Kinnections Program

Kinnections provides support to Aboriginal youth ages 15 - 19 years who are in the care of MCFD or VACFSS, or on a Youth Agreement.  The program connects youth to trained community volunteer mentors who can provide support as youth become adults. Kinnections provides support to youth, mentors, and referring Social workers.

Goals/Purpose of Program

• To connect Aboriginal youth to volunteer community mentors
• Mentors will become a youth's advocate, role model, and friend
• To form long-term friendships to help support youth as they transition to living independently

For more information:

• Call the Kinnections Program at 604-254-7732
• Email kinnections@unya.bc.ca
• Complete our referral form

 

Program Activities

Youth can identify their own mentor, or we have available mentors waiting for you.

You can do lots of fun things together such as:

You can also do other things together that will help you as you are becoming independent, such as:

• Apartment hunting
• Job, training, or education search
• Help with budgeting

Youth can also access referrals to other programs and services.

How Social Workers Can Benefit

Provide youth with access to a fully trained mentor in areas such as:

• Life-skill coaching
• Prevention of sexual exploitation
• Cultural awareness
• Substance abuse and misuse

Ensure youth has access to a trustworthy, reliable adult.

Ensure youth will receive referrals to appropriate services through their mentor.

How Volunteers Can Benefit

• Gain valuable experience for your resume
• Make a difference with a youth who needs someone like you – Volunteering just 6 hours a month makes a big difference
• To share knowledge and experiences
• Receive financial support and/or free passes to assist you in taking your youth on outings
• Receive ongoing training in areas such as:
  • Cultural awareness
  • Life-skill coaching
  • Conflict resolution
  • Online safety
  • Mental health
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Referrals to services

How You Can Become Involved

We are actively seeking participation in the Kinnections Program from youth, social workers, and community volunteers. 

Youth

Kinnections can provide support to Aboriginal youth ages 15 - 19 years who are in the care of MCFD or VACFSS, or on a Youth Agreement.

Volunteers

Community members are welcome to enquire about becoming a volunteer mentor.  We are seeking Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal volunteers, ages 21 and up.

For more information:

• Call the Kinnections Program at 604-254-7732
• Email kinnections@unya.bc.ca
• Complete our referral form

 

Donations Needed

Kinnections appreciates donations of bus tickets, Native arts and craft supplies, and tickets to concerts or sporting events for youth and their mentors to attend.

Program Funders

BC Ministry of Children & Family Development

Kinnections Program Brochure

How To Contact Us

1618 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S6
Phone: 604-254-7732
Fax: 604-254-7811
Email: kinnections@unya.bc.ca