Weaving New Futures for Refugee and Newcomer Youth 

In Metro Vancouver, refugee and newcomer youth face more than just the challenge of adapting to a new country. Many are navigating trauma, language barriers, and uncertainty about their future, while trying to find belonging in unfamiliar school systems. 

With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grant, MOSAIC is expanding Woven Futures, a trauma-informed, arts-based program that helps newcomer, refugee, and NEET (not in education, employment, or training) youth imagine and plan their futures through creative expression. 

Art as a Pathway to Confidence and Connection 

Woven Futures uses art and storytelling to help youth explore identity, express themselves, and plan for the future. Through community workshops led with Simon Fraser University (SFU) and local school districts, participants build confidence, set goals, and form lasting connections, with many alumni returning as peer mentors to guide and inspire others.  

“With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grants, Woven Futures will expand to four cohorts across Metro Vancouver, providing art-based learning, futures planning, and mentorship for newcomer, refugee, and NEET youth. This funding allows us to deepen youth voice, build leadership, and connect families and communities through public storytelling and collaborative art, creating tangible pathways to belonging, learning, and hope” says the MOSAIC and Simon Fraser University (REACH Initiative) team 

Transforming Systems Through Creativity 

Woven Futures grew out of two successful pilot projects co-led by MOSAIC and SFU, which found that artmaking and storytelling can help refugee and newcomer youth gain clarity, confidence, and belonging. The new phase expands the program across New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver, creating opportunities for more youth to engage and share their work through community exhibitions and public events. 

Each session is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, offering a safe space for youth to process experiences, envision their futures, and build practical pathways toward education, employment, or creative careers. 

Strengthening Belonging with support from the RHF 

With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, MOSAIC is scaling its arts-based learning model and deepening partnerships with schools, educators, and community artists. Catapult funding not only supports program expansion and facilitator training but also connects MOSAIC to a national network of youth-serving organizations working to build a stronger, more sustainable learning ecosystem. 

By investing in initiatives like Woven Futures, the Rideau Hall Foundation is helping create inclusive spaces where newcomer and refugee youth can find healing, express their voices, and imagine brighter futures for themselves and their new communities.