Community support that helps people move forward.
The Hollyburn Society is an independent registered charity helping people across the North Shore access safety, stability, housing, and support when life becomes difficult. We work with youth, seniors, families, survivors of violence, and people facing housing instability.
Our role is to meet people where they are, listen without judgment, and help them find practical next steps that fit their reality. We believe support should feel human. It should be easy to understand, grounded in trust, and connected to the community around it.
Find a Way Forward
When someone is caught in a difficult situation, it can be hard to know where to turn. The Hollyburn Society exists to be a trusted place to start. We help people understand their options, connect with support, and move toward safety, stability, and a stronger future.
We start with the person, not the program.
Finding a way forward is rarely about solving one issue. A person may need housing support, safety planning, income guidance, education support, community connection, or help navigating complex systems. Instead of asking people to fit into one narrow program, we start by listening. Then we work with them to identify the right supports, relationships, and resources to help them steady the present and look toward the future.
How we show up
Belonging
& Dignity
We create respectful, welcoming environments where people feel seen, heard, and treated with care.
Equity & Responsiveness
We believe everyone deserves timely, accessible, and culturally responsive support that reflects their lived experience.
Transparency, Voice & Accountability
We communicate honestly, listen carefully, and stay accountable to the people and communities we serve.
Trust Through Collaboration
We build trust through consistent relationships with clients, colleagues, partners, donors, and community members.
Stewardship & Sustainability
We manage resources responsibly to create lasting impact for the North Shore community.
Our History
1990
It all begins – Hollyburn Family Services is founded
Alan Kwinter founded Hollyburn Family Services to support youth and families in need. Together with Nanette Taylor, he established a residential care home in North Vancouver and expanded services across the Lower Mainland.
2004
A Community Non-Profit Takes Shape – Hollyburn Community Services Society is established
Recognizing growing gaps in local support, particularly for young people leaving government care and at risk of homelessness, Alan and Nanette helped establish a community-based non-profit focused on emerging needs across the North Shore.
2007
Becoming a Registered Charity – A new chapter of community service
Hollyburn Community Services Society achieved charitable status, with Nanette Taylor serving as Executive Director.
Around this time, the Society took over operation of the North Shore Youth Safe House, providing emergency shelter and support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
2007–2023
Growing With Our Community – Expanding support across the North Shore
Over the following years, the Society continued to grow its programs and services for youth, seniors, families, and survivors of violence.
Support expanded to include housing, outreach, employment and life skills programs, victim services, counselling, social connection, and practical assistance.
2024
New Leadership – Mark Friesen joins as Executive Director
Mark Friesen joined the organization as Executive Director, beginning a new chapter of leadership and continued growth.
2025
Expanding Affordable Housing – 86 new homes open on the North Shore
The Society opened Hollybrook, an 86-unit affordable housing development, significantly expanding its ability to provide safe, stable, and affordable homes in the community.
2026
The Hollyburn Society – A new name for the next chapter
Hollyburn Community Services Society became The Hollyburn Society, a new name and identity reflecting how far the organization has come while carrying forward the same commitment to the North Shore.
Today
Helping the North Shore Find a Way Forward
What began as a small community initiative has grown into an organization delivering more than a dozen programs and a growing portfolio of housing.
Working alongside community partners, The Hollyburn Society continues to respond to changing needs, strengthen housing stability and social connection, and help North Shore neighbours find a way forward.
How The Hollyburn Society & Hollyburn Family Services Work Together
The Hollyburn Society and Hollyburn Family Services share a long history and a close working relationship, but we are two distinct organizations.
Hollyburn Family Services partners with government to provide contracted social services, while The Hollyburn Society is an independent registered charity focused on the needs of our North Shore community.
By working together, we can draw on shared knowledge, experience and connections while giving The Hollyburn Society the flexibility to identify gaps, develop new solutions and respond to emerging community needs.
Different roles. A shared commitment to helping people find a way forward.