Youth outreach · Decatur, Illinois · 501(c)(3)

One youth at a time, we make a difference.

Shemilah's Outreach Center gives Decatur kids a safe place to go after school — with rides, a meal, mentors who show up, and real skills for the future.

Support Our Youth What We Do

Our story

Born from a father's love ♥

Shemilah's Outreach Center was founded by Shemuel Sanders in honor of his daughter, Shemilah, who lost her life to gun violence in Decatur in 2020.

“I never want another parent to have to feel what I'm feeling.” Shemuel started small — bringing young men into his summer landscaping work and paying them for their time. Parents started calling. Within weeks the program grew from 10 young people to 70.

Today it's a second home for Decatur youth — because kids need a place to go after school instead of being home alone.

Story drawn from public news coverage (Herald & Review, WICS, WAND, Chicago Sun-Times). Shemuel — we'll gladly rewrite this in your own words, and only include what you're comfortable sharing.

📸 Photo of Shemuel with the youth
or a photo honoring Shemilah — your choice

2020Founded in Shemilah's memory

501(c)(3)Donations tax-deductible

45youth driven to & from the center daily (2026)

3vans on Decatur routes

What we do

A safe place to learn, eat and grow

🚐 Rides to & from school

We pick youth up before school, drop them off, pick them up after school, bring them to the center and get them home safe.

🍽️ After-school meals

No one learns or plays well hungry. Youth are fed every day they're with us.

🌱 Landscaping crew

Where it all began: mowing, trimming and neighborhood clean-ups — earning, learning work ethic, and taking pride in Decatur.

📚 Tutoring

Retired teachers volunteer to help students who are struggling keep up in school.

🎵 Music, dance & enrichment

Creative classes and hands-on learning — even forensic science taught with the local police department.

🤝 Mentorship

Caring adults who show up, listen and point youth toward a successful future.

Programs compiled from public reporting across several years — Shemuel, tell us what's running now and we'll update.

In their words

What the youth have said

“It's like a second home.”

— Jayden, participant (WICS)

“It's a very big impact because it helped me stay out of trouble.”

— Tremon, participant (WICS)

“It helped people like me to grow and have a mindset to look forward in life.”

— Jamarius, participant (WICS)

Quotes are from published WICS NewsChannel 20 coverage, not invented — we'll confirm with you before launch.

Get involved

Help us say yes to more kids

“I've had to turn youth away, and that kills me.” Funding is the only limit. Here's how you can help.

⛽ Fuel the vans

Gas alone runs about $600 a week to keep rides going.

🥪 Feed a child

Food and snack donations keep after-school meals on the table.

🙋🏽 Volunteer

Tutors, mentors, drivers, coaches and class leaders.

🏢 Partner

Churches, businesses and organizations — space, sponsorships and supplies.

Online giving can be connected at launch once the center confirms its donation method.

FAQ

Questions

Who can join the program?

Decatur youth looking for a safe, positive place after school. Call or email and we'll share current openings.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Shemilah Outreach Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are generally tax-deductible.

How do I volunteer?

Use the form or call — we'll share current needs. Background checks may apply for work with youth.

Where are you located?

Decatur, Illinois. Current address will be listed once confirmed.

Contact

Reach out to Shemuel

📞 (217) 519-8994
✉️ shemsanders73@gmail.com
📍 Decatur, Illinois

Shemuel Sanders, Executive Director

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