DRS Mentoring, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2018 in Gainesville, FL by Rev. Darryl and Stephanie Johnson. The Johnson’s were brought together by a common belief that many youths in their community lacked meaningful academic and career guidance from real mentors. The Johnson’s primary non-profit, The Real Eden Experience, Inc. displayed a need for youth mentoring when Rev. Johnson realized that the children of the single parents in his organization were lacking the attention need for successful youth development. Determined to make a difference, Rev. Johnson convened a series of community meetings, attended by more than 30 community leaders and concerned parents. With initial financial commitments from community members and local businesses, The Johnson’s founded DRS Mentoring as a nonprofit IRS 501(c)3 corporation under their primary non-profit, The Real Eden Experience, Inc. Since opening its doors, DRS Mentoring has forged strong partnerships with the local business community, media, school districts, and other youth-serving organizations in the community.

 

Stephanie Johnson LPN, executive director, and her staff of three continue to carry out the DRS Mentoring vision and expand the scope of program services. DRS Mentoring plans to operate a tutoring program and career exploration resource centers at two local schools and manages a community-based after-school drop-in program.