On the surface, it’s a fundraising drive to raise $2 million over a two year period.
But the intangibles and benefits can’t be quantified in dollars and cents.
Simply put, Foundry Burnaby will support young people and their families to find the help they need, when and where they need it.
Earlier this year, Burnaby was announced as one of 10 communities in BC to open a Foundry centre, to open in 2027. The collaborative development and implementation process is being led by BC Centre for Ability (BCCFA), alongside partners in the community. Contributions to support this vital initiative can be made through foundrybc.ca/donate/donate-local-foundry-centre.
Once opened, Foundry Burnaby will increase access to health and wellness resources for young people between the ages of 12 and 24, along with their families and caregivers. Foundry centres around B.C. help young people access five core services in one convenient location: mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports and social services.
With the target opening date set for mid-2027, there is an urgent need to raise $2 million to support the creation of space for the new Foundry Burnaby.
“This is a project that everyone can be excited about and contribute to, including but not limited to individual donors, foundations, small to large businesses, corporations/sponsorships, those impacted in any capacity and Burnaby community members,” says Joshua Myers, BCCFA’s executive director.
BCCFA has been delivering quality services for children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families since 1969. Founded with the goal of creating inclusive communities and a sense of belonging, its programs provide support around the province to children, youth and adults through a variety of services.
BCCFA serves as a perfect complimentary piece to the Foundry model of care, given its work with clients with a variety of developmental and physical disabilities. Many of these young people also experience mental health and wellness challenges. Foundry Burnaby will provide much needed support to these young people and many others in the community.
“Foundry centres transform healthcare for young people by removing barriers, improving access to services and increasing the quality of supports in each of the communities they are located in, as well as across the province through virtual services,” Myers says.
And the need for those services is ever present:
- One in four young people in Canada aged 15 to 24 experience challenges with mental health or substance misuse in any given year
- 50% of youth coming to Foundry report that they have thought about suicide in the past 90 days
- Less than 25% of youth report receiving the mental health services they need
As reported by Foundry Central Office, despite 70% of mental illness happening before the age of 24, and despite overdoses being the leading killer of young people in B.C. aged 10 to 19, BC’s health system is crisis driven, unresponsive and uncoordinated, Myers says. “Many communities are not armed with coordinated, accessible or low-barrier services. For a strong future, we need vibrant and healthy young people living full, productive lives.”
To learn more or to make a donation today, visit foundrybc.ca/expansion/ and foundrybc.ca/donate/donate-local-foundry-centre/
