This year, 59 youth will age out of government care in Surrey. Many face challenges in areas such as homelessness, employment and mental health, to name a few. The 19th Birthday Party Exhibit is an initiative of the Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition’s Connecting Community to Surrey Youth Leaving Care project. With support from the Fostering Change initiative of the Vancouver Foundation, the project is engaging the community to do a radical rethinking of the ways in which youth are supported when they transition from government care at age 19, into adulthood.
The 19th Birthday Exhibit is an art installation that explores experiences relating to youth transitioning out of government care at age 19. This event will take place on Thursday, October 6th, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Surrey City Hall Atrium. It will be a very informative evening for guests to learn about some of the work that community members of Surrey have been engaging in to address the challenges these young people face.
There will be interactive art, music, speakers and refreshments and is open to everyone. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Donations will be used by youth organizations in Surrey to create transition packages for youth aging out of care. Suggested donation of $10 (cash at the door), or gift certificates to grocery stores or Guildford Mall.
Can’t make it to the reception? Come view the exhibit at Surrey City Hall, October 4 – 7 from 8:30 am – 4:30pm each day.
