Provincial Awards

MOYO - Mobile Youth Outreach
City of Surrey

Faced with an increase in unsupervised youth activity in city parks, the City of Surrey took a proactive approach to address the situation and joined forces with Surrey School District #36, Pacific Community Resources Society; OPTIONS: Services to Community Society, and the Crescent Beach Community Services to create the Mobile Youth Outreach (MoYO) program.

First piloted in 2006, MoYO is a no cost program for youth that creates opportunities to engage youth, build relationships, provide them with alternative choices to socialize and recreate, and create awareness and connections to other social services. Multiagency staff and volunteers connect youth to community programs, services and facilities, and offer support resources to help fulfill their basic needs for shelter, food, or to obtain employment.

Through the donation of a Translink commuter bus, MoYO goes directly to youth at the places they congregate within the city including parks, recreation centres, youth centres, transit hubs, and special events. Retro fitted to be a mobile youth lounge, the bus features 2 play station consoles, 2 flat screen televisions and sound system, and relaxed seating; all of which enhance youth engagement with the program.

Another tool of engagement utilized by MoYO is the FREE RIDE pass. Developed in partnership with Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture, RCMP, and Surrey Fire Department the pass is used to reward and encourage youth to make positive choices and provides 4 free visits to the city’s recreation and youth centres, arenas and pools.

Since its inception MoYO’s success has grown exponentially, reaching over 5900 youth in 2009. The success of the program has resulted in an increase in youth participation at youth centres and recreation facilities along with the City’s community services. The MoYO Bus is now positively recognized by youth city wide and when spotted actively engage and connect with staff and readily participate in the activities offered.

The program supports the “Creating a Child and Youth-Friendly City” initiative within Surrey’s Plan for the Social Well Being of Surrey Residents as well as the city’s Crime Reduction Strategy, helping meet community goals and objectives. The MoYO program is a great example of partnerships, collaboration and community engagement improving the quality of life for not only the youth it serves, but the community as a whole. For this, the BCRPA is pleased to award a Program Excellence Award to the City of Surrey.