News + Events

For Langley’s Jon Pue, local high schools are second homes. An in-school youth worker (and YU Area Director), who also supports additional school programming during the summer, school staff trust Jon as someone who can help students experiencing challenges — students like Ken. Jon met Ken during a summer program designed to ease the transition from middle to high school, where the jump to a 2,200-student high school, like Ken’s, can be anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. The program introduces students to support staff and resources, with some summer fun mixed in.        For Ken, this program was pivotal. “Change has always made...

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Fifteen year-old Amelie stood amazed, at the end of the 47 km Juan de Fuca trail. She gazed across the majestic ocean that welcomed her. Beads of sweat ran down her face as she waded into the freezing water. Then it hit her. She had just completed the most challenging adventure of her life so far. “I really just did that,” she said, beaming. “And if I can do this, I can do so much more.” Providing challenging opportunities in nature is one of the many ways Youth Unlimited provides vulnerable youth with opportunities for growth, healing and practical help....

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When 13-year old Aidan met Youth Unlimited’s James Parlee, his world was full of turbulence. “I had a pretty rough family life,” says Aidan. “I had conflict with both parents and lived life half at my mom’s and half at my dad’s.” School was difficult. “I had a lot of emotional issues and had trouble keeping myself in check,” he continued. “In middle school, I would pick fights and got suspended multiple times. I had such a messy locker that I wasn’t allowed to have one anymore.” High school wasn’t any easier. “I wasn’t great at connecting with people; I...

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      Youth Unlimited would not exist today without our founding volunteers. Nor would it flourish without volunteers generously investing, supporting staff to help make it run. From cooks and bakers to snowboard instructors, from board members to compassionate listeners — the serving community is woven into YU’s fabric. This issue explores the inspiring stories of three incredible volunteers.       When she retired, Sylvia didn’t think twice about helping homeless youth at the MY House program in Mission. “The more adults these kids can rely on, the better,” says Sylvia, who was a high school receptionist for...

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