Thank you to our amazing volunteers!

Summer is in full swing and we hope you’re all enjoying the sunshine and warm weather with friends and family! Our heart in the summer is to take a break from regular programming and connect more organically with young moms, dads and volunteers. These one-on-one relationships are at the core of the Young Families community and we’re so thankful for them!

At the end of June, we gathered together and celebrated our dedicated volunteers to thank them for all they do. Because of them, Young Families is able to build vibrant relationships that enable young moms and dads to restore their families and empower them to create hope for the future all year long.

How beautiful it was hearing everyone's stories of how they came to connect and get involved with Young Families. We’re blown away by the longevity of their commitment to walk alongside young moms, dads and their families - some of these folks have been part of our community for 13 years!

This is why Young Families is more than a program - it's a community of multi-generational volunteers and staff members whose lives have changed as much as the families they work with. We are a family walking through life together.

Thank you to all our volunteers! We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Stay connected with Young Families this summer - sign up to get the latest updates on upcoming family BBQ’s and picnics.

Happy Father's Day

This Father’s day, we want to introduce you to Chad Gelderman, who works with young dads in Surrey. A young father himself, he is committed to walking along side young men to be the best dads they can be for their kids.

We want to give a huge shout out to Chad this Father’s Day - and to all father-figures out there. We so appreciate all that you do for your kids, families, and communities!

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