Thrive Update: Week 1

Hello! My name is Krista Wilson. I am married to the love of my life, Eric, and we have three beautiful children, Annika (6), Ezekiel (3) and Makayla (1). I am the Counsellor for this years' Thrive cycle.

I love young moms and their children and these young women inspire me with their determination, strength and courage. It is a privilege and an honour to be part of these families' lives.

For me, Thrive is an intensive program that is designed to encourage young moms to develop emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. During this first week of workshops, the impact of one particular exercise I led stood out to me. The above image is a sample of a First Nations medicine wheel.  

The young women in Thrive began this creative exercise during the first week and their engagement in this exercise was a beautiful process. This medicine wheel is a wholistic way to begin to identify and assess our well-being.

The moms engaged so well in assessing what they need in their life to achieve health and balance.  It was one way that our first week of Thrive was a beautiful beginning.  Everyone is connecting and supporting each other so well and it's only week one!  We are loving it!

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to updating you weekly.

- Krista

Thrive kicks off this week!

The 8th cycle of Thrive begins this week!

We’re filled with excitement for the 7 courageous young women ready to make a fresh start this fall. As we were getting ready to kick things off on Monday,  we took a moment to pause and take the photo above - before the workshop began, before each young mother came into the room.

These empty seats have come to represent the anticipation and hope we have for each young mother as they enter into their 18-month program. Most of these women have made connections with Young Families through the weekly Wednesday baking program and one young mom in particular enrolled because of the direct encouragement of a Young Families supporter she received at last year's Christmas dinner.

This is truly a snapshot of the Young Families community and the impact and influence positive relationships have in our lives!

For the more than 10 years, Thrive has been one of the cornerstone programs of Young Families. And for more than 10 years, Thrive has been creating a space for transformation and community for young moms in need.

This next group of committed moms entering Thrive arrive with their own personal stories to work through. In the coming weeks and months, Thrive will help young mothers face the challenges that often hold them back from living a life of purpose and financial independence.\

Stayed tuned for more Thrive updates and to learn more about the 7 young moms embarking on this exciting and life-changing journey!

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.