The Footprints Centre represents over 16 years of partnership between Neil Squire and the .
Run by Mindy Rollins and Terry Terbasket on Penticton Indian Band land, the Footprints Centre offers a wide variety of Neil Squire programming to both band members and people with disabilities in nearby communities.
“We provide services to people who have self-reported disabilities, meaning any type of disability. We have a very broad definition of what that means, including those in recovery,” explains Mindy. “We provide services to Indigenous persons with disabilities on and off reserve, and non-Indigenous people with disabilities as well.
“The Footprints Centre has an open-door policy. Many past students over the years have accessed services long after the program they were in was completed.”
The beginnings go back even farther to 2003, when Neil Squire and the Penticton Indian Band piloted projects to help Elders learn computers in their home and to establish computer access for people with disabilities.
In 2006, a partnership developed between Neil Squire and the Penticton Indian Band and ever since we have collaborated on programs for the community out of the Footprints Centre with a focus on employment.
Through programs like Working Together, Footprints participants learn the essentials of resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, soft and hard skills, and everything they need to get ready for employment. With a wide array of assistive technology available, the Distance Computer Comfort program and other digital literacy programs help participants with needs ranging from sip and puff devices to screen readers learn to use their devices to connect and communicate.
The Footprints Centre has also offered programs on financial literacy, and workshops on topics requested by participants.
“The impact of the program has opened many doors, built self confidence in both students and staff. Each and every person from the Penticton Indian Band who has entered through our doors has had some type of transformation. It’s special when you see a person’s light come on and the happy expression they show when they have conquered a task on the computer, saying ‘I can do this,’” says Terry.
“Many members who have started their path at the Centre have continued on to work, volunteer, or further their education. We have hired many Penticton Indian Band members over the years — some who have disabilities — and we especially like helping youth in summer job positions.”
While the Footprints Centre had always offered remote programs in addition to an impressive selection of in-person programs, classes, speakers, and workshops, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the Centre need to further embrace remote programming, which has also allowed them to expand their reach further into the BC Interior.
“This was quite the adjustment when you are accustomed to teaching in class, and face to face communication,” says Mindy. “But we were able to reach many people by virtual services and even expanded our area to further away cities.”
Now, with offerings both in-person and online, the Footprints Centre continues to provide much needed services to Penticton Indian Band members and people with disabilities throughout the Interior, from the Okanagan to the Kootenays.
“What makes us unique is that we meet people where they are — we try to find them a service we provide, is available in the community, or in mainstream services which can help. We walk with people on their journey; one footstep at a time,” says Mindy.
The Footprints Centre is open by appointment, to ensure the safety of participants and staff. You can reach the Footprint Centre at 250-492-5289 or contact Mindy at mindyr@neilsquire.ca for access to services and for more information.