Access Youth Outreach Services Announces Steve Kim as Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE 

August 20, 2024  

Access Youth Outreach Services Announces New Executive Director 

Former Executive Director, Jennifer Blatherwick, Leaves to Pursue New Opportunities in Provincial Politics 

Port Coquitlam, BC – The Board of Access Youth Outreach Services Society (Access Youth) is pleased to introduce Steve Kim as the new Executive Director for the organization, effective Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Kim replaces the previous Executive Director, Jennifer Blatherwick, who is stepping down to run for the upcoming Provincial Election in October, 2024. 

“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to have Steve join Access Youth in this capacity,” stated Catherine Painter, Co-Chair of Access Youth. “Based on his years of service to the city and overall community, we believe Steve will build on the momentum created by Jennifer, and continue to lead our organization into the future.” 

Kim, who also sits as an elected Councillor for the City of Coquitlam, brings extensive experience in small business and non-profit work, including youth engagement. “Access Youth has a long history of supporting our community,” said Kim. “Helping youth, and families overall, when and where they need assistance, is a mission that I’m pleased to join. I’m honoured to take this role at a key point in Access Youth’s history, and carry the torch lit by Jennifer and the team.” 

Blatherwick stepped in to lead Access Youth in December of 2022 as Executive Director during a critical period for the organization. “Jennifer’s leadership was instrumental in improving operations,” said Painter. “She assembled an exceptional team to advance Access Youth programs, created new partnerships with community organizations, significantly expanded our funding, and oversaw an expansion to all our programs.  The Board thanks Jennifer for her service, and we have no doubt she will succeed in her future pursuits.” 

“It has been an immense privilege to serve as Executive Director for Access Youth,” said Blatherwick. “My time with this organization has been deeply impactful to my life. I’m grateful to our board and all our staff for their dedication to the youth and families we serve.” 

Added Kim, “As I get settled into my role, I will manage the intersections that exist between my City and Access Youth work. I thank my Council colleagues, senior staff, Access Youth’s Board and partners, for their support during this process.” 

About Access Youth Outreach Services: 

Founded in 1993 as PoCoMo Youth Services Society, Access Youth Outreach Services is a community-based registered charity dedicated to providing innovative programs and outreach support to at-risk youth ages 12-23 in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Programs and services are offered to improve the quality of life for marginalized and isolated youth by building relationships, fostering personal growth, and connecting them with their communities. Pioneering in street outreach, Access Youth Outreach Services makes a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. For more details, please visit https://accessyouth.org/ 

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Contact 

Steve Kim 

Executive Director 

Access Youth Outreach Services 

Tel.  604.351.1134 

Email. executive.director@accessyouth.org 

Peter Colistro 

Communications Specialist 

Access Youth Outreach Services 

Email. communications@accessyouth.org