effort that focuses on bringing people together to revitalize public spaces.
A standout highlight of the quarter was planning our largest Coordinators Conference yet, which included two energizing days of connection, sharing, and future planning. Staff from Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton gathered to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn together.
Pride Month sparked vibrant celebrations across ASK and across the regions we serve. We participated in a Kamloops Pride Open House, marched in Penticton’s Walkin’ and Rollin’ Parade, and brought colour and flair to the Kamloops Pride Parade with our pirate-themed float. These moments were both joyful and meaningful affirmations of our commitment to inclusion, belonging, and respect for all identities.
Throughout the spring, participants in our Community Living Program and MSR Programs, enjoyed a series of meaningful outdoor experiences. In April, they explored local wildlife at the BC Wildlife Park. In May, they visited the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge, and in June, they took a fun-filled trip to Kangaroo Creek Farm. These outings fostered connection, well-being, and a sense of community through time spent in nature.
On June 21, we proudly joined Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and community partners for a collaborative celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Held on the beautiful Tk̓emlúps Powwow Grounds, the free, family-friendly event honoured Indigenous culture, resilience, and joy through music, dance, and storytelling. The celebration was hosted in collaboration with Lii Michif Otipemisiwak, Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Two Rivers Métis Society, and the City of Kamloops. We are honoured to have been a part of this collaboration and extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners and to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc for welcoming us to celebrate on their territory.
As we enter this next quarter, we want to give a shoutout to our staff, peers, partners, and supporters! To each and every one of you, thank you. Every step forward is because of your dedication and belief in our mission.
Here’s to the next chapter of 2025. Let’s keep building it together.
