Youth Unlimited

We are a non-profit organization helping young people discover their potential. We work primarily with young people aged 10-24.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Every week during the summer, Creative Life meets with youth for 'art in the park! It's a great time of community and artistry while also enjoying some fresh air. ☀️

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

If I had to choose the best part of my job, it would probably be mentoring students and walking alongside them in their everyday lives.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

A highlight has been just getting to know each young person I interact with. I love to learn about their families, interests and beliefs. I've also loved learning more about Sikhism and the South Asian culture which many of the students we work with are from.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

3. Any standout moments or highlights so far?
Already too many to count! I've been able to go jet-skiing, go for slurpees, go to Vancouver Whitecaps and Vancouver Bandits games, play volleyball and basketball, and do lots of one-on-one mentoring with the youth.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

I also value how everything we do comes from a desire to be like Jesus and share His love, but we are careful not to push religion on anyone. People know who we are and what we believe, and conversations about faith are authentic and meaningful.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

They may get expelled from school, but they can still reach out to us knowing we have not left their side. There is an emphasis on long-term relationships here.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

2. Why YU?
Youth Unlimited stands out to me for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, there is an understanding within my team that there is nothing a youth can do that will make us abandon them.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Teen years can be difficult and many of these youth are trying to navigate their mental health journeys, family challenges, friendship issues, and more. Having a trustworthy mentor through all of this makes a world of a difference.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

1. Why youth work?
Youth work is so important! It is not a stepping stone to get somewhere better, rather it is an area in which meaningful long-term connections can form.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Makenzie Burnett, new Abbotsford youth worker, is the latest in our summer staff series! Read her heart for youth below.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

We celebrate BC: the people and the place. 🌊🚵

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

We hope you had a great BC Day!

We're grateful to live, play, and work in a province that provides so much.

Our province offers opportunities in nature, where our youth get to wonder in so many different pillars of creation.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Our province is filled with people who support us: teachers, doctors, pastors, farmers and so many more who impart the lessons they've learned to the next generation.

Our province celebrates inclusion and diversity, where youth see that anyone, from anywhere, can succeed.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

We’ve been cheering hard for our Canadian Olympians!

Their resilience and belief is inspiring. Their stories, their will, their joy, their – they remind us of just how much is possible.

In the victories and the defeats, we are so proud.

Go Canada Go! 🇨🇦

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Our Elevation Experience crew is just finishing up their time in Rwanda. They’re coming home with life-lessons, new friends, and full hearts.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

“The first day here we spent it with some women who work on YFC Rwanda’s co-op. The first thing after introductions was to peel the sweet potatoes for our lunch. As we peeled, the women sang a praise song in their language, Kinyarwanda.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

Youth: I’ve never been part of something so holy before.
Me: what do you mean?
Youth: it’s so pure.
Me: yeah, they really do everything with their whole heart here.
Youth: yeah, it’s beautiful.”

Amanda, YU youth worker

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

- youth reflection on the impact of his relationship with a YU worker.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

New study shows 41% of BC teen struggles with mental health.

Young people are struggling with a silent crisis and need support, love and care now. This report surveying 38,000 youth also finds 25% of teens are often or always feel lonely.

[Youth Unlimited @GVYU]

“I know that there are a lot of people who are struggling, or who don’t have a place to go, who just need a couple minutes or hours to unpack their emotional baggage. Jon was that person for me. I don’t know where I’d be without him.”