Building belonging and hope: arc programs strengthen communities in the Okanagan and West Kootenay

When Candice Henriques talks about the work of arc programs, she keeps returning to one word: connection.

“For us, it’s in the best interest of every child and youth to form and maintain lasting, supportive family relationships and to remain connected to their communities of belonging,” says Henriques, CEO of arc programs. “That principle of connection and support extends to families and adults across our regions. It is really at the heart of everything we do.”

For more than 35 years, arc programs has been a cornerstone of community-based social services in the Okanagan and West Kootenay. What began in 1989 as group homes for youth in care has evolved into a multi-service CARF-accredited agency offering a range of services, including school-based mental health supports, substance use programs, specialized care homes, family treatment programs and community living services for adults with developmental disabilities.

“We’ve always understood that children, youth and families need more than a place to stay,” says Henriques. “They need holistic, community-based supports that address mental well-being, belonging and connection. That has been our guiding philosophy from the start.”

Values at the centre

Those principles are reflected in the organization’s social purpose: arc programs exists to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope. arc’s work is grounded in values such as collaboration, inclusion, cultural humility, justice, accountability and sustainability.

“Relationships shape everything we do,” Henriques says. “We work alongside funders, schools, Indigenous communities and local agencies to make sure services are not only responsive but also relevant and respectful. We believe the best solutions come when many voices are heard.”

That commitment includes embedding reconciliation into daily practice. The organization’s Reconciliation Statement acknowledges the ongoing impacts of colonialism and commits to transformative action.

“We have intentionally embraced the path of decolonization and reconciliation,” says Henriques. “It has been a privilege to be welcomed by Indigenous partners, to walk alongside them and to expand our learning and practices. These partnerships have not only improved access to culturally relevant services but have also deepened trust and strengthened relationships.”

Family Connection Centre

Among its many programs, Henriques highlights the CYSN Central Okanagan Family Connection Centre (FCC) in Kelowna as a source of pride. The FCC was built with input from Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, agencies and families, shaping everything from the physical design of the space to the programs offered.

“As a pilot program, in less than two years, the Family Connection Centre has served over 2,000 families with diverse and complex needs,” Henriques says. “Families consistently tell us they feel welcomed, supported and connected, not just to services, but to one another and to their community.”

The FCC integrates prevention, therapeutic supports and care coordination, offering families a holistic model that helps them navigate systems that are often fragmented and complex.

“It really embodies our philosophy,” Henriques adds. “When you create spaces where people feel they belong, everything else flows from that.”

Facing challenges, finding innovation

Like many organizations in the sector, arc programs faces challenges with sustainable funding and growing demand. But Henriques sees opportunities in those challenges.

“We are working with another social service organization that specializes in technology to develop our own case management and database system,” she says. “Technology and data, when used wisely, can strengthen accountability and illuminate impact. They allow us to tell the story of our relational work, not just about what we do, but how we do it.”

arc programs also responds to challenges by leaning into collaboration. Earlier this year, the organization co-hosted the Every Child, Every Day Conference with several partners, including the FCC, BGC Okanagan and the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓əmálaʔ Indigenous Early Years table.

The event brought together more than 250 early childhood educators and service providers from over 70 organizations.

“The strength of connection and collaboration that filled the space was not only uplifting, but a meaningful act of care that continues to ripple out into the community,” says Henriques.

Community collaboration

That spirit of collaboration extends to every level of arc programs’ work. Staff participate in dozens of committees, working groups and community tables across the Okanagan and West Kootenay regions, often in leadership roles.

For example, arc programs co-chairs the Central Okanagan FASD Awareness Committee with the YMCA and is helping launch a new FASD Awareness Committee in the West Kootenay regions. Its Family Connection Centre also serves as a hub for collaborative learning, hosting community screening sessions with partners on shared issues of concern.

“Collaboration is not just something we do, it is our first value,” says Henriques. “We believe in decentralized decision-making and shared responsibility. That is what ensures our services are shaped not just by our organization, but by the communities we serve.”

The role of The Federation

Being part of The Federation of Community Social Services of BC helps amplify arc programs’ work.

“The Federation plays an essential role in supporting us,” Henriques says. “It connects us with colleagues across the province, strengthens our collective voice and provides sector-wide learning opportunities. That solidarity helps us keep building equitable and inclusive systems of care.”

As arc programs looks to the future, Henriques says the focus remains clear: connection, belonging and hope.

“Our work has always been about relationships,” she says. “When people feel they belong, when they feel supported, they thrive. That is what drives us, and that is what will continue to guide us.”

If you are a member of the Federation, liked the article and want to see your organization featured in this series, send an email to giovani@fcssbc.ca.