Foundry Surrey - Stories of Care: Erin Harvie

Stories of Care

Meet Erin Harvie, Community Partner

Director, Community Building and Family Wellbeing, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society

"Youth as Fearless, Selfless Changemakers”"

Why Foundry?

Helping identify the voices of young people

Erin Harvie, former Youth Services Manager at PCRS, emphasizes the importance of creating comprehensive and inclusive spaces for young people. In her current role as Community Building and Family Wellbeing with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society she recognizes the need for a "one-stop-shop" where youth can address their physical, sexual, and mental health needs without stigma, while feeling welcomed and culturally acknowledged.

Reflecting on her time as a Youth Services Manager with PCRS, Erin highlights the necessity of a supportive community "It really does take a village", she says. She stresses the importance of providing a safe haven for young individuals, where their diverse backgrounds are not only recognized but celebrated. According to Erin, the key is ensuring that Foundry is "led by them," allowing young people to take ownership of their well-being.

"One of the things that I was very quick to notice is that there's a very small target around youth needs. Helping identify the voices of young people is at the core of my life philosophy. I listen to the voices of young people because they represent the voice of change and the future. During my time at PCRS, I was a strong advocate not only for Foundry and the opportunities it presents but also, trying to be creative in addressing the emerging needs of young people.”

Expressing her hope for the Foundry, Erin states, "I hope that young people, regardless of their community, country, or cultural background, feel safe when they walk into a Foundry, and that safety is set up in a way that meets them at the door." Her vision extends to creating an environment where young individuals can seek help despite familial or cultural norms that might discourage reaching out.

“I believe that Foundry offers things that haven't been offered before. It’s a one-door approach to service so that young people don’t have to jump through hoops only to be turned away and asked to go somewhere else to get their needs met.”

Erin emphasizes the importance of trauma awareness at Foundry, noting that everyone involved will possess an understanding of trauma so they can effectively come alongside anyone who walks through the front door. Erin Harvie's vision for Foundry is one of inclusivity, empowerment, and safety. She knows that by prioritizing the voices and diverse needs of young people, she envisions a space that not only addresses health concerns but also fosters a sense of belonging and support for youth from all walks of life.

Erin is grateful for ...

When it comes to care of youth, young people shouldn't have to wait.

Erin Harvie is grateful for the fearless nature of young people, the energy of her community, and the diverse cultural tapestry of where she grew up.

"I have always appreciated youth because they’re fearless in so many ways. They’re in the inbetween. They’re not kids, they’re not adults, and they have so few years condensed into so much growing up to do.”

She sees young people as selfless changemakers.

“I have always seen young people as changemakers because their voice is so loud, because they are fearless, and because when they are advocating, trying to make change, they aren’t doing it for themselves. They are doing it for everyone. Even though they are often thought of as selfish, they tend to be the most selfless. They are fighting for change and they see the world so differently.”

Erin is grateful for her experience at PCRS which allowed her to connect with remarkable young individuals who have now become part of Foundry Surrey’s youth leadership table. “I met some of the most amazing young people who are now out there contributing in various ways.”

"I am very proud to be from this community. I feel that the diversity and values I was raised with in this community have shaped who I am." ~ Erin Harvie

Building Foundry Surrey Together

(about youth) “Even though they were struggling, and they’d taken missteps, every time you met with them they pushed, they pushed for what they needed, for what their friends needed, and for what their community needed. Never ever, even when working with some of the most challenging people did I ever feel like they weren’t going to make change in the world. Because of their passion, and their fearlessness”.

Why Surrey?

A proud community and an amazing place to grow up

Erin Harvie has been a Surrey resident since she was five. She has a deep connection to the community of Surrey and takes pride in the uniqueness that Surrey offers.

"I am very proud to be from this community. I feel that the diversity and values I was raised with in this community have shaped who I am. It's the community I’ve chosen to raise my own family in because I feel like there’s so much happening here.”

She points out that Surrey hosts the second-largest Vaisakhi parade in the world, and is projected to be the largest recipient of newcomers in the lower mainland over the next five years.

“Surrey is often thought of as the afterthought to Vancouver, but there’s a real uniqueness to Surrey. We have a massive youth population, and a large Indigenous youth population. People come to Surrey, recognizing the strong sense of community and the vast South Asian population network. These are aspects worth celebrating! I love being here, I feel like so much of the privilege I have came from this community, and came from sports and rec and all of the things available to me from here.”

Speaking passionately about Surrey and drawing from her background working with youth, Erin acknowledges the existing challenges in the community but remains focused on the positive transformations. She observes the evolution of Surrey into mini city centers like Newton, City Center, and Cloverdale, while still maintaining a strong sense of community and connection.

Erin shares with us about why she is drawn to work with youth in Surrey:

"I've always been drawn to that passion and that 'Joie de vivre,' because once you grow up, you have all these responsibilities but when you’re young, you're fighting for the opportunity to just be different and do your own thing, but they don’t do it just for themselves, but for everyone in the community, for their friends, family, and their city.“

Erin has a background in child protection.

“I did a lot of work with young people, some who ended up in the youth criminal justice system. And even though they were struggling, and they’d taken missteps, every time I met with them they pushed for what they needed, for what their friends needed, and for what their community needed. Never ever, even when working with some of the most challenging people, did I ever feel like they weren’t going to make change in the world.”

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"I love being here, I feel like so much of the privilege I have came from this community." ~ Erin Harvie

"...when they are advocating, trying to make change, they aren’t doing it for themselves. They are doing it for everyone." ~ Erin Harvie

Why Foundry Surrey?

Foundry Surrey is a safe and inclusive place where young people and families find flexible, accessible, non-judgmental care, information, resources and support as life challenges arise. Mental health and social services will be brought together in a single place to make it easier for young people to find care, connections and the support they need.

Foundry Surrey offers young people ages 12-24 health and wellness resources, services, and supports both online and in person. It’s a place where young people and families in Surrey can go when they have mental health or substance use concerns, physical health questions, if they are struggling with anxiety, depression or are in a life-threatening situation. It’s a place where youth can see a doctor or drop in to speak with a counsellor, and have access to a range of accessible resources without a referral, and free of charge. It’s a welcoming centre designed for youth by youth, and with youth to meet their unique needs without long waitlists.

Learn more about Foundry Surrey

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