Prince George

Supporting youth ages 12 - 24 and their caregivers with integrated health and wellness services on Lheidli T'enneh territories.
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Contact

location_on 1148 7th Ave.,
Prince George, BC
V2L 5G6
Directions directions
phone 236-423-1571 email foundryprincegeorge@bc.ymca.ca

Fax

236-423-3881

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on Stat Holidays Walk-in service; no appointment required

Access

All young people 12-24 can access Foundry PG services.

Land Acknowledgement

Foundry Prince George is a settler organization and is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Dakelh Peoples, including the territory of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation who’s lands Prince George was built upon. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, play and learn as guests on their lands.

 Ts’uhoont’i whuzah’az .  We are happy you have come.

Integrating Indigenous Perspectives in our work - click here
Important Centre Updates add

Important Centre Updates

Foundry Weekly Forecast - View our weekly calendar and keep up-to-date on Foundry groups and events.

June 9th to 14th, 2025

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Who We Are

Foundry Prince George is part of a provincial network of Integrated Youth Services (IYS) centres providing a comprehensive array of health and social services in one convenient location, all without needing a referral. We aim to transform access to health and social services for young people ages 12 – 24, and their caregivers by integrating five core services:

By focusing on these ages, we reach and support a young person when they are most susceptible to developing health concerns, while also supporting the adults in their lives. With integrated services, young people don’t have to keep getting referrals, going to new places and sharing their stories. Instead, they can go to the same place and work with service providers who know them until their concerns have been addressed.

What you can expect before accessing services at Foundry Prince George

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  • On your first visit to Foundry Prince George, we will support you to complete our onboarding paperwork, so that we can create a chart for you.
  • You’ll let us know what’s bringing you through the door, your preferred name and pronouns, how you’d like us to communicate with you, and who you give us permission to communicate with.
  • We’ll walk you through our limits to confidentiality, our services on offer, and answer any questions you have.
  • You’ll complete a Health and Demographic Survey on one of our iPads. It will take 20-30 minutes, and will give us a better picture of who you are, your resources, experiences, and needs. This will be the only time you complete a survey of this length, and it will allow us to ensure you don’t have to tell your story over and over. Some of the questions will be personal, and you are able to skip past any ones you aren’t comfortable with or aren’t ready to answer. If the survey as a whole is too much to tackle, that’s OK; not completing it won’t prevent you from being able to access services.

Physical and Sexual Health Services

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Our health practitioners’ services, which includes physicians, nurse practitioner, and registered nurse prescriber, are offered on a walk-in, first-come first-serve basis. Due to high demand, it can fill up very quickly. If you’d like to connect to a doctor or nurse, please call or attend Foundry Prince George early in the day.
  • Our primary care can offer you support in:
    • General health information
    • Birth control options
    • Emergency contraception
    • Pregnancy testing and non-biased options counselling
    • Immunizations
    • Medical Exams & Wound Care
    • Gender affirming care (the delivery of equitable and accessible wholistic healthcare supporting trans people)
    • Disease Prevention
    • Diagnosis
    • Information, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, hepatitis
    • TB testing and care
    • Addiction services including Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) and harm reduction supplies
    • Overdose Prevention Kits (Naloxone): teaching you how to use it and send you home with one
    • And more…

Mental Health and Substance Use Services

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Walk-in counselling

At Foundry Prince George, walk-in counselling is a core service that allows young people to access counselling one session at a time on a walk-in, as-needed basis.

It is offered using the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach: a strengths-based therapeutic approach focusing on the young person’s existing skills, resources and strengths to formulate solutions to a presenting problem. The other pyschotherapeutic modalities incorporated are Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EEFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

  • Counselling is available Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, except on statutory holidays.

Psychiatry

At Foundry Prince George, we have health practitioners who are comfortable, experienced and capable of supporting a young person with their psychiatry goals. This support is provided in a consultative process to support a team-based approach to care. To know more, feel free to talk with one of our team members.

Role of the health practitioner team

Our health practitioners including doctors, nurse practitioner and a registered nurse prescriber can support a young person with harm reduction strategies, Opioid Agonist Therapy, or referrals to other services in and out of our region.

For many youth experiencing mental health or substance use concerns, a Foundry physician may be consulted to review potential diagnostic clarification or review pharmacological approaches to support the youth. An integrated approach that includes consultation with a physician can be beneficial to ensure there is continuity of care.

Social Services

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Social Services are key to promoting health, maintaining wellness and supporting community engagement and recovery. These services support in addressing the social determinants of health that can be impactful to a person’s wellness.

Within Foundry Prince George, the following social services are available (either through drop-in or appointment based):

Foundry Work and Education Program

Foundry Work and Education is a supported employment and education program for youth who are interested in working, going to school, or completing a training program. Foundry Work and Education helps youth to build the skills and experiences they need to achieve their goals. This program is available to BC youth between the ages of 15-24 years old, who are not currently employed or enrolled in any other employment program. Click here to learn more.

If you are a young person interested in participating or an employer/business who is interested in getting involved, please contact Brigitte Clair or Jennifer Richardson.

 

Housing Support

Our Housing Support and Outreach Worker provides friendly practical and emotional support, coaching, and advocacy. Everyone’s situation is unique. Our goal is to work with youth to find housing and to stay housed. 

Email Ren at lacey.anderson@bc.ymca.ca or call at 250-640-6090 to get started.

Peer Support

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Peer Support is an integral part of service delivery within Foundry setting. The Peer Support Worker offers peer-based mentoring and emotional support and works collaboratively with youth, their families/caregivers and members of the care team.

Below are some of the roles Peer Support Workers plays within Foundry Prince George:

  • Providing waiting room support
  • Helping with systems navigation
  • Providing one-to-one non-clinical emotional and social support
  • facilitating and bridging meetings between families and service providers
  • Supporting outreach (assisting youth in attending appointments and access community resources)
  • Co-facilitating groups (including wellness, life-skills, and clinical groups)
  • Advocating for the young person accessing services
  • Supporting orientation to Foundry services
  • Organizing and facilitating recreational activities and events for youth
  • And more 

Family and Caregiver Support

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  • Whether you’re a natural support or an assigned caregiver, young people do better when the adults who care about them are supported.
  • Our Parent Support Liaison ‬holds lived experience, and counselling education and experience. Call Foundry to get connected for individual support or one of our many groups offered regularly.
  • Groups such as SMART Recovery Friends & Family, EFFT Caregiver Workshops, An Introduction to Emotion Coaching, and Circle of Security regularly offered by the Foundry Family and Caregiver Support Team.

Come in and see us about your needs. If we don’t have it yet, we will help discover options with you.

Contact Kristie at kristie.north@bc.ymca.ca‭ ‬for any questions.

Foundry Prince George is currently recruiting youth ages 12 - 24 or who have aged out from our services to join our local Youth Advisory Committee.

Application - Click Here

To be updated soon.

Our Core Practice Approaches

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Recovery-Oriented Care

- At its essence, it is an approach that Puts People First, appreciates that recovery is a personal journey for the youth and families/caregivers in our care, enables choice and encourages responsibility on their path to wellness. We work together with youth and families to identify and emphasize unique strengths, character, innate abilities and potential for growth.

Harm Reduction

- It refers to policies, programs and practices that seek to reduce the adverse health, social and economic harms associated with the use of psychoactive substances and sexual activity. Harm reduction practices include but are not limited to safe injection supplies; Take Home Naloxone training; OAT, education and navigation support; and safe sex supplies; all of which enhance the knowledge, skills, resources and supports for individuals, caregivers and communities to be safer and healthier.

Trauma-Informed Care

- It is an approach where the aim is to integrate an understanding of trauma into all levels of care; create a culture of safety, nonviolence, learning and collaboration; and use a person first philosophy (youth centred care). It is delivered using the following underlying principles: trauma awareness; emphasis on safety and trust; opportunity for choice, collaboration and connection, and strengths based and skill building.
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This is how our space looks like.

Our Building
Front Desk
Waiting Area
Nek'oh-a - Sacred Space
Multipurpose Room
Otter Room - Youth Peer Support
Bear Room - Exam Room
Caribou Room - Exam Room
Eagle Room - Talk Room
Wolf Room - Talk Room
Salmon Room - Talk Room

Courses & Workshops

Nasal Naloxone Training

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Nasal Naloxone is an effective measure to potentially reverse an opioid overdose that does not involve the use of needles. Learn to recognize and potentially save a life from overdose or accidental poisoning.



When:
Available by request during the registered nurse’s walk-in time.

Participant eligibility: have a history of substance use and/or are likely to witness or respond to an opioid overdose.

Drop-ins welcome

Training, kits and snacks free

 

Gratefully offered as participants of a BCCDC supported pilot project

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

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For youth 16–24 years who are struggling to manage strong emotions, impulsivity, or unstable relationships, and looking to grow distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and more. This is a drop-in group that will run in 7-8 weeks.


When: Every Monday from July to August (starting July 7th, 2025)

Timing: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Where: Foundry Prince George • 1148 7th Ave.

Questions? Contact foundryprincegeorge@bc.ymca.ca| 236-423-1571

 

SMART Recovery - Family and Friends

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Caring for someone with an addiction can be hard. Find support and practical tools for yourself at SMART Recovery Family and Friends.

This group looks at areas including Positive Communication, Disabling the Enabling, Trust and Self Care.

Participants will learn to:

  • view their own behaviours,
  • challenge their thinking and find more effective ways to interact with their loved one,
  • learning ways to empower themselves.

When: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month

Timing: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Prince George Public Library (Bob Harkins Downtown Branch)

Drop-ins welcome.

For more information, contact Kathy Buhler at kathy.buhler@bc.ymca.ca or Tammy Tetreau at tammy.tetreau@bc.ymca.ca

Emotion Focused Family Therapy Caregiver Workshop

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 Supporting a loved one that is struggling can be very challenging. Foundry believes that Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) supports caregivers with skills and tools that promote better wellness outcomes for all. Join us for two full-day sessions to learn the skills to become your loved one’s recovery coach. 


Stay tuned for upcoming workshops.

Registration and more info: Email kristie.north@bc.ymca.ca or call Foundry PG at 236-423-1571 

Circle of Security Workshop

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Offered in partnership with Intersect Youth and Family Services.

This program is designed to enhance attachment security between an adult-emotional resource and a child/ youth. Secure young people exhibit increased empathy, greater self-esteem, an increased capacity to handle emotions more effectively, and have better relationships later in life. Join us to explore how to:

  • Assist your child/youth in managing their emotions and behaviour by reflecting on their attachment needs in order to promote secure attachment
  • Pick up on your child/youth’s cues and signals
  • Better understand why your child/youth behaves the way they do
  • Encourage the development of confidence and self-esteem in your young person
  • Learn how their behaviour is a form of communicating their needs to you

Stay tuned for the next cycle of this workshop.

Where: Foundry Prince George • 1148 7th Ave.

Register: Contact 236-423-1571 or email vanessa.carpenter@gov.bc.ca

 

Heart Beat

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Peer support offering empathy, encouragement, and direction following the suicide of a loved one.


When: 3rd Monday of each month

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Foundry Prince George | 1148 7th Ave

Contact Sandy at pgheartbeat@gmail.com for more information.

Prince George Bereavement Support Group for Traumatic Loss

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Supported by the BC Bereavement Helpline, Foundry, & the Crisis Centre for Northern BC for those who have lost loved ones to homicide, suicide, or substance use. This is a registered, closed group that runs in 8-week cycles.


Stay tuned for next cycle of this group.

Where: Foundry Prince George • 1148 7th Avenue

Registration: Contact pgbereavement@gmail.com

 

Help for the Hard Times - Online Resource

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Workshops for those supporting a child or youth who has been a patient in a psychiatric unit or had an ER visit due to their mental health.

Help for the Hard Times workshops are hosted online and facilitated by parents with lived experience.

Topics

  • Session 1: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 1)
  • Session 2: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 2)
  • Session 3: How to take care of yourself and family after a crisis
  • Session 4: How to find the resources you need

……………………………………………………………………

Contact familysmart.ca for more information.

Click here to register.

SMART Recovery

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In this drop-in group, you will focus on building skills and gaining tools for maintaining motivation, managing urges, coping with thoughts and feelings, and living a balanced lifestyle. 


Stay tuned for future availability of this group at our location.

Looking for a SMART Recovery group in Prince George? Head to the link here:

https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/?coordinates=50&location=Prince+George%2C+BC%2C+Canada

 

Wellness Groups

Beading Circle - Cultural Circle

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Come join our peer supporter Lex for a drop-in, free 3-hours workshop on beaded earrings and patches circle. Learn to bead, have some snacks and connect with other crafters!

The purpose of this event is to:

  • make beginner friendly beaded art
  • connect with other folks who enjoy crafting
  • learn about indigenous culture

Dates:

  • Thursday, June 26th 2025
  • Thursday, July 17th 2025
  • Thursday, July 31st 2025

Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Location: Foundry Prince George | 1148 7th Ave

Questions? Contact Lex at lex.qitsualik-kanigan@bc.ymca.ca

Workout Group

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Come join our Peer Supporters to access the YMCA Massey gym. Get oriented, learn healthy habits, and get support in exercise and strength building.
No membership? No problem. We’ve got you covered.

When: Wednesdays
Timing: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Email River at river.harry@bc.ymca.ca for more information or questions.

Shade Trans Care Group

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For those 12+ years old who identify as trans, looking for a supportive space to connect with others. Join Foundry Prince George and Accessible Counselling Services for safe, supported, drop-in social connections.


 Upcoming Dates:

  • Thursday June 12th
    • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | 19 +
  • Saturday June 28th
    • 4:00p.m. – 9:00 pm | all ages.

Location: Foundry Prince George • 1148 7th Ave

Drop-InSnacks and activities provided

For more information, please contact accessiblecounsellingservices@gmail.com

Movie Club

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Join our Peer Supporter Lake on the come-back of Movie Club!

This is a drop-in group for youth aged 12-24, where caregivers and support workers are welcome to join with their youth!

The purpose of this group is to

  • Create a fun and inclusive space to watch and discuss a variety of films:
  • Encourage respectful conversations about themes and social issues.

Age group: 12-17
Dates: July 4th & 25th 2025
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Location: Foundry PG | 1148 7th Ave

The first genre will be Adventure, then Animation.

Age group: 18-24
Dates: July 11th & August 1st 2025
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Location: Foundry PG | 1148 7th Ave

The first genre will be Fantasy, then Animation.

—-There will be popcorn and snacks available for free—-

 

For questions, contact lake.atlas@bc.ymca.ca

Mindfulness Art Group

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Team up with our Peer Supporters, Eli & Sarah, for a splash of mindfulness through art activities for free! Dive into the now as you unleash your creativity with drawing, painting, or sculpting, and give your mental and emotional wellbeing a delightful boost!


Dates:

  • Tuesday, July 8, 2025:
    • Pizza and Paint
  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025:
    • Leaf Pressing
  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025:
    • Flower Pot Decorating and Gardening
  • Tuesday, July 29, 2025:
    • Tie Dye bandanas & socks

Timing: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Location: Foundry Prince George | 1148 7th Ave

For registration, fill out the following form: https://shorturl.at/b6hlu

For questions, please contact Eli at eliott.indaburu@bc.ymca.ca

Events

Queer Clothing Swap & Sewing Workshop

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“This event welcomes everyone to explore, experiment, and express their style, judgment-free. Here, you can discover how to alter, customize, upcycle, and adapt clothing to celebrate every body type and unique sense of style.

We know finding clothes that truly reflect how you want to present yourself can be challenging. Shopping in-store might feel overwhelming, while online shopping often leaves us guessing on sizing and fit. Even when we find something we love, it might not flatter us in the way we hoped due to different body shapes and styles.

Want to share your unused clothes (masc or fem) with others? Feel free! You’ll find treasures to take home, and clothing donations are always appreciated.

Try on outfits, play with your style, and be supported every step of the way. Bring your inspiration and ideas—this is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, connect with the community, and dive into fashion!

We’ll also offer support and guidance to help you transform your clothes. Whether you find a piece here or bring your own, we have sewing machines, supplies, and a space ready to help you bring your vision to life. And, if you’re inspired to share your own sewing knowledge, feel free to bring your machine, show others your skills, and mentor along the way!” – NBC Queer Connections Society


This event is 16+

Date – Sunday June 15, 2025
Timing – 1 pm to 4 pm
Location – Foundry Prince George | 1148 7th Ave

Youth Pride Festival

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Celebrate Pride with night of music, carnival games, crafts and food. This event is FREE  and for folks in  grade 7-12.

Hosted in partnership with Intersect Youth and Family Services and Alternate Community Education.


Date: July 11, 2025

Time: 6 pm to 9 pm

Location: Cannaught Youth Centre | 1491 17th Ave

Please note that this location is wheelchair accessible and has a quiet space available.

"Honestly, I see life differently – I’m more mindful, thoughtful, and better able to prioritize the things that I need, and the things that bring me joy."

- Foundry Prince George Youth

"In some moments, I still feel incapable, or helpless, or overwhelmed. But now I can remind myself, 'wait a minute! I have a lot of power, energy, and beautiful gifts inside me that I can use to make my life meaningful', even in those moments."

- Foundry Prince George Youth

"It's nice to know I'm not alone, it makes things a little bit easier."

- Foundry Prince George group participant

"It helped me through some dark times"

- Foundry Prince George Youth
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Career Opportunities

Make a difference! Check out the current positions open at Foundry Prince George here:

Careers – YMCA BC- Northern BC

Student Practicums & Internship Inquiries

We currently have direct relationship and practicum planning with some specific UNBC programs. Due to limitations on the size of our space we’re not able to host extra practicum students at this time. There may be practicum options (up to Bachelors level) available in other areas within YBC, including at Simon Fraser Lodge, YAP, Alternative Suspension, or other Community Health programs. If you are interested in those potential options, please send you resume, and a cover letter expressing your interest to carmen.demenech@bc.ymca.ca, where it will be forwarded along to other YBC Managers for consideration. Please note that only those being considered will be contacted.

Hosted by YMCA BC, Foundry Prince George unites partner organizations that are addressing the health and wellness needs of young people aged 12 to 24 and their families.

Halloween 2024