WHO WE ARE
our MISSION
Following Jesus’ mission, we engage with youth in London by building relationships, developing potential, and exploring faith in partnership with the community and local churches.
our VALUES
COMMUNITY
We want to be fully engaged in and with our neighbourhoods and to nurture healthy community interaction with staff, volunteers, families, local partners and most of all, young people.
God-centered
We believe that personal faith is
important and that spiritual questions can and should be explored with great freedom, respect and integrity.
safe spaces
We strive to provide a safe,
welcoming place where youth can come,
connect, feel appreciated and have great fun.
relationships matter
We desire to journey alongside and build strength into young lives during these important adolescent years: encouraging them to discover, grow, lead and learn.
HISTORY OF YFC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is carefully chosen to help provide us with governance
and expertise as we support youth and families in our community.
The Board is responsible for:
• Maintaining the organization’s mission and purpose
• Ongoing support, accountability and guidance for staff
• Effective organizational planning and adequate resources
• Determining and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
• Enhancing our organization’s public image and presence
• Ensuring the fiscal responsibility of our organization
Current Board Members
Randy Bird, Chair – President, Classic Fire, Life, and Safety
Dan Knight, Vice-Chair – Forest City Community Church
Christene Scrimgeour, Treasurer – Chartered Accountant, Scrimgeour & Co
Suzanne Gonyou, Secretary – Teacher, London Christian Academy
Bernice Embree, Board Member – Teacher, TVDSB
Franklin Ossai – Family Physician
Our staff

James Coolidge
Executive Director
James brings to the team over 30 years of leadership and ministry with youth. As a child, he had an innate passion to see people discover the love and hope of following Jesus. Nothing has changed today. His desire is that every young person in London would have an opportunity to make an informed decision about following Jesus.
James has the privilege of leading a passionate and engaged team of leaders who journey with youth in all walks of life, while bringing the hope of Jesus to every relationship. Our hope is that London’s future will be filled with compassionate community engaged leaders who have their identity secured in Christ.

Jay Lawrence
Coordinator - Compass Basketball
Jay was born in South Africa, and his passion for youth ministry began there. He later moved to England where he was the director of a non-profit organization working with inner-city youth through soccer and projects in schools.
In 2012, Jay moved his family to Canada to join the staff at YFC London where he now focuses on engaging with community youth through sport. Jay leads the Community Basketball program and coaches teams at Laurier Secondary School in the community.

Dorothy Babbage
Coordinator, Food and Hospitality
Bringing to the team over 35 years of culinary, kitchen and cafe management skills, Dorothy has chosen to use her retirement to empower youth in our city with food and service skills. Her passion for youth and community is very evident as she mentors them while ensuring that food quality and service is never compromised.

Kat Warren
Youth Worker
Kat has been working at the cafe for over 3 years. Initially joining us as a volunteer, her passion for food and the culinary is contagious. Everyone is greeted with a smile and she is always ready to serve our customers with her best.
