NOW Canada Society - Kelowna, British Columbia

Sharon P.

Although there is an excellent effort toward providing a wide variety of options and resources for women in circumstances that are too varied to name, the quality of training to respond effectively leaves many women in a confused or uncomfortable situation at best. Having worked with traumatized, dysfunctional, mental health and addiction population in Vancouver 4o + years ,
it surprises me how they have structured this supposed safe place.
I am not going to get into further detail other than to say met some beautiful woman and chijuajua Joey sure got lots of love .
No pictures of course.
One suggestion I would offer would be not to have women have to exit the shelter at 8:00 am if the imposed curfew is missed, with a chance to re claim a spot if one is 'available ' at 8:00 that evening.
There are other options to correct this issue. Beds are in high demand , chances are slim of getting a bed back ,so the offer to return is ?
In my case , I got lost on my way back and was calling every few minutes asking for directions. Although assured all would be alright, the Boss
said differently and I had to leave at 8 in the morning.
I have questions about the level of training and skill level of the staff. This is the second time this shelter has fallen short for me personally.

Kaylin S.

I’m just a little bit taken back by the treatment at AG that my family member experienced. While she of course is not perfect, I’m having a difficult time wrapping my head around the lack of support and compassion that some of the workers show. I’m also having a difficult time understanding how it’s so easy to place a lifetime ban on someone in a low barrier shelter. I also work at shelter and we wouldn’t consider banning someone for life no matter what they did, even including a staff assault (this person didn’t assault staff, simply providing an example of typical shelter settings). Doesn’t seem like what it used to be (I was involved with NOW Canada since it opened as Servants Anonymous Society) there is an amazing amount of great work being done here, but let’s not forget compassion as front line workers, especially at shelter!

The V.

Kicked me out on the street at 19 for no reason. Rude teacher and cindy. Gov funded yet they treat the women bad luckily I had friends I stayed over at their place till I found a room to rent.

Loreen W.

They almost caused me to relapse & loose my life.
I was asked without prior warning, to leave the safe house I was in due to my night terrors and lucid dreams. I had never woken anyone up or disturbed during the night. Was told the evening prior that I was doing well, then was asked to leave, when I was alone at the house, the following day. If I didn't have the friend that picked me up and kept me safe, I wouldn't be sitting here. There was no additional support or explanation offered and I am deeply hurt, angry and baffled by this experience. That was the worst thing they could have put me thru in my first not even 2 weeks of sobriety.

Laurie L.

It is indeed inexplicable
how now Canada has benefitted my life and my endeavours in it. Now Canada certainly deserves the merit and grace of receiving the best charity award for a plethora of reasons. Firstly, now Canada provides a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing and targeting recidivism due to mental health, trauma and addiction issues in our present culture. Secondly, the staff is non judgemental, invested and dedicated to the women in all modalities of successful living. We are supported with cooking, budgeting, career, housing education and all other forms of options and services. Thirdly, the community of now Canada and their curriculum vitae are very well developed and are formulated with the most current research available for mental health issues. Consequently the women in now Canada have a supportive community based on individual needs that are served within the context of the greater community. Thanks ladies and to readers please vote for us. Thanks for retaining this submission and I wish you peace and happiness that I received in now Canada. Cheers

Shelley D.

NOW Canada has helped change my life. Through their Essentials Program and ongoing support I was able to recover from addiction, get my family back and I continue to live a healthy, happy and productive life. With my hard work and their guidance, anything is possible.

Marilee G.

What a great organization that continues to help women in need that want help. May your staff, board of directors, advisors, supporters, donors, and volunteers continue to be blessed as you focus on helping each woman.

ELLE