From Florida to the Future: Insights from Our Journey & What’s Coming Next

The Power of Connection: Our 11-Day Journey Through Florida with RISE TOGETHER

Travel isn’t just about discovering new places; it’s fundamentally about the profound connections we forge and the personal transformations we undergo along the way. Our recent 11-day journey through Florida with RISE TOGETHER was filled with deeply transformative experiences, touching us just as much as those we connected with.

Deep Engagements and Lifelong Impacts

During our return to Florida, we aimed to broaden our impact, reaching over 5,000 individuals, including youth and adults at local treatment centers. Our profound interactions underscored the incredible power of storytelling to build bridges of understanding and foster meaningful connections. Yet, it was the spontaneous, heartfelt moments that genuinely shaped our visit:

• In the middle of a seminar, a young man began to pray. His peers joined in, creating a powerful moment of community and faith, resonating through the room.

• A student stayed two hours after a seminar to ask for help for the first time, highlighting the trust and safety our sessions can foster.

• Returning seniors told us how this year’s deeper dive into our stories resonated even more profoundly with them than before.

• After a session, a group of students gathered to pray and support one another, particularly poignant when a young man, moved to tears, found comfort in Anthony’s embrace, having found the mentor he desperately needed.

• Countless young women approached me, expressing how my journey echoed their own experiences and struggles, inspiring them to navigate their paths with renewed insight.

• Young men expressed gratitude for our vulnerability, mentioning how our candidness inspired them also to speak their truths.

• A senior was texting her boyfriend, who was in this year's seminar, about how she saw us the year prior. Our message resonated so deeply, and she's been on a healthier journey ever since.

Stories like these indeed remind us of why we do this work.

 Story in the Making: Progress on My Book

In quieter moments, I’ve been pouring my heart into a book that captures the lessons and stories from my travels. While the title remains under wraps for now, the book is shaping up to be a beacon for those seeking to make significant changes in their lives and communities.

Exciting Developments Ahead

As the second draft nears completion, we’re also developing new projects inspired by our Florida experiences. These initiatives aim to extend our reach and deepen our engagement, creating more opportunities for meaningful connections and shared growth.

Capturing Moments: Anthony’s Photography Popup

This Saturday, we’re excited about Anthony’s photography popup. Photography has a unique ability to tell stories, and Anthony’s work embodies this talent beautifully. His ability to capture profound moments offers a unique storytelling perspective. If you’re in the area, please join us for this intimate event celebrating art, connection, and the human spirit. Saturday, February 22, at Yukiyo Private Kitchen downtown Appleton, WI, 12-4 pm.

Unbroken popup event

Reflecting on a Transformative Journey

Reflecting on our time in Florida, we’re reminded of the transformative power of travel—it reshapes lives and enriches every encounter. The connections forged, and the lessons learned are stepping stones for our future endeavors, whether through writing, community work, or personal growth. Thanks to all of our partners, sponsors, and supporters that helped make this happen, like Seminole County Sherrif's Department, NAMI, Brevard Youth Coalition, Seminole Prevention Coalition, and all of the schools, treatment centers, and community members showing up to make this possible for our next generation of leaders.

The relationships we’ve nurtured continue to inspire us as we look forward to the next steps in our journey. We can’t wait to share more with you as our adventure unfolds.

Much love <3 Nadine