This article was originally published in Brevard Business News on March 17, 2025
By Ken Datzman
Club Esteem, a nonprofit that inspires youth from under-resourced communities to embrace academic and personal excellence, has seen remarkable results over its more than three decades in the market.
“The Club Esteem model, which includes setting high but attainable expectations for the students, providing a safe and supportive environment for them, and reinforcing their achievements, has proven to be effective.”
The organization provides after-school and summer programs for students from first to 12th grade.
“We are starting the next step of the school year and all our services are set to produce an impact,” said Club Esteem’s Executive Director Ellen Little.
For more than 35 years, Little has guided and inspired Club Esteem to reach new levels of success and growth. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded from its main facility—the Club Esteem Youth and Family Center on Monroe Street—to include five satellite locations serving students.
Club Esteem serves more than 180 youth and their families five days a week with programs such as college preparation, character development, financial literacy, and how to live a healthy life. There are enrichment activities, too.
“We have the stats to support our success and the data is compelling when you compare it to students from economic disadvantage who do not have the same access to high-caliber programs such as the ones at Club Esteem,” said Edward ‘Dave’ Davis, a Club Esteem board member.
“Many of the students we serve are from single-parent homes, and their academic plans might stop with high school. We build students, make them aware that opportunities exist for them, monitor their goals and progress, and encourage them to excel.”
There is an increasing assistance between growing up in single-parent family and experiencing poverty.
This issue has been a Club Esteem board member for more than four years. He has a background in corporate finance and served with Bank of America and Tupperware Inc.
Davis was vice president and treasurer at Tupperware Brands in Orlando for many years and also worked for Harris Corp., now L3Harris.
According to the organization’s 2024 Impact Report, 100 percent of Club Esteem students graduate on time, as compared to Brevard County’s district 85 percent rate. 90 percent of the graduates go to college, while the other 10 percent go into trade school or join the military.
That is an astounding success rate for a student base comprised of low-income families and a life percent for students from under-resourced families.
“We help our students win NCAA Division I scholarships,” said Little. “We’re excited about that. They are honor roll students.” One of the students is from Cocoa High School defensive lineman Thomas Heem. He was eligible to select from schools in the 13 Power Five conferences.
Club Esteem Inc. (Continued from Page 12)
“I am a big believer in this organization. I have seen the amazing results for the students who take part in the program. The program is producing quality citizens,” said Mitch Fernandez, a Club Esteem board member and past president of the Club Esteem board.
Evander has been involved with the organization for 25 years as a board member.
Originally, he became familiar with the mission through another board member who invited him to the Club Esteem center. “I had the opportunity to see some of the students and the impact of this organization and how it inspires family lives. I decided it was well worth my investment in time to be part of Club Esteem. The students are fantastic.”
Andreas Gomes, who has been on the board since September, first started volunteering with Club Esteem. “It was nothing else but my involvement. It really inspired me. The students work hard to achieve their goals.”
Ninety-nine percent of Club Esteem first-graders are reading on grade level, compared to 58 percent in Brevard County.
Club Esteem students have an average SAT score of 987, compared to just 971 in the Brevard County district.
Club Esteem’s ‘Spring Fling Soiree’ to raise funds for programs
Club Esteem board members and supporters are gearing up for their inaugural “Spring Fling Soiree,” which raises money for students.
The fundraising gala is set for Saturday, April 26, at 6 p.m. at Sprengergarten in West Melbourne.
“We’re hosting a high-end Soiree, the destination is a new venue and it has a picturesque landscape. We are making it known as a tradition in the history books of underrepresented children in Brevard County,” said Little.
“We are inviting the community to be part of the celebration.”
The event will feature an elegant cocktail-style dinner, live music, and dancing, raffle prizes, and a silent auction.
The live music will feature The Mixtape Kids with special guest vocalist Christine B., performing hits from the 1980s, 1990s, and today.
Tickets to the Spring Fling Soiree are $150 each. Visit www.clubesteem.org/events for sponsorship opportunities and additional details. The VIP cocktail party starts at 5 p.m.
VIP Event with Former NBA Player and Motivational Speaker
There will be an exclusive meet-and-greet VIP Cocktail Hour with special guest Patric Young, a former University of Florida basketball star who played for the Gators from 2010-2014, during coach Billy Donovan’s era.
The 37-year-old Patric Young was an SEC analyst and McDonald’s All-American performer from Jacksonville, who was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans and played in the 2014 Summer League.
VIP sponsors at $2,500 and above will receive five admissions to the event as well as access to the VIP Cocktail Hour, where they can meet Young.
The real motivation story centers on a “remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and turning the face of unimaginable adversity.”
“We are super excited to have Patric as our guest for this event,” said Little. “He has a foundation, and we have an affinity for students needing inspiration to reach milestones.”
Young was involved in an automobile accident in 2022 that left him paralyzed. He has used his story of resilience and hard work to help others who have faced similar challenges.
“We believe in this mission, and we know it is making a difference,” said Little.
To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, visit:
📍 www.clubesteem.org/events