Ministry Partner Spotlight: Vancouver Urban Ministries

One of the great privileges of Fellowship Pacific is partnering with ministries that are bringing the love of Jesus into communities across British Columbia and the Yukon. Through practical service, compassionate care, and a faithful commitment to the gospel, these ministry partners are making a lasting difference in the lives of people of all ages.

This month, we are highlighting the important work of Vancouver Urban Ministries (VUM), a Fellowship Pacific ministry partner dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families throughout the Lower Mainland.

Helping Children Thrive Through Therapeutic Tutoring

In February 2026, the BC Provincial Government announced a $475 million investment to expand supports for children and youth with disabilities and support needs. While this investment will benefit many families, significant gaps remain for children with learning disabilities who often do not qualify for intensive disability supports yet still require specialized educational assistance to succeed in school. One local school estimates that more than 110 of its 400 students face some form of learning challenge. For families with limited financial resources, accessing private tutoring is often impossible.

This is where Vancouver Urban Ministries is making a life-changing impact. Without the free specialized one-on-one tutoring that Vancouver Urban Ministries provides to children with learning disabilities from lower-income homes, these children are at risk of being left behind academically and struggling to make their way in life in the future.

However, with support from VUM tutoring program, these children can thrive in elementary school and grow in confidence as they pursue further education and future employment.

A Parent's Story of Transformation

One grateful father recently shared the impact VUM's tutoring program has had on his son:

I am writing from the bottom of my heart to express my deepest gratitude for everything you have done for my son, Arman. Before joining the tutoring program, Arman struggled with reading, writing, and math. His progress at school was very limited, and as parents, we were worried about his learning and future.

However, after he started attending the tutoring program, we began to see an incredible change in him. Day by day, his reading improved. He learned more words, became more confident in writing, and his math skills grew stronger and stronger. The progress he has made has been truly unbelievable. Today, he is not only learning successfully himself, but he is also helping teach his younger brother, who is almost five years old, and preparing him for school. Seeing Arman share what he has learned with his brother has been one of the proudest moments for our family.

What impressed me most was that from the very first day, Arman loved attending tutoring. He always looked forward to his lessons and never wanted to miss a session. The teachers made learning enjoyable, exciting, and fun. Through encouragement, games, activities, and even small treats, you created an environment where children wanted to learn and succeed. Every member of the team showed kindness, patience, professionalism, and genuine care. You built wonderful relationships with the children and gave them confidence in themselves.

The positive impact you have had on Arman goes far beyond academics. You helped him believe in his abilities and develop a love of learning. As a father, one of my greatest wishes is to see my children have a bright future. Thanks to your support, that wish is becoming a reality. The happiness and pride our family feels because of Farzad's progress is difficult to put into words. Programs like this make a life-changing difference for children and families, and I sincerely hope this wonderful program continues for many years so that more children can experience the same amazing progress and opportunities.

Will you help us make parents’ dreams for their children come true?

As Vancouver Urban Ministries prepares for the 2026–27 school year, they are seeking new volunteer tutors to join their teams across 11 tutoring centres serving East Vancouver, South Delta, Richmond, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows.

Volunteer tutors:

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Have some college, university, or equivalent experience working with children

• Receive 32 hours of free training in the Orton-Gillingham approach during September

• Commit to providing two one-hour tutoring sessions each week during the school year

For many children, a volunteer tutor becomes the key that unlocks confidence, academic success, and hope for the future.

Get Involved

If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, the first step is completing VUM's tutor application form. This will begin a conversation with Executive Director David Innes.

Support the Training of New Tutors

Vancouver Urban Ministries also welcomes financial support to help train and equip new tutors for this growing ministry.

If you are moved to support this wonderful ministry to our communities, you can Donate here. or Interac e-Transfer to: [email protected]

Together, we can help more children discover their potential, strengthen families, and create brighter futures throughout our communities.