Princeton & District Community Services Society
47 Harold Ave V0X 1W0 Princeton, BC, Canada

Free, weekly, 1 hour virtual Wellness Exchange sessions for community members.

Looking for volunteers! We are looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels and our Adult Day Program Meals on wheels are delivered Mondays to Fridays starting at 11:30am. It takes approximately an hour to deliver meals and you can sign up to deliver depending on your schedule. Our Meals on Wheels clientele has grown quite a bit since the November floods and we could use the help getting meals out! ... The Adult Day program provides a social/recreational opportunity for local seniors. We are always welcoming volunteers to join in on activities, share hobbies and talents, entertain or merely enjoy the company of participants. All volunteers must complete a criminal record check for the purposes of working with vulnerable individuals. If you are interested in volunteering, give our office a call at 250-295-6666 or email [email protected].

HIRING for a Community Navigator. Please share this exciting employment opportunity far and wide. The Community Navigator works out of Princeton’s Resiliency Center located at 137 Tapton Avenue under the direction of Princeton’s Recovery Manager. This is a one-year employment contract with Princeton & District Community Services funded by United Way British Columbia....Continue reading

Red Cross has relocated to the Beaupre building at 137 Tapton Avenue.

Volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers needed!!! Meals are delivered Mondays to Fridays at approximately 11:45am. It generally takes a half hour to an hour to deliver all meals, and we can use you as much or as little as you'd like! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact our offices at 250-295-6666 or email [email protected].

From now until the end of June, we will be offering Meals on Wheels 5 days per week (Monday to Friday). Thank you to United Way British Columbia for this additional funding! PDCSS has a short term subsidy to assist with the cost of meals for those who need it. Thank you to the Princeton Chamber of Commerce for their generous donation. Meals are freshly prepared at a cost of $8.00 and are delivered to your door at approximately 12:00 noon.... To sign up for Meals on Wheels or access a menu, please call our offices at 250-295-6666, or email [email protected]. We are also looking for volunteer delivery drivers! If you are interested in volunteering please contact our offices at 250-295-6666, or email [email protected]. It generally takes an hour to deliver meals, and we can work around your schedule .

We are hiring! Interested applicants please apply to the below email. The residential programs consists of a two bedroom house, and a six unit self-contained apartment complex, located in close proximity next to one another, providing semi-independent living opportunities to adults with disabilities who give and receive support to each other, encouraging further integration into the community. Support services are available 24 hours a day.... Position: Residential Weekend Supervisor Status: Regular Part Time Worksite: Victoria House Shift Times: 0800-1600 (with half hour unpaid meal break) Shift Pattern: Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays Classification Grid: 30 Wage: $24.20-$26.37 Scope of Work: Oversees the weekend day-to-day operations of the residential program, provides ongoing supervision of the staff and scheduling for staff calling in sick. Functions and Responsibilities 1. Supervises staff by performing duties such as assigning work, orienting new staff, and maintaining timekeeping and attendance records. Resolves staffing problems, including calling in staff to ensure appropriate staffing levels. 2. Provides leadership and guidance to staff, residents and families as required. 3. Maintain and monitor petty cash for program and clients. 4. Ensures the cleanliness, safety, security and maintenance of the residence either directly or through delegation to staff. 5. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications. 1. Grade 12 2. Class 4 Driver's License an asset 3. Certified in First Aid and Food Safe 4. Non Violence Crisis Intervention training an asset 5. Clear criminal record check 6. Recent, related experience of one year Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work Skills and Abilities -Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position -Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others -Ability to operate related equipment; including working knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook systems -Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing -Ability to organize and prioritize -Ability to recognize changes in clients -Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients -Ability to instruct -Ability to analyze and resolve problems -Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills -Advocacy skills Posting Date: January 7, 2021 Closing Date: January 13, 2021 Start Date: ASAP Apply to: [Email hidden]

Over the past few weeks, gifts, treats and letters have been delivered to PDCSS for the Vermilion Court residents. Today we enjoyed a Christmas luncheon where the residents received those gifts and saw how much their community cares about them. There were a lot of surprised and smiling faces Thank you to everyone who took the time to write letters, bake goodies and find gifts to bring some joy to the residents during a time when it is so needed. Your generosity and compassi...on helped make today’s celebration much more special. Huge shout out to Grace and Dayton Wales for donating their time and skills to cook a delicious turkey meal for everyone. Also big thanks to Heather Herrick for initiating the Adopt a Senior drive; we are hopeful connections have been made that will last beyond the holiday season. Happy Holidays Princeton!

https://sowins.com/mobile-outreach/ The South Okanagan Women in Need Society sets up their mobile harm reduction unit in Princeton every Friday to provide drug checking through fentanyl test strips, as well as other harm reduction measures.

Due to the quick accumulation of snow and a travel advisory we will not be running our Princeton to Penticton bus today. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay safe everyone!

Applications open today: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//content/economic-/recovery-benefit -Everyone, regardless of whether you are or not on provincial income or disability assistance, will need to apply separately to receive the BC Recovery Benefit. The application process will open online on December 18th, with telephone support available starting December 21st.... -Ministry clients who receive the BC Recovery Benefit will be able to keep it in addition to any income and disability amounts for which they are eligible. -In addition to the BC Recovery Benefit, there is a $150 per adult per month BC Recovery Supplement for people receiving income assistance, hardship assistance, provincial disability assistance, or comforts payments. Also, some eligible Senior's Supplement recipients will receive the BC Recovery Supplement. -People who are receiving federal benefits, including the Canada Recovery Benefits (CRB, CRSB, CRCB) or Employment Insurance (EI) will not receive this supplement. -The BC Recovery Supplement will be automatically added to cheques issued January through March 2021 (February through April benefit months). There is no need to apply for it. -It does indeed look like the $300 monthly COVID-19 Crisis Supplement is being replaced with the BC Recovery Supplement. The last payment date of the $300 COVID-19 Crisis Supplement is December 16, 2020 (for January benefit month) and December 22,2020 for seniors receiving the senior's supplement. See more

Please be advised that effective December 15, 2020 Vermilion Court will no longer offer hospitality services such as meals, housekeeping and security. This decision was not made lightly and comes after years of deficits and discussions amongst the PDCSS Board of Directors. To clarify, Vermilion Court is not closing and PDCSS will not be asking any residents to move. Residents will be met with individually by Interior Health case managers to assess their care needs and PDCSS ...will meet with them to discuss their monthly rental payments which will be adjusted to reflect the reduction in services. This has been an emotional situation for staff, residents and families. We have spoken to families who have already started advocating for the seniors of Princeton and we are aware that town council will be advocating as well. PDCSS will continue to work on ways to support the seniors living in the building which will include a meal option plan for not only the residents but the community seniors as well. It is our hope that a meal option would result in the seniors in the building being able to stay in their homes. To be clear, Vermilion Court has never had global funding to operate as a true assisted living facility. Hospitality services have always been funded by tenant contributions but as the costs to provide these services increase, the tenant fees in no way cover these costs. Princeton we are heartbroken to make this announcement. It is not our mission to reduce services but the financial impact to the society could threaten our other programs. We assure you that we will do everything in our power to find ways to keep the residents of Vermilion Court safe and secure. Questions can be directed to our office at 250. 250. 6666 or [email protected]

I am Raving again!!! It's so very nice to have recognition where it is due and our community has such wonderful care aids. Again, this is something I think we... as a community can be proud and supportive of. As I said before, for the past 4 years I have nominated one or two of our incredible care aides at Princeton & District Community Services Society for an award to toot the praises of what we and the rest of our clients already know, I guess this was the year they listened. This year for the Assisted Living Facility category our own Lynette Boyd was chosen as a finalist for BC Care Provider of the Year for 2020 in Assisted Living. So please have a look at the article and let’s be proud to have her recognized for serving our seniors. See more

https://www.similkameenspotlight.com//princeton-man-prom/#

Happy Thanksgiving from PDCSS! This year we are thankful for a supportive community and our dedicated staff and volunteers. Wishing everyone a healthy happy holiday filled with love and laughter

Are you 18 years of age or older? Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who is at least 50 years old and who has mental health concerns, e.g. feels d...epressed or anxious? Perhaps they struggle with substance use? If you answered YES to the above questions, you may be eligible to take part in a research study about YOUR perspectives and experiences of being there for your friend/family member. The goal for this initiative is to understand how to enhance the well-being of adults 50 years and older with mental health concerns in your community and improve the quality of your relationships. Your help will be greatly appreciated! See more

We are so proud of this crew!!!

Another scam to be made aware of :( We have had reports of a man calling seniors in the community to advise them that they have won the Spokane Lottery. Not unlike other scams, the caller is asking the senior to send them money in order to receive their winnings. Apparently the caller is quite aggressive on the phone. We are aware of one senior sending money initially, but then being contacted again to send further funds in order to receive their prize. This has been reported to the RCMP. We encourage those with senior and/or vulnerable family and friends to discuss phone and email scams with them. If you yourself feel you are being scammed, please reach out to someone you trust to discuss the situation and/or call the RCMP. These scams circulate frequently and can sound legitimate to some. Be vigilant and look out for each other!

Older deep freezer for sale. Has some dings and scratches but still does the job! 33"deep 44.5"L 24 1/4"W Asking $50... Call PDCSS at 250-295-6666 for more info. (SOLD) pending pickup

Huge thanks to Kim English, Community Foundation South Okanagan, and Councillor Barb Gould for tonight’s 50 Impactful People Event! What a creative way to allow local charities to raise funds during a time when fundraising efforts are difficult and aren’t always a priority while we all navigate 2020. And a big shout out to Jessica McIvor for getting in front of the mic and pitching to the crowd! Jess has a knack for public speaking and we are so grateful that she was willing to speak on behalf of PDCSS tonight. These funds will go directly to moving our New Beginnings Day Program including accessibility features, additional storage and furniture items.

Volunteers needed with Red Cross BC & Yukon! You can help people get vital health equipment with the Health Equipment Loan Program, or assist with fire, flood and other disaster recovery efforts. Find your opportunity here http://bit.ly/2WLNZRp

Different people respond differently to smoke, and some people are at higher risk of experiencing health effects. The BCCDC recommends the following groups of p...eople reduce their exposure to smoke: ~ People with pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes ~ Women who are pregnant ~ Infants and small children ~ Elderly Healthy people can be affected by wildfire smoke too. Everyone responds differently, so listen to your body and reduce your exposure if the smoke is affecting you. Learn more about how you can prepare and stay safe: http://www.bccdc.ca//prevention-public-heal/wildfire-smoke

Princeton Family Services Society invites you to check out our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Princeton-Family-Services-Society-104752214699916

Great chance to make a difference in our community - be IMPACTFUL - and have some fun.

Jess is hard at work getting our new location for New Beginnings ready! With COVID causing the closure of our day programs, we have had ample time to work with our clients to make the space something they can be proud of! Our new location will be located at 120 Veteran's Way. Thank you to the Town of Princeton and Community Foundations of Canada for assisting us in making this move happen! And a huge shout out to Robin Spedding with her "eye" for design and hard work seeing this project to fruition. We aren't done yet! PDCSS will be attending the 50 Impactful People event on September 17, 2020 in hopes of winning the grand prize to add more accessibility features to the building :)

Fifty+ Impactful People of Princeton event postponed until September 17th. PDCSS will be there pitching to raise money toward moving our New Beginning day program to a new space!

Attention BCTransit Riders: BCTransit, in alignment with TransLink and other transportation agencies, will be proceeding with mandatory use of face coverings on buses in BCTransit communities across the province as of August 24, 2020 Accommodations will be permitted for children under the age of five and those that cannot wear a face covering for health reasons. Your patience and understanding is appreciated. If you have any further questions please contact our office at 250-295-6666

It's official, folks! The federal bill offering a 1-time #COVID benefit for Canadians with #disabilities has now received formal approval! Our thanks to all who... worked hard to make this happen, especially Minister Carla Qualtrough! Anyone (child, adult, senior) approved for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC), CPP Disability or Veterans disability benefits will automatically receive it - no need to apply. If you have a disability but never applied for the DTC, now is a good time to do it so you can get the one-time $600 federal #COVIDdisability benefit and other ongoing #disability supports. Need help applying? Our friends at Plan Institute and British Columbia Aboriginal Network On Disability Society (BCANDS) can help (for free)!

Over the weekend PDCSS received many concerning reports of an individual posing as a PDCSS employee going door to door soliciting information about our clients and employees. This individual is NOT a PDCSS employee and would not have the authority or credentials to conduct investigations surrounding our clients or staff. We would like to assure the community that there are no circumstances in which a PDCSS or CLBC staff member would solicit information door to door. We take our duty to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our staff and clients very seriously. A police file has been opened and we encourage any community members who may be approached by this individual to either contact the RCMP or our office directly at 250-295-6666 or [email protected]

PDCSS will be there. Come out and show your support!! https://www.cfso.net/princeton-district-legacy-fund/

https://www.facebook.com/125668670529/posts/10158902431985530/?d=n Be aware everyone and make sure to pass the message along to your senior friends and relatives

Community Home Support Worker wanted! Internal/External Posting #26-2020 Nature of Position: Casual Rate of Pay: Grid Level 21; starts at $22.38 per hour... Functions and Responsibilities: -Assists clients with tasks as outlined on designated Care Plan -Performs delegated tasks according to training and procedures -Submits current, accurate and confidential client reports -Organize the tasks in the home to use all the time allotted to best advantage -Observe and report any changes in clients mental/physical attitude to the LPN Supervisor -Assists with Adult Day Program as required -Performs other related duties as required. Requirements: -Negative TB Test Results -Criminal Record Check (completed inter office) -Valid Driver's License -Completed Physician's approval of health Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills: -Must be a Registered Care Aide with active status on Care Aide Registry -Three to six months prior job experience working with seniors -Must display a proven ability to calmly and effectively work with individuals with complex behavioural and emotional needs. -Must display enthusiasm, energy, and a willingness to be flexible in adapting to a varied schedule. -Must be physically able and willing to meet all physical demands of the job -Must be comfortable and willing to work independently Own Vehicle Requirements: Yes, with business use and a minimum of $1 million 3rd party liability Posting Date: June 17, 2020 Closing Date: June 24, 2020 Start Date: TBD Apply to: [email protected] or complete application and hand in at 47 Harold Avenue, Princeton B.C., Monday to Friday 9:00am-3:00pm (*no phone calls please) *only short listed applicants will be contacted

We would like to clear up any confusion or misinformation in regards to the discontinuation of our Meals on Wheels Program. Please know that transitional plans are in place for all of our current meal recipients. No recipient will go without meals after June 26 when PDCSS will be closing the program. Prepared meal options are available at our local hospital and we have been approached by a local catering company who delivers hot meals as well. We will be circulating this comp...any's menu to our current recipients as another available option for meals. Further constructive conversations have been had over the past couple of days with community members interested in finding a viable solution. We will not disclose those names or the nature of the discussions at this time to avoid confusion and possible misinformation. PDCSS values each and every one of our clients, and understands the necessity of balanced nutritional meals. Rest assured that we have no intention of leaving any of our recipients without meals after June 26th and will continue working with them individually during the transitional period. We encourage those of you with questions to contact the Society directly to avoid further confusion. [email protected]; [email protected] 250-295-6666