Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services
Teens visiting the Fraser Valley’s newest drop-in youth centre now have access to all the comforts of home thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Envision Financial Community Endowment, housed with the First West Foundation. The funds have allowed Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services (ANS) to purchase much-needed furniture and appliances for the Beat the Streets youth program located at 3089 272nd Street, Aldergrove.
Developed in partnership with Family and Youth Services—a not-for-profit supporting youth and families in Langley, the centre provides homeless teens with access to food, counselling and employment services. The mentorship housing component of the program can accommodate up to four homeless youth in scattered sites throughout the community.
Although Centre Point Community Services provided ANS with a building rent-free, according to ANS executive director Lynne Topham, furnishings and appliances were needed to create a more comfortable, home-like atmosphere for the youth clients. “Access to affordable housing is a major issue for youth in Langley—they’re usually forced to either couch surf or sleep on the streets, so it was important for ANS to build a space that met their basic needs but didn’t feel institutional.”
First West Foundation executive director Seline Kutan adds that ANS is the only social service provider in Aldergrove, making the need for funds that much more urgent. “ANS has an obligation to meet the needs of the local community, and the drop-in youth centre was a critical component of that. The Foundation is pleased we could help a non-profit in our community provide this necessary service.”
Established in 1995 as a direct response from local leaders to meet the varied needs in the community, Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services offers a host of services to youth and families. These include young parent support, community outreach, middle childhood programs, literacy projects, community kitchens and special evening/weekend programs for families. For more information please visit www.aldergrovens.com.
