North Okanagan to be Home to $1.6 Million Facility for Children with Special Needs

A brand new facility for children with special needs will be built in the North Okanagan thanks to a community initiative.

Construction on the new $1.6 million facility was made possible thanks to the initiative called Build the Clubhouse and will provide services for more than 700 children and youth with special needs and their families. NONA Child Development Centre provides these services in the North Okanagan and will run the new facility.

According to NONA, the increasing number of children and youth who are diagnosed each year with Autism Spectrum Disorder is driving the need for more space and more appropriate resources.

The new facility will be called The Clubhouse and will double the number of therapy rooms, offer specialized learning opportunities for feeding and life skills, and allow for onsite access to supplies and unique teaching materials.

The facility was made possible thanks to community fundraising and generous support from local businesses, community services clubs, foundations, and individuals.

“Our fundraising volunteers have really gotten the project off the ground and are continuing to seek support in the community,” said campaign chair Ian Laidlaw of Baron Insurance. “We have a ways to go, but they are committed to seeing this new facility built because they recognize the need for service is growing quickly and they also know the value of a top-quality facility in helping each child reach their potential.”

The new Clubhouse will be built adjacent to the existing facility, creating a seamless campus for families. The three-story facility will be built by Vernon’s Silver Rock Land Corp and will include a learning kitchen, 10 therapy rooms, a gymnasium, and a third floor will be available on a long-term lease to a tenant, which will help pay operating costs.

“We are delighted to have already received donations and pledges totalling nearly $700,000. On behalf of our families and staff, NONA is very appreciative to the community for their generous donations and to the volunteers who are helping us Build the Clubhouse for the North Okanagan,” said NONA’s Board Chair Janice Foster.

The public is welcome to make donations to help Build the Clubhouse. For more information about programs and services offered at NONA visit their website.