Vita Nova

Vita Nova Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity serving Palm Beach County's most vulnerable adolescents and young adults since 1999. Originally established as Renaissance Village with the vision of creating an academic and vocational boarding school for socially and economically disadvantaged students, Vita Nova empowered thirty-seven inner-city faith... communities to launch neighborhood-based services that reached more than 2,500 children and families. When the original campus initiative could not secure necessary entitlements, the organization pivoted strategically to address the urgent needs of foster youth and homeless young adultspopulations facing severe barriers to stability and self-sufficiency. Recognizing the critical gap in residential and support services for this demographic, Vita Nova acquired and renovated a formerly neglected apartment complex in West Palm Beach, welcoming its first residents in 2005. The organization expanded its residential capacity to 25 residents by 2007 and continues planning further growth to accommodate 30 to 40 residents, ensuring more young people have access to safe housing and wraparound support. In 2007, Vita Nova established the Vita Nova Thrift Store at a commercial property on South Congress, which opened in 2008 as both a community resource and a work-readiness training venue where inexperienced youth gain practical employment skills and educational preparation. In 2009, Vita Nova secured a county contract to provide comprehensive independent living services to all foster care youth in Palm Beach County aged thirteen to twenty-three, positioning the organization as a key service provider for one of the region's most at-risk populations. Through support from individual donors, corporations, and foundations, Vita Nova combines residential stability, employment training, and independent living services to help foster youth and homeless young adults transition toward self-sufficiency and improved life outcomes.Read More