History
How It All Started
West Broadway Youth Outreach (WBYO) began with a simple but powerful idea: children deserve joy, safety, and opportunity, right in their own neighbourhood.
In the mid 1970s, caring community residents came together to create informal, volunteer and parent led opportunities for children in the West Broadway community. What started as play dates in the park, sidewalk chalk drawings, and small weekly gatherings quickly became something children looked forward to. Although the early program closed a few years later, the need it addressed never disappeared.
Shortly thereafter, West Broadway Youth Outreach was formally incorporated to provide consistent, structured, and accessible programming for children and families. The program was reimagined and shaped by our Executive Director, Ken Opaleke, whose vision continues to guide WBYO today.
Ken often describes as “a life skills program masquerading as a recreational program,” WBYO was redesigned to meet children where they are while helping them grow into who they can become. Since its redesign 34 years ago as of October 12, 2025, WBYO has offered far more than recreation. Alongside safe free play spaces and nutritious snacks, children have access to homework support, math programs, music and arts, swimming, a lending library, movie nights, and meaningful mentorship. Over the years, participants have experienced opportunities many never imagined, from attending Jets and Blue Bombers games, to traveling to Canada’s Wonderland and the Vancouver Telus Science Centre, children in WBYO’s academic programs also have had the opportunity to meet artists like Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, and even piloting airplanes. Every experience is offered free of charge, because access should never be a barrier to potential.
Today, WBYO focuses its work across four interconnected
areas that reflect both our history and our future:
• Education for Youth, nurturing curiosity and academic success through programs such as Homework Club, Mathletes, Bookworms, and creative writing nights that provide consistent academic support, mentorship, and enrichment.
• Sports and Wellness for Youth, promoting balance, health, and teamwork through free access to gym time, swimming, sports nights, and family yoga that encourage active lifestyles and build confidence and connection.
• Social Service for Youth, supporting immediate needs while strengthening community through programs like Snack Time, Grocery Giveaways, and Kids Laundry Night, ensuring families feel supported and children feel they belong.
• Art, Culture, and Social Activities for Youth, sparking creativity and expression through music jams, board games, video game nights, arts and crafts, and comic and book clubs that help children discover new interests and build friendships in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
From chalk on sidewalks to lifelong skills, WBYO remains rooted in its original belief: when children are supported, inspired, and valued, their potential truly has no limits.
In the mid 1970s, caring community residents came together to create informal, volunteer and parent led opportunities for children in the West Broadway community. What started as play dates in the park, sidewalk chalk drawings, and small weekly gatherings quickly became something children looked forward to. Although the early program closed a few years later, the need it addressed never disappeared.
Shortly thereafter, West Broadway Youth Outreach was formally incorporated to provide consistent, structured, and accessible programming for children and families. The program was reimagined and shaped by our Executive Director, Ken Opaleke, whose vision continues to guide WBYO today.
Ken often describes as “a life skills program masquerading as a recreational program,” WBYO was redesigned to meet children where they are while helping them grow into who they can become. Since its redesign 34 years ago as of October 12, 2025, WBYO has offered far more than recreation. Alongside safe free play spaces and nutritious snacks, children have access to homework support, math programs, music and arts, swimming, a lending library, movie nights, and meaningful mentorship. Over the years, participants have experienced opportunities many never imagined, from attending Jets and Blue Bombers games, to traveling to Canada’s Wonderland and the Vancouver Telus Science Centre, children in WBYO’s academic programs also have had the opportunity to meet artists like Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, and even piloting airplanes. Every experience is offered free of charge, because access should never be a barrier to potential.
Today, WBYO focuses its work across four interconnected
areas that reflect both our history and our future:
• Education for Youth, nurturing curiosity and academic success through programs such as Homework Club, Mathletes, Bookworms, and creative writing nights that provide consistent academic support, mentorship, and enrichment.
• Sports and Wellness for Youth, promoting balance, health, and teamwork through free access to gym time, swimming, sports nights, and family yoga that encourage active lifestyles and build confidence and connection.
• Social Service for Youth, supporting immediate needs while strengthening community through programs like Snack Time, Grocery Giveaways, and Kids Laundry Night, ensuring families feel supported and children feel they belong.
• Art, Culture, and Social Activities for Youth, sparking creativity and expression through music jams, board games, video game nights, arts and crafts, and comic and book clubs that help children discover new interests and build friendships in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
From chalk on sidewalks to lifelong skills, WBYO remains rooted in its original belief: when children are supported, inspired, and valued, their potential truly has no limits.
