NANAIMO — Disadvantaged and with an unstable childhood, Nanaimo’s Emory Fae was homeless at the age of 16.
Survival was Fae’s primary concern while living in Squamish, never mind the dream of post-secondary education.
Fae is one of 201 students on Vancouver Island who benefited from United Way BC’s Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF) this past school year, according to the non-profit charity.
The fund covers expenses such as food, rent, school supplies, transit, health/childcare and more.
Emory Fae said a multitude of social supports to help fund their education allowed them to realize the dream of post secondary education. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
A record of nearly 2,000 students province-wide are now enrolled in YFEF.
“It gives you hope, it gives you a can-do look at ‘Oh, maybe I do want to consider university.’ I would not have been able to possibly even fathom university without the resources that have helped me here,” the 28-year-old Fae told NanaimoNewsNOW.
Fae is an annual VIU Dean’s List recipient who’s completing a bachelor’s degree, hoping to become a counsellor to help vulnerable youth like they were.
This past year, 101 VIU students (60 for the first time) were assisted through the YFEF program, according to United Way BC.
The fund supplements the B.C. government’s Provincial Tuition Waiver Program offered to students currently and formerly in care who are attending post-secondary courses on a part or full-time basis.
Fae said many students they are familiar with who grew up in the government care system don’t have families to rely on to help better their lives as young adults and beyond.
“When emergencies arise, we are more likely to need to draw on those safety nets that are granted to us through community supports,” Fae noted.
A proud professional artist, Fae described art as their first true love, which assists in healing and remaining grounded during difficult times.
“I’d paint with toothpicks and nail polish when I was homeless,” recounted Fae, a queer and disabled multi-media artist.
Oil-based pet portraits are a passion of Emory Fae, who described art as a crucial outlet throughout their life. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
Fae pointed to numerous community-based supports in Nanaimo which have helped them persevere.
Fae believes the YFEF represents key investments in improving the lives of young people, as well as society at large.
“With the economy doing what it’s doing, or increased grocery prices, these funds really need to be prioritized because we haven’t had a break yet, we’re always living like this.”
According to United Way BC, the YFEF has benefitted a total of 5,044 students since the program’s inception in 2015.
More information on YFEF, including the ability to donate online, is available here.
Another example of of Emory Fae’s art work. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up-to-date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook
