As a leading non-profit registered charity in Greater Vancouver, Pathfinder has empowered over 3000 young people throughout the lower mainland so far to achieve success in their lives and in their communities.
Our Story
Pathfinder embarked on its mission in 2002 with the establishment of the inaugural Pathfinder Youth Home in Richmond, serving as a refuge for at-risk youth. In 2003, the first Pathfinder Youth Centre opened its doors in Surrey, marking a significant milestone. With the generous sponsorship of Service Canada, Pathfinder administered numerous employment and mentorship initiatives tailored for young individuals.
As its impact grew, Pathfinder recognized the need to extend its reach and support to youth across the Lower Mainland. Consequently, in 2006, a new location was launched in Maple Ridge, enabling the organization to serve a broader demographic. With the capacity to engage with 60-90 participants annually, Pathfinder's mentorship programs encompassed a diverse range of youth facing various obstacles to employment, including homelessness, mental health challenges, substance abuse, involvement with the ministry, or entanglement in the judicial system.
The cornerstone of Pathfinder's success lies in its comprehensive life and employment training programs, which are complemented by the provision of vital mentorship to vulnerable youth. By addressing these critical areas, Pathfinder equips young individuals with the necessary skills, guidance, and support they need to navigate their challenging circumstances and pursue a brighter future.
In 2018, Pathfinder received a generous donation of the Bean Around Books Cafe from M.P Dan Ruimy. After taking ownership of the cafe, Pathfinder then created a work experience program that is now run out of the cafe.
Pathfinders is continuing to expand our programs to serve our communities and provide help to youth that need it most.
Our Mission + Vision
At Pathfinder Youth Society, we hold deep respect and admiration for the diverse cultures, religions, developmental experiences, and perspectives of every young adult within our program. Our services are delivered with mindfulness, honesty, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. We firmly believe that young people and their families possess immense potential and can be an invaluable resource to society. Therefore, our interactions and connections with our clients, young individuals, and their families are built upon a foundation of mutual trust and respect. Our primary focus lies in equipping them with essential life skills, education, and employment training, which serve as the building blocks for a self-sufficient and independent future.
Our mission is to provide positive and accessible avenues for education, life skills development, employment training, and recreational opportunities for young people and their families.
Our vision entails establishing a nationwide network of centers that are dedicated to offering a secure and supportive environment, promoting well-being, fostering mentorship, and celebrating cultural diversity for young individuals and their families.
We firmly believe that our relationships with our clients, young individuals, and their families must be rooted in trust and respect. By empowering them with life skills, education, and employment training, we aim to lay the groundwork for a self-sufficient and independent life.
The Pathfinder Youth Centre Society is devoted to assisting at-risk young individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 in overcoming the barriers that hinder their return to school or entry into the workforce. Our team of certified youth counselors tailors their mentorship to meet the specific needs of each client, providing guidance on life skills development and facilitating reintegration into the education system and/or access to employment training. Each year, we serve approximately 90 participants across the Greater Vancouver area. To date, many of our Pathfinder alumni have successfully secured full or part-time employment and have even obtained a BC High School Graduation diploma.
