Whalley Youth Foundation logo Surrey · British Columbia

Every young person deserves to belong somewhere.

We connect Surrey's youth to community, mentorship, and a place that's truly theirs.

3–7PM
The afternoon hours when young people most need somewhere to belong.
1-on-1
Every member starts with a real conversation about who they are and where they're going.
Theirs
Members help run, shape, and own the space — they aren't just passing through.
Connection over charity

Belonging is the most powerful thing we can offer.

The difference between a young person thriving and slipping through the cracks often comes down to one thing: whether they feel connected to people who believe in them. We exist to build those connections — between youth and mentors, between youth and each other, and between young people and the community they're part of.

/ they own it

They belong, because it's theirs

Members apply, take on real responsibilities, and shape the space alongside everyone else. Not recipients of help — part of a community they build.

/ they're known

Known, not labelled

Every member starts with a one-on-one conversation about who they are and where they want to go. No one here is a case to be managed.

/ they lead

They step up

From running quarterly fundraisers to welcoming new members, youth discover they have something real to offer the people around them.

[ PHOTO SLOT — youth & mentors, an event, the space in use ]
Rooted in community

Not a place to pass through. A place to plug into.

Young people here build friendships, learn from mentors, and contribute through events and fundraisers — discovering they have something to offer.

When a young person helps run a fundraiser or brings a friend through the door, they're becoming part of something. That belonging is what carries forward into the rest of their lives.

How you join

You don't get handed a place. You earn it.

Membership isn't free-for-all and handed out. You apply for it — and you own it.

Try it out

Bring a friend

Any member can bring a friend for a free one-to-two week trial to experience the space.

Sit down

One-on-one

A real conversation about your goals and how we can back them.

Get in

Onboard

Once you're approved, you're a member — and the space is yours too.

Take it on

Own it

Members share the work that keeps it running. Keep the space, and it stays yours.

The bigger goal

We're not keeping kids busy. We're building adults.

People who can hold a job, take care of themselves when no one else will, lean on a community, and keep asking how do I do better? We want every young person to leave more ready for the world than they arrived.

Why it matters

The strongest protection isn't a locked door. It's belonging.

In Surrey, the hours between school and home are when young people are most likely to be left alone — and most vulnerable to being pulled in the wrong direction, sometimes as early as 11 or 12. This crosses every neighbourhood and income level.

The answer isn't another drop-in centre kids are embarrassed to be seen at. It's a place they're proud to belong to — something stronger to say yes to. That's what we're building.

Get involved

There's a place for you in this, too.

For youth & families

Curious about joining, or want to bring a friend for a trial? Reach out — we'd love to meet you.

Start a conversation

For the community

Volunteer, mentor, partner, or donate. Every bit of support helps a young person find where they belong.

Support the work