The Social Development Department provides leadership to the City of Penticton to help create a healthier and more vibrant community. Our team's primary goal is to support Penticton's safety and well-being by working with partners on age friendliness, child care, housing and homelessness, accessibility, community inclusion, strong neighbourhoods, food security and mental health and substance use. While local governments do not deliver nor fund social services, Social Development supports the community by facilitating, coordinating and convening efforts and resources to address social issues. The Social Development team works closely with the social services sector - including not-for-profit organizations and other governmental agencies -  to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
The City is currently developing a Social Development Framework to inform the Social Development Department's guiding principles, priorities, areas of investment, performance indicators and advocacy. An update on the project was presented to City Council on September 6, 2022 and a completed report will be reviewed by Council by the end of 2023.
Penticton Social Development Team
Have you met the members of the Penticton Social Development Team?
Jamie Lloyd-Smith
Jamie Lloyd-Smith (she/her) is the Social Development Specialist with the City of Penticton, and oversees the day-to-day management of the department. She has a background in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Cultural Studies from the University of British Columbia. With over ten years working in the not-for-profit sector, Jamie now supports Penticton's local social services sector and provides leadership to the City on complex issues such as affordable housing and homelessness, community safety, childcare, food security, and substance use.Â
Sarah Desrosiers
Sarah Desrosiers (she/they) is a Social Development Coordinator with the City of Penticton. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. She takes a close look at age-friendly initiatives, accessibility planning, investments for at-risk youth, immigration programs support, grant management, and collaborative community development. She is passionate about working with vulnerable populations, having previously worked as a behavioural intervention counsellor, a program coordinator for youth with disabilities and a case manager.Â
Practicum Students:Â
The Social Development team supports various practicum students, as possible. Currently there are no practicum students working with the team.
Contact Us
Social Development
Phone: 250-490-2512, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Email: socialdevelopment@penticton.ca