The Pre-Employment Supports Program (PESP) is available to assist OKIB members and members of seven other local Indian bands learn the skills to find work and to explore job possibilities and to share successes and to take a cooperative approach to training and support. Referrals come from the Band Social Development workers who connect people with program staff. Services are available for members ages 18-64.
Pre-Employment Supports Team
- Glenda Louis, Community Employment Lead
- Ivy Gregoire, Pre-Employment Supports Program Administrative Assistant
- Randi Robins, PESP Caseworker
- Brianna Andrews, Band Social Development Worker
- Natalie Wilson, Social Development Assistant
- Jeanette Alexander, Pre-Employment Supports Case Worker for Upper Nicola Indian Band
- Julie Brewer, Pre-Employment Supports Case Worker
- Vacant, Pre-Employment Supports Case Worker
- Vanessa Edgar, Pre-Employment Supports Case Worker
The Pre-Employment Supports team has contribution agreements with, and administers a variety of programs and services on behalf of the following funders:
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
• Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)
• Okanagan Training and Development Council (OTDC)
• First Peoples Cultural Council (FPCC)
• BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)
• Child Care Operating Fund through contribution agreements
• First Nations Education Steering Committee
• Tripartite Contribution Agreement.
The Pre-Employment Supports services fall within the following sub-departments:
Health
- Home and community care
- Adult in home care
- Community health promotion
- Mental health
- Addictions
- Patient travel
Child and Family Services
- Family support
Social Development
- Income assistance
- Membership Services
- Employment and training (OTDC)
- Education
- nkmaplqs i snmamayatn ikl sqilxwtet (Cultural Immersion School)
- Snc’c’amala?tn Early Childhood Education Centre
The Pre-Employment Supports staff will work to together to provide a safe, confidential, culturally sensitive, health, wellness and family service options for Okanagan Indian Band Members of all ages. It is our intention to provide abundant opportunities to assist our community in achieving life balance and wellness.