Central Okanagan Rent Bank | Forward Focus #1 | A Way Forward Podcast

Central Okanagan Rent Bank | Forward Focus #1 | A Way Forward Podcast

Author: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels April 2, 2025 Duration: 4:16

Welcome to the first episode of Forward Focus, our quick-hit, bit-sized episodes that gives you insight and information about the things you want to know.

Today's episode focuses on the Central Okanagan Rent Bank. CMHA Kelowna believes that everyone has the right to safe and affordable housing. The rising cost of living means that there are many people who are only a paycheque or two away from not being able to pay their rent. When we can remove the stress of choosing between paying rent and paying for life’s necessities like food – an incredible burden is lifted and leaves room for us to move forward in our lives. At CMHA Kelowna we have a mission to create a mentally healthy community, and we believe that having a place to call home is part of the foundation of good mental health.  

The Central Okanagan Rent Bank program helps to increase the housing stability in our community for individuals who are experiencing short-term financial difficulties. The rent bank offers interest–free repayable loans as well as access to relevant support services to eligible renters in the Central Okanagan (Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland).

To learn more about the Central Okanagan Rent Bank, visit https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/foundry-kelowna


Hosted by Jessica Samuels and presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association's Kelowna branch, A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health digs into the real-world factors that impact our psychological well-being. This isn't just a discussion of symptoms, but a thoughtful exploration of the societal, cultural, and personal stressors that weigh on us. Each episode moves beyond simply identifying problems to focus on practical approaches and tangible practices that can make a difference. You'll hear conversations that acknowledge how interconnected our mental health is with our physical fitness, our community, and the world around us. Supported by Beem Credit Union, the podcast provides a grounded space where complex topics feel accessible. Tuning in offers more than just insight; it’s about gathering useful information and realistic tools that you can apply to your own life. The goal is to leave each conversation with a clearer sense of direction and, as the title suggests, a genuine path toward resilience. This is a resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental health and find actionable strategies for themselves and their communities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 30

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Episode 27: Bridging the Gap: Bringing Foundry to the Westside [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to supp…
Episode 26: Mental Health in South Asian Communities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
In this episode of Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District’s A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by community advocate and b…
Episode 25: Rising Housing Costs & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:39
In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Jaime Edmondson (Beem Credit Union) and Mike Gawliuk (CEO CMHA Kelowna) to unpack how rising housing costs are impacting mental health across British Columbia.From rente…
Episode 24: Substance Use and Addiction: The Recovery Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction.This conversation goes beyo…
Episode 23: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
Episode OverviewThis episode explores the growing field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and how substances once heavily stigmatized are now being studied and used as treatments for mental health conditions. The conversat…
Episode 22: Complex Grief: Finding a Way Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
Grief is rarely simple. In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels explores Complex grief — the layered and often misunderstood experience of loss that can include trauma, unresolved relationships, sudden dea…
Episode 21: Relationships, Money, & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:02
In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels is joined by CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and Katie Bransfield, Director of Consumer Banking at Beem Credit Union, for a candid and practical conversation about how…
Episode 20: CRCL Kelowna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:00
In this episode, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Innovation & Project Development Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Jamie Lloyd-Smith to introduce CRCL (Crisis Response Community Led), an innovative new service operated by CM…
Episode 19: Navigating Mental Health as a Gay Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Matteo Stewart to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by gay men. Matteo shares his lived experience navigating identit…
Episode 18: Involuntary Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Episode 18: Involuntary CarePresented by: Beam Credit Union Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA KelownaEpisode OverviewIn this episode, Jessica Samuels speaks with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk about the…