CHANGE A LIFE
COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on our mental well-being. Almost two-thirds of 15 to 24-year-olds reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. 41% were likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate or severe anxiety.* We know there is a crisis in our communities surrounding substance abuse. United Way British Columbia looks to partner with organizations and
Twenty-seven-year-old Sage is a Ceramics student at Selkirk College’s Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson in Southeastern BC. As a former youth in care, she held off pursuing post-secondary education for many years. “When it came to college and university, I kind of freaked out. School is so expensive, it didn’t seem like a realistic option for me,” she says. Along
Nineteen-year-old Jodi loves school. She’s learning new things, meeting new people and planning for a bright future as she pursues her degree through the Child and Youth Care program at Douglas College in New Westminster. It was something that was almost unimaginable for her as a child. “I knew when we had no food. I
Hea Nay spent the majority of her young life growing up in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family, who are members of the Karen minority, escaped Myanmar fleeing civil war when she was just two years old. After 14 years in the camp, where she went to school, Hea Nay, her parents
Your acts of local love did not go unnoticed. Indeed, in light of recent events, they’ve been more important than ever before. Your incredible generosity and support allowed us to pivot in a time of crisis. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to respond to immediate, emerging needs in our community and help our most vulnerable and isolated neighbours through these unprecedented times. Now, as the situation seems to have stabilized
When Emilianna’s roommate moved out during COVID-19, she was left to cover the full cost of her rent. The comedy club she worked at also closed at the same time. As a former youth in government care who is now studying Social Work at Douglas College, Emilianna doesn’t have the safety net of her parents
Hundreds of B.C. youth formerly in government care are receiving money when they need it most, thanks to the Youth Futures Education Fund. This year 811 former youth in care are eligible to receive funds while they pursue their post-secondary education. The funds help them pay for part of their living expenses while they study,
When starting college or university, most young people have support from their families to cover living expenses like rent, food and transportation. Unfortunately, these supports are not available to everyone, including former youth in care. Youth like Soraya Bellou. From foster care to medical school Growing up, life could be challenging and unstable for Soraya
United Way British Columbia is investing an additional $150,000 in the Youth Futures Education Fund, so more B.C. youth who have aged out of foster care can thrive at school – and in life. When starting college or university, most young people have support from their families to cover living expenses like rent, food and
Today the Government of British Columbia announced a contribution of $250,000 in 2019-20 to the Youth Futures Education Fund. The funding will provide students formerly in foster care with access to funding for costs beyond tuition such as buying books, groceries, paying bills and rent. “Former youth in care pursuing their educational dreams don’t always
United Way British Columbia is providing an additional $70,000 to gang-prevention program In It Together, operated by Abbotsford Community Services. Yves Trudel made the announcement at the Fraser Valley Community Spirit Awards May 7. The event recognized United Way donors and the impact their generosity is having in the Fraser Valley. “United Way is proud
Gavin Clark wants to challenge the kinds of conversations we have about teenagers and youth. As the Community Schools Coordinator at Templeton Secondary School in East Vancouver, Gavin sees firsthand how engaged and passionate his students are about civic issues that matter to them. It’s a far cry from the stereotypes often reinforced by media,
Think of the person who has changed your life for the better. How did they help? What did they do to make a difference? Whether it be a parent, friend or mentor, it’s imperative to have that one person – the person you can count on, no matter what. Across the Lower Mainland and Fraser
Every day we see how unignorable issues can negatively impact our communities. Here in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, child vulnerability is an unignorable issue. Almost 1 in 10 local kids say that they don’t think a single adult cares about them. Without adequate supports, vulnerable youth are at risk of negative behaviours, including