{
  "id": 19270824,
  "title": "New Kelowna ‘Home for Belonging’ gives neurodivergent community a permanent place to connect",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/new-kelowna-home-for-belonging-gives-neurodivergent-community-a-19270824",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T02:29:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news-globalnews",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12143758/new-kelowna-home-belonging-neurodivergent-community-permanent-place-connect/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new community hub in Kelowna has been established to provide a permanent home for neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers to connect, build relationships, and participate in interest-based programs. Autism Okanagan officially opened its \"Home for Belonging\" on Monday after an extensive 13-month renovation and re-zoning process. The donation of the property by the Hall family aims to eliminate the need for rented community spaces, allowing all programs to be centralized in one location. Executive director Christy Phillips emphasized the importance of a consistent space for weekly engagement, which was previously lacking as programs were held in various community centers and libraries. The organization faced challenges during the renovation, including a property break-in and stolen equipment, but the community rallied to support the replacement of lost items. The new facility will offer a diverse range of activities, including LEGO, digital arts, comics, drawing, Dungeons & Dragons, cosplay, and social groups tailored to various interests. With an annual reach of approximately 1,000 individuals aged four to 40, the organization envisions the space having the potential to accommodate twice that number in the future. Autism Okanagan welcomes anyone, neurodivergent or not, as its target audience is anyone seeking a sense of belonging. The programs are structured as full-session courses, typically lasting two to five months, to foster relationships and routines. Plans are also underway to create a separate group for parents and caregivers, offering them another avenue to form connections within the community. Ultimately, the goal is to create a place where everyone feels they truly belong, providing a stable foundation as individuals grow older.",
  "summary": "A home in Kelowna is giving neurodivergent people and their caregivers a permanent place to build community, make friends and take part in programs centred around their interests",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}