New Friends for Life is a youth empowered, group mentorship program for foster youth between the ages of 7 and 18 years old.

Children are grouped into ‘Packs’ of 5-7 youth with caring adult mentors or ‘Captains’ to participate in regular activities together, giving foster youth an opportunity to have fun, grow and learn in an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable.

The direction of each Pack is decided upon by the kids and facilitated by their volunteer Captains and Generation Fate. As a group, the children discuss things they have always wanted to do, or dreamt of trying. Each Pack works to realize these dreams and find ways to experience things they never thought possible. Some kids may want to try snow skiing, hiking or white water rafting. Others may simply want to eat at a particular restaurant or visit the IMAX movie theatre. Whatever the dream or passion may be, New Friends for Life is geared to help these youth realize their dreams.

Injected into each packs curriculum are quarterly leadership workshops and community service projects to help them improve their life skills and learn the importance of civic responsibility.

Through this process, youth develop healthy relationships with peers from similar backgrounds and positive adult role models on a long term basis. They learn how to work in a team environment, overcome challenges and develop a higher level of self confidence.

Ultimately, this program gives foster youth the opportunity to experience a life outside of the foster care system. They create a life they can be proud of, filled with childhood experiences, opportunities to contribute to their community and a chance to reach their full potential, with their ‘New Friends for Life’.