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Wes was nine years old when he met YU youth worker, Amy Seiler. At the time, Wes was extraordinarily shy, inwardly battling the helplessness of an addicted father, while sinking into depression. Twelve years of consistent mentorship later, Wes’ life trajectory, and who he is as a person, are on a new path. Every day, Wes entered into a dark space. Regrettably, that space doubled as his home. His earliest memories are filled with hardship, as he navigated the toxicity of alcoholism in his home and endured constant yelling. “My dad would say really mean comments to my mom and...

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              YU’s long-term youth worker Calvin Williams walks with Trevor. Trevor, 25, is a strong, caring and passionate young man, who is often called upon to share his expertise on how to best support struggling youth in Mission. His compassion and knowledge were forged through deep heartache, but also through the committed care he received from a faithful youth worker.            At an early age, Trevor lost his family, navigated foster care, and experienced deep mental health struggles. “I was ten years old when my mom and grandma couldn’t afford to take care of me,”...

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              As the tire-on-gravel crunching comes to a halt and the van doors burst open, the inviting fresh, cool breeze hits Graham’s face. He inhales the familiar smell of pine, as memories of past adventures reinvigorate his excitement. Even as the youth spill out of the van, it feels quiet. They are suddenly too focused on adventure prep to chitchat. Bikes get unloaded and checked. Elbow pads, knee pads, goggles, helmet — checked. A couple of snacks are stuffed into an empty pocket. The perfect entanglement of eager anticipation, nervousness and delight reverberates through...

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Taylor, an 18-year-old, tech-talented youth from Maple Ridge, is no stranger to hardship and pain. She’s had challenges with identity and acceptance, spent her life juggling two households, and barely graduated high school. Her mental health was constantly eroded by depression and school stress, while unknowingly battling the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “High school slowly got harder every year,” Taylor said, sharing her situation made it difficult to complete school.            Sandra Reilly, a trained counsellor and gifted empathetic Youth Unlimited outreach worker, has been working in the Maple Ridge schools since 2016. That’s where she met Taylor....

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