501(c)(3) nonprofit·RYI programs are always free to families·Orlando, Florida
Rebuild YourselfInc.
Who we are

From one teen's vision to a growing movement of care.

Rebuild Yourself, Inc. exists to give teens and young adults a safe, supportive space rooted in connection, resilience, and hope — so no young person feels alone, unseen, or without meaningful peer support during life's hardest moments.

An RYI community gathering
The RYI community gathered together

Our story

A promise that became a community.

What began with one young woman's courage continues through community, creativity, and care that meets families exactly where they are.

2020

Karina's vision takes shape

Her story sparked a promise: create spaces where teens facing life-changing illness feel seen, understood, and deeply supported.

2021

Rebuild Yourself launches

Loved ones, volunteers, and community supporters turn that vision into free, creative peer support for teens and families.

2023

Expand + HERO outreach begins

Support broadens for young adults, with hospital and community partners so connection can travel farther.

2024

We Rise Together gala

The community gathers to celebrate resilience, share stories, and fuel the next season of programming.

2025

Legacy in motion

Scholarships, caregiver support, and expanding circles carry Karina's legacy into every new relationship we help build.

What drives us

Belonging that builds lasting self-worth.

Mission

Community that builds self-worth.

We cultivate a supportive community where teens experience belonging, strengthen their personal and social development, and build lasting self-worth. Through our framework — Embrace, Expand, and Empower — we help young people embrace who they are, expand their support networks, and recognize their strengths, growing with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Vision

Every teen, seen and valued.

We envision a world where every teen feels seen, valued, and supported — free to be themselves and connected to a community that helps them thrive, no matter what they're facing.

Our three pillars

Pathways that help families find their footing.

Three pathways designed to meet teens, caregivers, and partners at every stage of the journey.

EmbraceFor Teens

Embrace

Creative peer circles that help teens find their voice, their people, and room to breathe.

ExpandFor Young Adults

Expand + HERO

Young-adult connection and HERO outreach that keeps support close — in community, virtual, and hospital-partner spaces.

EmpowerFor Families

Empower

Caregiver support offering practical resources, honest conversation, and a place to exhale.

Impact

Measuring belonging and resilience.

Numbers that reflect the real-world difference our community makes every day.

1,000+
Teens & young adults supported
65+
Programs & circles facilitated
2,400
Volunteer hours given
100%
Programs free for every family

Leadership

The people stewarding Karina's vision.

Cynthia

Cynthia

Board Member

Founding board member dedicated to expanding RYI's reach and impact.

Y

Yasnai

Board Member

Coordinates program operations, facilitator onboarding, and volunteer engagement.

S

Sonya

Board Member

Supports strategic initiatives and community partnerships.

M

Maribel

Board Member

Advocates for family-centered support and caregiver resources.

J

Jonathan

Board Member

Guides technology and digital strategy for RYI's growth.

M

Maria

Board Member

Champions youth programming and creative expression initiatives.

A

Antonio

Team Member

Supports day-to-day operations and community engagement.

M

Melanie

Team Member

Contributes to program development and participant support.

Partners & recognitions

Extending our reach through trusted partners.

Organizations and institutions across Central Florida that help us reach more young people.

Dr. Phillips Center
Orange County Library System
Orange County Government
Rotary Club of Orlando
Paws Fore Causes
Meals with a Mission
Lobos Coffee Roasters
Aeras Foundation
Broken Wings Ministry
Northwestern Mutual

Clinical & hospital outreach.

Through Expand + HERO, we work alongside care teams so support reaches young people where treatment happens.

Nemours Children's HospitalPediatric & AYA care partner
AdventHealth for ChildrenHospital outreach partner
UF Health Cancer CenterOncology care partner

Be part of what we're building.

Join a program, volunteer your time, or help keep every session free for the young people who need it.

🦋 Donate