WHY Purpose Society matters to New Westminster, and WHY the support from Royal City Rotary Club matters to New Westminster
Purpose Society is particularly important to New Westminster because it is a locally based organization with a regional reach. Its services help address issues that affect the whole community, even when the people receiving assistance are a relatively small or less visible part of the population.
The Society's work also complements the efforts of municipal government, schools, health authorities, other non-profits and local businesses. No single organization can solve complex social challenges on its own, but a multi-service organization can help people access the right support at the right time.
The Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families makes a significant contribution to New Westminster and communities across the Lower Mainland by supporting people who may be facing barriers to education, housing, health care, family stability or personal well-being.
Its greatest strength is that it offers more than individual programs: it provides a connected network of services intended to help children, young people and families build safer, healthier and more independent lives. The Society reports having more than 180 employees and serving communities particularly in New Westminster, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities.
Six ways Purpose Society benefits the community
1. Giving young people a better future
Through youth outreach, youth hubs, health clinics and alternative education, Purpose Society helps young people navigate difficult circumstances, develop life skills, reconnect with education and work toward independence. Its youth services also support young people experiencing family conflict, mental health challenges or addiction-related concerns.
2. Giving children a stronger start in life
Childcare, early learning and family support programs help children develop socially, emotionally and physically while helping parents balance work, family responsibilities and child development. These services contribute to healthier families and better opportunities for children.
3. Strengthening families before problems escalate
Parenting education, counselling, family therapy and outreach help families address conflict, stress and relationship difficulties. Early intervention can help families develop coping strategies, improve communication and avoid crises becoming more serious.
4. Responding to poverty, housing insecurity and vulnerability
The Society's wider services include housing-related assistance, food support, health services and outreach. These services can help people meet immediate needs, maintain greater stability and access other community resources.
5. Improving access to health and social services
By bringing together health, counselling, education and community support, Purpose Society provides pathways to assistance for people who might otherwise struggle to find or navigate the appropriate services. Its partnerships with public agencies and other service providers help connect clients with additional support.
6. Building a stronger, more inclusive community
By working with families, schools, health providers, government agencies, volunteers and community organizations, the Society helps build a network of support across the region. Its work contributes to community safety, social inclusion and opportunities for people to participate more fully in society.
What is the broader regional impact?
The benefits extend beyond the individual receiving a service.
For families: Greater stability, stronger parenting skills and better access to support.
For schools: Additional pathways for students who struggle in conventional educational settings.
For the health and social-service systems: Community-based support and earlier intervention that may help reduce the need for more intensive services.
For local communities: Better access to resources, stronger connections and support for people experiencing disadvantage.
For the future workforce: Opportunities for young people to gain education, confidence, independence and life skills.
These are the intended and plausible wider benefits of the Society's work; their exact financial value and regional outcomes would require current program-level evaluation data.