YES Institute continued expanding access to education and leadership programming across South Florida and beyond. Two community courses, Well-Being in Times of Uncertainty (in-person) and Essentials of Well-Being (virtual), closed out the year, inviting participants to reflect on purpose, possibility, and personal growth. As one shared, “I realized I am the author of my story and my well-being, and I have the power to create the purpose of my life.” Registration for 2026 courses is now open with both online and in-person options available here.

In our work with school communities, we connected with more than 100 school counselors at Miami-Dade County Public Schools conferences. We partnered with KLA Academy Brickell on leadership development to strengthen communication and collaboration across faculty teams. In healthcare and higher education, we facilitated learning with SunServe mental health professionals, University of Miami Mailman Center psychiatry residents, and Mississippi State University school psychology students—strengthening conversation skills that support families and reduce isolation.

Community gathering events were a central focus of the last three months. We hosted a special conversation with Isabelle Camille, author of Sole’s Mom, alongside her son, Sky Guilbaud, creating opportunities for learning and connection across generations. In Miami and Tampa, families and youth engaged in dialogue on belonging, identity, and communication through partnerships with Alper JCC Miami’s Pride Empowerment Circle and Starting Right, Now. We also celebrate that our Youth Empowerment Council will receive support from The Children’s Trust beginning in 2026.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity during The Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day, when more than $105,000 was donated to YES Institute in support of our work. This outpouring of support allows us to continue reaching more youth, families, and professionals with education and dialogue that create connection and belonging.

We have released our Winter Impact & Update Video for you to view.

Looking ahead, excitement continues to build for YES Institute’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 28, 2026, aboard the Biscayne Lady Yacht. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, and we are thankful for the support already provided by many community partners. To join us, email Claire Tolman at [email protected] 

As the year comes to a close, you’re invited to support our Uplift Fund, which supports providing education and dialogue for youth, families, and communities. Your end-of-year contribution will make a meaningful difference and may be tax-deductible. Visit yesinstitute.org/uplift-fund to contribute.

Thank you for being part of this community and for your contributions to this work. See you next year!