Marcela Toro

Yo Bro Yo Girl (YBYG)-Youth Initiative @YoBroYoGirl

Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative is a non-profit organization providing programs for youth in the Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland area. Starting in elementary school, when children have increased self-awareness and are developing ideas about how they may or may not "fit in" to their social and academic environment, they become vulnerable to gang recruitment. During the recruitment process, children may be asked to pick up or deliver illicit drugs, keep watch or drive stolen cars. If caught, they face lower sentences in the youth justice system than an older gang member would in adult court. Yo Bro Yo Girl helps young people between the ages of 11 and 22 avoid drugs and gangs, pursue education and set positive goals for the future. Our unique strength-based programs are offered in 14 schools, community and learning centres across British Columbia.