Project Overview
The Newcomer Youth Social was hosted at Lions Park in Port Coquitlam to bring newcomer youth together to build peer connections, exchange experiences, and access practical supports. Building on the previous year’s gathering, the event focused on reducing social isolation and fostering new connections between newcomer youth and young adults.
Project Implementation
Planning centered on the highest‑priority needs identified by participants (within budget): information about post-secondary education and literacy, entry‑level employment information, and recreation opportunities.
With these priorities in mind, the program was structured as two interactive sessions. Due to budget limitations and the rising cost of goods, a third workshop could not be offered. Each session blended icebreakers, social games, and short, informative workshops to spark conversation and engagement.
Outreach was mostly effective through word‑of‑mouth within the community. With this approach, we were able to reach 14 youth and young adults. The initiative was a collaborative effort. Friends contributed to the space setup and supported group discussions.
Outcomes
A mixed format, social activities paired with practical, bite-sized workshops, kept participants engaged and ensured they left with both new relationships and new information. The Newcomer Youth Social met its objectives by strengthening social ties, sharing resources, and fostering a sense of belonging among newcomer youth and young adults.
Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to broaden the program by planning more specific topics for the workshops, guided by participant feedback.
