Florida Youth SHINE

We are excited to present our new Digital Storytelling Series: Our Voices, Our Power. You will meet the 10 storytellers who participated in an intensive Florida Youth SHINE workshop with StoryCollab, where they learned the storytelling process and how to develop, create, and edit their own short film.

This week, we bring you Mel’s story.

“My name is Mel, and I made this Digital Story when I was 24 years old. In the community, I’m known for networking and creating structured tools and resources that help youth better understand their needs, boundaries, and options. I am a creative whose work spans digital design, visual content development, and storytelling. Before all of this, though, I was just a young girl who sought validation in a space where I felt unwanted and had no place to turn for help.

I decided to share my story because I feel that not enough attention is given to homeless youth who were never in the foster care system. My own experience with homelessness led to the work I do today, and I’m happy to make a difference for those who have come behind me. “
Mel de Miami

Stories can be viewed at www.floridaschildrenfirst.org, www.floridayouthshine.org, and/or our YouTube Channel as they are released. Make sure to tune in!
You can learn more about Mel and view her amazing Digital Story below.
https://youtu.be/s_7-_RSAe24?si=oBTzxyGoPgb2501W

Watch FYS Statewide Chair Tee Lamore and FYS Member Quay Testifying on HB 395 on the Human Services Subcommittee!!

House Video Player: House Human Services Subcommittee - February 12, 2026