2024 was a year of growth and transformation for the Charlotte County Youth Action Board (YAB), from growing the membership, to bringing on a new board chair, to representing Charlotte County at the 2024 Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness!
Courtney Kerry (YAB co-chair 2023-2024) doubled YAB membership from four to eight members by the end of her term by focusing on outreach and public visibility. Under Courtney’s leadership, the YAB participated in a summer beach clean up, the YMCA Memorial Day 5k, and direct outreach to Charlotte County Public School students. Courtney handed over the torch to Daphnie Toussaint (YAB co-chair 2023-2024, YAB chair 2024-2025) whose wealth of lived experience, leadership on the USICH National Youth Advisory Group, and first responder background will take the YAB to the next level in 2025.
To close out an eventful 2024, the YAB received scholarships to attend the 2024 Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness. YAB members participated in sessions on adultism, intersectionality, youth violence and exploitation, and authentic youth collaboration, while networking with other youth advocates from across the state.
Members of the Youth Action Board are excited for the new year and continued progress towards their goal of ending youth homelessness.
