Sunshine Youth Challenge is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been making a significant impact on the lives of teenagers in Northeast Florida since 2018. Our innovative programs and services are designed to empower young people, equip them with essential skills, and inspire them to become engaged citizens. We are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment where youth can thrive, explore their passions, and develop their full potential. Through our diverse range of programs, we aim to foster creativity, leadership, and community engagement.

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Our programs include:

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• Youth Music Talent Shows: A platform for young musicians to showcase their creativity and build confidence.

• Community Service Hours: Opportunities for youth to give back to their community and develop a sense of responsibility.

• Mental Health Support: Resources and services to address the emotional well-being of young people.

• Youth Empowerment Workshops: Programs designed to build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills.

• Leadership Development: Training and mentorship for young people to develop their leadership potential.

• Career Counseling and Skill Development: Guidance and support for youth in exploring career paths and acquiring essential skills.

 

By offering these programs, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can thrive, explore their passions, and develop the skills they need to succeed. Our goal is to inspire and empower our future leaders, helping them to become positive, productive members of our community.

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Vision: A world where youth creativity is unleashed, celebrated, and empowered to transform the future. We strive to create a world where every young person is emotionally empowered, confident, and equipped with the skills to pursue their passions and build fulfilling careers.

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Mission: To empower youth to thrive by providing comprehensive mental health support, career development resources, and opportunities to explore their creativity. We foster resilience, self-confidence, and success, ensuring every young person has the tools to achieve their fullest potential.

 

Purpose: To empower young people to embrace their talents, recognize their value within their community, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. We strive to create inclusive and supportive environments where youth can participate in a variety of programs, including music talent shows, community service, STEM initiatives, mental health support, leadership development, and career counseling. By fostering these opportunities, we aim to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

 

Please support Sunshine Youth Challenge in our mission to empower young people to reach their full potential.Your generous donation will directly fund programs that foster creativity, leadership, and personal growth. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your support is tax-deductible, and we will provide an EIN for you to claim your deduction. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our youth.

 

            ** Our youth have a passion for what is unique and creative, allowing them to be noticed and appreciated. 

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Board of Directors

A Team Committed to Empowering Youth

Sunshine Youth Challenge is fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team of staff and volunteers who are essential to the success of our programs.

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• Sylvia Rivera - Executive Director: As the leader of the organization, Sylvia oversees the overall operations and strategic direction of Sunshine Youth Challenge. Her passion for youth empowerment and her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector drive our mission.

• Louis Vanleer - Vice President: Louis provides invaluable guidance and support to the Executive Director. He is instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans to ensure the organization's growth and sustainability.

• Lorenz Cotton - Development Director: Lorenz is responsible for securing funding and building relationships with donors. His expertise in fundraising and development is crucial to sustaining our programs and services.

• Carmen Bonita - Director of Network Engagement: Carmen builds and maintains partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders. Her ability to foster collaborations and create a strong network of support is essential to our success.

• Damaris Matos - Director of Social Media Marketing: Damaris utilizes social media to promote our mission, engage with our audience, and raise awareness of our programs. Her skills in digital marketing are vital for reaching a wider audience and building our online presence.

• Norberto Ramos - Public Relations Specialist: Norberto manages our public relations efforts, including media outreach, press releases, and event planning. His expertise in public relations helps us share our story and build a positive reputation.

 

Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in setting the strategic direction, securing resources, and ensuring the effective governance of Sunshine Youth Challenge. They are dedicated to advocating for our mission and helping us achieve our goals of empowering young people to thrive.

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