C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. SUMMER 2025!

🌟From third grade to graduation—100% of our youth succeed, because of you!🌟 

The summer of 2025 was magical. Thanks to you, our scholars experienced another season of growth, confidence, and unforgettable memories—despite the financial challenges we faced. Your support made it possible!

At CATALYST, mentors meet weekly with their mentees, guiding them from third grade through high school graduation. The results speak for themselves: 100% of our youth graduate high school and move on to college, the military, entrepreneurship, or the workforce. Even more inspiring—graduates are now returning as mentors themselves. That’s the C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. Effect!

What We Do for the Community

Behind every statistic is a child whose life is forever changed. Many of the young people who come to CATALYST are referred from Title I schools, where resources are scarce and challenges are great. Some are the first in their families to dream of college. Others are growing up surrounded by instability and uncertainty.

Our mentors step into that gap—not as tutors, but as consistent role models and trusted guides. By showing up week after week, they help children develop emotional maturity, resilience, and stability. They nurture confidence, build trust, and encourage positive choices. They help youth see themselves not as limited by their circumstances, but as capable, worthy, and full of potential.

This kind of support doesn’t just change the child—it transforms families and strengthens entire communities. When a young person learns to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and believe in themselves, they carry those skills for life.

Why Your Support Matters

Your donations directly provide:

• Transportation so children can attend sessions with their mentors

• Meals that provide nourishment and connection

• Entrance fees for cultural, educational, and social experiences that expand horizons

• Staff and program support to ensure every child receives the attention they need

These essentials make mentoring possible. Without them, many of our scholars would never experience the stability, encouragement, and life-changing relationships that CATALYST offers.

Our Legacy & Vision

Since 2010, under the visionary leadership of Ms. Felicia Benzo, CATALYST has defied the odds. In 2018 alone, our programs reached over 500 children across 35 schools in Volusia County, Florida. Year after year, we’ve proven that all children, regardless of their background, deserve the chance to succeed.

And we’re not stopping here. Families and schools beyond our community are asking for the C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. Effect—and together, we will rise to meet that need. The call is clear, and we are preparing to expand our reach so even more children can experience the stability, guidance, and hope that mentoring provides.

That’s why we are thrilled to announce our end-of-year Gala. This event will not only celebrate what we’ve accomplished, but also serve as the launchpad for our next chapter—helping us answer the call and bring C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. to more children, families, and communities who are waiting for this life-changing support. Details will follow soon—we hope you’ll join us for this special night.