Funded by the Notary Foundation of BC June 2007
Introduction
The Guide to Free Advocacy and Legal Resources in the South Okanagan/Similkameen provides information to advocates, service providers, and people who are advocating on their own behalf about free resources to help resolve non-criminal, administrative or civil law issues.
The information is, to the best of our knowledge, up-to-date at the time of publication; however, given that rapid change is to be expected, readers are encouraged to ALWAYS check directly with each resource to ensure that it is current.
Locations where you will be able to speak to someone about your situation include: the Penticton & Area Women’s Centre, South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society, Legal Information Outreach Worker, Legal Aid, Salvation Army Family Services Law Clinic, Court House, Services BC, Ooknakane Friendship Centre, South Okanagan Women in Need Society, and the offices of the MLA or MP. For issues that cannot be addressed through local resources, there are references to telephone services and websites that provide legal and advocacy information. Many of the printed materials mentioned are available throughout the South Okanagan/Similkameen at community agencies.
Table of Contents
For some people, the stress of trying to find information and to work their way through serious issues can affect their emotional well-being. The Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those seeking emotional support in trying times. The Crisis Line provides crisis management, referrals, and community information. Collect calls are accepted from the South Okanagan/Similkameen Region.
250-493-6622 or visit www.needcrisis.bc.ca (Note: as of this winter of 08/09, the Crisis Line is temporarily unavailable.)
We welcome feedback about the Guide. Please contact us with your comments.
Many resources have been used in compiling this Guide. In particular, the following websites have been very helpful: Legal Services Society of BC; MOSAIC: Public Legal Education Project for Newcomers 2004; and the UBC Law Students Manual .
We are grateful to the Notary Foundation of BC for a grant to research and print copies of this Guide.
Copywright 2008 Penticton & Area Womens Centre info@pawc.ca
Reasha Wolfe, Webmaster
reashalaine@hotmail.com