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              When Nico first darkened the doors of the Jesters Theatre program, he had one declaration. “I will never perform onstage,” he said matter-of-factly. For Nico, who was happy helping behind the curtain, the anxiety of being in front of people felt far too great to even consider defeating.           Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Mission, BC is a place that will challenge even the staunchest fears and insecurities. It’s a place where personality can be safely nurtured, couched in belonging and a feeling of family. Jesters Theatre is Youth Unlimited’s specialized theatre and...

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              On a hot summer day last year, Alexis and her Youth Unlimited leader headed to a local swimming spot. When they arrived, Alexis spotted some friends. Her leader suggested that they go over and talk with them, figuring she would be eager to chat with her friends. Instead, Alexis quickly replied, “Oh no, I couldn’t, I’ll talk with them over Snapchat when I get home.” At a season in life when friends and social acceptance are paramount, cell phones and social media offer teenagers a virtual world of instant and endless connectivity. Today’s...

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Mickaella could have been a statistic. Kicked out of home at age 14, pregnant at 17—her life could have simply been a tale of compounding tragedies, but thanks to your partnership, she got the support she needed and that’s not her story. Today, at 21, Mickaella is a stable, loving mother and wife, full of joy and potential—and she couldn’t have done it without your help. Mickaella first came to Youth Unlimited’s Abbotsford drop-in centre when she was 12. She laughs as she recalls her first memory. “For a twelve year old, it was like a nightclub for youth!” she...

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Four years ago, Youth Unlimited outreach worker Tim Gadd, and his wife Christine, were setting up the school breakfast program in the wee hours of the morning, when one of the helpers noticed two shy girls huddled inside the school, despite it being several hours before school started. She invited them to join YU’s breakfast program. Tim sat with the girls for breakfast and learned they are sisters, Bryanne and Ellie Lane, who were daily dropped off early so their mom could get to work on time. A kindly janitor would open a door early so the girls could stay...

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