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Our Mission

The Bay Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to foster a supportive space for young men in under-served neighborhoods to connect, create, and build practical skills that enrich their everyday lives and futures.

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Bay Heart Foundation provides hands-on, creative skill-building programs tailored for young men in need. Through technology, art and real-world projects, we equip them with critical thinking skills and practical trade experience which empower them to build sustainable careers for their future.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team is passionate about empowering youth through creativity, education, and community. Each member brings unique skills and heart, working together to inspire, mentor, and support the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Ronell "Original" Simmons

Original is the visionary founder and president of the Bay Heart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through creative and practical learning experiences. A proud Oakland, CA native, he was raised by a single mother and experienced firsthand the challenges faced by youth in under-resourced urban communities. These early experiences now fuel his deep passion for mentorship and community uplift.

For the past four years, Original has made his home in the Bay Area, and for the last three years, he has been a dedicated community activist in Bay County. His efforts have included organizing food giveaways, feeding the homeless, and most recently, launching a youth music lab to provide a safe, creative outlet for self-expression. With a professional background in hospitality management, he brings a unique blend of organizational skill and heart-centered leadership to every initiative, driven by the belief that hands-on education can transform lives and communities.

Charles "Chas" Higgins

With over 23 years of experience in the United States Air Force as a leader, trainer, and coach, Chas brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a Leadership and Life Enhancement Coach. His passion for helping individuals and teams find purpose, direction, and success in both their personal and professional lives is evident in every aspect of his work.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2014 and settling in Florida, Chas faced life-changing challenges that led him to a profound realization about the importance of personal growth and resilience. Through his own journey of overcoming adversity, including a battle with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide, Chas gained a deep understanding of the human experience and the power of coaching to facilitate positive change.

Danielle Pierce

Danielle currently serves as the Assistant Director of the TRiO Upward Bound Program at Gulf Coast State College, where she is dedicated to helping first-generation and underserved students gain access to higher education. Deeply rooted in her community, Danielle actively volunteers and partners with local organizations to support youth development and educational equity.

In addition to her work with TRiO, she mentors students through the Take Stock in Children program with Bay Education and frequently advises high school students as they prepare for college. Driven by purpose and compassion, Danielle lives by the quote from Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” She embodies this through her daily efforts to uplift and empower the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Join Us In Helping The Next Generation

Contact Original today to learn more about how to support our mission!

(510) 200 - 6571

rsimmons@bayheartfoundation.org

Level Up Your Child's Life (No Cheat Codes Necessary)