Having benefited from mentor-mentee relationships in his youth, Foster Brown has dedicated the past several years guiding others. For his contributions to youth in his community, Brown is a 2021-22 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship presented by Hudl.
Brown, from Stoney Creek, Ontario, is a student-athlete at Redeemer University in Hamilton, Ont. He is earning a degree in General Social Sciences/Psychology and is a fifth-year guard on the Royals men's basketball team.
James Kryger, Director of Athletics at Redeemer, has experienced first-hand the impact that Brown has had on his peers.
"Foster's commitment to bettering his community and being a caring and serving citizen is evident in the hours he has spent supporting others," says Kryger. "Countless youth have come out of darkness and despair, found light and hope, and established a foundation for success through their interactions with Foster."
"His unselfish mindset is what our world needs more of," said Kryger.
Liberty for Youth (LFY) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides a prevention and intervention mentoring program for disadvantaged, marginalized and at-risk youth living in Hamilton and the surrounding region. Brown was scheduled to begin a mentorship role with LFY in June of 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the organization to re-evaluate its programming.
Despite being new to LFY, Brown volunteered to begin a month early and assist with the development of alternative planning including a mobile basketball training and mentoring initiative and the establishment of the first ever virtual 'Liberty & Justice Unity Basketball' event.
"Foster consistently demonstrated positive character traits through his leadership skills, drive, patience and flexibility during an unprecedented time," said Frederick Dryden, Liberty for Youth Executive Director. "He made himself available to the youth in our programming seven days a week which included daily encouraging messages, as needed crisis intervention and weekly one-on-one sessions at their homes."
With the mobile training module, Brown travelled directly to individuals' homes and lead them through basketball and physical workouts all while maintaining physical distancing and other pandemic related protocols. These sessions also included conversations where the youth were encouraged to discuss their current well-being, ways to overcome challenges, and potential education and employment pursuits including future collegiate programs of interest.
"At Hudl, we believe each moment in sports can change the plan, change the game and change lives," said Rachel Krasnow, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Hudl. "Foster embodies this belief in all the work he does with the LFY organization, in addition to the guidance and leadership he provides to his teammates and community. We're excited to present the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship to Foster and look forward to watching him continue to positively impact the world."
Brown again volunteered with LFY in the same role during the summer of 2021, during which time he assisted the organization in further developing the evaluation component of its programming. In the Fall of 2021, Brown offered to serve as an on-call, volunteer mentor upon returning to his studies at Redeemer. He also currently serves as a mentor with the National Basketball Youth Mentorship Program (NBYMP) which pairs older athletes who can provide advice, guidance, and offer a genuine relationship with younger athletes as they journey through athletics and life.
"My goal was to be a steady, reliable, and genuine presence in the lives of youth and my roles with LFY and NBYMP helped me achieve that," said Brown. "Sometimes being present for others means providing structured activity and other times it is recognizing the benefits of a conversation. These roles have allowed me to do both."
Brown believes that being a volunteer means giving back with no conditions and added that he never anticipated being recognized for his community involvement.
"When I received the application, I was encouraged by the fact that Hudl and the CCAA are likewise committed to their community of athletes and wanted to give back in this way," noted Brown. "I am so thankful to be recognized but also feel that this scholarship provides a great reminder of what it means to be generous with our resources and time for the communities we care about."
Brown is also a leader on his Royals basketball team, guiding younger players to practice positive study habits, health and fitness routines, basketball skills and spiritually. Brown even attempts to connect with his competitors by inviting the Royals' opponents to join in post-game prayer.
"Foster's impact has been felt within our team, our school, our league and the community," said Jamie Girolametto, Head Coach of Redeemer University's men's basketball. "He is respected by opposing players and coaches and is a fan favourite in the Hamilton area and at Redeemer due to his work ethic and honest, humble and welcoming personality."
Source: CCAA Communications