Rebecca Penner

Growing up in Squamish, Rebecca became involved with a local youth group and volunteered as a student leader with Young Life. From there she followed her newfound passion and attended Prairie College working towards a degree in youth ministry. “God has given me a compassionate and empathetic heart for people. I never thought it would turn into an actual job though!”

Rebecca first came to us through Lifeteams, YU’s outstanding leadership education and training program, equipping the next generation of youth workers. Here she was introduced to hands-on work with vulnerable youth as well as moms and families. To her, YU is a perfect fit: “There is no other place I could find that had such excellent staff care, staff longevity, or programs so tailored to the needs of the wide demographic of local youth.”

As part of the Youth Unlimited team in Surrey, Rebecca pours her energy and time into relationships with moms in the local area through the Young Families program. Whether it is helping with the YU drop-in program called “Muffin Mornings” or meeting individuals one on one for support, her aim is to “support moms how they best need supporting — facilitating spaces where families can feel loved, safe, and where they can build communities with other young families.”