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Our Mission
Partners For Youth Inc. engages youth who are facing challenges in their lives and assists them in becoming capable, connected, and contributing members of their communities. We achieve our mission by developing innovative programs and services that promote experiential learning in safe, supportive, and rewarding environments. Our work is done in collaboration with public, private, and not for profit partners.
History
Partners for Youth Inc. was founded in 1994 by the Hon. Jim Ross. Appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1990, Mr. Ross served almost three years before resigning his seat to begin the task of building our organization. His goal was to create a provincial, non-profit, community-based organization tasked with developing pragmatic and effective support programs for youth and youth at risk. Over 20 years later, our programs help young people make healthy lifestyle choices, find and grow their strengths, and build important leadership skills.
In 2000, Mr. Ross was awarded the Order of Canada for his work in creating our organization. He continues to provide us with active support and holds the position of Founder and Chairperson Emeritus on our Board of Directors. In 2009, Mr. Ross was inducted in the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. He is a three time Rotary Club Paul Harris Award recipient and received the Learning Partnership Champion in Education Award in 2012.
Founder and Chairperson Emeritus
The Hon. Jim Ross
Special Advisor
Bernard Richard
Former Child and Youth Advocate of New Brunswick and British Columbia respectively
Our Board of Directors
President
Jessica Melanson
Past President
Mike Joyce
Vice Presidents
Lynne Lenihan
Steve Holland
Treasurer
Michel Landry
Directors
Bev Gaudet
Andrew Lockhart
Pam Lynch
Amy Ross
Folusho Iyaniwura
Staff
Executive Director
John Sharpe
Program Manager, Camp Tippy Canoe / Youth Works
Suzanne Laver
Director of Government and Community Partnerships, Dots NB / PFY Connect, New Brunswick Youth Advisory Council
Alec Lepage
Bookkeeper
Ellen Fitzsimmons
Project Coordinators & Youth Workers
Sport 3, Youth Works
Tom Carney
Youth in Action for Mental Health, Youth Works, Camp Tippy Canoe
Brittany Florjancic
PFY Connect, Mindful Kids
Josée-Anne Fournier
Housing Specialist – NB Rent Bank Support Project
Allison Brown
Youth Worker, New Brunswick Youth Advisory Council
Mandy Perley
Making Waves, Youth Works
Lydia Lanteigne
Making Waves
Rochelle Sealy
Francophone New Brunswick Youth in Care Network, Youth Works
Lianne Comeau
New Brunswick Youth in Care Network, PFY Connect, Mindful Kids
Brittany Tabor
Sport 3, New Brunswick Youth Advisory Council
Lily Warner
Latest Social Posts
Summer 2025 is not that far away and we are already preparing for campers to join us for one of many weeks at Camp Tippy Canoe on beautiful, North Lake. 🛶 Check your mailbox or speak with your teacher as camp forms will be in the mail in the next several weeks.
‼️ If you have moved over the past year please let us know so your form ends up at the right location.
We can`t wait to welcome you back to camp! 🏕️
#PartnersForYouthNB #PFYNB #CampTippyCanoe #NewBrunswick #YouthDevelopment #CommunitySupport #YouthPrograms #MakingADifference #NonProfit #GivingBack #YouthLeadership #CommunitySupport
It may be January but we are already thinking about summer! ☀️
Canoeing, tenting, hiking, campfires, great food and awesome kids! If this sounds like a great way to spend your summer and if you are looking for summer employment, contact us as we are hiring! 🏕️🛶
#PartnersForYouthNB #PFYNB #CampTippyCanoe #NewBrunswick #YouthDevelopment #CommunitySupport #YouthPrograms #MakingADifference #NonProfit #GivingBack #YouthLeadership #CommunitySupport
Amy Ross has been a member of the Board of Directors for Partners for Youth since 2022, continuing the legacy of her father, James Ross, founder of the organization. Deeply inspired by her father’s vision to support young people when they need it most, Amy is guided by compassion and a desire to contribute in ways that create lasting positive change.
As Managing Director of Ross Ventures, Amy oversees business strategy, marketing, and operations for the Fredericton-based real estate company. Outside of Ross Ventures, Amy is actively involved in the early-stage investment community in Atlantic Canada, striving to support startups, particularly those founded by women.
Balancing these professional responsibilities with her love for travel and spending time with her husband and their two young children.
Thank you, Amy, for your leadership, dedication, and passion for creating brighter futures for youth in New Brunswick.
#VolunteerSpotlight #PFYNB #PartnersForYouthNB #NewBrunswick #YouthDevelopment #CommunitySupport #GivingBack #CommunitySupport