Desert Sun Counselling & Resource Centre

09/03/2026

SENIORS — DON’T WAIT FOR AN EMERGENCY TO MAKE A PLAN.

Desert Sun wants to help local seniors be prepared before an emergency or evacuation happens.

We are creating a Seniors Emergency Preparedness List for seniors in our community who may need extra support during an evacuation.

When you register with Desert Sun, we can help you:

✓ Get registered with Emergency Support Services (ESS) ahead of time
✓ Make a plan so you know what to do in an emergency
✓ Arrange transportation if an evacuation is triggered
✓ Navigate available emergency supports
✓ Find temporary accommodation when needed
✓ Stay connected with you throughout the emergency
✓ Let you know when it is safe to return home
✓ Provide transportation home

The best time to prepare is BEFORE an emergency happens.

If you are a senior — or you have a parent, neighbour, friend or loved one who may need extra support during an evacuation — please contact us to get registered.

📞 Call to register : 250-495-6925

Register now. Be prepared. Know you have support when you need it.

Please SHARE this post to help us reach seniors throughout our community.

08/31/2026

Celebrating 11 Years of Dedication – Congratulations, Leonard!

Today we want to recognize and celebrate someone very special to Desert Sun.

After an incredible 11 years of volunteer service, Leonard Gebhart is retiring from his volunteer role with our organization.

Leonard, for more than a decade you have generously given your time, energy, kindness, and commitment to Desert Sun and the people we serve. Volunteers like you are such an important part of our organization, and your years of dedicated service have made a lasting impact.

We are incredibly grateful for everything you have contributed over the past 11 years. Your willingness to show up, lend a hand, and support our work and our community has meant more than we can say.

Leonard, we appreciate you, we honour you, and we thank you.

Congratulations on your volunteer retirement and on 11 remarkable years with Desert Sun. You will always be part of the Desert Sun family. We wish you all the very best in this next chapter!

08/20/2026

Looking for counselling support without a long wait?

Did you know Desert Sun offers Fee for Service Counselling for individuals who may not qualify for our free counselling programs but are looking for professional mental health support?

Desert Sun also provides FREE counselling services for women experiencing domestic violence through our Stop the Violence program, as well as free counselling support for men.

Our Fee for Service Counselling is a paid option available to anyone seeking additional support. Our counsellors offer support for a variety of concerns, including:

• Grief and loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Relationship challenges
• Addiction-related concerns
• Stress and life transitions
• Building coping skills and resilience
• And more

Not sure if a counsellor is the right fit? Clients receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation before booking a session.

While Desert Sun does not offer direct billing, clients with extended health benefits may be able to submit their counselling receipts to their benefit provider for reimbursement, depending on their individual plan.

With counselling wait lists often long throughout the South Okanagan, our Fee for Service program may be a great alternative for those looking to access support sooner.

Meet our Fee for Service Counsellors:
Visit desertsun.ca/feeforservice and click on each counsellor's bio to learn more about their experience, areas of practice and services.

Or call the Desert Sun office for more information:
250-498-2538 ext. 0

You don't have to wait to start getting the support you're looking for.

08/19/2026

Join Us for Desert Sun's Annual General Meeting!

You're invited to our 2026 Annual General Meeting as we reflect on another year of impact, celebrate our community, and look ahead to what's next.

Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – Meeting Room

Come learn about the difference your support has made over the past year, hear exciting updates about our programs and services, and connect with fellow community members who share a passion for making the South Okanagan a stronger, healthier place for everyone.

Everyone is welcome!

To RSVP, please contact our office (250-498-2538 ext. "0" ) or email [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Look what’s coming up this week at Desert Sun!

There’s lots happening in Oliver and Osoyoos this week! Check out our upcoming programs, activities and opportunities to connect.

Summerland evacuees are welcome to join us. We’d love to have you!

Check out the graphic for all the details and please share to help us spread the word.

08/14/2026

Our friends at First are sponsoring this!

08/14/2026

Check out what’s happening next week at Desert Sun!

We have a variety of programs and activities happening in our communities, and Summerland evacuees are warmly welcome to join us.

Whether you’re looking for a meal, an activity, some connection, or simply a welcoming place to spend some time, we’d love to have you.

Take a look at the graphic for next week’s schedule and please share with anyone who may benefit.