launch okanagan team story

I am incredibly proud to be part of Launch Okanagan and to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team. I only have a small window into the work that our facilitators are doing every day, but even that glimpse has been deeply humbling.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been helping with the tax filing program, and I can honestly say it has been good for my soul. I tend to feel things deeply, and in the past, I’ve found it difficult walking into spaces and seeing people at some of the hardest points in their lives. What I’ve experienced has shifted that perspective.

I’ve seen women open-up about incredibly difficult circumstances; homelessness, unstable housing, complex relationships, recovery journeys, pregnancy, and caring for young children. Through all of that, there is strength, honesty, and a willingness to move forward that is truly inspiring.

What has stood out most is how complex each situation is. Tax filing in this context is far from a simple or straightforward process. Many are facing multiple barriers at once, no ID, no access to their CRA account, inactive or inaccessible bank accounts, gaps in memory due to trauma or transitions like recovery, hospitalization, or incarceration. Even just understanding where to begin can feel overwhelming.

Being able to sit with someone and help take even one step off their plate feels incredibly meaningful. While the intake itself might be quick, the process behind the scenes is heavily layered- guiding someone to get ID, helping them navigate banking, reconnecting them with CRA, and ultimately getting them to a place where their taxes can be filed, sometimes going back many years. What I’ve come to understand is that while a form may take only a few minutes to complete, the real work extends far beyond that. For individuals facing those significant barriers; no bank account, no CRA access, no ID, the process can take hours over multiple touchpoints. It often requires connecting multiple times as they move through each step, offering ongoing support and continuity. Supporting someone to become fully up to date with their taxes takes patience, persistence, and advocacy at every stage. It’s not a one-time interaction; it’s a journey, and having Launch Okanagan there alongside them makes all the difference.

This experience has been such an eye-opener for me. It has reinforced just how important this work is, not only in helping people access benefits and financial support, but in reducing stress and creating space for them to move forward.

It’s one piece of a much bigger puzzle, and it’s incredible to see how the team continues to support that journey beyond my role.

From where I sit, helping someone access the banking system can feel like just one step, but it’s a really important one. It often allows them to move into the next stage with Launch, whether that’s another program or one-on-one coaching. What stands out to me is trust begins to build. They’re no longer navigating things alone; they now have a connection, not just to me in that moment, but to the broader Launch team and a community they can turn to when they’re ready.

I’ve seen this firsthand with our Community Partners. Even after the first visit, referrals begin to happen within the residents, they’re reaching out and asking for help with their taxes. To me, that shows that simply showing up without judgment, with care, and meeting people where they’re at can make all the difference.

-Launch Team Member