Champion Institute was born of the vision of Shawn Zanders, spawned in the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy. In 2001, three close family members who were brothers were brutally gunned down in the streets by a young man who was only nineteen years of age with no definite direction. This act devastated two families and profoundly touched countless others in the community. Armed with the belief that no young person should be abandoned or left to become callous and cold, Shawn acted. He articulated a vision to address the unmet needs of fatherless young boys, reaching out across the community to help them find a path of hope, healing, and victory. 

       

Shawn has devoted nearly two decades of service to meet the needs of fatherless young men whose lives have been ravaged by abuse, neglect, violence, and homelessness. Shawn began his career in youth residential environments, witnessing the hurt, lack, and emotional trauma of young boys. Overseeing case management roles and ultimately managing youth programs, he continued increasing his understanding of these young boys and the scarcity of resources available to this unmet need. Through his consonant efforts, Shawn established Champion Institute, inspiring young men to discover their talents, revive their dreams, and reach their God-given potential. 

 

Shawn's extensive work with fatherless young men has led him to the development of the Institute's cutting-edge model, Restorative Identity Development. This framework helps fatherless youth tap their strengths, discover skills, and unlock their internal capacities to write a new narrative about their future and reach their goals. 

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Under Shawn's leadership, Champion Institute for Youth Development proudly serves fatherless youth across the Greater Houston and Fort Bend communities, helping these youth beat the odds and overcome the wounds that fatherlessness often leaves.