Ivy Friesen got involved with YFC/YU in 2001 when she volunteered at Winnipeg’s The Edge program. Later, when she moved to Calgary, she started volunteering at their StreetLight program in 2003 because of her heart to holistically minister to young people that struggle with addictions and are involved in the sex industry. In 2011 she made the transition to become a StreetLight staff member, making ministry her full-time job. She journeyed with the youth, helped provide leadership to the mobile drop-in and led a strip club outreach.

In 2017, Ivy took on the role of Western Region Training Coordinator for YFC Canada in addition to her role at StreetLight. As a Trainer, she uses her experience to help train and support new YFC staff in AB & BC as they go through the Foundations program—growing their ministry & leadership skills, resilience in their relationship with God and gaining an accreditation.

Ivy moved from frontline work at StreetLight in 2019 to serve full-time with YFC Canada on both the People Development Team and the Chapter Development Team (where she uses her creativity and discernment to develop systems that create organizational clarity).

In her free time Ivy enjoys reading novels, watching movies & shows, knitting & crocheting, serving on her church leadership board and spending quality time with her family & close friends. A drive in the country always ensures a literal and figurative ‘breath of fresh air’ as she is a nostalgic farm kid.