Walking with Purpose: How One Woman’s Calling Sparked a Movement for Youth

In a world where young people often feel unseen and unheard, Danyiel Hunter-Yarbrough, a compassionate leader in Apopka, Florida, chose to open her home and her heart to the next generation. What began as pizza parties and heartfelt conversations with her niece and her friends has grown into a thriving nonprofit called the New Journey Youth Center. Since 2009, this ministry-minded organization has mentored middle and high school students, guiding them toward college, careers, and a Christ-centered character.

Before launching New Journey, Danyiel was a licensed cosmetologist and salon owner. Her entrepreneurial spirit has always been evident, but her heart was drawn to her deeper purpose. Even as a teenager, she had a heart for helping others, offering wisdom to her peers and pointing them away from destructive paths toward a future filled with hope. As only God can orchestrate, one of those same friends became her co-founder when New Journey came to life.

The early days were humble, she started in her living room with a few teens, and a sincere desire to listen. It soon became apparent that her impact was undeniable. Her husband funded New Journey in the beginning, and his act of faith became the foundation of this ministry for a few years. However, in the midst of it all, she was able to formalize her vision and secure her 501(c)(3) status. Her status enabled her to begin hosting year-round programs at the John Bridges Community Center. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 2016 that the first grant came through, but the seeds of transformation were already in motion.

In 2021, New Journey found a new home at First Baptist Church of Apopka. The church opened its facilities to her youth program, offering space and support. “Every time we moved, the Pastor made room for us,” Danyiel shared. “It was a blessing.” While she dreams of having a dedicated youth facility, she’s grateful for the church’s generosity and frustrated by the city’s lack of support. “There are unused properties all over town,” she said. “But the city hasn’t stepped up for our youth.”

The lack of support from Apopka’s City government is a missed opportunity, considering how New Journey rises above other programs in both vision and impact. While many parents focus on sports or part-time jobs, New Journey offers a broader vision. “Our competitive advantage is our track record,” she said. “Our students succeed and then they come back to mentor.” It’s a cycle of growth rooted in accountability, leadership, and most of all love.

New Journey is so much more than a tutoring and college prep program; it’s a launchpad for creativity and leadership. Students explore video gaming, music production, podcasting, fashion, culinary arts, theater, debate, chess, robotics, and even drone certification through Embry-Riddle. Computers are used extensively for research and planning, but the real innovation lies in how students lead. Many classes are student-led, with teens creating lesson plans and mentoring their peers.

Danyiel’s passion for serving youth shines through in everything she does for them. When asked what brings her the most joy, she shared, “When students walk out their plans. When they pass a grade, get tutoring, and stay on track. When I get a text message from them about the small things it brings me joy. Watching them grow into adulthood makes me smile.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both practical and heartfelt: “Get everything in writing and be willing to do it for free.” She learned this the hard way after entering a partnership without a formal agreement, which ultimately led to disappointment for the youth she served. She adds, “Don’t expect profit right away. Be willing to serve without pay. Pray for a mentor who truly has the heart to walk alongside you. Talk to your support system such as your spouse and your kids because this journey will impact them too. And before you begin, pray.”

We ask all prayer warriors to continue to lift Danyiel and New Journey in prayer, trusting God for ongoing growth and provision. Her unwavering faithfulness to the calling on her life is both inspiring and deeply impactful. New Journey Youth Center is more than a non-profit or your average youth program. It is a launchpad for purpose. A place where young lives are nurtured, dreams are awakened, and futures are shaped by faith, love, and opportunity.