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In British Columbia

Mentoring Programs for Children & Youth in British Columbia

What We Do

We provide children and youth who are at risk of experiencing difficulties in their lives, with the one-to-one support of a caring volunteer mentor. Through the gift of time, our mentors help these young people to grow, thrive and connect with the community they call home.

Our Goals

To provide each child with opportunities to develop a supportive relationship with a caring adult, to experience a sense of personal achievement, and to strengthen their resilience.

How It Works

Our mentors meet weekly with the young person to whom they are assigned and engage them in activities that are fun, and that have the potential to create new interests, discover inherent talents and abilities, and reinforce strengths.

Our Beginnings

KidStart began more than 35 years ago, back when the founders were youth workers themselves. Its practice and philosophies are rooted in evidence, and it has proven itself time and again that it works!

We’re Unique

We’re able to support children and youth that other mentoring programs are not. Our mentors know how to engage those who are hard to reach, recognize signs of trauma, and handle disclosures. They also stick with us. Most have been with us for many years.

Why Volunteer?

Spend a few hours a week with a child or youth in need. If you are over 19, prepared to accept a young person unconditionally, gifted with common sense, a sense of fun and a positive attitude join our KidStart team and share the wonderful experience of helping a child or teen grow and thrive.

Why Donate?

KidStart relies on grants, donations and fundraising events in order to operate. Become a one-time or monthly donor and help us provide positive and meaningful relationships to young people in your community.

Where would you like to donate?

Lower Mainland Victoria Comox Valley/Campbell River

Testimonials

Erika took me to tour the alternative schools and helped me pick which one I wanted to go to. Without her, I don’t think I’d ever have finished school. Later, she was there for my high school graduation. She supported me through all of that.”

Shelby
KidStart mentee

“She never gave up on me. She always told me I have so much potential. Erika would never judge me. She’d say things like “C’mon, Shelby, you know this isn’t right”, but she never made me feel bad for getting into some tricky situations that teenagers get into. She always told me I have so much potential, and her consistently reminding me of that eventually helped me expand into my true potential.”

Shelby
KidStart mentee

One experience can change a life. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it in their faces.

Ann Alexander
KidStart Co-Founder

I can really see a difference in my mentee from the beginning to present. My mentee shows more confidence and I can truly say that they look forward to my company.

KidStart Volunteer Mentor

You can walk around trouble if you have somewhere to walk to and someone to walk with.

Ann Alexander
KidStart Co-Founder

125+

Volunteer mentors

120+

Kids on our caseload

250+

Kids on our waitlist

Looking for KidStart in your community? We operate in the following locations…

Connect with your region’s KidStart community in either the Lower Mainland, Victoria, or Comox Valley/Campbell River.

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