Stories of Courage

What does Vita Nova mean to you and how has it changed your life?
Prior to finding Vita Nova I was homeless, so this is one of my first REAL homes. To me, Vita Nova Means family. 

What are you currently doing? 

I have an internship through Wells Fargo, with a company called Norwest Equity Partners or NEP. I am learning so much and enjoying the opportunity.

What are some short term goals you have?

One of my main short term goals would be saving up for a car. 

What are some of your long term goals?

My long term goal right now is working until I have the means to move on and secure housing on my own. I am currently living at Vita Nova Village.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I like to play sports, workout, and write. 

What is the best advice you have received OR most inspiring person to you?

The best advice I’ve ever received would have to be to always keep an eye out for opportunities; you never know what you could be missing. 

What is the toughest challenge you have faced OR a lesson you have learned?

One lesson I have learned would be that the most amazing things take time to be set in place or happen.

What is something few people know about you/hidden talent?

One thing that few people know about me is that I love boxing. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself with a stable and reliable income, finished with school, and starting out with which ever career I have chosen. I am looking forward to the future and all the opportunities it is going to bring me. 


Elisha (Vita Nova Youth)

Daniel at computer
Daniel at computer

Anthony moved into Vita Nova Village in April 2022 when he became homeless after his mother passing away. Anthony never smiled during his interview, speaking about how hard it was to manage without a stable place to live, and food to eat. He immediately moved into his apartment and stated, " Is this place for me - I never lived in a place so beautiful." Anthony is now able to find employment with Vita Nova, and will successfully finish high school in June of this year.


Anthony (Vita Nova Youth)

Do you remember that feeling of starting your first day of school, maybe a new job, or even the beginning of the rest of your life? For Israel, all of that happened on a another normal Monday this past month. After recently receiving his GED, and struggling to find a full time job that could afford him financial security, Vita Nova helped guide Israel, a former foster youth, into the next chapter of his life. He was proudly accepted into the CNA Training Program at MorseLife. This opportunity will allow him to share his talents and gifts with seniors in our community, and start him on a career path that will ensure him independence and self sufficiency.


"It’s such a pleasure to have these courageous Vita Nova participants joining the MorseLife family, where they can provide our frail seniors with authentic love, compassion, stories worth sharing and a feeling worth returning to."

Michael Branch- Vita Nova Board Member and Executive Director, Tradition & The Levin Palace at MorseLife

Daniel at computer
Daniel at computer

There is nothing more rewarding then seeing our youth grow and succeed every day, but better yet, seeing how far they have come after leaving our program nearly 11 years later. We recently had a "blast from the past" from one of our former youth and we just had to share his amazing journey with you.

Since coming to Vita Nova back in 2010, Otto has learned to stand on his own two feet as a man and now a father.

Otto had been living in a group home for all of High School before aging out of Foster Care at age 18 and moving to Vita Nova Village - supportive housing for homeless youth.

Once enrolled with Vita Nova, Otto gained access to the support he truly needed. Initially, he was on the verge of homelessness, a car that was about to break down, and was on academic probation with no one to turn to. But with the constant support and life skills he received during his time at Vita Nova, Otto was again enrolled in college, completed his Associates Degree, worked 2 jobs at both Publix and YMCA over 80 hours a week, and even served as part of statewide advocacy group for foster kids, travelling to the capital to represent us. “Vita Nova gives youth an opportunity to succeed, a chance for a better life and I would not be where I am today without them.” Otto

Soon, Otto had exceeded his own expectations! Today, Otto lives in Boca Raton, debt free, in his own place, with a car and a career that he loves. He is currently a Grocery Manager at a high volume Publix Store who has worked his way to the top over the last 7 years, and we are proud to share, is about to be promoted to Assistant Store Manager. He has a goal of one day being a Store Manager and looks forward to buying his first home this year for him and his 3 year old daughter, Inani. “I always told myself I was going to make it. I refuse to fail. My daughter is my driving force now and I want the best for her. She will never go through what I went through and she will never see the things I saw being a youth in the foster care system.” Otto



Otto, 31 (Former Vita Nova Youth)

My name is Jameka, and as I start the new 2021 year I wanted to share with you how optimistic I am about what is to come. I can honestly say that I have not always been so positive about my future. Before I came to live at Vita Nova Village, I had experienced some difficult times due to homelessness and I was scared, discouraged, and unsure about how I would accomplish my goals. In less than a year, Vita Nova has educated me on many Life Skills and connected to me to the resources necessary to enroll in the EMT program at Palm Beach State College. Although I graduated high school in 2015, I had never attended college and had many unanswered questions about the enrollment process.

Today, I am a proud college student! I have maintained employment at a local grocery store for over a year. Through hard work and using the financial literacy skills I have learned, I saved to pay for my own car and car insurance. I no longer have to worry about where I will sleep at night. Instead, I only have to worry about balancing work, school and my personal life. I actually love using a planner to fill my day and week with productive activities.

Although COVID changed the way I participate in services and how I engage with my support systems, I have stayed true to my goals and have not given up. I am thankful to the community for believing in me and helping me along the way. Stay tuned for updates on how my peers and I take over 2021!



Jameka, 22

Daniel at computer
Daniel at computer

Daniel is no stranger to the system, having several run-ins with the law, as well as floating in and out of the foster care system – beginning as early as age 3. At age 18, while following the wrong crowd, Daniel served time in prison – where he made the commitment to never repeat the same mistakes again. Upon exit, Daniel sought to become a blessing to his community. He volunteers with several non-profits, and has a particular niche for working with the homeless, often making and distributing meals for them with the little money he receives from social security and cleaning a laundromat parking lot. Daniel came to Vita Nova with a goal of obtaining his GED and CDL license, securing stable housing, as well as pursuing his dream of entrepreneurship -- hoping to open a crochet arts studio. Due to the COVID crisis, Daniel’s educational goals were put on hold, but he has been able to transition into life at Vita Nova Villages, as well as work on building his small business with the help of the Ready2Work Program. Daniel is also a staple volunteer with the agency, single-handedly running the clothing, hygiene product, and meal distribution at the weekly mobile shower outreach at the Spot Drop-In Center. His record of service doesn’t end there, Daniel has taught online crochet classes for his fellow Vita Nova youth as well. In his free time, he prepares and serves meals to his neighbors at the Villages, and still helps with organizing clothing and hygiene products at the Spot. Daniel will be enrolling and completing his GED in the fall, then moving on to obtain his CDL license. He will also continue to host virtual crochet classes’.



Daniel, 18

Miracle holding a book

Growing up in (and aging out of) the foster care system, Miracle is no stranger to overcoming adversity. For this reason alone, we believe that her name is befitting. During her time with Vita Nova, Miracle has been able to successfully secure housing, enroll in college, access to mentorship and community resources, and receive invaluable life skills that have aided and prepared her for her next great adventure: motherhood. In June 2020, Miracle gave birth to her daughter Melody. With the support of Vita Nova and our referrals to Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies of PBC, Early Learning Coalition, and the Women’s Health Initiative through FLDOH, Miracle was able to secure counseling, maternity classes, a prenatal nurse, and all of the necessary items and supplies for baby Melody. Miracle has taken hold of every opportunity afforded to her at Vita Nova, and is flourishing as a mom and student.

Miracle, 19

Miracle holding a book
Hugensia at graduation

Despite Hugensia being diagnosed with a learning disability “dyslexia” she continues to beat the odds and has graduate from high school. In addition, she aspires to be a nurse and is currently in the process of enrolling into CNA vocational training with Believers Academy. Hugensia also has the opportunity to enroll into Palm Beach State College for nursing classes. With the help of her mentors at Believers Academy in conjunction with her case manager here at Vita Nova village she will certainly reach her goals. Nevertheless, the decision is hers to make which route she decides to take and success is surely in her future. Lastly, Hugensia has been able to save over $2,500 while in the program which will assist her with future endeavors.



Hugensia, 19

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