WHAT’S NEW

In August, we shared the news that the Aunt Leah’s Resource Centre had partnered with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). Now that the partnership is underway, we wanted to share more about why having an FNHA health-care team at the Resource Centre matters to the youth and moms we serve.

About half of Aunt Leah’s participants have Indigenous backgrounds. Each Wednesday and Thursday, they can connect with a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Mental Health Clinician, and Medical Office Assistant right here at the Resource Centre.

For the youth and moms in our programs, having health care available in a place they already know can make a meaningful difference. They can connect with a health-care professional while accessing other supports at Aunt Leah’s, without some of the barriers and expenses that can make health care difficult to reach.

What does culturally safe care look like?

We spoke with Richard Tatomir, FNHA Practice Lead, and Oliver Wang, the team’s Mental Health Clinician, about their work at Aunt Leah’s and what culturally safe care can mean in practice.

Richard explained that culturally safe care can include bringing together Western medicine with Indigenous approaches to health and well-being. Some health-care teams consult with Elders and Knowledge Keepers and include their perspectives in the way care is provided. This can support a more holistic approach that recognizes physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being.

“Part of how the FNHA initiative was developed was with the idea of delivering culturally safe health care to Indigenous people where they are,” says Richard. “That includes community, on reserve and urban centres through partner organizations like Aunt Leah’s.”

For Aunt Leah’s, having this care available at the Resource Centre is another way to reduce barriers to support. Participants do not have to navigate the health-care system on their own or travel somewhere unfamiliar to start a conversation.

More than one door into care

The FNHA team’s multidisciplinary approach also means that one conversation can lead to other supports.

A participant may first come to see the Nurse Practitioner, for example, and that conversation may open the door to counselling, social work or other health services. The team can also help connect participants with services in the wider health system, including culturally safe treatment.

Oliver has seen how important that connection can be, particularly when someone is dealing with complex circumstances.

One of the things he values about working at Aunt Leah’s is having the opportunity to focus on participants’ longer-term goals without the same limits on the number of counselling sessions that can exist in other settings. He also appreciates being able to stay connected with participants from their first contact with the team until they no longer need his support.

Katie, Aunt Leah’s Resource Center and Pre-Employment Coordinator, has also seen the difference the partnership is making at the Resource Centre.

“Having the FNHA nurses here has been a positive addition to the Resource Centre. Participants have appreciated having health-care support available in a familiar, low-barrier environment,  and it provides an opportunity to ask questions or seek support that they may otherwise put off. It also helps normalize conversations about health and well-being and makes health care feel like a more accessible part of the overall support available at Aunt Leah’s.”

Health is closely connected to the other areas of life that affect stability, including housing, education, employment, food security and overall well-being. For Aunt Leah’s, the FNHA partnership adds another important layer of support for Indigenous youth and mothers who already connect with the Resource Centre.

The partnership also reflects the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action on health, including the call to address gaps in health outcomes and ensure access to appropriate health services for Indigenous people.

Most of all, it means Aunt Leah’s participants can find health-care support in a place where they already feel comfortable, with a team that can help them take the next step when they are ready.

Learn more about the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative 

Aunt Leah’s is honoured and blessed with committed supporters. We’ve been thinking about how very fortunate it is to have founders and founding supporters still with us.

It’s our pleasure to share the story of one such treasured individual who has been with us for close to 30 years.

Tracy Sherlock was introduced to Aunt Leah’s by a co-worker, Marty Frost, at the popular Granville Island co-operative restaurant Isadora’s.  Marty was helping Aunt Leah’s plan their social enterprises, and Tracy was looking for some work to help her through her Journalism degree.

She met Gale Stewart, Aunt Leah’s founder and proceeded to assist with bookkeeping for the organization.  When Tracy’s journalistic talents came to light she began writing the newsletter. Tracy loved learning about Aunt Leah’s work.  She met and interviewed participants and staff in the Resource Centre and Thresholds Housing , went on grocery shopping outings, learning about their day-to-day life, challenges and successes.

As her career developed, Tracy’s role at the Vancouver Sun took her away from work with Aunt Leah’s but she found time to dedicate 7 years as a board member. She is currently the “member moderator” for Aunt Leah’s Properties connecting Industry specialists on the board with members of the Foundation and the mission.

Tracy’s creative talents are still in demand.  She and Gale are currently writing a history of Aunt Leah’s which will be published in the spring of 2027. We will keep you posted on the release date!

Tracy has met many Aunt Leah’s donors and has been inspired by your commitment and the importance of your gifts.  She became a monthly donor in 2001 and recently a member of Leah’s Legacy.  When she and her husband drew up their first will they included Aunt Leah’s.

“ I am endlessly inspired by the youth and how they are able to move in a challenging world. I have deep appreciation for Aunt Leah’s volunteers and staff. Aunt Leah’s is a big part of my life’s work and I want that to continue into the future.”

Thank you Tracy for everything you do for Aunt Leah’s.

Education can open doors to new opportunities, but reaching an education goal can take time, planning and support. At Aunt Leah’s, the Education team helps participants take those steps, from planning to action and, ultimately, completion.

Kathleen is one of the participants who received support through the MML Out of the Box Fund, a bursary created by the family of Dr. Monika Langer to honour her work as an educator and community leader. The fund supports women served by Aunt Leah’s who are pursuing higher education.

For Kathleen, that support is part of an exciting new chapter. After completing her prerequisite courses, she was officially admitted to the Computer Studies and Information Systems program. This fall, she is taking Introduction to Programming and Multimedia Web Development as she works toward her goal of becoming a Computer Systems Analyst and eventually continuing her education in data analytics.

“Being officially in my program reminds me that I am one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Computer Systems Analyst and eventually continuing my education in data analytics,” says Kathleen.

Education staff are there throughout the journey as mentors and coaches. Participants can share their concerns and questions, as well as the small and big joys that come with reaching their goals. The support can look different at each stage, from planning a course of study to working through challenges and celebrating progress.

“I enjoy being part of their journey and watching them reach their goals,” says Christine Ingal, Aunt Leah’s Education Team Lead. Christine recently returned from maternity leave, and we’re happy to have her back on the Education team. 

Kathleen has maintained a 3.0 GPA while balancing school and family responsibilities. She knows there will be challenges ahead, but remains focused on her goal.

“While balancing school and family responsibilities can be challenging, I remain determined to continue progressing toward my goals one semester at a time.”

For Kathleen, her next goal is already in sight.

2026 Champion Award Recipient | Honouring BC Child and Youth in Care Week

Each year, during BC Child and Youth in Care Week Aunt Leah’s celebrates the strength, determination and contributions of the young people we serve. Staff and peers nominate individuals who have shown exceptional leadership, growth, and care, and recipients are selected across five award categories. At a special celebration, we gather to honour their achievements.

TThis year, we are proud to recognize Lin as the recipient of Aunt Leah’s 2026 Champion Award.

Throughout her time in the Thresholds program, Lin has developed strong everyday life skills that support her independence and well-being. Over the past year, she has moved into more independent housing, taking on greater responsibility and ownership of her daily life. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, cooking and exercising regularly, and practices self-care so she can continue working toward her long-term goals while prioritizing the needs of her daughter.

Balancing multiple roles is not always easy. Like many young parents, Lin has faced challenges while navigating motherhood, unpacking adverse childhood experiences, and managing her mental health. Yet she continues to move forward with determination and purpose, never losing sight of the future she wants to build for herself and her child.

Through her actions, Lin demonstrates the qualities of a leader. She role-models healthy relationships for her daughter by building community with other program participants, engaging in play, setting boundaries when needed, and practicing healthy communication.

Over the past year, we have watched Lin grow not only as a young mother, but as an individual. Her resilience has inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Educator. She will soon begin volunteering at a daycare and plans to enroll in an Early Childhood Education program at Vancouver Community College.

Perhaps most importantly, Lin understands the value of advocacy. She knows her strengths and is not afraid to ask for support when she needs it. By doing so, she encourages other young moms to see that seeking help is a sign of strength and an opportunity to build trust, safety, and community.

Step by step, Lin is creating a stable and loving environment for her daughter while building a bright future for herself. We are proud to recognize her as the recipient of Aunt Leah’s 2026 Champion Award.

About The Champion Award 

The Champion award is given in honour of Aunt Leah’s former Human Resources Coordinator Jennifer McFarlane. Jennifer established connections with everyone at Aunt Leah’s using humor, laughter, thoughtfulness, and appreciation. Jennifer loved that her work in Human Resources was part of Aunt Leah’s mission. She had a deep appreciation for the community of support established at Aunt Leah’s and the services provided. In honour of Jennifer, Aunt Leah’s presents an annual award and bursary to an individual who has been active in championing positive change for youth and families affected by the foster care system.

Honouring the 2026 Leah Award Winner during BC’s Child and Youth in Care Week

As we celebrate BC Child and Youth in Care Week, we are proud to recognize Samantha Siu as the recipient of the 2026 Leah Award.

As a participant at Aunt Leah’s House, Samantha has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, determination, and commitment to creating a positive future for herself and her son.

Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, employment, education, and personal growth is no small task, but Samantha approaches each day with focus and purpose. She is highly motivated and hardworking, continually striving to improve her circumstances while building long-term stability and independence for her family.

In addition to working while raising her child, Samantha has pursued entrepreneurial opportunities and remained committed to her personal and professional goals. Her dedication to maintaining healthy habits and prioritizing her well-being reflects a strong belief in self-improvement and a positive outlook on the future.

Most recently, Samantha began a Personal Training Program, a path that aligns closely with her commitment to health, wellness, and personal growth. Despite the many demands on her time, she has excelled academically, achieving above-average grades while continuing to care for her son and work toward her goals.

Beyond her accomplishments, Samantha is known for the positive relationships she builds with others. Through her kindness, encouragement, and authenticity, she inspires those around her and demonstrates the qualities celebrated by the Leah Award.

Samantha’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, hard work, and determination. As she continues pursuing her goals, she serves as a role model for other young people who are working to create bright futures for themselves and their families.

About the Leah Award – Unconditional Love and Support

This award is given in honour of, our friend and long-time supporter, Bruce Ambrose. He was known by family for his unconditional love and support as he shared his wisdom while helping in fundraising endeavors as a donor and dedicated volunteer of Aunt Leah’s. In honor of Bruce, Aunt Leah’s gives an annual award and bursary to a program participant who has shown unconditional love and support to others.

Aunt Leah’s Properties is fortunate to have Anastasiya Spivak as our Housing Operations Manager.

Anastasiya is an inspiring role model of resilience, courage and professional commitment. Here is her testament to our work and its importance to so many lives.

“Working with youth aging out of foster care is especially meaningful to me because I’ve seen firsthand how foundational stable housing is to a person’s overall well-being. In my previous roles, I came to understand the impact of the Housing First approach — that when someone has a safe and secure place to live, everything else becomes more possible. I was also struck by how overrepresented youth from care are in the homeless population across British Columbia and Canada, which makes this work feel not just important, but urgent.

To me, stable housing means much more than a roof. It means affordability, a well-maintained home, a caring and responsive landlord, and a community where people look out for one another. That sense of community is something I’m especially proud of in our buildings. We have a diverse mix of seniors, newcomers, and long-term residents who naturally support each other. When a young person moves in, neighbours often introduce themselves, offer help, and quietly check in. It’s not unusual for someone to call me because they haven’t seen a youth in a few days and want to make sure they’re okay. Seeing that kind of care and connection is incredibly heartwarming and reminds me that we’re building more than housing — we’re building belonging.

What I love most about my role is meeting people where they’re at and learning their stories. Every day is different, and I never quite know what will come my way, but the core of my work is always kindness, compassion, and understanding. I want the youth we support to know that no matter what challenges arise, they have a home and a safe place to land. And it’s the stories like Zephyr’s that remind me why this work matters so deeply.”- Anastasiya

Learn how stable housing helps youth from care like Zephyr gain independence and pursue their goals. Read Zephyr’s story.

Meet one of our participants, someone who has created their life journey over the past three years with Aunt Leah’s help.

Zephyr struggled with parental break up and lived in group foster homes through high school. They found that housing option difficult and were fortunate to move into Aunt Leah’s semi-independent housing while still under 19.

When their agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development failed, and ended their residence in our contracted housing, they had a month to find housing or face homelessness. Zephyr looked for a home that would accept them and their 1 cat, at the time, on a $1200/month budget. Space is scarce, if not impossible to find. “It’s either a sketchy room in some dude’s basement or a shelter”.

As luck would have it, and thanks to the support of BC’s Rental Protection Fund, Aunt Leah’s Properties had recently assumed ownership of a 41-suite three-storey well-maintained apartment building located in the heart of Burnaby Heights. We converted an underused office into a studio space and welcomed Zephyr and Flynn, and later Vespyr, into a new home.

What’s good about living in an Aunt Leah’s home?

“I have a safe, secure place of my own that I can afford. The neighbours are nice and we have formed a mini-community of cat lovers. We help each other out. And Anastasiya is awesome!” 

Anastasiya is the Housing Operations Manager for Aunt Leah’s Properties who supports residents at the Burnaby apartments. Read Anastasiya’s story to learn more about the work that makes housing at Aunt Leah’s such a supportive place.

Zephyr’s love of animals is a life passion. They feel confident that now that their home is stable they can confidently pursue their career as an animal care professional. A recent graduate of the Veterinary Office and Animal Care Certificate Program at Douglas College, Zephyr is actively looking for work.

They know that more education may be required to obtain a meaningful position and they are actively pursuing the Veterinary Technician program also offered at Douglas College. (The BC Government provides tuition waivers to youth from care until they are 29 years of age)

Life has its ups and downs but a home, friends, support and a clear vision of future goals makes the journey easier. Zephyr’s advice to other youth from care is “you have to advocate for yourself.”

Learn more about education support and navigation services at Aunt Leah’s.

Gratitude is powerful. Thanks to your generosity, more than 400 young people and families at Aunt Leah’s found their best next step this past year. With every gift from members of our community we are able to continue to grow our commitment to improving the lives of our participants. Here’s the best part: giving back doesn’t just change lives—it changes yours too. Research shows that kindness and purposeful giving can increase happiness, lower stress, and can even add years to your life.

Thank you for your gifts to Aunt Leah’s. We value your trust in us and commit to transparency, integrity, and respect for your wishes. That commitment is reflected again this year with our recognition as a Top 100 Charity and 5-Star rating by Charity Intelligence Canada.

Keep reading to see how your support helps us break ground on new homes, honour the legacy of  a long-time donor, and continue to build opportunities that change lives.

Breaking Ground on Opportunity: Marine Way

On September 9, Aunt Leah’s and Aunt Leah’s Properties celebrated the start of construction of 89 new homes at 1923–1927 Marine Way.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, including Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Councillor Kalila George-Wilson, New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, MLA Jennifer Whiteside, Ashley Crossan (former youth from care and community advocate), Aunt Leah’s staff, and local partners who will help bring the project to life.

“These 89 homes show what’s possible when nonprofits step in to fill gaps left by a patchwork system,” said Sarah Stewart, Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s. “Youth leaving care often face frequent moves and uncertainty. By providing stable housing alongside wrap-around services, these homes give young people and mothers the foundation they need to thrive — and help break the cycle of instability.”

Located within walking distance of Aunt Leah’s Resource Centre, the new building will make it easier for residents to access supports that help with education, employment, and their overall well-being.

“By welcoming residents into a community with schools, transit, green spaces, and local shops nearby, we’re creating homes that nurture belonging, contribution, and independence,” said Jacqueline Dupuis, Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s Properties.

Each shovel in the ceremonial photo-op symbolized hope and a shared commitment to supporting youth and families. Together with Indigenous and government leaders, local businesses, and nonprofit partners, this project demonstrates the power of community to create lasting change.

Drawing on her lived experience of foster care and housing instability, Ashley spoke about what this milestone truly represents for young people:

“These 89 units create something incredible—an affordable and secure foundation. A place where youth in and from care, and vulnerable mothers, can sleep peacefully without anxiety or worry.” 

Her words captured both the hope that these homes will provide stability and the broader vision for change: a comprehensive youth housing strategy to ensure all young people leaving care have access to safe, affordable housing and the supports they need to thrive.

Aunt Leah’s commitment to expanding housing continues beyond Marine Way. 

Coming soon, our Boyne Street redevelopment will transform a single-family dwelling into a six-unit home for youth aging out of care as they begin their journey to independence. Originally purchased in 2011 as a shared home for women-led families in our Thresholds program, the site will now evolve to meet growing needs. As we build more homes in this space, Thresholds families will move to one of our donated homes in New Westminster. 

Through these construction projects, we aim to maintain and grow our service levels.

This is just the beginning. We look forward to sharing updates as these new homes take shape.

We are always honoured to share a long-time donor’s story of inspiration and gratitude. Often when we give, we are enacting the thankfulness we feel for our own opportunities and good fortune.  Helping someone else gives meaning to our life journeys. Carol, a monthly donor and a member of Leah’s Legacy. reflects on how her own experiences shaped her decision to give.

Like Carol, you can help ensure that future generations of Aunt Leah’s youth, moms, and their babies have the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about legacy giving, gifts of securities, and other ways to give that create lasting impact.

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