There is still much uncertainty regarding the future of Kelowna91Ƶs Starbright Children91Ƶs Development Centre and what its potential closure may mean for the families that rely on its specialized services.
Although Starbright has received transitional funding from the province to remain open until the end of June, what happens after that is unclear.
91ƵWe91Ƶre heartbroken,91Ƶ said Dr. Rhonda Nelson, executive director. 91ƵOur agency has been a hub of services for decades, and we know how to structure services to meet the needs of children.91Ƶ
Starbright, which is a non-profit agency, has a service agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development that funds all its services, which are free to families. They include early intervention therapies, infant development program consultation, and supported child development,
Part of Starbright91Ƶs mission statement is to 91Ƶ91Ƶsupport the growth and development of children with exceptional developmental needs through early intervention services and empower their families91Ƶ91Ƶ
That mission is now in jeopardy after the provincial government changed the service delivery model that supports neurodivergent children and their families.
READ MORE: B.C.91Ƶs new autism funding model a disappointment says Autism BC
Pilot programs for Family Connection Centres (FCCs) will serve the Central Okanagan (Kelowna), and three other regions starting in the spring, with province-wide implementation set for 2024 if the pilot proves successful.
Starbright did submit a request for proposals months ago to become one of those FCCs.
91ƵWe were aware that with such a massive change we needed to put forward a workable proposal that would be something that the province could consider,91Ƶ added Nelson.
It was Jan. 5 this year that Starbright learned the contract for the FCC was awarded to Arc Programs, a for-profit business, and Starbright91Ƶs funding will now be directed to that organization.
91ƵThis has been very upsetting to families and Starbright staff,91Ƶ said Nelson. 91ƵThey91Ƶre extremely worried.91Ƶ
One of her major concerns if Starbright were to close, is support and services for children up to six years old, especially as they transition to the school system.
91ƵTo grow the best that they possibly can, to acquire the skills that they will need.91Ƶ
She suggested the solution could be a twinning of services, an FCC for kids up to six and another for those six and older.
91ƵThat solution has been posed by different groups, by families, by other service providers, so we91Ƶre hoping.91Ƶ
Parent Mohini Singh, who is also a city councillor, is a staunch supporter of Starbright.
The organization provided support for her daughter 17 years ago when she was five.
91ƵThe intensive work they did helped my daughter, helped me, helped my family. In a year she started going to kindergarten,91Ƶ she explained.
Singh added she was shocked to learn Starbright is likely closing.
91ƵA lot of parents are going through a lot of anxiety. This centre is truly a lifesaver.91Ƶ
Over the years Singh, along with other community members and groups, including the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Association, have raised funds for Starbright to cover the cost of equipment and other items not provided through provincial funding.
91ƵWhen I turn to anybody to ask for support for Starbright, no question because this centre does such good work,91Ƶ she added. 91ƵWe bought into the success of Starbright.91Ƶ
Nelson has invited Premier David Eby to visit Starbright to see the support and services it provides to families.
READ MORE: 75% of B.C. autism service providers say care will be compromised under new hub model
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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