Florida Blue Foundation Supports our Life-Saving Work

We are grateful to be a recipient of this year’s Florida Blue Foundation Program SAPPHIRE AWARD! There were more than 100 applicants and 3 programs, 3 organizations and 3 individuals were selected. YES Institute placed 2nd in the Programs category and was awarded $50,000!

YES Institute’s Inclusive & Healthy Futures program is filling a dramatic need for knowledgeable and affirming care for South Florida’s marginalized and underserved communities by providing best-in-class training for medical and mental health care providers and students. In doing so, they are helping the medical community meet citizens at their most vulnerable points and providing support beyond physical care – by understanding their circumstances and unique needs, they are preventing more harm and making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.

Our team recently went to Orlando where YES Institute was recognized for our 28 years of ongoing efforts across the state of Florida. Thank you Florida Blue Foundation for investing $50,000 towards our life-saving programs. 

YES Institute serves as a critical resource and safety net for our community by providing services that prevent youth suicide and self-harm, mitigate bullying, and help families, case workers, and medical and mental health professionals best serve youth who are suffering or in crisis. 

Our programs address the mindset, communication, and cultural factors that lead to relationship breakdowns, disruptive behavior, and self-destructive actions. By including both youth and those who care for them in our programmatic strategy, we are reuniting families, creating more inclusive spaces, and laying the foundation for lasting change. 

YES Institute is committed to serving marginalized communities to improve access to care and reduce bias and harm. The goal of our programming is to reduce bullying and self-harm that youth experience in our communities.

YES Institute has cultivated a strong base of support to make our work possible today and sustain it for years to come. We are proud to partner with The Leslie L. Alexander Foundation, The Our Fund Foundation, The Jonathan D. Lewis Foundation, The Quantum Foundation, The Miami Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, and more to ensure equitable access to care in South Florida.

We are grateful to everyone who supports the work of YES Institute and is focused on addressing the root causes of bullying and rejection, to prevent youth suicide and self-harm in the first place.

If you would like to explore how YES Institute can design a powerful educational presentation for your organization, workplace, school, or faith community, please reach us at [email protected] or 305-663-7195.

Join us for our upcoming Communication Toolbox on Saturday, April 13, from 9am-2pm. Register here.