Dare to be different youth empowerment organization

08/24/2026

Today with Santa Fe College, our students explored careers in the arts! 🎨 They tapped into their creativity and brought their ideas to life by designing their own people sculptures. We loved seeing their imaginations at work! 🧑🏽‍🎨✨

Thank you, Santa Fe College, for introducing our students to another exciting career path! 💙

08/18/2026

Today’s Teach Me Tuesday was amazing! Our afterschoolers learned an important life skill—CPR and how to respond during an emergency. ❤️🩺

A huge thank-you to GatorCPR: The Center for CPR and CNA Training for providing such an informative, engaging, and valuable experience. We truly appreciate you helping our students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence that could one day help save a life! 👏🏽

08/15/2026

Happy Birthday, Stacy! 🎉🎂

He was a little shy lol. We hope you enjoy your special day and that it is filled with love, happiness, and many wonderful memories!

With love,
Your Dare to Be Different Family 💚

08/14/2026

Today, we took a little trip to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice—and what a delicious treat it was! 🍦😋 Our students had a wonderful time celebrating the completion of their first week of school and afterschool programming! 💚🎉

08/13/2026

Friendship Bracelet Day! 💕 Here at Dare to Be Different, we believe in building meaningful, lasting friendships—one bracelet and one beautiful memory at a time! 🫶🏽✨

08/08/2026

We also loved the Moms’ Edition of Tug-of-War—the competition was real, and the moms showed up and showed out! 😂💪🏾🔥

08/08/2026

Whew—what can I say about this wonderful Back-to-School BBQ? 🎒✨ From the exciting games, hygiene products, and every raffle prize given away to engaging with the children, sharing valuable community resources, and seeing every table filled with backpacks and school supplies the day was truly amazing!

We also enjoyed seeing our mayor and hearing inspiring words from Principal Williams of Eastside High School. Your presence and encouragement made the day even more special!

A huge shout-out to the greatest DJ on the planet, DJ Eric Elo Lopez for keeping the energy high and the music going! 🎶🔥

A special thank-you to the Gainesville Housing Authority for your amazing partnership and continued support! We truly appreciate you helping us serve our children, families, and community.

Thank you to every sponsor, community partner, volunteer, and family who helped make this event a success. Together, we are making a difference one child and one family at a time! 💙

08/06/2026

Join us this Saturday!

🎒🍔 Come see ELC Alachua at the Back-to-School BBQ!

Join us this Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Pine Meadow Community for food, fun, community resources, and back-to-school excitement!

📍 2626 E. University Ave., Gainesville

Be sure to stop by the ELC Alachua table—we can’t wait to connect with you! 💜💚

Dare to be different youth empowerment organization Gainesville Housing Authority Children's Trust of Alachua County

08/03/2026

Join us

This SATURDAY Lake Road--pull up!

Don’t miss one of the biggest community events of the summer—we’re serving up good food, good vibes, and everything you need to get ready for a successful school year!

Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11 AM–1 PM at Pine Meadows Community
FREE BBQ & Refreshments
FREE Backpacks & School Supplies
Self-Care & Hygiene Items
Games, Activities & Prizes
Giveaways Throughout the Event
Special Surprise for Incoming & Recent High School Graduates!
Bring the family, connect with your neighbors, and get everything you need to start the school year strong.
📍 Pine Meadows Community
2626 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32641