Youth actively engaged in learning and development at the New Image Youth Center in Orlando.
The New Image Youth Center in Orlando has been transforming lives for 20 years, serving youth and families in the Parramore community. Founded by Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs, the center focuses on academics, health, and social development. With the support of grassroots initiatives like Swinging with Purpose, the center continues to impact the lives of over 60 children. A fundraising gala on February 24, 2025, promises further community engagement and support for this vital organization.
In the vibrant city of Orlando, a special place known for its magical attractions also holds a treasure trove of hope and support for the youth. The New Image Youth Center, nestled in the heart of Parramore, has created a beautiful legacy of community impact over the last 20 years. Catering to children and young adults from kindergarten to 24 years old, the center has become a beacon of light for countless families.
The journey started two decades ago, when the visionary founder, Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs, turned a simple game of Monopoly into a life-changing experience for four young kids. What began as playful moments transformed into a daily routine that changed their lives. Today, this center is dubbed “the good in the hood,” focusing on *academics, social development, health and wellness*, and even *crisis intervention and social justice*. It’s a place where children can thrive, learn, and grow, surrounded by supportive mentors and a loving community.
Retirement can lead many down a peaceful path, but for Diana Riley, it sparked a new adventure. After finishing her career in insurance, she founded Swinging with Purpose, a dynamic organization that aims to empower grassroots efforts benefiting *women, girls*, and *children*. The very first golf tournament organized by Riley raised an astonishing $100,000 in grants for five deserving organizations. Among those, a whopping $50,000 was gifted to the New Image Youth Center, making it possible for the center to celebrate its 20th vibrant summer in Parramore.
Diana Riley considers the New Image Youth Center a shining example of what grassroots organizations can accomplish. Currently, it positively impacts the lives of over 60 children, providing them with crucial resources and support. This collaboration between the center and Swinging with Purpose stands as a testament to the power of community compassion, showing how essential it is to nurture and uplift each other amid life’s challenges.
On the horizon is an exciting event aimed at further improving the lives of these children. On February 24, 2025, the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club will host a special fundraising gala, featuring *celebrity guests* that are sure to make an appearance. Notables from the sporting world, including LPGA legend Nancy Lopez, basketball star Grant Hill, and former NFL player Charles Woodson, will join this wonderful cause to support New Image Youth Center and other nonprofits. It promises to be an evening filled with inspiration, entertainment, and community spirit.
For those looking to lend a helping hand, information about the fundraising event can easily be accessed at www.swingingwithpurpose.org. Every contribution, big or small, significantly impacts the lives of the youth they serve, allowing the center to continue its legacy of positivity and hope.
As Orlando moves forward, the ongoing efforts of organizations like New Image Youth Center and Swinging with Purpose highlight the importance of nurturing communities and spreading compassion. In a world full of challenges, it’s heartening to see people come together to make a difference in the lives of children—one child at a time. The day is not only about celebration but a reminder of what can be achieved when kindness, dedication, and unyielding spirit meet.
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