Be the change you want to see
Ever since she was a little girl, Elanis knew she wanted to make a difference with her life. Her experience as a toddler in foster care, and the difficulties she faced when she was adopted at the age of 6, inspired her passion to become a social worker. “I want to be there for children […]
Making a difference for youth pursuing higher learning – 2020/21 Annual Report
Youth formerly in care aging into community and pursuing post-secondary education exemplify resilience and determination. In 2021, almost 730 students who had been in BC government care or in the care of a Delegated Aboriginal Agency attended school on a post-secondary institution or provincial tuition waiver. This despite the ongoing financial, social and emotional challenges […]
Re-found connections fuel dream career
As a child in care, Michelle* had few items to call her own. One, a sealskin purse, crisscrossed Canada with her dozens of times between Newfoundland and Labrador and BC. The memento saw her through life as a single teen mom struggling to raise her children. Today, settled in northern BC with her family and pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work degree through University of Victoria distance learning, the 42-year-old says the good luck charm serves as a reminder of how […]
Helping youth reach their goals 2019/20 Annual Report
Helping youth achieve their full potential means a brighter, better future for everyone. By valuing all young people’s unique attributes and perspectives, we can more effectively address the issues facing our communities and celebrate our collective and individual strengths and contributions. Supporting the vital role youth who have been in BC government care or in the care […]
A more equitable future for Indigenous former youth in care – $600K for 2021 Youth Futures Education Fund
Driving almost 170 round trip along the rugged inland highway between Port Alberni and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island three to four times a week to pursue a university degree while raising two young children is what determination to succeed and to be an example for others looks like. “I am doing my best to break […]
Strength and perseverance key to success
Nat has a passion for health and fitness, weightlifting in particular. He can deadlift over 400 pounds! “It’s just another way for me to test my strength and my limits,” Nat says. Much of Nat’s life has been about strength and perseverance. Several years ago, Nat faced his mother’s abrupt hospitalization, an event leading him to be […]
Emergency funding helps former foster children stay in school during COVID-19
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 […]