How it all started...
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, Champion City is a minority and veteran-owned 501c3 nonprofit founded by a husband and wife team, Dominique Fryar and Shanequa Bruce-Fryar. They begin following God's call over their life as a marriage ministry while Dominique was an active duty Sergeant in the United States Army. They hosted several families in their homes and went on marriage retreats assisting the military Chaplains during the military "Strong Bonds Retreats." Dominique was actively involved in post ministry work and held several bible studies every week at the local Chapels on base. The Bible studies grew from 6-8 people to over 60 people attending weekly. While in Afghanistan, Dominique was a member of the base ministry team, helping teach Men's Bible Studies. The Men's Bible study went from just men to women and turned into a multi-ethnical small group ministry. This ministry grew into a weekly church service held at the Bagram Air Force Base Chapel. The weekly service grew until people were standing and waiting outside to hear the gospel. This ministry experience sparked a passion for family ministry and encouraged Dominique that God truly can work anywhere.
After returning home to Springfield, MA, after two deployments and 15 years in the military, Dominique and Shanequa wanted to continue their work helping families and marriages. After learning that Springfield was number one in almost every crime statistic and voted the most post-Christian city in America, Dominique Fryar felt the call to do something about it. Dominique and Niecey have six children; Dominique is a minister at their local church; he is also a John Maxwell teacher, trainer, and coach. Shanequa is a Spelman graduate, graduating with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She is also a dedicated and multi-talented Social Services professional and works with the state of Connecticut, assisting children and families.
With their formal training and ministry backgrounds, they wanted to create a nonprofit organization encompassing faith, family, and leadership under one roof; Champion City Springfield was born (Incorporating in 2021). The couple realized that strong people rarely have an easy past and have an even more challenging path to success. Because of this, Champion City Springfield designed programs to help children, youth, and families navigate life paths together to become champions by faith, known by love and a voice that empowers believers to live an impactful life.
After returning home to Springfield, MA, after two deployments and 15 years in the military, Dominique and Shanequa wanted to continue their work helping families and marriages. After learning that Springfield was number one in almost every crime statistic and voted the most post-Christian city in America, Dominique Fryar felt the call to do something about it. Dominique and Niecey have six children; Dominique is a minister at their local church; he is also a John Maxwell teacher, trainer, and coach. Shanequa is a Spelman graduate, graduating with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She is also a dedicated and multi-talented Social Services professional and works with the state of Connecticut, assisting children and families.
With their formal training and ministry backgrounds, they wanted to create a nonprofit organization encompassing faith, family, and leadership under one roof; Champion City Springfield was born (Incorporating in 2021). The couple realized that strong people rarely have an easy past and have an even more challenging path to success. Because of this, Champion City Springfield designed programs to help children, youth, and families navigate life paths together to become champions by faith, known by love and a voice that empowers believers to live an impactful life.
KNOW US
Champion City Springfield is a nonprofit, 501c3 Christian ministry focusing on youth and family. We have several programs and services available focusing on youth and family enrichment:
Our programs include:
Marriage Ministry
Youth & Families
Prison Visitation Services
Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Services
LIKE US
- Champion City was founded on five pillars Volunteerism, Leadership, Community Action, Youth and Families.
- We are focused on children, youth, families and veterans within Springfield, Massachusetts and the surrounding cities.
