About Us

About Us

At Access Youth Outreach Services, we are a community-based organization supporting youth across the Tri-Cities region of British Columbia, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Our work is grounded in a grassroots “street work” approach, guided by our motto:

“Meeting youth where they are, to help them get to where they want to go.”

We work with youth aged 12 to 23 who may be marginalized, isolated, experiencing homelessness, or facing challenges that put them at risk of falling through the cracks of traditional systems.

Purpose

Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life for the youth in the communities we serve who are marginalized, isolated, hanging out on the streets, homeless or at risk of homelessness.  We achieve this by building relationships with youth, offering timely and relevant resources, enhancing their connection with community, and strengthening their relationship with their family by bringing services to them.

We are pioneers in the field of “streetwork” and are making a real difference in the lives of street involved youth.

Our Mission Statement

We meet youth where they are, providing personalized outreach and support to connect them with the community and resources they need to thrive.

Our Programs

We offer a range of wrap-around supports designed to meet youth where they are and help them build stability, confidence, and independence. Learn more by clicking the buttons below.

Our Team

Our Team

Steve Kim

Executive Director

Kim, who also sits as an elected Councilor 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."
Our Team

Karen Curtis

Director/Chef - Youth Gour-Made

Chef Karen Curtis co-founded Youth Gour-Made with Janet Burns and has been pouring her passion, time, and heart into the program ever since. Each week, she develops recipes, shops for ingredients, and leads hands-on cooking sessions with youth. With more than 40 years in the food industry, Karen is all about connecting people to food in meaningful, accessible ways. She’s a champion for food security, a supporter of local farmers, and a gifted facilitator who helps everyone from toddlers to seniors create beautiful, healthy meals. She also runs KICS Lemonade and Terra Roots.
Our Team

Alison Truelove

Program Coordinator / Administrator

Alison joined Access Youth in 2023 and brings over a decade of nonprofit experience, having contributed to community organizations as a staff member, volunteer, and board member. As Administrator and Program Coordinator, she supports the day-to-day operations of Access Youth, helping coordinate programs, manage administrative systems, and ensure the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes. In a small organization, flexibility is essential, and Alison is always ready to take on whatever role is needed—including the occasional shift driving the outreach bus.
Our Team

Debbie Richardson

Youth Empowerment & Family Strengthening Worker

Debbie (she/her) is the Youth Empowerment and Family Strengthening Program Manager here at Access. With more than 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families, she believes trust and relationships are the foundation for meaningful change. Debbie is passionate about walking alongside youth and families, helping to reduce barriers, strengthen connections, and create pathways toward stability and hope. She is committed to meeting people where they are and supporting them with compassion, respect, and without judgment.
Our Team

Phillip Buchan

PRO Bus Driver

Phil (he/him) has been with Access for over two years and plays an important role as the driver of the well-known "Purple Bus". He enjoys being out in the community, connecting with youth and supporting them in meaningful ways. Phillip takes pride in helping create a welcoming and positive presence for Access wherever the bus goes. Outside of Access, Phil is running for Coquitlam City Council in October 2026.
Our Team

Roxanne Saxon

Youth Worker: Art Journaling & Outreach

Roxanne joined Access Youth in 2022, where her passion for creative expression made her a natural fit. As a Youth Worker, she facilitates art journaling and nurtures youth creativity across the Tri-Cities through meaningful conversations and a wide range of artistic practices. She also enjoys her time on the Outreach Bus, where being recognized as “the purple people” always brings a smile. She is motivated by the small wins and the genuine moments shared over a sketchbook or out in the community, which continue to inspire her work.
Our Team

Megan Murphy

Art Journaling Facilitator

Megan (she/they) joined Access in January 2025, where they have been fostering creative expression and connection. Megan is passionate about building meaningful relationships within the community through art. They are also working toward a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Victoria.
Our Team

Liz Carr

Youth Gour-Made Outreach Worker

Liz (she/her) has been part of the Access community for three years, first joining when her son enrolled in the program and now supporting youth as part of the outreach team. She is proud to be involved in a program that helps build meaningful life skills. Outside of Access, Liz works as an Education Assistant in the Coquitlam School District, where she is dedicated to supporting local students and helping them succeed.
Our Team

Janet Burns

Team Lead - Youth Gour-Made

Janet is a lifelong Tri-Cities resident who first connected with Access Youth in 2019 when the Youth Gourmade program first started. Outside of Access, she works for SD43, supporting kids and families with many needs.
Our Team

Ryan Uliana

Youth Gour-Made Outreach Volunteer

Ryan is a volunteer delivery driver with Access Youth's Youth Gourmade program. Originally from Haida Gwaii and living in Port Coquitlam for the past decade, he's passionate about food security, robotics, ultimate frisbee, and good coffee and treats at Cassandra Cake Co. Ryan helps ensure Youth Gourmade meals reach youth and families throughout the community.