The story of Shamar is an amazing example of how God is using people and programs to share hope…

A little over a year ago, we opened our home to a young person who needed stability and guidance. Shamar came to live with us at 14, and, as you can imagine, it was a major transition for him—new home, new school, starting high school … a lot of new experiences all at once. I asked him about his interests and passions, trying to understand what we could do to support him. Without hesitation, he said, “basketball.” Before long, Shamar was able to join a competitive basketball team and start playing with his high school.

Through basketball, he met some incredible young men who became friends and a positive influence in his life. I often heard them talk about Coach Jay and Team Compass, and I realized just how much of a mentor Coach Jay was to Shamar’s friends. Then, one day at a high school basketball game, I had the pleasure of meeting Jay in person. Right there, in that gym, I understood what Shamar appreciated about Coach Jay, and it wasn’t just his basketball skills! He cares deeply about each young man that God brings across his path!

We were able to arrange one-on-one training time for Shamar with Coach Jay. Every session left Shamar more inspired, more motivated, and looking forward to his next opportunity to be around Jay! That connection grew stronger over the summer when Shamar joined YFC youth for a trip to Muskoka. What he experienced there was beyond anything I could have imagined. It went well beyond having a great time with friends. What he gained was something much deeper—he felt seen, heard, and valued.

As the team shared stories and opened up about their own struggles, they all realized that as young men, they’re not alone in their challenges. They began to support each other in ways that help them feel truly connected and understood. Everyone has a story, and while our stories might look different on the surface, the emotions behind them are often the same. Shamar came home from Muskoka with a new perspective and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of belonging. He is not alone anymore!

As we talked about his time with the team, he shared something with me that I think says so much about the impact of what YFC, Jay and Team Compass provide. He told me that with Jay and the team, he felt like he belonged. With all the changes and upheaval, he knows that we love him deeply however this external sense of belonging and acceptance has sparked something in him—a realization that his possibilities are limitless.

We are so thankful to have found YFC, Team Compass and Coach Jay!

Beyond the game itself, something even more profound has touched Shamar’s life through his connection with Jay. Shamar had not grown up with the Word of God, and it was something unfamiliar to him. Jay has a unique way of making faith accessible and, in his own way, “cool” for young people. It’s been life-changing not only for Shamar and our family but for everyone who encounters Jay and is part of the team family! The values that Jay instills are woven with faith, compassion, and hope, creating an environment where these young men don’t just learn the game—they learn how to navigate life and discover their purpose. 

Today, Shamar is not only continuing to develop as a basketball player but fully committed to growing with this new “Compass family”! I don’t think there’s another team out there that could have offered him this level of support, mentorship, genuine connection…and hope! Thank you!  – Kylie Ellis

As an organization, YFC London has been able to impact youth in all our programs: youth volunteers in Cafe Connect are learning how to confidently maneuver in a working environment while giving back to the community, basketball players are learning how to thrive on and off the court in Compass Basketball, and students are asking the big questions about life at school lunch outreaches.  

But we can only do so much when funds are needed to expand our programs. This is where your partnership is critical! 

As our team plans for 2025, we are reviewing the successes of 2024 and dreaming of possibilities for the future! God is opening opportunities only He could have orchestrated, and we are inviting you to partner with us in those opportunities through your financial generosity.   

Youth need to have a place to belong, people who believe in them, and someone greater than themselves to believe in. YFC exists to provide and share these with the young people in our community as we join with the mission of God in our city. 

The time is now to reach more students with God’s message of hope in a world that is feeling more precarious to so many of our young people. As we heard, Shamar was longing to belong, and Compass Basketball has become his chosen family! How amazing would it be if we could duplicate this experience for even more Shamars? THIS is our dream across the board; through the cafe, youth programming and basketball!  

As a community we need to ask, “Who is speaking into the lives of youth providing guidance and direction?” Josh Shipp said it best, “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story,” and everything we do is about being that caring adult for the young people along their journey.  

Can you help us make this a reality? 

Please take the time to prayerfully consider your part in this opportunity to make a difference in even more young people in London. We have a goal of $75,000 to expand our current programs. Will you partner with us with a monthly commitment or one time gift before year’s end so we can confidently plan for 2025? Click here to donate online! We are blessed to live in Canada where charitable donations also receive a tax receipt so you will want to get your gift to us before December 31st for this tax year. 

We look forward to reporting back to you in 2025 with more stories just like Shamar’s and how YOU made a positive impact for youth in London! 

With thanks, 

Joel Timmerman 

Executive Director 

Ps. Your financial support makes a huge difference to the youth of London! Thank you for taking the time to consider the best way you are able to partner with YFC London. Click here to donate online! Thank you!