Mission Statement – THE R.O.A.R.
R.O.A.R. exists to reclaim identity, restore balance, and reignite the voices of our people through culture, connection, and care.
We are an Indigenous-led movement standing on the frontlines of healing — walking beside our most vulnerable relatives with ceremony, compassion, and courage.
We offer wraparound supports delivered in safety, dignity, and respect.
We believe that culture saves lives.
At R.O.A.R., we don’t whisper our healing — we rise with it. Because our healing is not quiet — it’s a ROAR.
Mission Capsule – THE R.O.A.R.
We walk beside our people — not ahead, not behind. R.O.A.R. exists to reclaim identity, restore balance, and bring healing home through culture, ceremony, and care.
Our Work in Action
During the pilot phase (May–August 2025), R.O.A.R. operated weekly out of the Rutland Library and Lions Park, providing peer-to-peer outreach, harm reduction, cultural support, and community care.
Each week, 60 community members had active case files, and an average of 70+ community members received outreach, wellness checks, and essential supplies, including:
• Housing and social development applications
• Detox intake and treatment applications
• Harm reduction and substance use support
• Legal and justice referrals
• Health and shelter referrals
• Access to food and clothing programs
• Cultural care, ceremony, and connection
Our Journey Together Grief & Loss Circle engaged 17 consistent participants, guided by Peer Navigators and Knowledge Keepers.
With full funding on the horizon, R.O.A.R. will expand operations across multiple library and community locations.
Leadership Impact — 2024 Service Statistics
Leadership Impact — 2024 Service Statistics
(Executive Director & Founder: Corrine L. Guerra Mella) In 2024:
- 1,485 total interactions and sessions
- 359 new people
- 1,126 returning people
- 761 Indigenous people served
- 14 veterans supported
- 590 housing referrals/applications completed (total number successfully housed is unknown but high)
- 327 mental health checks and mental health referrals made
- 364 substance use supports (detox/treatment/harm reduction/MHSU IH)
- 137 legal referrals/connections (Legal Aid, legal supports)
- 197 food referrals (food bank applications, food programs, food cards)
- 1,135 cultural/peer support interactions
- 452 phone/computer support interactions
- 123 shelter referrals
- 101 income support/social development applications completed
- 888 additional supports
Corrine also performed 5 VAT (Vulnerability Assessment Tool) Interviews, required by BC Housing for supportive housing placements.
4 of 5 interviewees have since been housed.
GRATITUDE SECTION
Thank you to the Okanagan Regional Library – Downtown Kelowna & Rutland branches for giving me the opportunity to do the work I do in the community.
Together we make a difference.
This work inspired me to incorporate because I can’t do this alone — I need a team, and now I have one.