Grant Program: Community Grants
Funded by: Denning Chunn Family Fund, Howard Martin Memorial Fund
About BeaYOUtiful Foundation: The purpose of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation is to advance the health and education of female and non-binary identifying youth by funding, facilitating and carrying out educational programs and workshops aimed at promoting healthy body image, mental health, self-esteem, and building resilience, critical thinking skills and leadership skills. The organization looks to instil the value of self-worth and support girls in their confidence journey by facilitating supportive mentorship relationships.
Funded Program: The goal of this grant is to provide 80 female and non-binary identifying youth ages 8 to 14 with self-esteem programming in West Vancouver and the North Shore community. Programs will be offered for free in-person in community spaces for at-risk youth and those struggling with mental health and/or low self-esteem. The program and workshops are led by three empowering female mentors from West Vancouver, creating one-on-one mentorship experiences within an intimate group setting.
Accomplishments: The BeaYOUtiful Six-Week Confidence Program made significant strides in promoting mental wellness, positive body image, and leadership development among youth in the North Shore region. The program successfully created an environment where participants felt comfortable discussing their well-being, demonstrating the importance of a safe space for connection. We increased access to personal development and leadership opportunities by providing youth with access to activities that foster growth through the pairing of mentors. A platform was effectively, both in-person and online within programming, for youth to develop confidence, build positive relationships with mentors, and engage in conversations about their wellbeing.
The BeaYOUtiful Six-Week Confidence Program offers significant community benefits by promoting mental wellness, self-esteem, and leadership for female and non-binary children and youth in the North Shore region. By creating a safe space for discussing mental health and body image, the program supports the holistic definition of “Health and Wellness” outlined in the Vital Signs report, which emphasizes physical, mental, and social well-being. The mentorship model strengthens social support networks, helping youth build coping skills and resilience. The educational components, such as media literacy and goal-setting, foster critical thinking and empower participants to make informed life choices. In regards to the Vital Signs category of “Arts, Culture and Learning”, The program also provides volunteer leadership opportunities for women, enriching the community and contributing to social engagement. By partnering with local female leaders in the city as well as community spaces, BeaYOUtiful fosters connection and community pride. Overall, the program aligns with Vital Signs priorities by addressing key health determinants and contributing to a vibrant, well-connected community.
