About Us

OCCA Communities Association

 

The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometers, from Peachland to Vernon.

We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.

About Us

At OCCA, we believe that vibrant communities are built when people of all backgrounds come together in mutual understanding and support. We offer a range of services and programs to meet the diverse needs of newcomers and equity-deserving groups, helping them overcome barriers and succeed at every stage of their journey.

Our work includes:

• Language Training and Translation Services: We offer ESL programs, language classes, and translation support for medical, legal, and essential appointments, ensuring that language is never a barrier to integration.
• Employment and Skills Training: Our job fairs, networking events, and skills training programs help immigrants match their qualifications with job opportunities, fostering economic independence.
• Childcare Programs: We provide culturally safe childcare programs that help immigrant families raise their children while easing the transition into Canadian life.
• Civic Engagement and Volunteerism: We encourage newcomers to participate actively in civic life through volunteerism, democratic processes, and community involvement.
• Social and Cultural Exchange: Through events, festivals, and educational programs, we celebrate and promote multicultural traditions, fostering mutual appreciation and learning between newcomers and long-term residents.
• Senior Engagement and Support: We connect seniors with multicultural groups and facilitate activities to reduce isolation, helping them feel valued and included within the community.
• Community Space Rental: We offer a welcoming physical space for community programs and events, available for rent to local organizations and groups, creating opportunities for gatherings, workshops, and cultural exchange.

 

We also work closely with local governments, community organizations, and businesses to advocate for policies and programs that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Central Okanagan.

Our approach focuses on collaboration and long-term impact, ensuring that the individuals we support have the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive. By bringing people together, we build a future where diverse communities are empowered, respected, and celebrated.

Through our programs, services, and partnerships, we aim to create sustainable change at the community level, fostering an environment where everyone—regardless of their background—can belong, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.

Mission & Vision

Mission

Our mission is to promote mutual understanding, respect, acceptance, and harmony among the diverse communities of the Central Okanagan. We empower immigrants and refugees by meeting their essential needs and providing opportunities to engage fully in all aspects of community life, from civic participation to cultural exchange and economic inclusion.

Vision

We envision a vibrant and equitable society where people of all backgrounds thrive together. In this future, immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups are valued as essential contributors, meaningfully engaged in creating sustainable, interconnected communities that reflect our region’s diversity and shared humanity.

Our Values and Impact

Mutual Understanding

We foster intercultural understanding through community events, educational programs, and dialogue that celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes.
Impact: Diverse communities collaborate and build bridges of respect, trust, and friendship, promoting long-term social cohesion.

Acceptance

We create inclusive spaces that welcome individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, fostering intergenerational connections and meaningful communication.
Impact: All members feel welcomed, valued, and supported, resulting in a harmonious and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Respect

We recognize and celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers, offering services that nurture belonging and enhance their ability to succeed.
Impact: Immigrants are fully integrated into the economy and society, recognized as vital contributors to our community’s growth and well-being.

Resilience

We equip individuals with resources to overcome challenges—whether finding employment, securing housing, or adapting to new environments—so they can build fulfilling, stable lives.
Impact: Newcomers thrive despite challenges, contributing to a resilient, adaptive community that is prepared to meet future needs.

Engagement

We empower immigrants and newcomers to actively participate in civic, social, and economic life through volunteerism, democratic involvement, and cultural exchange. Our welcoming community space serves as a hub for these activities, offering a physical place for connection, learning, and shared experiences.

Impact: Immigrants and refugees develop a strong connection to Canadian society, becoming active agents of positive change within their communities and fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment for all.

Celebration

We celebrate the region’s cultural diversity by promoting awareness of multicultural traditions, events, and practices, inspiring cross-cultural learning and appreciation.
Impact: Newcomers and Canadian-born residents engage in mutual learning, fostering deeper understanding and respect for one another’s cultural heritage.

Important Dates

• In 2008 – Capital goal set for creating a much needed multicultural activity site in Kelowna
• November 4, 2010 – OCCA (Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association) was incorporated under the BC Society Act
• September 21, 2011 – OCCA is assigned Charity No. 81410 3602 and is registered with Revenue Canada as a Charity Organization.
• July, 2016 – A two Phase capital fundraising was launched.
• April 2016 – Golden Age Activities commenced (recreation and social activities for age 55 and older)
• October 2017 – Phase I  signage commemorating Chinese Canadian Pioneers erected in Kelowna City Park
• April 15, 2019 – Legal name change to OCCA Communities Association (reflecting multicultural membership)
• May 31, 2019 – Phase II Purchase of half duplex property on 1460 Inkar Road as our permanent Operation Site.
• June 30, 2019  – Phase I heritage murals in memory of historical Chinatown  was unveiled in Kelowna By this time, all three planned projects in Phase I & Phase II are completed.
• April 1, 2020 – Covid-19 Restrictions, where possible activities more to a Virtual format on Zoom
• July, 2020 – Backyard construction for outdoor activity space.
• December 2021 – HVAC Upgrade completed (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• January 2022 – Multicultural Homework Club resumes – on-line/on-site depending upon current health orders
• November 2023 – Launched Job Connect for Future (JCF) Program for immigrant skills training and job placement
• March 2024 – Received BC Childcare License