Media Archives

Hundreds pack Surrey Drugs and Gangs forum

Group of seven young adults standing in a line against a plain wall, engaging in conversation during their visit to the Yo Bro | Yo Girl Youth Initiative, dressed in casual attire.

Hundreds pack Surrey Drugs and Gangs forum Joe Calendino, an ex-full patch member of the Hells Angels, spoke about the difficulties of getting out of a life of drugs and crime. “Have that open dialogue with your kids. Be able to sit there non-judgemental, and really hear them and allow them to speak to you […]

BC Principals & Vice Principals Association 2016 Partnership Award Recipient

Four friends embracing during a visit while watching a sunset in a hazy landscape, symbolizing togetherness and friendship.

BC Principals & Vice Principals Association 2016 Partnership Award Recipient “Surrey’s principals and vice-principals have said that “Joe and the Yo Bro/Yo Girl Youth Initiative are one of the best facilitators and programs we have ever experienced in the Surrey School District.” – BC Principals and Vice Principals Association Learn More PreviousThe School of 'hard […]

The School of ‘hard knocks’ in Chilliwack

Five young adults chatting casually in front of a graffiti-covered wall, with one sitting on a short fence, participating in the Youth Initiative program.

The School of ‘hard knocks’ in Chilliwack Kids don’t grow up covered in bubble wrap. They witness violence, sometimes experiencing it firsthand at a very young age. They are exposed to alcohol consumption, offered deadly drugs, targeted for sexual advances, and even coerced into gang activity. And it does seem to be happening more and […]

Yo Bro | Yo Girl 2016 Spring Update

Children participating in a tug of war in a grassy field during the Youth Initiative event, with one boy in the foreground wearing glasses and displaying a surprised expression.

Yo Bro | Yo Girl 2016 Spring Update Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative started as a youth outreach program in 2009 with its sole program facilitator and founder, Joe Calendino. Over the past 7 years, Yo Bro Yo Girl has gone from strength to strength and has achieved significant milestones in program development & delivery, youth […]

Ending Addictions Took Courage

Silhouettes of seven people with raised arms standing on a hill, backlit by a golden sunset with hazy mountains in the background, celebrating the visit of Her Excellency Sharon Johnson.

Ending Addictions Took Courage You know you’ve hit rock bottom when your behaviour is unacceptable even for an outlaw motorcycle gang. Joe Calendino, the 2014 recipient of a Courage To Come Back award in the addictions category, was a “full patch member” of the Hells Angels, and heavily into drugs. “I was doing crack, percs, […]

300 March for Sobriety Ex-Hell’s Angel Speaks to Youth

A group of young adults seen from behind, embracing each other while attending the "Youth Initiative" outdoor event at night.

300 March for Sobriety Ex-Hell’s Angel Speaks to Youth SOMBA K’E/YELLOWKNIFE – About 300 students from five middle schools in Yellowknife marched in the annual Sober March on Monday to raise awareness about substance abuse. “Today is the start of National Addictions Awareness Week so to sort of highlight that, or bring that into focus, […]

North Vancouver Students Take A Walk on the Wild Side

Silhouettes of six people from the Youth Initiative gathered and interacting against a dusk sky backdrop.

North Vancouver Students Take A Walk on the Wild Side VANCOUVER – Police officers from the Odd Squad have given 10 North Shore high school students a firsthand look at the harsh reality of drug and alcohol addiction. David Steverding, a Vancouver police officer and North Vancouver resident, was one of several Odd Squad […]

A Life Transformed

A simple placeholder image featuring a gray background with a mountain icon and a sun in the top left corner, reminiscent of the youthful spirit behind the Yo Bro | Yo Girl initiative.

A Life Transformed He had to hurt people before they hurt him, to prove who he was. He got high from smashing people’s faces in. John was 14 years old when he first started smoking drugs, 15 when he joined a gang, and was kicked out of five schools by the time he was 16. […]