text: About - Launch Kelowna
  Launch Kelowna
  welcome to launch kelowna
  Launch Community Development Foundation (Launch Kelowna) helps people move forward in life by providing them with the financial knowledge, confidence and community support to take the next step towards greater independence and sustainable positive change. Our programs increase participants' understanding of their personal finances while also helping them to save their money, start a business, embark on post-secondary education or increase their skills in a trade. By providing people with financial education, mentorship and collaboration we aim to strengthen the independence and resiliency of our participants.
  Living pay cheque to pay cheque is hard on people and their families. Getting out of that cycle and creating strong money management habits is even harder. That's why Launch Kelowna specifically designs its programs to be inclusive, encouraging and supportive.
  The board members of Launch Kelowna are united in the mission of enabling individuals in our community to fulfill their potential through financial education, mentorship and collaboration. Each member has a passion to work in the community and be a part of the solution to Kelowna's issue of economic inequality.
  Our Volunteer Facilitators are an integral part of Launch Kelowna and we simply could not do it without them. They bring experience, education, and skills from a variety of backgrounds: financial, business, not for profit, adult education, and the social service sector are just some of what our volunteers bring to Launch and to our participants.
  Julie currently facilitates the Dollars and Sense class at Karis Society. We welcome Julie's expertise and willingness to teach. One of Julie's particular passions is to see women and youth equipped and empowered to confidently manage their finances. This is just one reason why Julie is great Launch Kelowna volunteer.
  Andrew facilitates Fall 2018 the Matched Savings class. This is the sixth class he's taught for Launch Kelowna. We are grateful to have Andrew teach the Matched Savings classes as he brings with him not only a wealth of financial knowledge but real interest in the financial well being of his class participants. Born and raised in the Okanagan, Andrew has a vested interest in the well being of this community. He resides here with his wife Katrina and their four children.
  Like most good ideas, Launch Kelowna was birthed over a coffee and a serious conversation between great friends and co-founders Michael Wendland, a local entrepreneur and Metro Community's lead Pastor, Laurence East.
  In Fall 2011 the first matched savings programs were established along with delivery of a licensed curriculum so desperately needed in the community. Both Laurence and Michael remain deeply involved in the work of Launch Kelowna and are proud to be part of this not-for-profit.
  Launch Kelowna Founders
  I would recommend the Matched Savings program to anyone. I appreciated that Launch Kelowna was able to work with me in contributing towards my education when I was ready. As a single mom, I had to wait for the right time to take on the demands of continuing my education. I'm now furthering my education with a program that works for me and my family due to the help and support I received from Launch.