KidStart - Lower Mainland

A one-to-one volunteer mentoring program available to children and youth who face challenges at home, at school, or in the community. Children/youth are matched with adults who act as positive role models and who encourage them to participate in activities that allow them to experience success and build resilience to the risk factors they may face in their lives. KidStart for children ages six to 12 is available in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, the North Shore, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver; referrals accepted from school teachers, counsellors, parents, guardians, family members, and the police. KidStart for youth ages 13 to 18 is available in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, the North Shore, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Sea to Sky, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver; teens require a professional referral from a social worker or probation officer. Office hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday; program hours vary.