Pathfinder Youth Centre Society (PYCS) in Surrey, British Columbia, has been a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and young adults since 2003. Originally founded to provide a safe haven and inclusive platform for foster children aging out of the system, PYCS offers them essential life and employment skills. Over the years, the organization has grown, expanding its services to address a wide range of needs across various age groups. Through programs that focus on educational support, vocational training, and recreational therapy, PYCS delivers comprehensive support, guiding individuals toward self-sufficiency and a brighter, more independent future.
Programs that Change Lives
The success of PYCS lies in its wide range of services that help people overcome significant barriers to employment and education. The organization’s mentorship programs, career counseling, and employment readiness workshops offer targeted assistance to youth, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 30. Additionally, PYCS offers mental health support, substance abuse recovery, and community reintegration programs, helping those caught up in the legal system find a second chance at life. By empowering individuals with essential life skills, education, and job training, PYCS ensures that youth have the tools to overcome obstacles and make meaningful contributions to society.
Some of the programs offered by PYCS include Employment Beginnings Program, Skills for Life, Bean Around Books, and Second Chance Thrift + Vintage Employment Program. Since its inception, PYCS has supported over 3,000 young people across the Lower Mainland of BC, with up to 90 participants benefiting from its programs annually. Many of these participants go on to secure full- or part-time employment or return to school, breaking the cycle of unemployment and social isolation.
Success Stories from PYCS Volunteers and Past Participants
Volunteers and past participants at PYCS have witnessed firsthand how the organization transforms lives. Here are some powerful testimonials:
Jordan Jongejan, an EBP program participant and a PYCS volunteer, says:
“You and your team helped me discover my passion for helping others! I was presented with an educational direction to pursue when Katherine told me about the Youth Justice Program that she had taken at Douglas College. Before participating in the program, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I was headed in life. Through the help of the Pathfinder team, I made it into the Youth Justice Program in the fall of 2018 and graduated in 2021. I now work in a harm-reduction shelter for youth who have experienced homelessness and have substance use disorder. I find my work extremely rewarding and fulfilling.”
Wayne Calliou, another EBP program participant and a leader at the Transformations Youth Camp, reflects:
“Before Pathfinder, I was lost, insecure, and not living life to the fullest. I randomly got into the program because my sister had seen an advertisement in the local paper. Little did I know I’d enter into a program that’s built around lifestyle design, self-expression, and unfounded personal growth. The experience of landing a job at a 5-star 4-diamond property off a hotel tour that I attended during the EBP program, changed my thought process about my gifts and personality entirely. All the program does is change lives, and open up the doors for youth to be the best versions of themselves.”
Neena Chopra, a dedicated volunteer at PYCS, shares:
“Volunteering at Pathfinder opened my eyes to the struggles young people face today. Many of them come from difficult backgrounds- some are homeless or have been in the judicial system. I am very impressed by how the PYCS programs are designed for both youth and adults. The programs don’t just help people find jobs; they help people find their purpose. The work they do is life-cha
nging, offering both practical skills and emotional support. Watching participants grow in confidence and build a new future has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
The Bingo Night Fundraiser
To keep these impactful programs running, PYCS depends heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The upcoming Bingo Night Fundraiser promises to be a fun-filled event with a serious cause.
PYCS’s Bingo Fundraiser is an exciting opportunity to support and enhance our mentorship programs, which are vital in guiding and empowering young people in our community. By participating in this fun and engaging event, your contribution will be directly helping fund and expand our mentorship initiatives. It will allow us to increase our food bank supplies, provide essential resources for our employment programs, and make a huge impact on the lives of young people.
Attendees of the Bingo Night can expect not only an entertaining evening but also the chance to contribute to a cause that touches lives in tangible ways. Every ticket sold and every bingo card played helps fuel the mission of PYCS.
The Importance of Donations and Community Support
Pathfinder Youth Centre Society is a registered non-profit charity and it relies on the generous contributions of individuals, local businesses, and philanthropic organizations. Contributions help fund critical services like training programs, mental health support, housing assistance, and legal guidance. Without this funding, many at-risk youth and adults would be left without the help they need to rebuild their lives. Community support is crucial as PYCS works tirelessly to provide long-term solutions and opportunities for individuals to achieve stability and independence.
By participating in fundraising events or making direct donations, you contribute to the essential mission of transforming lives through accessible education, mentorship, and employment training. Together, we can help break down the barriers that prevent so many from realizing their full potential.
As PYCS continues its mission of transforming lives through comprehensive support programs, community involvement is more important than ever. The work of Pathfinder Youth Centre Society is a testament to how community efforts can transform lives, offering both immediate support and long-term solutions for those in need.
The Pathfinder Team
Contact Us
604-598-2703/ 604-460-2856
https://www.pathfinderyouthsociety.org
[email protected]
[email protected]