Organization Mission Statement
We provide programs and support to help children, youth, and families lead safer, healthier lives.
The organization serves the following population
We offer services primarily to vulnerable youth and families. This location serves the North Island. John Howard also serves Comox Valley, and has outreach staff in Parksville, Nanaimo, Duncan, Port Alberni, and Port Hardy.
The funds donated will be used to
We would use the funds at Foundry Campbell River, the youth services centre we operate in partnership with nine other community organizations. Foundry brings many services together under one roof to make it easier for young people ages 12-24 to find help and support. Services include primary and sexual health care, mental health counselling, substance use counselling, youth outreach, youth to adult transitions, housing support, employment information and support, youth and family conflict resolution, Aboriginal navigator, Elders and cultural support, LGBT2Q+ support, and groups and courses. All services are free. Specifically, we would use the funds to pay for groups offered to youth. At this time we are offering a cooking group as well as two 2SLGBTQIA+ youth groups (ages 12-14 and 15-24). We need funding for cooking ingredients and art supplies to sustain these groups that are providing vital support to young people in our community.
We also need funds for recreational and activity costs for KidStart mentees. This would include such things as swimming, gymnastics, dance, sports etc. Even though some discounts are currently available to our mentees for these type of activities, there are still substantial financial barriers for families of mentees who wish to involve their children in healthy activities. These funds would aid in positive experiences for vulnerable children and youth.
The organizations current sources of funding are
Ministry of Children and Family Development, Vancouver Island Health Authority, BC Housing, foundation and corporate grants, KidStart Champions (monthly donors), one-time donors, and fundraising.
Visit their website for more information: jhsni.bc.ca
This nomination has been reviewed by the 100 Women Who Care committee and meets all criteria.