The Motivational Edge | The Leading Arts-Based Youth Development Agency in Florida

Engage. Educate. Empower.


A BIG Thank You to our Sponsors and Supporters for believing in The Edge’s Mission and making our 13th Anniversary Celebration on June 26th possible. We appreciate you!



The Motivational Edge Heads to The British Virgin Islands


In 2014, when Tony Martin and his family were sailing around the BVI’s, they stopped for a night in Great Harbour, which ended up having a lasting-positive impact on them, and the community of JVD. There he was - Foxy, the living legend of JVD; strumming his guitar, singing songs and cracking jokes along the way. Tony ended up speaking to Foxy and his staff, and what came out of those first conversations was Tony making a commitment to offer time, money, talent and other resources to help launch Foxy’s School of Music. And in March of 2015, Tony did just that, and more, which brought instruments, happiness and the feeling of connection to the young people of JVD.
 
Unfortunately, in September of 2017, Foxy’s School of Music and nearly 100% of the buildings on Jost Van Dyke were ravaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Fast forward to April of 2019, and The Motivational Edge was honored to partner with Tony, Foxy’s School of Music and others to help rebuild and revive the school for the talented young people and all residents of Jost Van Dyke. Due to donations and support from many people, we were also able to equip it with state of the art instruments, technology and staff to run sustainable programming. All school-aged children, young adults and residents have access to instrument classes, the recording studio and so much more, including the many avenues and relationships our team is forming back here in the States to serve as bridges to success and opportunity for the young people we will serve.
 
In the first year of operation, a band, One Nation, was formed consisting of both students and adults from the island, led by The Edge’s Lead Teaching Artist, Benji Baez. They were the opening act for the world famous Third World Band at Foxy’s Old Year’s Eve Party in 2019 and began gigging up until the COVID pandemic.
 
Although COVID caused Benji to come back home to Miami for a few months, the learning did not stop. The school stayed open and peer leaders along with the adults from the band kept things flowing in Benji’s absence. He is set to return to JVD in January 2021, resuming all classes and even taking on a few more students! We have a goal of partnering with other youth based programs in the BVI and also incorporating guest musicians and other artistic disciplines throughout 2021 and beyond, so stay tuned for updates and opportunities.

OUR IMPACT

September 15, 2020

CBS Miami News: Miami’s leading non-profit uses various #CreativeExpression platforms to Engage, Educate & Empower Young Lives

Foster youth in Miami-Dade County are facing this pandemic without family or a place to call home. ME is committed to providing Essential Services that are a source of comfort and stability for our most affected youth.
March 26, 2020

Essential Services: Serving Children in Foster Care Through The Covid-19 Pandemic

Foster youth in Miami-Dade County are facing this pandemic without family or a place to call home. ME is committed to providing Essential Services that are a source of comfort and stability for our most affected youth.
December 4, 2018

KIND CAFE: An #IChooseArt Experience

During Art Basel / Art Miami Week, the masses headed to Wynwood and so did we! Thanks to KIND Snacks, our students had the opportunity to […]

OUR IMPACT

September 15, 2020

CBS Miami News: Miami’s leading non-profit uses various #CreativeExpression platforms to Engage, Educate & Empower Young Lives

Foster youth in Miami-Dade County are facing this pandemic without family or a place to call home. ME is committed to providing Essential Services that are a source of comfort and stability for our most affected youth.
March 26, 2020

Essential Services: Serving Children in Foster Care Through The Covid-19 Pandemic

Foster youth in Miami-Dade County are facing this pandemic without family or a place to call home. ME is committed to providing Essential Services that are a source of comfort and stability for our most affected youth.
December 4, 2018

KIND CAFE: An #IChooseArt Experience

During Art Basel / Art Miami Week, the masses headed to Wynwood and so did we! Thanks to KIND Snacks, our students had the opportunity to […]

OUR PARTNERS

  • Project GOLD has collaborated with The Motivational Edge for the last 3 years to bring lyrical expressions as well as internships and dance expression to girls that are at risk or have been verified victims of sexual exploitation. Our collaboration has allowed the girls we serve to feel empowered to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions in a healing and safe environment. The girls and staff at Project GOLD are grateful for the incredible work and dedication that the team at The Motivational Edge has provided to our members and we look forward to our continued partnership! 
    - Marta Martinez, LCSW
    Kristi House | Project GOLD
  • The Motivational Edge helps students authentically express themselves. Being able to create music in Creole has been the highlight of the summer! ME’s variety of programming has really enriched our summer camp activities. Through its Audio Recording and Music Production program, our students have not only gained a foundation in music creation, but have found a healthy and lasting way to cope with life’s challenges.
    - Ashley Raphael
    Gang Alternative
  • This stellar creative youth development program in association with Berklee College of Music, and specifically the Berklee City Music Network, is of mutual benefit. Recently, myself and another staff member conducted a site visit at ME. On this visit we interviewed teachers and students and made observations about the facility. This close examination of our Network partners takes place every two to three years. Motivational Edge scored very well. We continue to be excited about our partnership with Motivational Edge!
    J. Curtis Warner, Jr.
    Berklee College of Music
  • The Motivational Edge has been impacting residential group home providers in the Suncoast Region since February 2016 after they initially presented what Motivational Edge is and how the program would benefit providers in the region. After the initial meeting took place in February 2016, two residential group home providers initiated services with Motivational Edge. Both facilities continue to use Motivational Edge as a therapeutic service.
    - Evan Leach
    FL Department of Children & Families