Kelowna Branch

Our Kelowna branch offers a space where our Mamas and their kids feel safe and comfortable when they come in for poverty relief support. We refer to all existing community programs when available and fill the gaps in service when the need is higher than the resources available. At the Kelowna branch, we offer a beautiful Karma Market where struggling families can access anything they need at no cost.  In our free store, we provide clothing, shoes, seasonal wear, and through our intake process Mamas can also access formula, diapers, baby furniture, and gear. We also offer individualized help through our social worker who will aid in navigating the available resources for food security, affordable housing, dental support, and many other community resources. 

Our Kelowna mental health team offers one to one and group counseling at no cost for those who qualify.  They work tirelessly to provide emergency and comprehensive Mental Wellness support to Mamas and their families in our community.   The team offers mindfulness groups, anxiety and depression group, access to physical activities, parenting support for transitions such as separations, divorce, along with grief and loss counseling. 

Our Kelowna Branch has an ever-growing sustainable nourishment program that provides our local families with a wide variety of freshly grown produce and protein. We grow our own produce during harvest season and have wonderful community partnerships to ensure fresh nutrients all year long. It’s hard enough being a parent without the stress of clothing or food insecurity, lack of appropriate mental health care, and everything else that can easily fall through the cracks in our busy society. Mamas for Mamas is there for those care providers who need help navigating eligible resources, applying for social supports, and getting direct intake support while joining this Mamas community that genuinely looks after each other.

Our Team

  • Shannon Christensen

    Founder & Chief Vision Officer
  • Melissa Twomey

    Director of Mental Health & Wellness
  • Christine Jontz-Barbour

    Director of Administrative and Branch Support
  • Penny Rempel

    Sustainable Nourishment Coordinator
  • Kelly Wilson

    Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program Coordinator
  • Kelly Hopkins

    Front End Office Manager
  • Shelayne Paul

    Social Worker
  • Tyler Marshall

    Chief Technology Officer
  • Lindsay Hammond

    Director of Programs & Services

Want to get involved?

Join our growing team and bring your community together!

Book an Appointment

Karma Market

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Karma Market and the limitless generosity of our community, we have had to make some changes to our operating procedures. The high volume of shoppers and donations has put an incredible strain on our space and our volunteer mama-power. We are implementing these changes to ensure every mama in need receives a hand up and not just a handout. Please understand that these changes are needed for the continued success of the Market and to meet the demand of mamas who need to access our services.

 

We thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Shoppers
Donations
Upon entering the Karma Market for your shop, please visit the sanitization station. We ask that you use the hand sanitizer, as well as any children accompanying you on your visit. Please note that only one person from your household can come to the store at a time.  Gloves and masks will be provided for your comfort.

If children are accompanying you, please note our playroom and den are closed to the public and no child care will be provided. There will be designated seating for your children, or we ask you have your children with you at all times in the store.

We ask that you please cancel the appointment if anything of the below pertains to you:

  • anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, must self-isolate at home for a minimum of 10 days
  • anyone under the direction of the provincial health officer to self-isolate must follow those instructions
  • anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada, or who is a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms

Please do not bring reusable bags with you, we will provide you with a bag for your shop.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

We can only accept brand new / like new items for our Karma Market. We are organizing monthly swaps to facilitate mamas sharing and donating items that will no longer be at the Mamas Karma Market. Thank you for your understanding our need to set limitations that will ensure the continued success of the market without burning out our volunteers or duplicating services

We still accept the following items at the Karma Market by appointment only:

  • Brand new/ like new clothing for all members of the family in condition.
  • Baby equipment (GENTLY used, clean exersaucers, swings,carriers, change tables, play pens, etc).
  • Cribs (no drop down side or recalled please, even with hardware we can’t accept them)
  • Brand new Towels and bedding
  • Brand New Personal hygiene items
  • (tampons,pads,tooth care, etc)
  • Brand new Toys
  • Food (not expired and unopened. Fresh produce welcome)
  • Formula and baby food (not expired and unopened)
  • Furniture – Please contact the Share Society, Restore or Salvation army as we no longer accept furniture at our market
  • Footwear – please post or donate to the Shoe bank
  • Housewares – please post on the group, Share society,Salvation Army or Restore
  • Electronics – please post on the group.
    • *We can accept new electronics in excellent working order but cannot repair or re-home outdated technology.

To donate and drop off items please email us at info@mamasformamas.org or call us at (236) 420-0075

Join our psycho-educational groups

Groups

Anxiety and Depression Group
Whole Mama
Young Mama
Grief and Loss Support Group
Well-Rounded Parent

January 10, 2023

This 6-week workshop focuses on understanding depression and anxiety as well as gaining the tools to assist in combating the symptoms. Each session is built on the next as you continue to learn strategies and techniques to help you overcome depression and anxiety. Every session will help you take steps towards the life that you desire and are so deserving of.

In the 6 weeks together, you will gain a deeper understanding of your anxiety and feelings of depression, learn tools to challenge negative thinking patterns, become more confident in communicating and setting healthy boundaries, while practicing self-care and meeting your basic human needs.

The 6-week program consists of

  • Understanding Depression and Anxiety
  • Self-care and Mindfulness
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Helpful Thinking
  • Communication & Boundaries
  • Nutrition and Exercise
  • Goal Setting

If you are struggling with depression and/or anxiety, please join this workshop and gain the support a group offers.

Facilitated by a Registered Counsellor.

November 7, 2023

This program is designed for women to become more centered in who they are, and to take steps towards the successes they desire. The workshop is 6 weeks in length, covering the following topics:

  • Goal Setting
  • Self-Care and Mindfulness
  • 4 Pillars of Health
  • Financial Literacy
  • Communications/Relationships
  • Values and Strengths
  • Inner Beauty (optional – extracurricular on own    time)

Each topic is focused on gaining a deeper understanding and acceptance of one’s self.

Facilitated by a Registered Professional Counsellor.

November 1, 2022 | September 12, 2023

This well-informed 7-week workshop is designed to comfort, instruct and celebrate with the youngest members of the mama world. Navigating motherhood as a new and young mama can seem daunting and overwhelming.

In this program years of experience are brought together to take the fear and the unknown out of becoming or being a new young mama.

We are proud to offer the transferring of knowledge from mamas with experience and experts in the world of motherhood to young mothers that embark on this journey with us. You will benefit from the support, guidance and mentoring that this program offers.

The topics covered include:

  • Introduction – Mind Mapping – (processing ideas, fears, strengths, weaknesses)
  • Postpartum Depression / Baby blues
  • Navigating Parenting
  • Self-care and Mom Balance
  • Sleep – baby and mom
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition – (healthy eating, easy meal planning, breastfeeding, bottle feeding)
  • Financial/Budgeting
  • Identity / Goals
  • Relationships and Sex after baby (body image)

Motherhood is a gift, not meant to be done alone. Let’s talk about it, all the fears, concerns, overwhelming thoughts and the joy and delight. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child; let this program be a part of your village.

February 28, 2023

“Grief is an emotional experience and no matter how hard society tries to act as if sad feelings don’t exist – THEY DO”      -author unknown

At Mamas for Mamas we offer a program for Grief and Loss. We recognize that Grief is a difficult and lonely journey. Our goal is to offer support and companionship to mamas that have experienced loss. Loss comes in many shapes and forms, but the one thing it has in common, is pain; whether it is lost through miscarriage, stillborn, loss of infant or child, a life partner, friend, parent or sibling. No one should have to grieve this kind of pain alone.

Through this 6 week Grief and Loss Support Group, we offer support as you gain an understanding of the stages of grief and coping techniques on your grief journey. The group was designed with the purpose of creating a safe and intimate space for each individual to begin their healing journey.  This is a safe place where we provide support for each other and provide the opportunity to experience new ways to understand your own grieving process and how to move forward in a new normal that you did not ask for.

This group is facilitated by a registered counselor.

August 13, 2023

 

Are you looking to have a successful start to fall with your littles? We are taking a new spin on looking at parenting and how you can become a well-Rounded Parent and feel good about yourself. This group is open to anyone looking to understand themselves and their reactions to their children. We are taking an in-depth look at the central nervous system and how this impacts the world around you, the impact this has on your children and relationships. As well as how meeting your basic human needs can assist in regulating your stress responses. Join us online to explore trauma, wellness, self concepts, morals and more and how you can implement these techniques into your everyday life to become the Well-Rounded parent.

Products in support of Mamas for Mamas

Partnered Products

Taste of the Okanagan
Okanagan Stitching
Mama Beary Cider
Farm Bound
The Market Bags
Crystal Hills Organics
Lolin by a Shop
White Aura Candles

Poverty Relief, because that’s our jam. This signature pink peppercorn and rose jam will be donating $1 from every jar to Mamas for Mamas.

 

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Created by one mom for another, ‘The Mamas for Mamas Set’ by Okanagan Stitching includes: 1 Japanese Apron, 1 Large bowl cover, 1 Medium bowl cover, 1 Large jar cover, and 1 Small jar cover. 25% of the net proceeds from ‘The Mamas for Mamas Set’ will be donated to The Mamas for Mamas Foundation.

 

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In Support of Mamas for Mamas! This wonderfully robust cider is a co-fermentation of locally grown apples, raspberries, blackberries and rich red currants. The aroma is a powerful mixture of raspberries and currants with a hint of apple. Blackberry is present with every sip and there is a smooth finish with lasting memories of country fresh surroundings. 

 

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When you buy produce from Farmbound there are also buying options of $29 $49 and $99 boxes that they will donate to Mamas for Mamas on the customers behalf.

 

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The Market Bags are Canadian-made reusable bags that represent a small step towards a better tomorrow with a positive impact on our environment. Using upcycled or sustainable and organic materials, they created a line of truly eco-friendly reusable bags. With the purchase of any market bag, 1% of sales is donated to Mamas for Mamas.

 

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Awaken the magic within you as you invite self-love, beauty, romance and true love into your life. This ritual kit contains everything you need to cleanse your space, raise the vibration and invite new blessings into your life. With the purchase of this kit Crystal Hills Organics will donate 8% of profits to Mamas for Mamas.

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This mama ran small shop is donating $1 from every hair scrunchie sold out of her Donna Collection. This collection is made up of all up-cycled fabrics discovered by the owners mother in law, Donna.

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This gorgeous Inner Goddess candle has been created to celebrate all the beautiful Women in the world. Combined with rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love another heart stone…THE INNER GODDESS is jam packed full of LOVE and healing. The purchase of on of these Inner Goddess Candles, $5 will be donated to Mamas for Mamas.

 

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Sponsors

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