Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has unveiled a $4.5 million investment over the next three years to enhance youth resiliency programs, expanding services to address risk factors such as harm, victimization, and exploitation. Building upon the success of the SAFE program, the initiative takes a more holistic approach, empowering youth to overcome adversity and thrive in their communities.
“We are thrilled to unveil a new era of innovative initiatives, tailored to empower a brighter future for our youth,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Through this substantial funding, we are not only supporting programs but investing in the long-term prosperity and well-being of our residents—particularly our families and youth.”
The funding will support over 2,000 Surrey residents through partnerships with several local organizations:
• DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s SAFE Counselling – $300,000 annually for structured and culturally sensitive clinical counselling for 6- to 17-year-olds and their parents.
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver’s SHINE – $300,000 annually for one-on-one mentorship and clinical counselling for 6- to 24-year-olds and their parents.
• Family Services of Greater Vancouver’s Parent Teen Mediation – $110,000 annually to support 13- to 19-year-olds in resolving interpersonal conflicts with their parents.
• Pacific Community Resources Society’s Learning to Lead Youth Resiliency – $300,000 annually for mentorship and group activities focused on community service and adventure-based recreation for 14- to 17-year-olds.
• Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society’s StrengthQuest – $190,000 annually for one-on-one mentorship for 9- to 24-year-olds and parental guidance support.
• Surrey Women’s Centre’s The Seen Project – $300,000 annually to provide individualized outreach and support groups for female survivors of gender-based violence aged 13 to 24 and their parents.
Councillor Rob Stutt, Chair of the Surrey Public Safety Committee and a member of the Surrey Police Board, emphasized the importance of the investment, stating, “This $4.5M investment is a crucial step in ensuring that we can build a community of youth that can overcome any adversity. Providing support to these programs reflects our commitment to making Surrey a safer and more resilient city.”
This initiative aligns with Surrey’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and community well-being, ensuring that youth have the resources they need to build a brighter future.