Business Details
25 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Supportive Housing and Vocational Training for Mental Health Recovery
Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in the Central Okanagan region facing serious mental health challenges. Our mission focuses on providing supportive housing and therapeutic work programs that foster independence, dignity, and community integration. Through initiatives like Yard By Yard and Room By Room, we offer vocational training in landscaping and janitorial services, helping participants build skills and confidence. Our partnership with BC Interior Health and the BC Housing Commission strengthens our ability to deliver tailored support, including life skills training and 24/7 assisted living at Coral House.With over two decades of experience, we bridge healthcare and community needs, prioritizing personalized care plans and social inclusion. Our team combines professional expertise with lived experience, ensuring programs reflect both practical and emotional needs. We advocate for mental health awareness while empowering participants to achieve financial independence and sustainable employment. Transparency, compassion, and collaboration guide our approach to creating lasting change in the lives of those we serve.
Services
Supportive Housing
Therapeutic Work Programs
Vocational Planning Services
Landscaping Services
Janitorial Services
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in mental health support and vocational rehabilitation.
- Our programs are developed in collaboration with BC Interior Health and Housing Commission.
- We provide tax-deductible donation receipts and transparent financial accountability.
- Our team includes certified vocational rehabilitation professionals with specialized expertise.
- We offer 24/7 staff support at Coral House for intensive rehabilitative care needs.
What people say
Fantastic job performance
Life-changing support
Dedicated staff
Reliable landscaping services
Empowering programs
Services
Supportive Housing
Our supportive housing programs provide safe, community-based residences for individuals with mental health challenges. Each home offers 24/7 staff support, life skills training, and social activities to promote independence. Residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their specific needs and recovery goals.
Therapeutic Work Programs
Yard By Yard and Room By Room programs offer on-the-job training in landscaping and janitorial services. Participants develop work skills while receiving emotional support and leadership development. These transitional programs prepare individuals for sustainable employment in the local workforce.
Vocational Planning Services
This service helps program graduates transition to mainstream employment through resume development, job placement assistance, and workplace support. Certified professionals provide personalized coaching to match individual skills with community employment opportunities.
People
Larry Vandergrift
Executive Director
Larry founded OMHSS in 2001 after a decade with the Canadian Mental Health Association. His personal experience with mental health recovery informs his leadership approach. He oversees program development and community outreach initiatives.
Jessie Atkinson
Program Manager
Jessie manages the Room By Room janitorial program and vocational planning services. With field experience in both program delivery and client support, she coordinates training and employment transition strategies for participants.
Jennifer Pfliger
Housing Manager
Jennifer oversees Coral House and supportive housing programs. She coordinates referrals from Interior Health and ensures compliance with provincial assisted living regulations while managing daily operations.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide supportive housing, therapeutic work programs (landscaping/janitorial training), and vocational planning services for individuals with persistent mental health challenges.
How can I partner with your organization?
Local businesses can partner by hiring our trained teams for landscaping or cleaning services, or by offering employment opportunities to our program graduates.
Do you accept donations?
Yes, we are a registered charity accepting donations to support our housing and vocational programs. Tax receipts are provided for all contributions.
What areas do you serve?
Our services focus on the Central Okanagan region, including Kelowna and surrounding communities in British Columbia.
Is Coral House available for crisis support?
Coral House provides short-term intensive rehabilitative support for individuals transitioning from hospital care or experiencing mental health crises.
