Social Development

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About:

The Band Social Development Worker (BDSW) works to provide social assistance and social
development for the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) to all on-reserve members or non-members
that are legally residing on USIB land. The BDSW delivers the Family Violence Program, Adult in
Home Care, and National Child Benefit Programs to the community, and will refer families and
individuals to support services as required. This is a non-judgemental position and one that focuses on
providing support to individuals who have fallen on hard times, while also assisting in making the
transition back to work a positive experience.

The BDSW partners with the Pre-Employment Program Case Worker and in collaboration assists clients to
get paid training to remove obstacles that may interfere with obtaining sustainable work. Should you want further information about any of the above-mentioned programs please email or call the USIB Administration office at 250-292-8733. Alternatively, you can contact (PEP) or (OTDC).

Meet our Family Support Coordinator, Sally Holmes:

“As most of you know my name is Sally Holmes, I have 3 children. I live here in Hedley with my spouse Mark McRae and our youngest daughter Jodi McRae. We have lived in the community for 16 years now. I was born and raised here in Hedley and moved to Merritt, BC when I was 16, I lived there until I was 30 and then I moved home to raise my youngest daughter with my family. My mother is Alice Louie (Holmes) daughter to Ramona Nahumpchin. My Father is Dale Squakin, youngest of Manny & Hazel Squakin.

I will be working in the community as the Family Support Coordinator and Band Social Development Worker (BSDW). For the past 5 years I have been working for Okanagan Indian Band in Vernon as a Pre-employment Support worker. I have experience working with various age groups as my career has developed over years. I recently completed my Administrative Assistant Certification online, a goal I set a long time ago, which is something I am very proud of.

I look forward to seeing the growth and success within our community.”