A community-powered initiative is transforming the way youth and families in Surrey access care—through connection, compassion, and collaboration.
After five years of dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision of building a safe and inclusive space for young people and families, Foundry Surrey is finally preparing to open its doors. The excitement in the community is palpable—and rightfully so.
A Vision Rooted in Community Need
It all began in 2019, when Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) joined local service tables alongside nonprofit and government organizations. Together, they identified an urgent need to address the gaps in youth services in Surrey.
Surrey is home to the largest youth population in British Columbia, yet young people and families have voiced the need for more accessible, culturally relevant, and low-barrier supports. Many face long waitlists and complicated referral systems that prevent them from accessing timely, compassionate, and holistic care. Youth and families in Surrey need more support, and they need it now.
“There were many partners in the community talking about how we could support youth in a better way,” said Tomas Reyes, Executive Director for the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice. “I was able to learn from how the dynamics with youth were, what were the gaps, challenges and where the lack of connection in the healthcare system was. But this conversation is larger than health. It’s about wellness and how we can support youth.”
Introducing Foundry
These discussions led to the solution of Foundry, a provincial network of integrated health and wellness centres for youth, ages 12–24, and families. With support from numerous community partners, PCRS submitted a proposal to bring a Foundry centre to Surrey.
With over 40 years of experience delivering accredited social services across the province, PCRS was a natural fit to lead this work. Our values (advocacy, diversity and inclusion, empowerment, service excellence, stewardship, and well-being) and long-standing relationship with the community have guided Foundry Surrey’s development from day one.
What Makes Foundry Different?
Foundry offers free, confidential, integrated care in one convenient location, spanning five core services: mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support, and social services.
To access Foundry services, no referrals are required. Services are available through both appointments and drop-in hours. Services are designed to be culturally safe, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of youth and families across diverse lived experiences.
As part of its provincial strategy to improve mental health and addictions care for young people, the Government of British Columbia provides one-time start-up funding to establish Foundry centres, and ongoing core funding for service delivery and grants to support specific program areas.
The Province plays a critical role in launching each centre and ensuring services are sustained. Foundry Surrey also fundraised locally to complete the one-time funding needed to open the centre, generating community awareness and engagement, ensuring that once open, the centre would meet the unique needs of the youth and families it serves.
“Without a Foundry in Surrey, I see missing pieces,” said Michelle Shaw, PCRS Director of Operations – Fraser South. “There are so many amazing partnerships and organizations already in Surrey, but we’re often limited by funding. That means services are typically focused on the most vulnerable, leaving many others without support.”
Built by Community, for Community
The creation of Foundry Surrey has truly been a community-led initiative. Backed by the support of foundations, companies, and financial institutions, Foundry Surrey will be the largest Foundry centre to date, spanning 18,000 square feet. It’s a scale that reflects both the diversity and the demand of the city it serves.
Approximately 50 organizations, that are youth-focused and cater to various cultures, are directly involved in Foundry Surrey’s development and service delivery. Thirty of those are contributing in-kind services like multilingual counselling and sexual health supports. Others will offer warm referrals, ensuring seamless connections to care beyond the centre.
Foundry Surrey will address specific service gaps identified by youth, families, and local service providers, including:
- Mild-to-moderate care supports
- Youth-focused primary care
- Culturally specific resources
- Family-inclusive services
Led by Youth and Families
Foundry Surrey is grounded in the belief that youth and families are the experts of their own care. Every aspect of the centre, from its physical design to its programming, has been shaped by the Youth Engagement Leadership Table (YELT) and the Family Engagement Leadership Table (FELT).
“The Foundry Surrey site has been thoughtfully designed with the utmost care and attention to detail,” said Gurjot, a youth leader. “I’m especially looking forward to seeing the mural on site, which brings together the most beautiful representation of Surrey. I’m eager to experience Foundry Surrey’s welcoming space and connect with the passionate peer support workers who will be on site.”
Families in the community echoed that hope.
“Foundry Surrey represents a beacon of hope and empowerment,” said Crystal, a family leader. “It’s a space where youth can feel seen, heard, and supported. Families will find tools, connection, and a safe place to navigate challenges together.”
A Long Road, and a Bright Future
Like many major community initiatives, Foundry Surrey faced its share of challenges, from COVID-19 delays to a competitive rental market to tariffs impacting construction costs. Yet through it all, the dedication of youth, families, and community partners never wavered.
Today, Foundry Surrey stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities come together to care for their own – we are truly better together.
From culturally safe care to early intervention and youth-specific primary services, Foundry Surrey reflects the needs of Surrey’s youth and families. It is proof that wellness starts with community.
Help us open the doors to Foundry Surrey. Donate today and be part of lasting change in our community.
To learn more about Foundry Surrey and support building a future of wellness for youth and families in the community, here.
