Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care –

“Mental health touches every part of our lives, and young people today are especially impacted by it. Expanding Foundry services in smaller communities throughout B.C. means more welcoming spaces with counselling and wellness supports where young people can find the help they need closer to home. These spaces give teens and young adults the chance to feel supported and empowered to heal.”

Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“Every young person in B.C. deserves access to mental-health and wellness supports, no matter where they live. These new Foundry spaces will bring integrated, youth-centred services closer to home for more children, youth and families. This expansion is part of our commitment to strengthening mental-health and addictions care for young people, so they can get the support they need, when and where they need it.”

Steve Mathias, co-executive director, Foundry - Providence Health Care –

"Foundry is excited to advance our mission of improving access to mental-health and wellness services for young people across B.C. Partnering with lead agencies to expand services into smaller communities marks an important milestone, bringing care closer to home and making support easier to access for youth and families. We are grateful to our lead agencies for their leadership and to the youth and families whose voices continue to shape services that reflect their needs.”

Jaye Russell, executive director, Sea to Sky Community Services –

“We are thrilled to bring Foundry services to Pemberton. This new space will make it easier for young people and their families to access mental-health, substance-use and wellness supports close to home. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where youth feel heard, supported and empowered.”

Mike Gawliuk, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna –

“Many young people and families in West Kelowna have had to travel to Kelowna and wait to get mental-health and wellness supports, or sadly, go without services they desperately need. By bringing services closer, we are sending a clear message to young people: You matter, and help is here. Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna is excited to help bring Foundry services to West Kelowna.”

Tanya Behardien, executive director, OneSky Community Services –

“Since the beginning of Foundry in the South Okanagan, we have been connecting with youth and families in Summerland through our outreach services. Having a dedicated space where young people can come to access the services they need close to home is incredibly exciting. We’re so grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, the school district and the community of Summerland, and without them, this milestone wouldn’t have been possible.”

Vanessa Riplinger, executive director, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre –

“The expansion of Foundry to 100 Mile House represents a transformative investment in the mental health and well-being of youth and families across the South Cariboo. By extending services to smaller and rural communities, we are reducing barriers to access and ensuring young people can connect to timely, culturally responsive and integrated supports closer to home. This strengthens our regional continuum of care and meets youth where they are when they need it most.”

Nicki Ranger, executive director, North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society –

“We are thrilled to expand Foundry Port Hardy services to the communities of Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Sointula, Woss and Port Alice. Youth living in rural communities continue to face significant challenges that impact their health, well-being and social opportunities. While rural life can offer strong community ties and a deep sense of belonging, many young people continue to experience barriers that are intensified by geography, limited resources and reduced access to in-person services.”

Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, Interior Health –

“Interior Health appreciates that pressures on youth today are different than previous generations and it is critical to have caring and inclusive mental-health supports in place to address their specific needs. The additional Foundry locations in our region build on the services available in the Interior to give youth safe, secure and compassionate access to professionals who can support them during times when they are facing challenges.”

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –

“Living in a remote community should never mean feeling alone when life gets hard. Expanding mental-health and wellness services to the north Island brings vital supports closer to home. We hope this much-needed service helps to send the message to local youth that they are seen, valued and supported.”

Darlene Mackinnon, vice-president, Coastal Community of Care, Vancouver Coast Health –

“We are deeply grateful for this new Foundry centre. This new site in Pemberton will build upon the effectiveness of Foundry Sea to Sky in providing young people with easier access to mental-health, substance-use and wellness supports in a safe and welcoming environment. Together, we are helping youth and families get the care they need, when they need it.”