About us

Success thru Patience & Education

The SPE is a nonprofit, family-oriented, Christian-based after-school youth program for youth and young adults ages 10–30 — with autism or at-risk — offering life skills, mentorship, career exploration, therapy, tutoring, music and art therapy, monthly events and field trips, and much more.

Origin Story

Success thru Patience and Education (The SPE Program) was developed due to the lack of resources and programs available for our youth. Also, as a mother of a teen with autism and experiencing his hardships with adapting to society and adulthood, my heart grew heavy. With research, it seems that depression and suicidal ideations become a norm when teens and young adults find it challenging to navigate life and tend to give up, losing the self-esteem and motivation to thrive because they feel different.

While living in a homeless shelter as a single mother of four, the Lord placed this vision on my heart one night — and I completed the detailed business plan that night. Now, 10 years later, after experiencing a car accident the year before, the Lord revealed that it was time.

This generation lacks social skills due to social isolation — being at home on their phones and playing video games. The creation of “community and family,” coupled with the program services, will assist in reigniting their interest to be a part of something that will catapult their lives into success. Bringing back the basics and creating a foundation, TOGETHER.

Valerie CongoteCEO & Founder

Our Mission

Our mission at The SPE Youth Center is to empower neurodivergent and at-risk youth through a faith-based blend of specialized therapy, clinical support, and educational enrichment. Led by passionate professionals, we provide a professional sanctuary where authentic engagement inspires healing and prepares every young person to master their future.

Our Vision

We envision a world where hope and determination replace indifference, empowering youth to rewrite their narratives through the creative resilience of a unified community. By fostering a collective spirit of care, we unlock the resources needed to achieve the positive change we all desire.

FAITH spray-painted in graffiti letters on a concrete wall

Our Core Values

Christ-Centered Love

We reflect the love of Christ in every interaction with our youth, families, and community partners.

Safe Spaces

We create nurturing, judgment-free environments where youth feel seen, heard, and protected.

Community Empowerment

We invest in the youth of Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Haines City so they can become leaders who transform their communities.

Healing & Hope

We support emotional, mental, and spiritual healing so young people can move from survival to purpose and success.

Radical Growth

We challenge youth to grow in character, skills, and faith every day, on and off the mic.

The Mentors & Minds Behind the Movement

Our team blends deep-rooted hip hop artistry with professional expertise in therapy, education, and social work to provide a one-of-a-kind supportive environment for our youth.

Valerie Congote

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

As a single mother, daughter of Christ and active community liaison, Valerie has dedicated her life to helping others in need and assuring that resources are being properly utilized. With over 14 years of work experience within the social services field and extreme life experiences, Success thru Patience and Education came to be.… While wanting to tackle the world's issues, the neurodivergent and at-risk youth population is where she would begin. As the Regional Coordinator for BEANS Behavior Analysis Services, she saw how the struggles of neurodivergent teens to fit in and reach common milestones become so challenging that depression and suicide become their reality. As a mother that has experienced this hardship personally, serving the youth is critical to society's success. Providing support and direction leads to hope within the families and their communities.

Annabella Cortez

Chief Operations Officer

A graduate of UF, in pursuit of her doctorate degree, Annabella has dedicated her life to helping others and plays a vital role in helping SPE's CEO with program operations with her impeccable attention to detail. In her role as a behavioral therapist, she impacts children on the spectrum to tackle their daily challenges and looks forward to impacting our teens.

Board Members

The leaders who steward SPE's mission, finances and growth.

Dominique Jones, MSW

Board Chair

With over nine years of experience in the mental health field, Dominique has made it her mission to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and safe to heal. Her work brings together science, clinical research, and faith — because true healing touches both the heart and the mind.… She specializes in trauma recovery, substance use and abuse, family therapy, and parent and caregiver support. Whether walking alongside someone through deep emotional pain or helping a family rebuild connection, her approach is down-to-earth and rooted in compassion — a space where healing feels possible, faith feels alive, and no one walks the journey alone.

Katrice Lee

Treasurer

Strategic leader in education and finance, dedicated to building sustainable pathways for youth success.

Leah Cortez

Secretary

Brings expert operational oversight and a vision for sustainable community growth.

Antonio Kappos

Board Member

Deeply committed to youth outreach and spiritual mentorship within the urban ministry.

Awareness & Statistics

Understanding the landscape for at-risk youth and neurodivergent populations is the first step toward creating meaningful change. These statistics highlight the critical need for our program and your support.

Infographic: In the next 24 hours in the United States, 1,439 teens will attempt suicide; 2,795 teenage girls will become pregnant; 3,506 teens will run away; 15,006 teens will use drugs for the first time; 2 teens will be murdered; 12 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 will die by suicide. — In the next 24 hours in the United States.

If you or a young person you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) — available 24/7.

At-Risk Youth awareness poster: their story, their potential, our future — who at-risk youth are, what makes a difference, and how to be part of the change. — At-risk youth: their story, their potential, our future.

Partners in the work

Therapy, tutoring and scholarships are delivered alongside organizations we trust.

Be part of the story

Join as a member, volunteer your time, or give — every part of SPE runs on people who show up.

Join nowStart the intake form for our programs VolunteerMentor, teach, host, or help at events DonateFund tuition, transportation and trips