Research
Kamloops Alliance for Resilient Community Futures (KARCF)
A Community Science Research Initiative by The Happyness Center In partnership with Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
Building Resilience Through Science, Stories & Community
KARCF is a pioneering research initiative that integrates community storytelling, participatory science, and emotional intelligence training to enhance resilience in Kamloops.
In collaboration with TRU, we work with the community for:
- Substance use recovery support systems
- Disaster preparedness and recovery
- Mental health and coping with adversity
- Inner resilience and emotional intelligence
Resilience isn’t solely individual but interwoven with our stories, relationships, and collective solutions.
Our Approach: Research That Listens and Empowers
- Measuring Resilience through Storytelling
We collect and analyze “personal narratives” from the community to:
- Identify strength in adversity.
- Identify shortcomings in current support systems
- Communicate policies through genuine human experiences
“Your story is data. Your voice inspires change.”
- Co-Creating Solutions with the Community
We conduct participatory workshops where community members, researchers, and frontline workers co-design interventions. Current focus areas:
- Recovery-friendly spaces for substance use support
- Climate resilience toolkits for disaster preparedness.
- Programs on emotional intelligence for youth and families
- Emotional Intelligence as a Tool for Resilience
In partnership with TRU psychologists, we examine how EQ training can:
- Diminish stigma surrounding mental health
- Enhance crisis response in high-stress environments
- Promote social cohesion among vulnerable populations
Current Projects
- TRU-KARCF Emotional Intelligence Study: Community Science Research
- Facilitating workshops for clients from treatment centres, shelters, and recovery facilities.
Future Projects
- The Kamloops Resilience Story Project – Documentary
- An oral history initiative documenting how locals overcome challenges. [Share your story]
- Recovery and Reconnection Circles
- Peer-led support groups integrating Indigenous wisdom and clinical research. [Join a session]
Why This Work Matters
Kamloops faces intersecting challenges:
- Rising substance use harms
- Increasing climate emergencies
- Gaps in mental health support
Our research proves that:
- Communities heal faster when they design their own solutions
- Storytelling is powerful medicine
- Emotional intelligence skills save lives
Our Partners
- The Happyness Center (Lead Non-Profit)
- Thompson Rivers University (Research Partner)
- Local First Nations Community
- Non-profit Organizations
Join the Movement
For Community Members
📢 Share your resilience story
🎤 Participate in solution-design workshops
📚 Attend free EQ training sessions
For Organizations & Policymakers
🔍 Access our community-driven research
🤝 Partner on implementation
📊 Use our data to guide programs
For Researchers & Students
🔬 Contribute to participatory action research
📝 Co-author papers with community members
🎓 TRU practicum opportunities available