Delivering enriching experiences to foster a vibrant, positive community for all.
Coach John Leadership & Community Engagement Initaitives
Delivering enriching experiences to foster a vibrant, positive community for all.
ABOUT US
Our Mission
CORE PROGRAMS
CORE PROGRAMS
Coach John Leadership and Community Engagement Initiative is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting wellness, inclusion, and respect. We are deeply committed to enhancing the lives of individuals in equity-seeking communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through active living, youth mentoring, and various develop
Coach John Leadership and Community Engagement Initiative is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting wellness, inclusion, and respect. We are deeply committed to enhancing the lives of individuals in equity-seeking communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through active living, youth mentoring, and various developmental initiatives. Our efforts are concentrated on fostering a culture of sports, nurturing youth leadership, and actively engaging seniors to cultivate a supportive, dynamic community for all.
Our Vision
Nestled in West Hill, Toronto, Canada, Coach John Leadership and Community Engagement Initiative champions a range of transformative programs across Toronto. Our vision is to create an empowered, interconnected community where every person is inspired to reach their full potential, contributing to a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant society. Through our dedication and innovative initiatives, we strive to be a cornerstone of positive change and leadership development in the heart of Toronto and beyond.
Our Philosophy
At Coach John Leadership, we are guided by core principles that shape our actions and impact:
- Genuine Passion for People's Well-being: We are deeply committed to enhancing the holistic health of every individual in our community.
- Community as Family: We cherish our community as a vast family, fostering an environment of unity, support, and belonging.
- Promoting Unity, Healing, and Joy: Our mission is to create safe, joyful spaces that foster unity, healing, and happiness for all.
- Respect as the Cornerstone: Respect is fundamental to our ethos, ensuring every individual is valued and understood.
- Building Friendships Over Mastery: We prioritize building strong, meaningful relationships over individual achievements.
- Empowerment Through Engagement: We empower our community members by actively involving them in decision-making and activities.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We are committed to inclusivity, ensuring our community is welcoming and diverse.
- Continuous Growth and Learning: We are dedicated to the continuous personal and communal growth, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
CORE PROGRAMS
CORE PROGRAMS
CORE PROGRAMS
Our mission is brought to life through a multifaceted approach, encompassing three core levels of engagement:
- Sports & Active Living: We champion the integration of sports and physical activity into daily life, offering programs that are accessible to all, regardless of financial background. Our initiatives are designed to encourage active
Our mission is brought to life through a multifaceted approach, encompassing three core levels of engagement:
- Sports & Active Living: We champion the integration of sports and physical activity into daily life, offering programs that are accessible to all, regardless of financial background. Our initiatives are designed to encourage active living, promote physical health, and build team spirit among participants of all ages.
- Youth Leadership & Community Impact: Our focus on youth leadership aims to empower young individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead impactful community projects. Through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on activities, we inspire youth to become proactive agents of change in their communities, leading initiatives that have a lasting positive impact.
- Seniors Engagement Initiative: Recognizing the invaluable role of seniors in our community, we actively work to engage them through a variety of programs. These initiatives are designed to combat isolation, foster intergenerational connections, and encourage active participation in community life, enriching the social fabric of our neighborhoods.
Through these targeted levels of engagement, the Coach John Leadership and Community Engagement Initiative strives to build a more inclusive, active, and empowered community, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
OUR IMPACT
CORE PROGRAMS
OUR IMPACT
- Financial Accessibility: We remove financial barriers to sports, ensuring over 2,150 participants can engage each year without the burden of cost.
- Girls in Sports: By creating inclusive and supportive environments, we champion girls' participation in sports, enabling them to thrive and excel.
- Positive Change through Sports: Utilizing sport
- Financial Accessibility: We remove financial barriers to sports, ensuring over 2,150 participants can engage each year without the burden of cost.
- Girls in Sports: By creating inclusive and supportive environments, we champion girls' participation in sports, enabling them to thrive and excel.
- Positive Change through Sports: Utilizing sports as a powerful medium, we foster positive behavioral changes, promoting discipline, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
- Youth Leadership and Empowerment: Our initiatives are designed to empower young individuals, instilling leadership qualities and fostering a sense of responsibility and confidence.
- Combating Senior Isolation: Through senior engagement and intergenerational programs, we strive to eliminate isolation among seniors, enriching their lives with community connections and activities.
- Work and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens: We provide teens with valuable volunteer and work experiences, offering them a platform to develop skills, gain experience, and contribute to their communities.
- Community Engagement and Violence Reduction: Our youth-focused programs aim to engage young people in constructive community activities, significantly reducing the incidence of violence and fostering a safer environment.
- Barrier Removal: We are committed to eliminating all forms of barriers that prevent individuals from accessing and benefiting from our programs, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
PROGRAMS
YOUTH LEADERS IN TRAINING PROGRAM
Registration Now Open for Inaugural Leaders in Training Program for Teens!
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our inaugural Leaders in Training Program for teens aged 13 and above, starting on the 2nd of July, 2025. We will be hosting this exciting program in Scarborough. Our program is Free and you are encouraged to sign up while space exists
Program Highlights:
- Leadership Development Skills
- Community Engagement
- Personal Growth
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Camp Sports Program Leading Skills
During the program, the leaders in training will engage in:
- Community food bank activities
- Running programs for kids in camp
- Visits to various sites
- Various training programs
- Opportunities to design and run programs
This program is made possible thanks to the Jays Care Foundation's generous support and commitment to investing in teenagers and providing leadership training for teens through their donations and provision of equipment.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/t8za3k7G4SXzQgqaA
The link will close once spots are filled up.
SENIORS ENGAGEMENT
Coach John's Senior Engagement program is dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors, with weekly focuses designed to:
- Combat Isolation: Engage seniors in activities and programs that foster community connections and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Promote Healthy Aging: Offer activities aimed at enhancing both physical and mental well-being, supporting a more fulfilling and vibrant aging journey.
- Enhance Social Inclusion: Ensure seniors feel recognized and valued, encouraging their active involvement and participation in community life.
- Support Mental Health and Digital Literacy: Address crucial healthy aging aspects by improving digital skills, challenging ageism, and providing mental health and dementia support.
- Ensure Safety and Protection: Implement strategies to protect seniors from crimes, elder abuse, and financial fraud, emphasizing education and preventive measures.
- Facilitate Access to Services: Help seniors navigate and utilize government services and benefits, including tax assistance, to maximize their entitlements and ease.
Through these weekly engagements, we aim to cultivate a supportive and vibrant environment where seniors are empowered to lead fulfilling, connected, and secure lives within their communities.
SPORTS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
At Coach John Leadership and Community Engagement Initiative, we believe in leveraging sports as powerful agents of societal change and unity, transcending mere physical activity. Our programs are meticulously designed to bridge social, economic, and cultural gaps, promoting a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the diverse members of our community.
Our Diverse Offerings Include:
- After-School Sports Programs: Across the GTA, we provide a range of after-school sports activities such as baseball, basketball, and more, fostering physical wellness, teamwork, and personal development in students outside academic settings.
- Community Basketball Program: Every evening, we open our basketball program to all youth aged 7 to 18, at no cost, creating a nurturing space for skill development, sportsmanship, and community bonding.
- Girls Dedicated Sports Programs: Acknowledging the unique obstacles girls encounter in sports, we've initiated specific programs in Scarborough to embolden girls, enhancing their confidence and encouraging active sports participation.
- Sports for People with Disabilities: Our commitment to inclusivity extends to offering specialized sports programs in West Hill and Guildwood for individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessible and enjoyable sports experiences for all abilities.
- March Break and Summer Camps: Expanding our reach, we also host enriching sports camps during March Break and summer, providing kids and teens with fun-filled, active learning environments where they can explore new sports, refine their skills, and form lasting friendships.
Through these varied initiatives, we aim to not just teach sports, but to also instill life-long values and build a supportive, inclusive community.
Youth Engagement Program:
A pivotal strength of our organization lies in our deep-rooted connection with the youth. Over the years, we have nurtured relationships with children who have grown into teenagers and young adults. Today, we have a network of over 350 teens who are actively involved in our initiatives, forming the backbone of our volunteer force. Many of these dedicated young individuals have progressed to become part of our staff and seasonal workforce, exemplifying the impact and success of our engagement efforts.
Key Components of Our Youth Engagement Program includes:
- Workplace Preparation & Volunteer Engagement: We are committed to preparing our youth for the future, offering programs that equip them with essential workplace skills and opportunities for meaningful volunteer engagement. This not only helps them in their personal and professional development but also instills a sense of responsibility and community service.
- Leadership Training: At the core of our program is leadership training, designed to empower young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond. Through interactive workshops, activities, and mentorship, we foster the growth of future leaders.
- Youth Mentoring for Positive Community Impact: Our mentoring component connects youth with experienced mentors who guide them through personal development and community engagement. This nurturing relationship encourages positive life choices, promotes community involvement, and amplifies the positive impact our youth can have on society
Through these integrated components, our Youth Engagement Program aims to shape well-rounded, community-minded individuals who are prepared to lead, inspire, and make meaningful contributions to society.
About COACH JOHN LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT NIGHT WITH TORONTO RAPTORS HEAD COACH
Hello Parents
Coach John, and a collective of Scarborough community leaders dedicated to alleviate youth violence, are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated 2024 Youth Empowerment Night!
We’re honoured to have Darko Rajakovic, the Head Coach of the Toronto Raptors, as our keynote speaker. Joining him are inspiring speakers such as Canadian Soccer Legend (Scarborough’s own) Dwayne De Rosario and the visionary entrepreneur behind Swift Hockey, Zechariah Thomas.
Each speaker will share their own stories of resilience, aspiration, and overcoming obstacles and challenge youth to be agents of positive change in their communities.
Important Information
Date: Friday, May 17Time: 6 pm (doors open 5:30 pm)Location: 1250 Markham Road, ScarboroughRegister: bit.ly/YENight
- This event is for youth only and begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. Following the event at 7:00 pm, Coach Darko and Dwayne De Rosario will be available for a meet-and-greet and photos in the gymnasium.
- Food will be provided.
- Parent pick-up from 7:30 pm, onwards at the gymnasium entrance.
- Registration is limited, so please register today.
- This is a free event. Feel free to share the attached poster with all youth you may know.
Thanks,Coach John
