Graham Goertzen

Graham knows how difficult life can be for teens. “Navigating through one’s teen and adult years can be bewildering at best,” he says. That’s why since 1992, Graham has been working with YU to provide holistic opportunities for youth to walk along with someone who offers care, a listening ear, and trust.

Using his love for experiencing the great outdoors, particularly on his mountain bike, he developed YU’s Mountain Life program. This program, involving committed volunteers, seeks to challenge marginalized, at-risk youth in East Vancouver to explore the physical, social, mental, and spiritual benefits of life away from traffic, city noise, and WiFi. His love for fixing things and natural ability with wrenches also allows him to run various bike repair clinics with students from the school and city.

Graham has been married to the love of his life since 1998 and they have 3 children.  

His weekly routine involves coffee starting at 6:30 every morning. The Goertzen family also believes that food is best when it is shared with friends and family. They do this often.