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: 27

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Episode 14: Debt & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:03
In this powerful episode, Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk sit down with Maggie Sinclair from Beam Credit Union to unpack the current reality of debt in Canada—and the deep mental health impacts that often come with it.…
Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and…
Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:26
In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving. As…
Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore…
Episode 10: Housing First & Complex Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addres…
Episode 9: Exploring Counselling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:54
Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward, Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counsellin…
Episode 8: Mental Health in Heavy Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
Welcome to Season 2 of A Way Forward, presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk discuss strategies for managing mental health during turbulent times. With a…
Episode 7: Loneliness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
In Episode 7 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO, Mike Gawliuk to dive into the topic of loneliness—what it truly means,…
Episode 6: The State of Mental Health in Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:38
In Episode 6 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, to discuss findings from the State of Mental Health in…