Local Networks
What is a Local Youth in Care Network (Local)?
Locals are groups run by partnerships between youth and adult allies. They are designed to support youth in and from care ages 14-24. A Local follows the Fed’s mission and Values Code. Local youth leaders are supported by host agencies and Fed staff who can help the group to establish a budget, create an annual plan and follow the Values Code. Each Local is unique to the community that builds it. Some are fun activity-based, while others focus more on life skills, and some are a combination of both. Youth shape the Local to best meet their needs. Locals also help the Fed provide a provincial voice for youth in and from care.
Our Approach
The Fed strives to help communities create a safe space for youth in and from care to come together, build connections, identify challenges, and feel at home.
Mission of a Local
To create an environment for youth in and from care to come together for support so they don’t feel alone in their experiences. Locals give young people an opportunity to meet new people, do fun activities, develop skills, and unite their voices to create change in the systems that affect them.
To learn more about Locals, contact Shannon Dolton - Team Lead and Program Coordinator at shannon.dolton@fbcyicn.ca
Why get involved with a Local?
Youth
- Meet people with similar lived experiences and support each other
- Have fun with peers in and from care
- Help create a safe and fun space
- Unite their voices to create change in the system
- Build a group that meets the needs of youth in and from care in the community
- Help youth-serving organizations learn how to better work with youth in and from care
Adult Allies
- Access to funding up to $4,000 a year
- Ability to use the Federation name and logo
- Work and build relationships with other Locals across BC
- Build and share knowledge of existing community resources throughout the province
- Promote Local’s activities through the Federation’s website, e-newsletter, social media, and Power Pages
- Help create a safe and fun space for youth in and from care
- Better understand how to work with youth in and from care
Current Locals
Abbotsford
Host Agency: Archway Community Services, Foundry Abbotsford
2420 Montrose Ave., Abbotsford, BC V2S 3S9
Contact: Tiera Murray - Tiera.Murray@foundryabbotsford.ca or 778-809-4410
Castlegar
Host Agency: ARC Programs Ltd.
625 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC V1N 1G9
Contact: Jane Wesko at JWesko@arcprograms.com or 250 608 7674 and Emma Cuell at ECuell@arcprograms.com
Host Agency: Comox Valley Family Services Association
1415 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K6
Kamloops
Host Agency: Interior Community Services
765 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 3J3
Contact: Renata Saat at rsaat@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca
Maple Ridge
Host Agency: PLEA Ridge Meadows Youth Services
#200-22420 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3J5
Contact: Rolfe Hilger at rhilger@plea.bc.ca or 236-688-4983
Parksville
Host Agency: Sources Community Resource Centre
PO Box 965, 198 Morrison Ave Parksville, BC V9P 2H1
Contact: Brittany Palmer at bpalmer@sourcesbc.ca or 250-954-9359
Port Alberni
Host Agency: ADAPS Youth and Family Services
4260 10th ave, Port Alberni, V9Y 4X3
Contact: Stacy Neary at stacy@adaps.org or 778-419-4445
Prince George
Host Agency: Prince George Native Friendship Centre
Contact: Natalia Todosia at ntodosia@pgnfc.com
Surrey
Host Agency: Options Community Services
9815 140 St, Surrey, BC V3T 4M4