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Level Up
Your Child's Life
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Our Mission
Bay Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps young men in under-resourced neighborhoods succeed by building strong support systems around them. We bring together young men, families, and communities for learning, connection, and long term growth.
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Programs
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.
Future Makers Academy
Where STEM, creativity, and opportunity intersect.
Future Makers Academy is Bay Heart’s technology and innovation pathway designed specifically for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. The program introduces young men to technology, digital media, entrepreneurship, and AI literacy—equipping them with the skills and exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences that build both foundational and advanced technology skills. Boys learn responsible AI tool usage, develop photography and digital media portfolios, and gain practical experience creating social media pages for small businesses or personal brands. The program also introduces students to basic app development concepts, robotics exposure, and digital editing and production techniques.
As participants move through the program’s structured curriculum, they strengthen problem-solving abilities, creativity, and technical confidence. When available, boys may also have opportunities to earn technology-related certificates that help prepare them for future academic pathways and careers in technology-driven industries.
Future Makers Academy is designed to expand opportunity while helping boys discover talents they may never have had access to otherwise. Through exposure to emerging technologies, creative digital tools, and entrepreneurial thinking, participants begin building the confidence, portfolios, and forward-looking mindset needed to pursue careers in the modern economy.
Future Makers Academy is Bay Heart’s technology and innovation pathway designed specifically for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. The program introduces young men to technology, digital media, entrepreneurship, and AI literacy—equipping them with the skills and exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences that build both foundational and advanced technology skills. Boys learn responsible AI tool usage, develop photography and digital media portfolios, and gain practical experience creating social media pages for small businesses or personal brands. The program also introduces students to basic app development concepts, robotics exposure, and digital editing and production techniques.
As participants move through the program’s structured curriculum, they strengthen problem-solving abilities, creativity, and technical confidence. When available, boys may also have opportunities to earn technology-related certificates that help prepare them for future academic pathways and careers in technology-driven industries.
Future Makers Academy is designed to expand opportunity while helping boys discover talents they may never have had access to otherwise. Through exposure to emerging technologies, creative digital tools, and entrepreneurial thinking, participants begin building the confidence, portfolios, and forward-looking mindset needed to pursue careers in the modern economy.
Creators Circle
Exploring identity, culture, and creativity through media.
Creators Circle is Bay Heart’s creative arts pathway designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program encourages young men to explore self-expression, storytelling, and cultural awareness through hands-on media and creative projects that help them discover their voice and perspective.
Participants engage in collaborative creative experiences that strengthen communication skills while allowing them to explore identity through photography, digital media, and visual storytelling. By working on individual and group projects, boys develop confidence in sharing their ideas, perspectives, and personal stories through creative formats.
The program also emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, giving participants opportunities to work together on filming projects and other media-based activities that require creative problem-solving and shared vision. Through these experiences, boys learn how creative expression can become a powerful tool for connection, communication, and impact.
Creators Circle also introduces participants to potential creative career pathways, helping them understand how storytelling, media production, and artistic collaboration can translate into real-world opportunities. By encouraging young men to understand who they are and how to express their ideas, the program builds the confidence and creative foundation needed for future personal and professional growth.
Creators Circle is Bay Heart’s creative arts pathway designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program encourages young men to explore self-expression, storytelling, and cultural awareness through hands-on media and creative projects that help them discover their voice and perspective.
Participants engage in collaborative creative experiences that strengthen communication skills while allowing them to explore identity through photography, digital media, and visual storytelling. By working on individual and group projects, boys develop confidence in sharing their ideas, perspectives, and personal stories through creative formats.
The program also emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, giving participants opportunities to work together on filming projects and other media-based activities that require creative problem-solving and shared vision. Through these experiences, boys learn how creative expression can become a powerful tool for connection, communication, and impact.
Creators Circle also introduces participants to potential creative career pathways, helping them understand how storytelling, media production, and artistic collaboration can translate into real-world opportunities. By encouraging young men to understand who they are and how to express their ideas, the program builds the confidence and creative foundation needed for future personal and professional growth.
Rise & Thrive Support Hub
Academic, civic, and life skills mentorship.
Rise & Thrive Support Hub is Bay Heart’s core development program designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program combines academic support, civic education, and practical life skills training to help young men build confidence, strengthen decision-making abilities, and prepare for real-world responsibility.
Participants receive guidance that supports academic improvement, including reading comprehension, study habits, and learning strategies that help them perform more effectively in school. At the same time, the program encourages strong communication skills through activities that introduce negotiation, debate, and constructive dialogue.
Rise & Thrive also focuses on situational readiness and informed decision-making. Boys learn practical awareness skills and gain a clearer understanding of how laws and civic systems affect everyday life. Through age-appropriate discussions and exposure to legal and civic topics, participants begin to understand how the Constitution functions within real-world systems and how civic institutions shape their communities.
As the program develops, participants may also gain exposure to legal and civic career pathways, including roles such as attorneys, judges, clerks, paralegals, and other professionals who help maintain the justice system. These experiences help boys build confidence navigating civic structures while expanding their awareness of future educational and career opportunities.
Rise & Thrive Support Hub is designed to equip boys with the academic tools, civic understanding, and life skills needed to grow into responsible, informed, and capable young men within their communities.
Rise & Thrive Support Hub is Bay Heart’s core development program designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program combines academic support, civic education, and practical life skills training to help young men build confidence, strengthen decision-making abilities, and prepare for real-world responsibility.
Participants receive guidance that supports academic improvement, including reading comprehension, study habits, and learning strategies that help them perform more effectively in school. At the same time, the program encourages strong communication skills through activities that introduce negotiation, debate, and constructive dialogue.
Rise & Thrive also focuses on situational readiness and informed decision-making. Boys learn practical awareness skills and gain a clearer understanding of how laws and civic systems affect everyday life. Through age-appropriate discussions and exposure to legal and civic topics, participants begin to understand how the Constitution functions within real-world systems and how civic institutions shape their communities.
As the program develops, participants may also gain exposure to legal and civic career pathways, including roles such as attorneys, judges, clerks, paralegals, and other professionals who help maintain the justice system. These experiences help boys build confidence navigating civic structures while expanding their awareness of future educational and career opportunities.
Rise & Thrive Support Hub is designed to equip boys with the academic tools, civic understanding, and life skills needed to grow into responsible, informed, and capable young men within their communities.
Roots & Rhythm Collective
Celebrating culture, unity, and wellness.
Roots & Rhythm Collective is Bay Heart’s cultural enrichment and community engagement program designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program encourages young men to develop pride in their community while learning the importance of environmental responsibility, healthy habits, and respectful collaboration.
Participants engage in activities that help them understand how to care for and preserve the places they live. Through discussions and hands-on experiences, boys learn about sustainability, recycling practices, and the impact of environmental responsibility on the health of their communities.
The program also promotes healthy lifestyles by introducing nutrition awareness and habits that support long-term physical and personal well-being. At the same time, participants strengthen communication and teamwork skills while developing a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhoods.
Roots & Rhythm Collective encourages boys to see themselves as active contributors to their communities. By building environmental awareness, respectful communication, and practical life habits, the program helps young men develop the values and confidence needed for responsible citizenship and long-term personal growth.
Roots & Rhythm Collective is Bay Heart’s cultural enrichment and community engagement program designed for boys ages 6–18 across Bay County. This program encourages young men to develop pride in their community while learning the importance of environmental responsibility, healthy habits, and respectful collaboration.
Participants engage in activities that help them understand how to care for and preserve the places they live. Through discussions and hands-on experiences, boys learn about sustainability, recycling practices, and the impact of environmental responsibility on the health of their communities.
The program also promotes healthy lifestyles by introducing nutrition awareness and habits that support long-term physical and personal well-being. At the same time, participants strengthen communication and teamwork skills while developing a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhoods.
Roots & Rhythm Collective encourages boys to see themselves as active contributors to their communities. By building environmental awareness, respectful communication, and practical life habits, the program helps young men develop the values and confidence needed for responsible citizenship and long-term personal growth.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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