There is a real need among children and youth in the Downtown Eastside.
Kids around the world have experienced dramatically higher rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic¹. That’s on top of the already rampant social isolation in our society.
Compounding this problem for nearly all the kids we work with is the reality that they are growing up in low-income and/or single-parent families. These factors, combined with witnessing suffering and violence in our neighbourhood, put these children at a higher risk of having Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)².
The good news is that interventions can lighten the effects of ACEs, especially when introduced sooner rather than later³. In fact, after-school programs have been identified as a key supporter for children’s healthy development⁴.
Despite this great need in the Downtown Eastside, though, there’s still a shortage of quality, affordable, accessible childcare here⁵. That’s why we at Promise are committed to providing kids with safe spaces to play and grow, intentional time with leaders and friends, and opportunities to take on responsibility.
We have a unique opportunity to help these kids thrive.
¹Source: JAMA Pediatrics, 2021; ²Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021; ³Source: Registered counsellor on Promise payroll, 2021; ⁴Source: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 2007; ⁵Source: Anecdotal feedback from local parents and school staff, 2021
Our Theory of Change
Abby’s Story*
*A fictionalized account, inspired by real-life situations at Promise
Abby* loves watching Disney movies, solving Rubik’s cubes and playing on the swings with her grade 3 classmates. She sometimes has a hard time putting her emotions into words and feeling like she belongs. Abby was recently reunited with her mom after spending two years in foster care, and they live together in a subsidized apartment in the Downtown Eastside. Her mom works as a cashier at a nearby grocery store and was delighted to learn about Promise’s accessible programs from the school family worker.
Financial Stewardship
Generous supporters entrust Promise Vancouver with funds to sustain our programs and invest in children in the Downtown Eastside. We’re committed to stewarding those funds with both integrity and efficiency. Transparency is our priority and we welcome requests for more detailed financial figures.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this Annual Report! What did you enjoy? What do you still have questions about?