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?
“I have a passion for Foundry. It all started in 2004 when I first heard about it. I was in the Starbucks coffee shop, and I bumped into Dr. Joan Fujawara (Division of Family Practice), and at that time, she was supporting the youth clinic in Surrey. An application had gone in for a Foundry in 2001 and we were told that we weren't successful because Surrey was just too big.”
Heather reminds us that Surrey boasts the largest youth population in the province with one third under 19, and emphasizes the importance of youth service providers needing to collaborate, "We really want to work collaboratively as a community. We just have to, or else we're not going to be able to be effective in serving young people in this community,"
Heather is a dedicated advocate for youth services and the values of Foundry align with her own. Foundry provides preventative resources for low to moderate-risk young people and is there to fill the gap in the system for early intervention with a no-wait-list and universal approach to services.
She goes on to share with us what some of the young people shared with her when putting together Foundry Surrey’s service design. “They want a warm and welcoming environment with quiet spaces, a connection to the land, technology free rooms to just sit and be, and maybe even a ‘grandparent in residence’ to offer seasoned support.
“I often support the moderate to high risk young people. We know that 80% of young people fall between the low to moderate area. Having Foundry is so great to have a space where we can provide prevention, and preventative resources.”
“I have a passion for Foundry. It all started in 2004 when I first heard about it. I was in the Starbucks coffee shop, and I bumped into Dr. Joan Fujawara (Division of Family Practice), and at that time, she was supporting the youth clinic in Surrey. An application had gone in for a Foundry in 2001 and we were told that we weren't successful because Surrey was just too big.”
Heather reminds us that Surrey boasts the largest youth population in the province with one third under 19, and emphasizes the importance of youth service providers needing to collaborate, "We really want to work collaboratively as a community. We just have to, or else we're not going to be able to be effective in serving young people in this community,"
Heather is a dedicated advocate for youth services and the values of Foundry align with her own. Foundry provides preventative resources for low to moderate-risk young people and is there to fill the gap in the system for early intervention with a no-wait-list and universal approach to services.
She goes on to share with us what some of the young people shared with her when putting together Foundry Surrey’s service design. “They want a warm and welcoming environment with quiet spaces, a connection to the land, technology free rooms to just sit and be, and maybe even a ‘grandparent in residence’ to offer seasoned support.
“I often support the moderate to high risk young people. We know that 80% of young people fall between the low to moderate area. Having Foundry is so great to have a space where we can provide prevention, and preventative resources.”
“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?
George Passmore, Executive Director of Community Services from Sources Community Resources is a Community Partner for Foundry Surrey. He is a father of three and has been a clinical counsellor since the 90’s.
He shares with us that: "12 to 24 can be a very turbulent time of life for many young people and we have an opportunity to create an experience for young people to be supported in the broader world.” As a parent, he remembers when his kids were in critical phases of their development, that it “mattered to have people around them. It mattered to have connections with adults that were encouraging, validating and healthy for them.” He goes on to say that, “from that place, their mental health and their social wellness could be resilient.
"I've sat with many young people who are in the depths of despair. As a clinical counselor, I’m there to help foster a mindset that is self-compassionate, to develop self-supporting core beliefs, and to cultivate resilient self-worth. However, young people still need to find someplace in the world where they can be, where they have a sense that they belong and where they think: “if I wasn't here, I’d be missed.”
Surrey has the highest percentage of children and youth in BC and as such, there is an awareness that there is no way to meet the needs of all youth and families without people coming together. He sees Foundry as an organizing structure and an opportunity for youth service providers who really care about this phase of a young person’s life to be able to integrate services in a cohesive manner.
George Passmore, Executive Director of Community Services from Sources Community Resources is a Community Partner for Foundry Surrey. He is a father of three and has been a clinical counsellor since the 90’s.
He shares with us that: "12 to 24 can be a very turbulent time of life for many young people and we have an opportunity to create an experience for young people to be supported in the broader world.” As a parent, he remembers when his kids were in critical phases of their development, that it “mattered to have people around them. It mattered to have connections with adults that were encouraging, validating and healthy for them.” He goes on to say that, “from that place, their mental health and their social wellness could be resilient.
"I've sat with many young people who are in the depths of despair. As a clinical counselor, I’m there to help foster a mindset that is self-compassionate, to develop self-supporting core beliefs, and to cultivate resilient self-worth. However, young people still need to find someplace in the world where they can be, where they have a sense that they belong and where they think: “if I wasn't here, I’d be missed.”
Surrey has the highest percentage of children and youth in BC and as such, there is an awareness that there is no way to meet the needs of all youth and families without people coming together. He sees Foundry as an organizing structure and an opportunity for youth service providers who really care about this phase of a young person’s life to be able to integrate services in a cohesive manner.
Erin Harvie is a passionate advocate for youth and is deeply committed to the establishment of Foundry Surrey.
As the Director of Community Building and Family Wellbeing at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, she understands the importance of a comprehensive approach for youth with a “one-stop-shop for their physical, sexual, and mental health needs, coupled with a welcoming environment that acknowledges and embraces their cultural backgrounds.”
She emphasizes the importance of Foundry being able to offer first-language counseling and clinical services with trauma-informed care. Erin also believes that Foundry can be a safe space for young people to come who may have cultural and familial norms that make it challenging to reach out for help.
Erin's deep appreciation for youth comes from her experience with their fearlessness and unique position as changemakers.
“They're fearless in so many ways”, she says “They're in that in between, right? They're not kids, they're not adults. I have always seen young people as change makers, because their voice is so loud, and because they are so fearless, and when they're advocating and trying to create change, they're not doing it for themselves. They're doing it for everyone”
When talking about Foundry in Surrey, she highlights the importance of “maximizing our partnerships”. She knows that bringing Surrey’s resources together and allowing young people to pick which service best fits them is the beauty of Foundry. Youth will have the ability to walk in and say, “I need to spend some time with a peer navigator, or I need to see a clinical counselor, or I need some of my sexual health needs addressed," and be met by people who speak their language, look like them, and offer a cultural connection that oftentimes is lacking when they come to a new country.
Erin Harvie is a passionate advocate for youth and is deeply committed to the establishment of Foundry Surrey.
As the Director of Community Building and Family Wellbeing at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, she understands the importance of a comprehensive approach for youth with a “one-stop-shop for their physical, sexual, and mental health needs, coupled with a welcoming environment that acknowledges and embraces their cultural backgrounds.”
She emphasizes the importance of Foundry being able to offer first-language counseling and clinical services with trauma-informed care. Erin also believes that Foundry can be a safe space for young people to come who may have cultural and familial norms that make it challenging to reach out for help.
Erin's deep appreciation for youth comes from her experience with their fearlessness and unique position as changemakers.
“They're fearless in so many ways”, she says “They're in that in between, right? They're not kids, they're not adults. I have always seen young people as change makers, because their voice is so loud, and because they are so fearless, and when they're advocating and trying to create change, they're not doing it for themselves. They're doing it for everyone”
When talking about Foundry in Surrey, she highlights the importance of “maximizing our partnerships”. She knows that bringing Surrey’s resources together and allowing young people to pick which service best fits them is the beauty of Foundry. Youth will have the ability to walk in and say, “I need to spend some time with a peer navigator, or I need to see a clinical counselor, or I need some of my sexual health needs addressed," and be met by people who speak their language, look like them, and offer a cultural connection that oftentimes is lacking when they come to a new country.
“We had been working together with this concept of Community Health Centers. Surrey desperately needed one dedicated to Youth, so we asked: How can we collaborate and make it happen in our community? We had already built momentum in the community and fostered these relationships for so long. All the stars aligned!”
Tomas has been the Executive Director for the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice for the past four years, with over ten years of experience working in healthcare. He’s worked for the Primary Healthcare Department at Fraser Health and at Doctors of BC, supporting the FPSC and leading the provincial initiative “A GP for Me.”
The organization he represents works with family physicians, providing practice supports and services, such as education, engagement and quality improvement opportunities, helping them connect with each other and the larger system. In that process, through Primary Care networks (PCN) and other purposeful and targeted efforts, the division collaborates with the Health Authority and community partners to build up and strengthen the primary care system whenever opportunities arise. He sees the coming together of Foundry Surrey as a ‘stars aligned’ moment and knows it’s a way to provide the kind of longitudinal care a young person may not even know they need.
Tomas Reyes understands the importance of providing both physical and mental health services with a focus on longitudinal relationships and comprehensive supports to youth as they transition from adolescence to adulthood and sees Foundry, led by PCSRS and the collaboration of all involved partners in Surrey, as the inspired team to do it.
“We had been working together with this concept of Community Health Centers. Surrey desperately needed one dedicated to Youth, so we asked: How can we collaborate and make it happen in our community? We had already built momentum in the community and fostered these relationships for so long. All the stars aligned!”
Tomas has been the Executive Director for the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice for the past four years, with over ten years of experience working in healthcare. He’s worked for the Primary Healthcare Department at Fraser Health and at Doctors of BC, supporting the FPSC and leading the provincial initiative “A GP for Me.”
The organization he represents works with family physicians, providing practice supports and services, such as education, engagement and quality improvement opportunities, helping them connect with each other and the larger system. In that process, through Primary Care networks (PCN) and other purposeful and targeted efforts, the division collaborates with the Health Authority and community partners to build up and strengthen the primary care system whenever opportunities arise. He sees the coming together of Foundry Surrey as a ‘stars aligned’ moment and knows it’s a way to provide the kind of longitudinal care a young person may not even know they need.
Tomas Reyes understands the importance of providing both physical and mental health services with a focus on longitudinal relationships and comprehensive supports to youth as they transition from adolescence to adulthood and sees Foundry, led by PCSRS and the collaboration of all involved partners in Surrey, as the inspired team to do it.
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