Student-Inspired Non-Profit Provides Various Resources

“Hello. My name is Rebekah Israel, and I am an 18-year-old college student. Throughout my college application journey, I encountered a significant shortage of resources. Determined to make a difference, I am driven to bring about change for low-income students and families by providing career and educational resources from my own experiences.” (https://futurecreators andi.wixsite.com/future creators)

Anyone who has established or helped establish a registered non-profit 501(c)3 knows the effort required. In speaking of her daughter Rebekah in a mother-daughter Zoom interview, Abijah Israel said “I thought it was a passing thing.”

The young woman had already demonstrated the ability to successfully balance academics and extra-curricular activities throughout high school and into Miami-Dade College, where she qualified for and completed the Honors Program. Recently graduated with her degree in Communications, Israel was not finding a job in her field and undeterred, she thought to her own experiences as inspiration for her idea of, “Future Creators and Innovators”.

She explained this to her friends as well as her mother and approached the task with the same energy and organizational skills she’d shown while in school. Although she had multiple programs planned, she coordinated with MDC-Homestead about doing a bread give-away on campus. Publix was supportive, Panera and Sam’s Club came a bit later and individuals at the college were so impressed, they provided a special cart for the days when students, and sometimes staff, would gather in appreciation and good humor.

Her mother, who serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and partner is “all on board,” and proud of what has been accomplished. Dr. Simeon Richardson, Faculty Dean, Office of Academic Affairs, Miami Dade College-Homestead Campus, added words of praise when contacted about the organization.

“The work that Rebekah and her team are doing is needed, and will make a direct and immediate impact in our community. I love that she realizes the need to provide immediate help for those with food insecurities, but also to provide workshops and learning opportunities, so that our community members can further develop the knowledge, skills, and resource access needed to sustain themselves in the future. I am very proud of her team and proud that the mission of her organization aligns with the mission and goals of Miami Dade College.”

While a dedicated building or space was not feasible, planning and implementing programs moved ahead to also hold events at the Homestead Cybrarium, with the Avant Schools for Excellence, Florida City Campus, or other locations. Her tagline of, “Where ideas come to Life! Future Creators & Innovators” supports the goal, “Future Creators & Innovator's goal is to provide low-income students and families between the ages of 10 and 19 with a wide range of essential resources, including educational workshops, insightful career talks, comprehensive financial literacy programs, robust college support, and much more.”

A major upcoming event, the Summer Art Festival, has drawn donors like Publix, the Fruit and Spice Park, Frost Science, Butterfly World; they are seeking others to offer as many activities and back-to-school supplies as possible. There will be games, raffles, art workshops, a backpack drive, and food trucks, Sunday July 28th, 2024, 12:00-6:00 p.m., at Harris Field (1034 NE 8th St, Homestead).

Artists are also sought in: Pottery, Woodworking, Digital Arts, Knitting/Crochet, Watercolor, Jewelry Making, Photography, Mixed Media, Textile Art, and Music. The space fee is $50 and chairs will be provided. To donate or sign up, contact Info@fcinnovators.org; or call (786) 585-0742. Future Creators and Innovators provides ideal opportunities for high school and college volunteers ages fifteen and older seeking service hours.

To learn more about their year-round Student Workshops, Local Business Workshops, Art & STEM Workshops, and their SustainEats Innovation, go to their informative website, https://futurecreatorsandi.wixsite.com/futurecreators.