Florida Youth SHINE (Striving High for Independence aNd Empowerment) is a youth run, peer driven organization that empowers current and former foster youth to become leaders and advocates within their communities.  With membership open to 13-24  year old's across the state, Florida Youth SHINE is made up of the best youth advocates across who regularly identify the challenges and create solutions related to growing up within the child welfare system.  Our goal is to share our stories and experiences in order to improve the system of care for our brothers and sisters currently in care and for those who have yet to enter care.

Our Mission as advocates for the youth in Florida is to Empower, Improve, Educate, and Support the growth of tomorrow's leaders through the combined knowledge and experience of today's youth and supporters.  We thank Florida's Children First for not only funding and supporting our program, but supporting the growth and development of all our members as well.

Florida Youth SHINE proudly boasts 12 chapters in Miami, Jacksonville, Palm Beach County, Broward County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas/Pasco Counties, Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto Counties, Tallahassee, Circuit 1 (Pensacola area), Vero Beach, Orlando, and Southwest Florida (Ft. Myers area).  Our staff and members are working hard to expand and establish additional chapters across the state.