WE BELIEVE IN CHANGE
In the beginning NOCLS came into existence through the passionate work of a group of parents. Their sons and daughter were recently discharged from regional institutions and they didn’t qualify for the next best thing in service provision – local group homes. In theory this was going to re-integrate folks into the communities they had been taken from and re-establish social connections for them. From that grass roots beginning in 1984, NOCLS grew to include 5 group homes and a day program. We provided residential services for approximately 20 people, had 25 regular attendees of the day program, and employed 60 staff. In the early 90’s a new executive director started with the agency and began to explore what would be the next-next best thing. We worked closely with a respected Doctor and other innovative leaders in the field/industry and we were challenged to see each person individually – unique and deserving. We held deeply to the belief that “Segregated communities do not create inclusion”. This approach was not compatible with the existing funding models and so began a struggle to provide the best service possible while upholding the expectations, requirements/regulations and internal structure of our funder. We struggled against the status quo, achieving full accreditation standing in 2 consecutive terms and “wowing” the surveyors in the process. However, we found we were operating with two types of services, traditional and individual, being offered and we had to pick one to focus on. If we really believed in the strength of custom-built service delivery, we had a decision to make. Inevitably, we concluded our contracts in December of 2014. In January of 2015 NOCLS began again.
Before I met NOCLS, our family struggled to believe in who we are as parents to a special needs child, facing judgment, despair and negativity. NOCLS has opened my mind to hope, positivity and belief and confidence in who we are to our special daughter, and, we as a family are everything to her, LOVE is all there truly is.
OUR VISION
Everyone is a valued member of the community experiencing respect, dignity and happiness.
OUR GOAL
To be an innovative leader in the pursuit of a good life for everyone.
RESPECT
INTEGRITY
INCLUSION
COMPASSION
HEART
Our Team
Ruth Callender
Ruth Callender has been with NOCLS since May 2004. She started out as the Accreditation Manager which was an education in the brass tacks of the industry, getting to know the policies, procedures and expectations. In the following decade she spent time in various roles, including Day Program and Residential Manager, before moving into her current role as Resource Coordinator. As NOCLS began to explore new ways of supporting people, Ruth was there to assist with the development and growth. She holds passionately to the belief that every person has intrinsic value and therefore is deserving of a “good life.” We just need to work to define what that means for each individual.
Ruth is originally from Saskatchewan where she grew up on the family farm. She moved to the Okanagan in the late ’90s and has adjusted reasonably well to living in the Okanagan. Ruth lives in Vernon with her husband and five children. Her favourite place to lose track of time is Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, hiking and running all the trails.
Darren Bradley
Darren Bradley has served as Executive Director of the North Okanagan Community Life Society (NOCLS) since 2017, but his connection to the organization began more than a decade earlier when he joined its Board of Directors in 2005. Over nearly two decades with NOCLS, Darren has helped guide the organization’s evolution from a traditional service provider toward an organization focused on individualized supports, community connection, and helping people build lives of their own choosing.
A lifelong Vernon resident, Darren completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern British Columbia in 1997. His career began in the technology sector before moving into finance and, ultimately, community living. His community involvement has also included serving as President of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and contributing to several local organizations and boards, including Tourism Vernon, the Downtown Vernon Association, and Vernon Girls Minor Fastball.
Since becoming CEO/Executive Director, Darren has focused on ensuring NOCLS continues to evolve alongside the people and families it supports. He believes strong organizations should be willing to challenge traditional approaches, build meaningful community partnerships, and create supports that adapt to people rather than expecting people to adapt to services. This philosophy is reflected in NOCLS’s core values of KIT — Kindness, Inclusion and Teamwork — and in the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for people to have greater choice, independence, belonging and participation in their communities.
Darren is a proud father of three and remains deeply connected to Vernon and the North Okanagan, both personally and through his ongoing involvement in the community.
Hannah Harper
Hannah is a Resource Coordinator with NOCLS. She provides guidance to individuals and their networks who are seeking or have received individualized funding. Hannah is here to assist individuals with achieving purpose and their desired independent life. Hannah believes everyone comes into the world with value and is deserving of equal opportunity and respect.
Hannah was born and raised on Vancouver Island. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Victoria. Hannah moved to Vernon in 2020 with her husband. Hannah’s favourite part about living in the Okanagan is the warm summers, Kalamalka Lake and the long gardening season.
Lydia Bourne
Lydia Bourne has been with NOCLS since January 2009. She started out as backup for payroll and monthly reporting for clients, doing relief coverage for the existing bookkeeper and gradually assumed full responsibilities for NOCLS and all the societies we support. Lydia has a comprehensive understanding of the unique requirements for societies receiving funding from both MCFD and CLBC. She enjoys being a part of the process for receiving and renewing contracts so that she has the fullest possible knowledge of them. Lydia has a natural ability to empathically include all members of a team to achieve the best results. She is passionate about families being as successful as possible with individualized funding.
Lydia loves the outdoors, going camping, fishing and UTV’ing as much as possible for as many days as the weather permits!
Michelle Mervyn
Michelle joined NOCLS in January 2026. Her role has grown to span reception, administration, and communications – including social media, accounting support, compliance, and helping coordinate with partner organizations.
Michelle brings a background in business management and finance, along with a diploma in social psychology, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both the operational and people-focused sides of the work she supports.
