Young Families Summer Update

Summer is one of our favourite seasons of the year to continue to build and nurture one-on-one relationships with young parents in our community. Our heart over the summer months is to break from regular programming and connect more organically with young moms, dads and their families.

Recently, we headed out to Sasquatch Provincial Park for our second annual camping trip with some of our young moms and their kids. We are so thankful for the opportunity to head out of the city - the camping trip was a great time to connect with nature and each other.

It was such a joy to have a day spent at the beach - kids swimming in the lake and young moms relaxing with each other.  This trip truly felt like family time!

We hope you've been enjoying the warm weather and spending time with family and loved ones. Thank you for your continued support in Young Families and the lives of young moms and dads - it's because of you that camping trips like this are possible!

P.S. Thrive applications have been submitted and we’re so excited about the next group of young moms who are about to start a new cycle of the program in September. Stay tuned for more Thrive updates coming soon!

Year End BBQ at Bear Creek

One of our favourite things to do over the summer months is to gather together for picnics and BBQs with young parents and their kids. A few weeks ago, we had our year-end BBQ at Bear Creek Park and we got to do exactly that - spend some quality time under the sun with the resilient young families and dedicated volunteers we’re so thankful for.

Everyone expressed in one way shape or form, that this community is a place where they experience family, a place they can rely on and know that they will be heard and accepted for who they are.  

One young mom said "I feel like it gets me out of the house. I get to meet other moms and feel like I have a family."

Another mom said "I attend as often as possible for the emotional support and nurturing environment."

This sense of belonging and community is why we exist - to stand in solidarity with young parents and empower them with the skills, resources and guidance they need to overcome challenges and restore their families.  

The next cycle of the Thrive Program kicks off this fall - stay tuned on how you can ensure even more young parents have this same sense of family, community and belonging.

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!