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WHO WE ARE

LAUNCH - a program of Youth Unlimited (Toronto YFC) - comes alongside young Christians, inspiring them to walk long-term in their God-given potential by equipping them to grow spiritually, in character and in leadership.

Founded in 2003 by Carl Nash, LAUNCH became the young leader development program of Youth Unlimited (Toronto YFC), a faith-based youth-serving non-profit organization. Formerly a youth pastor, Carl Nash met regularly with young people who had Kingdom dreams, but needed guidance and support to bring their ideas to fruition. Hence the birth of LAUNCH – a program dedicated to helping young leaders make a difference in their community and beyond while growing personally.

To learn more about our parent organization, Youth Unlimited, click here.

WHAT WE DO

Since 2003 we have created initiatives to help develop young leaders into 'Kingdom influencers'

 

Our 1:1 Coaching program - LAUNCH EQUIP - has been at our core from the very beginning and exists to coach young Christian leaders (aged 14-25) as they grow in their capacity to influence the world for Jesus. LAUNCH EQUIP involves a young leader (a LAUNCHee) meeting their specially selected Coach (once per month for one year) who helps them launch an idea that reflects God’s heart for a specific community OR maximize an existing leadership opportunity – all while equipping them to grow spiritually, in character and in leadership. Click here to learn more about becoming a LAUNCHee or for more info on Coaching with LAUNCH click here.

Our LAUNCH Leadership Course allows high school students the opportunity to earn a grade 11 credit while taking advantage of the 1:1 coaching program. In the online course, students learn about who they are as leaders, grow in self-awareness, gain skills in wise decision making and ultimately make a difference in their communities and around the world through a cumulative Community Impact Project. To apply for next year’s class, or for more information, click here.

In addition, LAUNCH offers a variety of leadership and spiritual development workshops suitable for groups of all sizes. We would love to facilitate a workshop for your youth group, camp, classroom or conference. Check out the descriptions of our most popular workshops here. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us about customizing a workshop for your group! For more info or to book a Group Workshop, click here.

Throughout each of our initiatives, young leaders gain valuable insight and skills as they interact with a personal growth plan and online 360° leadership assessment. This tool challenges young leaders to reach their full potential through strategic goal setting and enables them to discover more about who God has created them to be.

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OuR TEAm

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Monica Kay, Director

Monica joined the LAUNCH team in 2010 as Coach Coordinator and took on the role of Director in 2013. She has mentored young adults for over a decade, serving nationally with Athletes in Action’s University Division for 10 years, and now continues coaching through LAUNCH. Monica received her Masters in French and English Canadian Literature as well as her Bachelor of Education. She has also benefitted from participating in the Arrow Leadership Program. Monica has a heart for helping young people to grow spiritually, in character, and in leadership as they realize their unique God-given potential and make a Kingdom difference. She is married to Greg, a worship and community outreach pastor, and enjoys being a mom to her two little girls. Her passions are ultimate frisbee, art, music, travel and helping others.

e: mkay@yugta.ca

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Bonnie Wong,
Lead Instructor - LAUNCH Leadership Course

As Lead Instructor for our LAUNCH Leadership Course, Bonnie will be teaching students as they earn a high school credit and impact their community.  She is interested in helping young people develop their God-given talents and encouraging them to grow as young leaders! Prior to LAUNCH, Bonnie worked as a career counsellor for at-risk youth; taught at the high school and university levels in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan for over 10 years; and served in Indonesia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan on various missions trips. Bonnie holds a Masters in Education and a Bachelors of Arts in English and Speech Communications.  Outside of LAUNCH, Bonnie is involved in leadership at the Bible Study Fellowship. During her free time, she loves to read, do sports and make art with her two girls. 

e: bwong@yugta.ca

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Jan D’Angelo,
Team Shepherd

Jan joined LAUNCH a number of years ago as Coach Coordinator and has been serving the team through prayer and spiritual mentoring since transitioning into her present role as Team Shepherd. She has completed the Ignatius Spiritual Exercises, taken several courses at Wycliffe College, U of T on contemplative prayer, and is an Associate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, an Anglican convent in Toronto. She is actively involved in the prayer and small group ministry at her church. She also mentors several young women and considers that a real privilege. She enjoys swimming, Pilates, reading, baking and is always up for a cup of tea and a good heart-to-heart! She lives in Toronto with her husband and is blessed to be Nana to 3 precious grandchildren and an adorable grand-dog.

e: jand@yugta.ca

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Dani Hoover,
Coaching Coordinator

After Interning with LAUNCH for a year, Dani has joined the staff team as Coaching Coordinator. Dani will manage and oversee all 1:1 partnerships between Coaches and LAUNCHees. She will recruit and train Coaches all while encouraging young leaders to change the world around them by discovering and walking in their God-given potential. Dani studied at the University of Waterloo, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies and Sociology. You can usually find Dani in a coffee shop with friends, planning her next trip to a foreign country or curled up with a good book.


e: dhoover@yugta.ca

 

NEWSLETTER

Check out our 2020 LAUNCH Newsletter

Stay up to date on LAUNCH News by join our mailing list

 

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