The youth of New Brunswick—and especially in the Greater Moncton area—are facing a deep crisis that is not only social and emotional, but also spiritual.

• 1 in 3 youth (≈30%) struggle with mental health (anxiety, depression, isolation)
• Youth unemployment at 15.1%, significantly higher than the national average → lack of direction and hope, limiting their future. (NB unemployment rate Jan 2026)
• 1 in 4 people in New Brunswick are immigrants or newcomers, and many youth face identity loss, cultural transition, linguistic barriers, and loneliness (*Third Culture Kids, TCK)
• Over 20% of youth report substance use (vaping, cannabis, alcohol) continues to be a growing concern as youth look for ways to cope and escape.
• The majority of youth have no meaningful connection to a church or spiritual support system

Behind every statistic is a young person searching for belonging, identity, and hope.