Highlights
Tallahassee Leadership believes that Freddie Figgers leadership, innovation, and dedication to service are truly deserving of this honor. We know that our Board Chair Freddie Figgers is deeply honored to receive this recognition, and we share in his excitement and gratitude. As an organization, we remain committed to following his example and continuing to make a positive impact in our communities.
The Florida Youth Foundation would like to thank all of the providers and youth throughout the great state of Florida for making it’s 2nd Annual Youth Art Exhibit a success. Without the creative genius of our Florida gems, none of this would be possible. Office and home wall decor have been forever upgraded thanks to our gems.
The Florida Youth Foundation Announces Collaboration with AmeriHealth Caritas Florida to Provide Life-Changing Scholarships to At-Risk Youth
~ Collaboration will place disadvantaged young people on a trajectory to success ~
AmeriHealth Caritas Florida, a Medicaid-managed care plan dedicated to helping the underserved receive care, stay well, and build healthy communities and part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is collaborating with the Florida Youth Foundation to benefit the lives of at-risk youth. AmeriHealth Caritas Florida has made a $20,000 donation to the Florida Youth Foundation (FYF), the direct support organization of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). FYF will use the funds to support scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
One of the scholarship opportunities that FYF offers is the Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students program (STARS), which provides DJJ youth with a Florida Prepaid Plan, allowing the youth to attend a two-year college or technical school, tuition-free. With AmeriHealth Caritas Florida’s donation, more youth will receive life-changing support that puts them on a trajectory to success. AmeriHealth Caritas Florida aims to empower those in need at all stages of their lives to achieve their American Dream, and the collaboration between FYF and AmeriHealth Caritas Florida will help both organizations achieve their goals.
Or, read the Florida Politics article...
On behalf of Secretary Dr. Eric S. Hall and Board Chair Monesia T. Brown the Florida Youth Foundation's Board Members and staff would like to congratulate DJJ's 2023 Youth Ambassador Award Recipients! Your hard work and dedication to self improvement has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the amazing work as you level up!
We are so proud of our Executive Director Mr. Shannon M. Baker. Mr. Baker is a distinguished honoree of the 2023 Nehemiah Award at the 3rd Annual “I AM DREAMS GALA” The Frontline Project, Inc.
Our FYF Director Shannon M. Baker visited the campus of AMIkids Tallahassee. “ It’s always a treat having an opportunity to share with young people, in hopes of inspiring an improved version of themselves”. A big thank you to Executive Director Marterricus Thomas and staff for their willingness to positively impact the lives of children. Stay tuned as the Foundation looks to reintroduce its engagement efforts in support of the Department’s commitment of service.
Recent FYF scholarship recipient was employed and FYF was able to provide this young man with a bicycle, helmet and lock for transportation to and from work, and eventually college. Without the bike he would not have been able to accept the job. He is thankful for the support. He is pictured with JPO Ms. Desmangles who was able to purchase the bike and deliver it to his home with the assistance of Chief Probation Officer Christopher Massey.
Today, Director Baker stopped by Capital City Youth Services (CCYS) to join in the week-long celebration of their 29th year of services. #FoodTruckFriday was the theme and the vendors "understood the assignment!" From barbecue to snow cones, everyone enjoyed a variety of tasty treats. Many thanks to Program Shelter Manager Regina Flowers, Youth Care Specialist France Green, and all the CCYS staff for the invitation! #TeamDJJ #FJJF
The Foundation’s Train “Resilience” made a recent stop in the Tampa Bay area to join Bays Florida as they celebrated their 40th Anniversary of serving youth and families. DJJ Secretary Eric Hall attended the event at the Florida Aquarium to provide remarks. Thank you to President/CEO Robert Patterson for inviting us to be a part of such a momentous occasion. Master of Ceremony Michael Clayton, Super Bowl Champion (former Tampa Bay Buccaneer) photographed with Foundation Director Shannon M. Baker. #TeamDJJ #Service #FJJF
DJJ youth participants and FYF board members, as well as DJJ's Secretary, Dr. Eric S. Hall, at the Youth Art Exhibit at Lemoyne Arts in Tallahassee, FL this past February.
Director Baker visited the Leon County Detention Center this afternoon, getting an opportunity to meet the very dedicated men and women tasked with the responsibility of providing a safe and structured environment for youth. FYF would like to thank Superintendent Bolton for his leadership and warm welcome during today’s visit! #SERVICE #TeamDJJ
As our newly appointed Director of FYF Shannon M. Baker makes his collaborative community touches throughout the Capital City, the Foundation Train “RESILENT” pulls up at PACE Center for Girls-Leon! The PACE Center for Girls programming has been positively impacting the lives of children since 1994. The opening of the center was a grassroot movement focusing on the specific needs of girls. Secretary Dr. Hall has challenged the Foundation to find innovative ways to push the mission forward throughout the state. “The young lady conducting the campus tour was full of charisma and energy as she shared with me the pillars of development used to encourage both her and her peers”. A huge thank you to Executive Director Mr. Breggins and staff for sharing with me the PACE for Girls Magic! Stay tuned as the Foundation looks to reintroduce its engagement efforts in support of the Department’s commitment to service.
Secretary Simone Marstiller, Walmart’s Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations and FJJF Board Member Monesia Brown, FYF Executive Director Caroline Ray, and Pat Tuthill with FYF.
