‘Don’t let your current situation define your future’: How Sulzbacher Empowers Teen Parents

Noel was a high school senior when he became a father. The weight of responsibility was substantial but so was his drive to accomplish his goals.

With guidance from his Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) academic advisor and support from Sulzbacher’s In-Sight Student-Parent Project, Noel found a path forward. Today, he’s enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville, studying criminal justice and working toward a future where he can help create communities that are safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Noel is one of 25 individuals supported by Sulzbacher’s In-Sight College Readiness Program, which received funding in 2023 through VyStar Foundation’s youth grant. The program is a lifeline for teen parents determined to break cycles of poverty and pursue higher education.

A Mission Rooted in Transformation

Founded in Jacksonville in 1994, Sulzbacher is Northeast Florida’s only 24-hour emergency housing facility. In addition to shelter and meals, it provides comprehensive healthcare, case management and wraparound services that help individuals rebuild their lives.

Guided by its mission to ensure access to affordable housing, healthcare and economic opportunity, the work being done at Sulzbacher aims to build a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive with dignity, stability and hope.

Programs like the In-Sight Student-Parent Project are a critical piece of the puzzle.

The Power of Partnership: VyStar and Sulzbacher

A grant from VyStar Foundation enabled Sulzbacher to continue its partnership with the DCPS Teen Parent Program, offering student-parents access to college readiness workshops, campus tours and Prepaid Project STARS scholarships through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

One example of the grant’s impact was the College and Career Readiness Dinner held at MOCA Jacksonville on Dec. 18, 2024. About 90 student-parents from the Duval County School System and Sulzbacher and their families gathered for an evening held to inspire and inform.

“One of the biggest obstacles facing student-parents is the inability to see themselves as capable of overcoming their challenges and seeing themselves as successful,” said Leah Lynch, President of Sulzbacher’s HOPE Division. “The In-Sight program introduces them to the possibilities and reality that yes, I can do this.”

The evening featured presentations from FSCJ recruiters and the College Board as well as a speech from a Teen Parent Program alumna now attending FSCJ on a Florida Prepaid Scholarship. Her message: “Don’t let your current situation define your future.”

Real Steps Toward Real Futures

In February 2025, four graduating student-parents toured FSCJ’s North Campus and received one-on-one FAFSA assistance. All four are now enrolled and attending classes. In May 2025, remaining grant funding was used to create college-ready backpacks for 16 student-parent graduates, complete with wireless headphones, chargers and school supplies.

“The beautiful thing about helping teen parents succeed is that not only are you touching the life of the student, but you are touching the life of generations to come,” said Dr. Melody Campbell, DCPS Academic Advisor for the Teen Parent Program.

Impact by the Numbers

Of the 25 student parents in the In-Sight College Readiness Program:

Linda, another student-parent, is an example of the power of resilience. As a young mother who was new to the U.S., she faced significant challenges — from learning a new language to balancing the demands of parenthood. With support from Sulzbacher and the DCPS Teen Parent Program, Linda learned English, earned her high school diploma and is pursuing her college dreams at FSCJ.

The In-Sight College Readiness Program, with support from the VyStar Foundation, is giving student-parents new avenues and opportunities to build the futures they want for themselves and their loved ones.

Explore more life-changing stories at the VyStar Foundation Stories page.