DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – There’s an after-school program in Daytona Beach that specializes in mentoring at-risk youth. Mr. and Ms. Mentoring is the brainchild of CEO and Founder Derrick Collins. Collins is passionate about supporting youth throughout the community. He is especially passionate about mentoring at-risk males.
“Our mentoring program brings kids together to expose them to real life experiences and situations,” said Collins. “For example, bullying is a topic we explore and explain in detail. We allow the youth to express their feelings about it. We address why it is wrong to bully others and talk about how to deal with bullying situations. We are like a family here and support each other.”
Markeith and Justus feel very welcome at Mr. and Ms. Mentoring. The nine-year-old boys often sit together and are good friends. “We like coming here because we are learning a lot. It’s like family here. There are no fights, just friends,” said Markeith.
Through its Call Me Mr. and Call Me Ms. programs, Mr. and Ms. Mentoring creates a safe and supportive space where young people can mature through positive mentorship, hands-on learning and meaningful life experiences. Youth learn to implement key mental health aspects to improve their thought process and decision-making skills.
“Our mentors use positive interactive groups to encourage youth to express their emotions properly which also supports increased social skills,” said Collins. “We want every child to know just how much they are valued, appreciated, supported and are capable of achieving their goals.”
Along with mentorship, this important program offers mental health counseling, health and wellness, family activities, field trips, music and arts, tutoring, incentives, scholarships, motivational speakers and more.
Mr. and Ms. Mentoring is just one example of the many life changing programs supported by Community Foundation and United Way Volusia Flagler Counties (CFUWVFC).
“We believe in this program, and most importantly, in the young people it serves,” said Community Foundation and United Way Volusia Flagler Counties CEO and President Courtney Edgcomb. “We proudly invest $50,000 to cover two years of funding. This is a great program and it is very much valued in our community.”
Women United Volusia also presented funding of $1,000 to Mr. and Ms. Mentoring.
To offer financial support to this program and others, please visit Connectvfc.org.
About the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC)
Mission: Creating lasting solutions and sustainable resources for Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC) unites the power of donors, nonprofits, and volunteers to drive lasting change. As one organization empowering many, CF/UWVFC connects donors to urgent community needs — fueling trusted local nonprofits to support families in crisis and build stronger, more equitable communities.
In 2025–2026, CF/UWVFC invested nearly $2 million across 113 nonprofit partners and currently stewards more than 50 unique funds, multiplying the reach and impact of every gift. Learn more at www.ConnectVFC.org or call (386)253-0563.
