This Father’s Day, Celebrate Young Dads Like Kris

Meet Kris, a young dad of a 5 year-old boy, navigating fatherhood for the first time.
Thanks to the support of Young Families and the mentorship he’s received through the Stepping Up Program, Kris is giving his son the life he desires and deserves. 
 
Recently when Kris was asked how he was being a good father and role model to his son, he responded “I've never been asked anything like that before - social workers want to figure out what I'm doing wrong and make me into a good dad, as if I'm not one yet. Then it hit me. You are right - I am a good dad!”
 
Young fathers like Kris are under almost constant pressure to measure up, and many young dads feel that they're not good enough. Young Families is there to encourage young fathers to not just provide financially for their kids but to be present in their lives. Kris is one of these young fathers committed to raising his 5 year old son on his own. 
 
Stepping Up encourages young dads to step up to their responsibilities as parents and help them recognize the vital role they play in their children’s lives. Through individual support and group activities, Stepping Up walks alongside young men like Kris as they strive to become involved fathers and positive role-models to their children. As we work together, these young dads believe they can not only be good fathers, but better ones.
 
Celebrate this Father’s Day by donating to support more young dads like Kris. 

Your gift will empower young fathers like Kris to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children. You can help young dads become the role models their kids need to build strong, healthy futures for their families.

Mother's Day Celebration

A few weeks ago during a Mother's Day celebration, we spent a morning honouring (with yummy food) the incredible gift our young mothers are to their children - they are so inspiring!

Two of our volunteers shared their own experience as mothers and offered wisdom and encouragement. I loved watching the faces of young moms as they listened to what the volunteers were saying - their smiles and nods said it all - I'm not alone in this wild experience of mothering!

Thankful to be apart of such a beautiful multi-generational community of mothers who love and support each other in their journey.

And a special thanks to the Surrey male staff and a volunteer in the community that came to serve our moms on this day of celebrating and appreciating mothers for all they do.

- Kellie

Celebrate Young Mom's This Mother's Day

For Chelsea, a young mother of two boys, going back to school to pursue her dreams always seemed out of reach. Being a mom can be demanding and challenging at any age, but raising two kids can feel like more than a full time job, especially for young parents. 

Getting an education in a field she’s passionate about means a brighter future for Chelsea and her family, as she and her children's father are both committed to creating. But, raising children while going to school seemed overwhelming and impossible.

Thanks to the support of Young Families and the skills she learned through the Thrive Program, Chelsea is back at school studying to become a Health Care Support Worker. 

“The Thrive program has given me communication tools that I use throughout my daily life interactions. Thrive has also given me a confidence boost,” says Chelsea.

The relationships and community she’s found through Thrive have built up her strengths and helped her to “grow and focus on my goals.” 

But Thrive has helped support more than Chelsea’s day-to-day interactions with others. It’s changed the way she see’s herself.  “What I am the most proud of is discovering my potential. I am now planning on going for my bachelors of science in nursing once my youngest son is in school.” 

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Your gift will empower young mothers like Chelsea to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. You can help young moms face the challenges that often hold them back from living a life of purpose and financial independence.

Through counselling, childcare and life-skills mentorship, young moms get the support they need while learning how to be the parents their children deserve.

Celebrate moms everywhere this Mother's Day by donating to support young moms like Chelsea create a brighter future for her sons.