Genesis Youth Foundation

Genesis Summer Camp – Day 2 Recap!

Day 2 of Genesis Summer Camp was a great success!

Our campers had an exciting time exploring, learning, and working together through hands-on activities. From discovering nature up close with digital microscopes to building friendships and confidence, the energy and curiosity in the room were inspiring.

A huge thank you to our incredible team, volunteers, and campers for making today so special. We are looking forward to many more fun-filled days of learning and adventure!

It's not too late to join us! We welcome new campers every day.

For registration and information, call our center at 515-219-7428.

Genesis Youth Foundation Summer Camp
Explore. Learn. Lead. Inspire.

Day 1 of the Genesis Summer Experience was a huge success!

Our youth and staff had an incredible time kicking off an unforgettable summer filled with fun, learning, friendship, and new experiences. From exciting activities to shared meals and lots of smiles, the energy was amazing!

We are excited for all that's ahead and can't wait to make even more memories together.

Good news—it's not too late to join us! Registration is still open for the Genesis Summer Experience.

📞 Call our office today at 515-219-7428 to register or learn more.

A Game of Football, A Lesson in Opportunity

While visiting a sister in Liberia recently, I experienced a moment that took me right back to my childhood.

As we traveled through one of the slum communities in Monrovia, I noticed a group of young children, or "pekins" as we affectionately call them in Liberia, playing football in the rain. The wet conditions didn't slow them down one bit. They laughed, ran, and chased the ball with pure joy. Like so many children around the world, they were making the most of what they had and loving every minute of it. Their energy, determination, and passion for the game were impossible to ignore.

I had to stop.

The children welcomed me with open arms and quickly split into teams so I could join them. For a short time, I got to be a kid again. As we played in the rain, memories came flooding back. When I was their age, rain or sunshine, we played barefoot on any patch of ground we could find. We didn't need perfect fields, expensive uniforms, or organized leagues. We just needed a ball, a little space, and a love for the game.

That was enough.

Unfortunately, I had to continue on our journey, so our match was brief. Before leaving, Tricia and I gave the children $20 to buy lunch. Their excitement and gratitude were heartwarming. It was a small gesture, but it brought big smiles and reminded me how much joy can come from simple acts of kindness.

The experience also made me reflect on the challenges many children face in the United States. While soccer continues to grow in popularity, access to the sport often comes with significant costs. Registration fees, uniforms, travel expenses, and club memberships can make participation difficult for many low-income families. Too often, talented children are left on the sidelines simply because they cannot afford to play.

That reality is one of the reasons Genesis Youth Foundation has spent the last 17 years working to level the playing field for immigrant, refugee, and underserved youth in Central Iowa. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate, grow, and discover their potential regardless of their family's financial situation.

Sports can change lives.

Few stories demonstrate that better than Liberia's own Dr. George Weah. Raised in the slums of Monrovia, he was given an opportunity that changed the course of his life. Through football, he became one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.

In 1995, Weah accomplished something truly remarkable. He won the Ballon d'Or, was named FIFA World Player of the Year, and was crowned African Footballer of the Year all in the same year. Many legendary players have won one or two of these prestigious honors, but George Weah stands alone in achieving all three in a single year. To this day, he remains the only African player ever to win the Ballon d'Or.

What makes his story even more inspiring is that he achieved all of this despite never playing in a FIFA World Cup. Liberia never qualified for the tournament during his playing career, yet he rose from the slums of Monrovia to become one of the most respected footballers in history. His journey is proof that talent, determination, and opportunity can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

His story did not end on the football field. He later became President of Liberia, showing the world what can happen when talent meets opportunity. Someone opened a door for a young boy growing up in one of Monrovia's poorest communities, and that opportunity changed not only his life but inspired millions around the world.

Today, his son, Timothy Weah, represents the United States on the international stage and is part of the U.S. Men's National Team competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Think about that for a moment. A father who never had the opportunity to play in a World Cup because his country never qualified now watches his son compete on football's biggest stage. What a powerful reminder that when we invest in young people, the impact can extend far beyond what we can imagine.

Standing with those young boys in the rain in Monrovia, I couldn't help but wonder what dreams were hidden among them. Perhaps one of them is the next George Weah. Perhaps one will become a teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, community leader, or even president. We simply don't know.

What we do know is that opportunities matter.

Someone believed in George Weah when he was a young boy growing up in difficult circumstances. Because of that opportunity, millions of people around the world have been inspired by his story. The same principle applies to every child we encounter. When we open doors, provide encouragement, and create opportunities, we never know how far the impact will reach.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has walked alongside Genesis Youth Foundation over the past 17 years. Your support has helped us open doors for immigrant and refugee children who might otherwise be overlooked. Because of your generosity, countless young people have found hope, built confidence, developed leadership skills, and discovered opportunities that have transformed their lives.

The impact reaches far beyond the football field. It touches families, schools, communities, and future generations. Through the work of Genesis Youth Foundation, many youth have been positively impacted both directly and indirectly. Lives have been transformed, dreams have been nurtured, and pathways have been created for success.

As I reflect on that rainy afternoon in Monrovia, my heart is filled with gratitude. Moments like these remind me why our work matters. Every child deserves a chance. Every child deserves to dream. And every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Above all, I give praise and thanks to Almighty God for His goodness, faithfulness, and guidance throughout this journey. May we continue working together to ensure that no child falls through the cracks and that every young person has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we are helping to level the playing field and changing lives, one child at a time.

While today's result wasn't what we had hoped for, our hearts are filled with pride.
Ankeny Centennial's remarkable season came to an end in the Iowa State Soccer Championship match with a 3-1 loss to a talented Waukee Northwest team. Congratulations to Waukee Northwest on an outstanding match and a well-earned championship.
For Marcus and his teammates, this season was about much more than the final score. Together, they achieved an incredible record of 17 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 loss, advancing all the way to the state championship match and representing their school and community with class, determination, and resilience.
As parents, we couldn't be more proud of Marcus. His dedication, hard work, perseverance, and commitment to his teammates have been inspiring to watch. While championships are wonderful, the character developed through the journey is what lasts a lifetime.
We also want to thank the many friends, family members, coaches, mentors, and supporters who came out to cheer Marcus and Centennial on throughout the season and especially today. Your encouragement, prayers, and support meant more than you know.
Marcus's journey continues. This summer, he and his VSA Rush teammates will represent Iowa once again at the national level in Denver. More importantly, he will continue serving as a mentor, tutor, and role model for the young people of Genesis Youth Foundation.
Today may not have ended with a championship trophy, but it ended with something just as meaningful: gratitude, growth, memories, and pride.
Congratulations, Marcus. Congratulations, Centennial. Thank you for an unforgettable season.

Who Is Marcus Gabriel?

Today, Marcus Gabriel will take the field in the Iowa High School State Championship Soccer Match at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines.

For many, Marcus is simply a soccer player. But for those who know his story, he represents much more.

Marcus is the son of Sam and Tricia Gabriel, a former refugee couple whose parents brought them to the United States as teenagers in search of opportunity and a better future.

Growing up in Liberia, Marcus' father, Sam, dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player like his childhood hero, George Weah, the former President of Liberia and one of Africa's greatest soccer players. However, after arriving in the United States, that dream quickly faded. Sam discovered that youth soccer in America often required resources, transportation, fees, and support that many refugee and immigrant families simply could not afford.

Rather than allowing those barriers to stop future generations, Sam and Tricia decided to do something about it.

When Marcus was just four months old, they founded Genesis Youth Foundation with a mission to level the playing field for refugee and immigrant youth through education, mentorship, leadership development, and sports.

Marcus grew up inside that mission.

Like hundreds of other children, he was first introduced to soccer through the Genesis Youth Foundation soccer program. From the time he could walk, he was on the sidelines, at practices, tournaments, after-school programs, and community events. Soccer was more than a game; it was part of his upbringing.

By age 13, Marcus had developed into one of the top young players in the area and earned an opportunity to play for VSA Rush, one of Iowa's premier youth soccer clubs. That same year, his team won a state championship and advanced to nationals to represent Iowa.

As Marcus continued to develop, his parents faced a difficult challenge. Supporting a high-level travel soccer player while simultaneously running a growing nonprofit serving hundreds of youth became increasingly demanding. Refusing to compromise either Marcus's dream or the foundation's mission, they made a sacrifice few families would consider.

Marcus spent both his freshman and sophomore years of high school in Spain.

There, he immersed himself in the game, studying and training extensively in the Spanish style of play. He focused on developing his craft as a defender and winger while learning from one of the world's most respected soccer cultures.

When Marcus returned to Iowa last Spring, his growth was evident.

Last Fall, he rejoined VSA Rush, helping his team win another state championship. This summer, they will travel to Denver to once again represent Iowa on the national stage.

Marcus also decided to play high school soccer for Ankeny Centennial during his junior year. Despite it being his first season ever playing high school soccer, he quickly became a key contributor to a team that has reached the highest level of competition in Iowa.

Today, Marcus will compete for a state championship.

His story is proof that when young people are given opportunities, mentorship, support, and a community that believes in them, they can achieve extraordinary things.

But Marcus's success is not his alone.

It belongs to his parents, who sacrificed to make opportunities possible. It belongs to the coaches and mentors who invested in him. It belongs to the community that supported him. And it belongs to every young person at Genesis Youth Foundation who sees in Marcus a reflection of what is possible.

Today, Marcus represents much more than himself.

He represents the children of Genesis Youth Foundation.

He represents his Liberian heritage and his American future.

He represents refugee families who came to this country seeking opportunity.

He represents the African community.

He represents every child whose dreams are bigger than their circumstances.

No matter the outcome of today's match, Marcus Gabriel has already demonstrated what can happen when talent meets opportunity, sacrifice, and community support.

We are praying for victory for Marcus and his team. Your Genesis family, your community, and your supporters are proud of you.

Summer learning doesn't have to be boring!

At Genesis Summer Experience, kids learn through hands-on activities, projects, reading, games, and exploration.

Learning + Fun = A Great Summer!

📞 515-219-7428 or Register here: https://forms.gle/Qy9KKXv8U6DueiMv5

Keep your child moving this summer!

Sports, games, outdoor activities, and recreation help kids stay healthy, active, and engaged.

Join the Genesis Summer Experience!

📞 Register today: 515-219-7428 or complete the form: https://forms.gle/oubi65NPCZ5Keuiw7

Working this summer?

Let Genesis Summer Experience help!

Your child will be safe, active, learning, and having fun all day while you're at work.

- Monday–Friday
- Full-Day Program

Register today: https://forms.gle/4EMthazMNMkTroF46

📞 515-219-7428

Today, we are proud to highlight and celebrate a local small business from the African Community of Iowa in preparation for the upcoming Ubuntu Leadership Summit and the I Am Africa Gala!

We encourage our community to support Tanganyika Grocery Store, located at 1217 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314. Tanganyika Grocery Store has officially partnered with the Genesis Youth Foundation and the broader community in helping plan this meaningful event that will bring people together through culture, leadership, education, and community empowerment.

If you are looking for authentic African foods, traditional African clothing, beauty supplies, spices, cookware, and many other cultural products, please stop by and support this wonderful local business.

📍 Tanganyika Grocery Store
1217 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314

📞 515-441-1390

Supporting local businesses strengthens our community, creates opportunities for families, and helps preserve and celebrate African culture and heritage here in Iowa.

Thank you to Tanganyika Grocery Store for your partnership, generosity, and commitment to our community as we prepare to celebrate the 17-year milestone of the Genesis Youth Foundation’s impact on youth and families across our community.

We are still seeking local businesses of all kinds and sizes to join us and become official partners for this year’s Ubuntu Leadership Summit and I Am Africa Gala. Business owners are encouraged to complete this partnership interest form and one of our team members will contact you:
https://forms.gle/UNAXEyxMGfAGzuLu8

You may also contact the Genesis Youth Foundation Learning Center directly at 515-219-7428 for more information.

Upcoming Event Dates:
- August 14 Weekend – African Cup of Nations Soccer Tournament
- August 17–21 – Ubuntu Leadership Summit
- August 22 – I Am Africa Gala & Celebration

Together, we continue to build unity, opportunity, and hope through Ubuntu — “I Am Because We Are.”