Coquitlam Coun. Steve Kim named new Access Youth executive director

A Coquitlam councillor now leads a nonprofit for at-risk youth

Coquitlam Coun. Steve Kim is the new executive director of the Access Youth Outreach Services Society, which helps vulnerable teens find connections.

Coquitlam Coun. Steve Kim is the new executive director of Access.via Access/Facebook

A Coquitlam city councillor is now heading up a nonprofit for at-risk youth.

Today, Aug. 20, Access Youth Outreach Services Society announced Coun. Steve Kim as its new executive director to take over from Jennifer Blatherwick, a School District 43 (SD43) trustee who is running in this fall’s provincial election in Coquitlam–Maillardville.

Kim told the Tri-City News he’s excited to take on the leadership position and learn more about the group; he was alerted to the gig by fellow Coun. Trish Mandewo, who knew Kim was looking for a “meaningful role” with a community charity.

“As being a city councillor is a part-time job, I have some time to focus on other areas outside of politics,” Kim said.

“The city is growing quickly and there’s lots of work to be done for families and younger people.”

A donor of Access, Kim said he’s followed the organization over the past decade and has been a part of its meetings.

In his new post, Kim plans to focus on fundraising to support the society’s programs such as Project Reach Out, a mobile outreach centre that helps youth living on Tri-City streets, as well as the Youth Empowerment Worker program, which provides a social worker for marginalized youth ages 12 to 23.

Since 1993, Project Reach Out has made more than 35,000 connections. The bus operates Fridays and Saturday nights. Tri-City youth can call or text 604-781-6671 or visit Instagram or Facebook to learn more about Access services. To donate to the nonprofit, you can visit the Canada Helps website.

Meanwhile, Kim said he looks forward to Access’ continued partnership with groups such as Fraser Health, SHARE and the the Tri-Cities Overdose Community Action Team.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the team will be at the Scout Hall at Blue Mountain Park in Coquitlam, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to highlight International Overdose Awareness Day with other service providers.

In a news release, Access co-chairperson Catherine Painter congratulated Kim on his new role with the nonprofit.

“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,” Painter stated.