In 2025, one of our proudest moments at Promise Vancouver was seeing alumni Jocelyn and An Thuc receive SHINE scholarships from Beedie Luminaries.
Over three years at Promise, these two girls were deeply involved here: they mentored younger kids in their community as Young Leaders, created and screened “The People of the Snow” (a documentary featuring perspectives from Jocelyn’s fellow members of Haisla Nation) as a powerful community impact project, and each completed a Trekkers outdoor experiential learning project. These two are beloved members of Promise’s community and have consistently modeled strong character, capability, and compassion.
“Since the day that I joined Promise, I’ve been blessed with so many experiences that only happen once in a lifetime and a multitude of loving relationships that I feel so incredibly grateful for.
The Promise community, staff, and youth really are a force to be reckoned with – spend a day with any of them and you will feel so incredibly content and full of admiration.
I think that over these past two years Promise has helped me become a much more confident, proud, and self-loving version of myself and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and been with me throughout. I really do feel eternally grateful, and I am so glad that I get to be a part of this community.”
– An Thuc
In June at the Vancouver Convention Centre, An Thuc & Jocelyn were each awarded a Beedie Luminaries scholarship. With this prestigious award, recipients get access to up to $44,000 toward their post-secondary education, along with intentional wrap-around supports, including mentors and internship opportunities. Now, An Thuc is in the Trades Discovery program at BCIT while Jocelyn is pursuing a degree in Psychology at Simon Fraser University.
“I first joined Promise Vancouver in 2022. At first, I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone and had never worked before. But as soon as I started, I immediately felt like I belonged.
The staff made a huge effort to create a safe and welcoming space, they hosted things such as cooking competitions, winter retreats, as well as weekly YL Nights where we could learn new things, spend time together, and just have fun.
Through these experiences, I formed so many meaningful relationships and created memories with the staff, kids and community that I’ll always look back on with gratitude. Promise has helped me build valuable life skills, grow confidence in myself, and discover my passion for helping others.”
– Jocelyn
We’re grateful to Beedie Luminaries for recognizing An & Jocelyn’s immense potential and to the Beedie Foundation for helping make Promise’s Young Leaders Program possible in 2025, alongside United Way BC and our community of generous donors.
