In the Lower Mainland

Mentoring Programs For Children & Youth in BC’s Lower Mainland

KidStart is a one-to-one volunteer mentoring program available to children and youth who face challenges at home, at school, with peers or in the community.

What We Do

KidStart is a prevention program aimed to protect children and youth who are at risk of experiencing serious difficulties in their lives. We provide them with one-to-one mentoring from a caring volunteer. KidStart helps kids make good choices despite challenging circumstances.

Local

KidStart 6-12 operates throughout the Lower Mainland and is available in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, the North Shore (North Vancouver, West Vancouver), Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver. KidStart for teens aged 13-18 is available in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, the North Shore (North Vancouver, West Vancouver), Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver.

Safe

Our dedicated team of volunteer coordinators, recruit, screen, and train caring adult volunteers to become KidStart mentors. Our screening process involves at least two interviews, three references and a criminal record check. Our mentors are trained in first aid and receive ongoing training, support, and supervision to help them be the best mentor they can be.

Free

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and our volunteer mentors, KidStart is provided free of charge to children and families who need it.

Low Barrier

Anyone can refer a child aged 6-12 to KidStart including school teachers, counsellors, parents, guardians, family members and the police. To access the teens program, a professional referral from a social worker or probation officer is required. To find out more, please email us.

Why Donate?

When you support KidStart, you help ensure that regardless of circumstances, any child can have a caring adult in their life. Become a one-time or monthly donor and help us provide positive and meaningful relationships to young people in your community.

Donate Today

Testimonials

“I went through a bit of a phase between the ages of 14 and 16 when I pushed everyone away and she [my mentor] was the only one who could ever get a hold of me. Erika was kind of the only person I trusted. I think that was because she wasn’t a social worker, counsellor, or other person who made me frustrated when I was younger. I guess she just didn’t have the label that everyone else in the system had when I was so angry with the system. She was just my mentor, so I trusted and liked her.”

Shelby

KidStart mentee

Now, three years down the road, I can’t help but think about where we began. It’s been an incredible journey being a mentor to this young person. She’s opened up, shown her smart, independent and caring personality. The most beautiful part about it all is that I get to see a kid grow into her most authentic true self.

Myriame, a KidStart Mentor

Over six years now, I have seen my mentee grow. He is now more honest, determined, responsible, cooperative and the most important, he has dreams about his future. I know that in the time we have spent together he has improved significantly. I can, without a doubt, say that KidStart has been a fantastic resource for my mentee and his family.

Dimitris, a KidStart Mentor

You can be a mentor! Join us and change a child’s life!

Are you looking to make a difference? Because you can! If you are 19 years of age, are in a stable routine and can commit three hours a week for a minimum of one year, you can be a mentor. No special skills are required, but lots of special experiences will be had!

Become a Volunteer