Our Stories of Care
We are Better Together.
Hear from our Surrey community leaders and partners who are the hands and hearts building Foundry Surrey together.
“I came to PCRS three years ago and when the possibility of opening a Foundry in Surrey came up, it was like a dream for me. The combination of healthcare, my love for the nonprofit world, and a project for the community that is from the community, is a total dream.”
~ Jen Lowrey
What brings Jen immense joy and inspiration is the unwavering dedication of everyone involved with Foundry Surrey. She sees the impact being two-fold. Firstly, Foundry Surrey is sparking an inspired community, and that fosters hope. Everyone involved in developing the Foundry, including youth, families and community partners leads with a trauma informed lens of possibility; this voice of respect and restoration will create momentum to make a sustained difference in places it matters most. Secondly, on a personal level, the interactions Jen has had with the families and individuals who are reaching out for support have clarified the necessity for a service and gathering place like Foundry Surrey. Being able to connect these individuals to the right resources in the moment of need is invaluable.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“I came to PCRS three years ago and when the possibility of opening a FOUNDRY in Surrey came up, it was like a dream for me. The combination of healthcare, my love for the nonprofit world, and a project for the community that is from the community, is a total dream.”
~ Jen Lowrey
What brings Jen immense joy and inspiration is the unwavering dedication of everyone involved with Foundry Surrey. She sees the impact being two-fold. Firstly, Foundry Surrey is sparking an inspired community and that fosters hope. Everyone involved in developing the Foundry, including youth, families and community partners leads with a trauma informed lens of possibility. This voice of respect and restoration will create momentum to make a sustained difference in places it matters most. Secondly, on a personal level, the interactions Jen has had with the families and individuals who are reaching out for support have clarified the necessity for a service and gathering place like Foundry. Being able to connect these individuals to the right resources in the moment of need is invaluable.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
"For many, even within a strong circle of friends, if we don't have the language to explain what we are feeling, even if there are supports, the very act of reaching out can be scary."
~ Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee, a second-generation Canadian, found herself experiencing mental health issues amid the pressures of academic success. Growing up in a predominantly Asian community, she realized that mental health was a topic rarely discussed, leaving many youth feeling isolated and without a safe space to express their struggles. Her personal journey contributes to her role as the Program Coordinator of Foundry Surrey. Melissa understands the fear and intimidation that can accompany seeking help, especially when language barriers and cultural differences come into play.
Melissa's excitement for Foundry's imminent opening is palpable. She envisions a future where youth and families no longer have to navigate multiple service providers or take a whole day off from work or school to access the support they need. Foundry Surrey is designed to be accessible, flexible, and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind on their mental health journey. The first step toward healing and wellness becomes less intimidating when it is built on the foundation of connection.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
"For many, even within a strong circle of friends, if we don't have the language to explain what we are feeling, even if there are supports, the very act of reaching out can be scary."
~ Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee, a second-generation Canadian, found herself experiencing mental health issues amid the pressures of academic success. Growing up in a predominantly Asian community, she realized that mental health was a topic rarely discussed, leaving many youth feeling isolated and without a safe space to express their struggles. Her personal journey contributes to her role as the Program Coordinator of Foundry Surrey. Melissa understands the fear and intimidation that can accompany seeking help, especially when language barriers and cultural differences come into play.
Melissa's excitement for Foundry's imminent opening is palpable. She envisions a future where youth and families no longer have to navigate multiple service providers or take a whole day off from work or school to access the support they need. Foundry Surrey is designed to be accessible, flexible, and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind on their mental health journey. The first step toward healing and wellness becomes less intimidating when it is built on the foundation of connection.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“The creation of Foundry Surrey brings me great joy, knowing that it will benefit our community and provide the kind of support I was unable to receive. It fills me with a sense of pride to be part of an initiative that uplifts individuals and promotes inclusivity.” ~ Debora Anthonypillai
Growing up in Surrey, Debora faced mental health challenges during her high school and university years. However, reaching out for support proved to be an uphill battle due to a fragmented system and long waitlists. This common experience echoed the struggles of other youth and families in the community. Determined to address these barriers, Debora recognizes the pressing need for Foundry Surrey.
Surrey is home to the largest Indigenous urban population and a significant immigrant community. Foundry Surrey aims to be a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of cultural background with culturally safe help and services.
Debora's vision for Foundry Surrey is not only to provide mental health support but also to empower youth to shape their own health journeys. She believes that the youth are the experts in their own lives and advocates for their voices to be heard within the Foundry space.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“The creation of Foundry Surrey brings me great joy, knowing that it will benefit our community and provide the kind of support I was unable to receive. It fills me with a sense of pride to be part of an initiative that uplifts individuals and promotes inclusivity.” ~ Debora Anthonypillai
Growing up in Surrey, Debora faced mental health challenges during her high school and university years. However, reaching out for support proved to be an uphill battle due to a fragmented system and long waitlists. This common experience echoed the struggles of other youth and families in the community. Determined to address these barriers, Debora recognizes the pressing need for Foundry Surrey.
Surrey is home to the largest Indigenous urban population and a significant immigrant community. Foundry Surrey aims to be a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of cultural background with culturally safe help and services.
Debora's vision for Foundry Surrey is not only to provide mental health support but also to empower youth to shape their own health journeys. She believes that the youth are the experts in their own lives and advocates for their voices to be heard within the Foundry space.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“It shifted for me the idea of permanence and gave me the perspective that every stage of life is temporary and it’s important to find the things you need that will help to get you through.” ~ Calum Scott
Calum’s story of care began at a young age, volunteering as a youth himself followed by working in multiple roles and capacities with youth in need and life-transitions. In 2012 he came to Vancouver from Calgary to be part of the opening of a new drop in centre and had an opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Mathias in the early days of developing Foundry. Calum soon made the lower mainland his home.
Today, Calum is eager to see the ripple effect of Foundry in Surrey’s centre.
He reminds us of the gap in care that exists for youth who ‘age out of the system’ at 19 and have nowhere to go to get what they need in this transitional time. “They go from having multiple support options to no support at all” which can be overwhelming for youth. Foundry bridges this gap by offering support from the ages of 12 to 24.
Calum emphasizes the importance of community and connection in Surrey, which he sees as more of a decentralized city. He offers that Foundry can serve as a gathering place where youth have an opportunity to figure out their next steps.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“It shifted for me the idea of permanence and gave me the perspective that every stage of life is temporary and it’s important to find the things you need that will help to get you through.” ~ Calum Scott
Calum’s story of care began at a young age, volunteering as a youth himself followed by working in multiple roles and capacities with youth in need and life-transitions. In 2012 he came to Vancouver from Calgary to be part of the opening of a new drop in centre and had an opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Mathias in the early days of developing Foundry. Calum soon made the lower mainland his home.
Today, Calum is eager to see the ripple effect of Foundry in Surrey’s centre.
He reminds us of the gap in care that exists for youth who ‘age out of the system’ at 19 and have nowhere to go to get what they need in this transitional time. “They go from having multiple support options to no support at all” which can be overwhelming for youth. Foundry bridges this gap by offering support from the ages of 12 to 24.
Calum emphasizes the importance of community and connection in Surrey, which he sees as more of a decentralized city. He offers that Foundry can serve as a gathering place where youth have an opportunity to figure out their next steps.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“Courageous things can happen when you’re connected to a safe place." ~ Michelle Shaw
Michelle understands the immense courage it takes for a young person to walk through the doors of Foundry Surrey and ask for help. “It’s a complete act of vulnerability and courage to walk in somewhere completely new and ask for what you need. Foundry Surrey will be that safe place for youth and families to go where the door is open and everyone is welcome.”
Michelle has enjoyed a long career in community support services. She has witnessed what can happen when people see a better future for themselves beyond their current circumstances. When young people enter Foundry Surrey, they are walking into a place where they see a future for themselves, a place where they can develop a network of trust and open up what is possible. Michelle believes that Foundry Surrey has the power to transform lives.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
“Courageous things can happen when you’re connected to a safe place." ~ Michelle Shaw
Michelle understands the immense courage it takes for a young person to walk through the doors of Foundry Surrey and ask for help. “It’s a complete act of vulnerability and courage to walk in somewhere completely new and ask for what you need. Foundry Surrey will be that safe place for youth and families to go where the door is open and everyone is welcome.”
Michelle has enjoyed a long career in community support services. She has witnessed what can happen when people see a better future for themselves beyond their current circumstances. When young people enter Foundry Surrey, they are walking into a place where they see a future for themselves, a place where they can develop a network of trust and open up what is possible. Michelle believes that Foundry Surrey has the power to transform lives.
Why Foundry, Why Surrey, Why Now?
Youth & Family Voices:
Who is Foundry Surrey?
Foundry Surrey is a safe and inclusive place where young people aged 12 - 24 and families can find flexible, accessible and non-judgmental care to meet their needs. Foundry Surrey offers ease of access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services.
Donate today and help us reach our goal of opening Foundry Surrey’s doors in 2024.
If you would like to connect with us personally about a donation, or to find out how you can support this initiative, please contact Jen Lowrey: jlowrey@pcrs.ca