“Looking forward to continued success as we walk alongside future participants. No one journeys alone”
- Orville Lee, President
Presidents Note
We want to thank our amazing staff for their continuous hard work to make Pathfinders a household name. Despite covid and lockdowns, the Pathfinder team showed resolve by bonding together, pivoting and continuing to support our clients. We had to be creative and innovative, and we thank our team for rising to the occasion. The recognition we have received from our peers and community partners is a true reflection of the cohesive unit and caring hearts that make up the Pathfinder Family.
Thank you to our Board of Directors for their guidance and advice. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. A special thank you to Patricia, Michelle, Susan, Alexis, and Jamall.
Looking forward to continued success as we walk alongside future participants.
“No one journeys alone”
- Orville Lee, President
Christmas Hampers 2022 - Christmas Hampers and gifts to 80 families.
Bean around Books - Open mic and pop up
BC housing staff volunteers at Pathfinder
Partnership with BCCFA : BC Community Football Chasing Hope Foundation. Mental health awareness for athletes.
2nd Annual Summer Games Charity Fundraiser
Orville Lee Nominated for Premiers People Choice Award
Humanitarian Award by John and Chandra Volken (John Volken Academy) in late 2021
Agency Highlights
Agency Highlights
Employment Beginnings Program
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The Employment Beginnings Program is a 9 weeks program consisting of workshops, certifications, case management, industry mentors, and 1 to 1 support, followed by 6 weeks of paid work experience. It is vital for youth struggling within our community and provide the opportunity to connect, be supported, and develop the necessary skills and confidence to move forward into employment.
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We are approaching the final year of this three-year contract. We want to congratulate the 122 participants who completed the program in 2022.
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“Since attending the program I have started working at a job I am genuinely excited to go to everyday. Looking more into the future, I hope to eventually move up in my company and further develop my career. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am in a position where I can plan my future effectively and it doesn't seem as impossible now, as I have been given a plethora of knowledge on how to succeed.
I genuinely don't think that I would change anything about the course. The content was all over the place (in a good way) so I am sure there are many guest speakers that would be an awesome fit for the program but I don't know who the people are. The topics that were talked about were important, but I think the more important part was the person presenting. Everyone that was chosen to speak to us were all very knowledgeable, interesting and generally very good speakers which is why the presentations were so interesting. So if I had to add something I would add another speaker who has a passion for what they are saying.”
—H.T.
Bean Around Books
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Bean Around Books is now a training centre and non-profit café where young people can learn customer service and hospitality skills, while adults with disabilities can gain experience and social skills through volunteering. The café also helps to sustain Pathfinder's mentorship program, allowing the youth to contribute.
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This year we have created more community partnerships, held more meetings and events. Our sales / profits are steadily increasing allowing us to support our mission to sustain our programs. This has allowed us to provide more opportunities to youth in our community.
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A participant came into our program with high anxiety and commitment issues. As she worked through these obstacles she was able to complete the program and we are proud to say that she retuned to school, and is now an educational assistant in school district 43. She believes in the program so much that she pays it forward by referring everyone she knows that would benefit from the program.
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The "Skills for Life" group program is a school-based service for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The program teaches people essential life skills and guides them toward independence and self-actualization. The program is designed to provide a learning environment that encourages self-government, literacy, problem-solving, finances, health and nutrition and day-to-day living skills that can strengthen people's self-esteem and improve their quality of life. Recreational and social activities are provided in the form of community outings (i.e., art galleries), sports activities, and socials at restaurants. The service is all-inclusive and for adults aged 19 and older.
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Skills for Life group program saw some of our students fulfilling their goals for employment in 2022. A couple of students received job promotions after learning key skills like file management and warehouse product stocking. We also made new community connections with a retirement home in Newton where student volunteer their time with residents, playing card games or talking them for a walk on the property.
Skills for Life
Second Chance
Thrift + Vintage
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Second Chance is a non-profit social enterprise created to benefit the youth in our programs and provide work experience.
All proceeds go to Pathfinder Youth Centre Society, which supports at-risk youth with employment skills training and mentorship.
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We are grateful to CIBC for supporting us with their generous of $20,000 and for helping us to share our story at their customer appreciation night.
