West Vancouver Youth Outreach

The West Vancouver Youth Outreach Program and Ambleside Youth Centre offers programs and services to youth and families in West Vancouver, with the goal of providing positive alternatives to youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
 
The WVYOP Drop-In Programs offer a safe and nurturing environment where youth can spend time cooking, take part in music jam sessions and band nights, watch movies, or get involved in any of our out-trips such as camping, canoeing, surfing or skateboarding. Skilled Outreach Staff connect with youth to support them in their school endeavours, struggles with family issues, or individual growth. Staff are trained to conduct risk assessments and make referrals to agencies such as The Ministry of Children and Families, Victim Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, or Safe Teen.
 
The WVYOP works collaboratively with the West Vancouver School District #45 to provide support to youth identified by school counselours, or youth in our alternate school programs. Through a variety of life skill training opportunities, or therapeutic interventions, we strive to give youth the tools they need to create success for themselves in their lives.
 
For many years Cypress Mountain has been a strong supporter of our Summer Work Experience Program, designed to offer higher risk youth six weeks of intensive employment readiness training. Every summer 10 to 12 youth take part in this program. They complete one week of challenging skill building workshops before entering a full time position with a business in our community. With the help of experienced mentorship from management and employees, youth are required to work full time hours, and thereby gain tremendous insight into the employment world. Youth are paid weekly, and receive a bonus upon completion of the program. A graduation ceremony is then held to recognize the accomplishment of the youth participants.
 
I cannot describe to you how valuable this program is in the lives of these young people, who might otherwise never find the support they need to confidently enter a work environment. The Summer Work Experience Program would not happen without the support from Cypress Mountain. Please accept my thanks on behalf of all youth who have benefited, and on behalf of all staff here at the West Vancouver Youth Outreach.