Footprints Centre

Main Contact:

Mindy Rollins, Program Manager

Phone: (250) 492-5289 Fax: (250) 492-5239

Footprints provides technology training and employment programs to persons with disabilities in the Okanagan Valley. Footprints is a partnership between the Penticton Indian Band and the Neil Squire Society. Programs include:

Working Together Program

Provides wage subsidies to employers to hire people with disabilities throughout the Okanagan Valley.  Any person who self declares a disability and has not had employment insurance for three years is eligible.  Eligible employers must be in business for a year and have less than 500 employees and be able to produce payroll documents.  The 8 week employability program is available onsite and can be taken to fit your schedule.

Access equipment has been made available for the community use for people who have low vision (large print device) and limited hearing.  For those wearing hearing aids a looped system has been installed at OSCS gym and a portable looped system is available for booking.  There a large print software available to use at Footprints. There are also many devices to help reduce pain and increase use of computer stations at Footprints for demonstration.

We are now offering Money Management and UP Skills from ABC Life Literacy.  We are now certified to offer Thriving and Surviving Cancer and Chronic Pain Management programs via University of Victoria, Center on Aging.  Courses are offered regularly.

Technology at Work

We can help facilitate application to this program, which is run out of the Burnaby Neil Squire Society office. Accessible equipment and an occupational therapist’s assessment can be applied for to reduce disability related barriers at work. You must be employed to be eligible.

EMPLOY-ABILITY

  • A 8 week pre-employment program
  • Modules on: career development, assistive technology, wellness for work, job search, work readiness

DISTANCE COMPUTER COMFORT

  • Free online computer skills tutoring
  • A great starting point for adults with disabilities to develop basic computer skills
  • Self-paced, client-centered learning
  • Ongoing technical support
  • Can participate from your own home or a community site

PAST PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY NAVIGATORS 2008 – 2012

  • For Aboriginals with Disabilities on Reserve
  • Community Navigators are leaders in their communities. We recruit and train Aboriginal Peers and Elders to provide Peer Support.
  • Help link Aboriginals on Reserve provide information and referrals to community and Band services.

Links

Mindy Rollins
Program Manager
Phone: (250) 492-5289
Fax: (250) 492-5239

 

Mindy Rollins has over 25 years experience in the community services sector with various non-profits and 15 years in management of teams and programs. Since 2003 she has been with Penticton Indian band; first as an Organizational Director to help develop the Okanagan Nation Family Intervention Services and start the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House. Then as program manager at the Footprints Centre. She has past experience as an employment and rehabilitation counselor for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Mindy facilitates all programs at the centre. Mindy holds a bachelor of social work from the University of Victoria. “Empowering people to find their own path and move towards their goals is always inspiring and I believe that access to computers can open the world for people of any age and ability.”

Terry Terbasket
Program Coordinator
Phone: (250) 492-5289
Fax: (250) 492-5239

 

Terry Terbasket has been employed by the Penticton Indian Band for over 15 years and has experience in the Education Department. She was also the employment counselor for many years. Terry has facilitated the employability programs, Gift of Self Esteem and Chronic Conditions programs at Footprints. She assisted on the Skills Link youth employment program for over two years which became the Footprints to Technology Centre. She also worked on the Aboriginal workforce employment initiative encouraging youth connection and employer education. Terry facilitates all programs at the centre.