Vancouver Roving Leaders

Vancouver Roving Leaders

In 2020 our Roving Leaders worked with 435 children and youth by providing empowering, community-based support and advocacy that connects young people to their community.

The Vancouver Roving Leaders Program is a flexible, community-based initiative that connects and engages vulnerable, at-risk children & youth in the Grandview-Woodlands, Hastings-Sunrise and Downtown Eastside neighbourhoods.

Developed in response to the growing numbers of young children not accessing traditional programs in our community, the Vancouver Roving Leaders Program emphasizes prevention, relationship-building and meaningful youth engagement.

The Roving Leaders Program is about active connection and inclusion of our children and youth. We focus on connecting with children and youth where they are, building a relationship and then helping them to integrate into neighbourhood programs, services and education opportunities.

The Roving Leader is a community youth worker who provides outreach to the community and connects with children and youth where they are: on the street, in the park, with their peers. They involve children and youth (primarily 10 to 16years old) in positive activities, breaking down barriers they may face in accessing services in their community, and empower them to develop their strengths, talents and interests.

Working from an attachment-based model, Roving Leaders support children and their families through a program that emphasizes their strengths and personal goals. Our aim is to ensure positive results, including engagement in recreation and cultural programs, connection to community and positive links to school and home life.

The Roving Leaders are supported by a table of community & government service providers who provide resources, advocate for systemic change and help the leaders overcome obstacles they are facing in service delivery.

The Vancouver Roving Leaders program is funded by the City of Vancouver and BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.

During Provincial COVID-19 Health Orders, Roving Leaders are available to connect with youth and community members by phone or on-line.

acoombes@niccss.ca
caccardi@niccss.ca
Cell: 778-668-0194