Help Save Fraser Valley Youth Society

We wish to notify the community about a current change to Fraser Valley Youth Society’s charitable status. As of November 2023, Fraser Valley Youth Society does not have Canada Revenue Agency charitable status due to an administrative error. We have rectified the filing error and are currently applying to have our charitable status reinstated; however, it could take up to six months for the CRA to reinstate our status. This change of status has impacted our donations and eligibility for grants, putting our programs at risk of continuing.

We come to the community with an ask to donate and help us fundraise to continue operating as we navigate this process.

Our current weekly drop-in programs will be dropped to our group per week on a volunteer basis until funding allows us to resume normal operations. We will do our best to respond to inquires, asks for support, resources, and other community needs in the meantime and to the best of our ability as we respond to these changes. Please note that we hope to resume multiple weekly drop-ins, community event planning, and providing workshops and resources as soon as possible. Our top priority is supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ and Allied youth we serve.

About Fraser Valley Youth Society

Fraser Valley Youth Society (FVYS) is a grassroots not-for-profit organization that began supporting 2SLGBTQ+ and Allied youth in the Fraser Valley in 2000 and was incorporated in 2006. Through limited staffing, overwhelming volunteer support, and our volunteer board of directors we have held weekly drop-ins for youth in Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack as our main service, as well as providing resources, support for youth and families, local advocacy, resources, and workshops aimed at supporting and bettering our community for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. We have hosted Fraser Valley Pride in the community for 11 years to bring a celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ identity, inclusion, and diversity to our communities and fundraise for FVYS.

Drop-ins among other services Fraser Valley Youth Society are important to give a safe and supportive space for 2SLGBTQ+ and Allied youth in our community. 2SLGBTQ+ youth face challenges and barriers to their well-being, such as but not limited to, harassment, discrimination, social exclusion, violence, etc. which can adversely impact factors such as mental health, substance use, and safety from forms of violence. Having even one safe adult in a 2SLGBTQ+ youth’s life has been shown to have a significant positive impact on outcomes for health. Drop-ins are a safe space for youth to socialize, participate in activities, and learn about community support, under supervision from trained and caring staff and volunteers. As we see increased threats of violence and hostile social conditions for 2SLGBTQ+ folks in the Fraser Valley at present, these types of spaces and supports are especially important.

For more info and ways you can support please visit helpsavefvys.ca