Empowering Florida's Youth
Through Mobility
1,700
Driver's Licenses
earned for life of
the program
3,000
Learner's Permits
earned for life of
the program
11,300
Youth enrolled in
program during life
of the program
Our Vision and Commitment
We envision a future where every teen, regardless of their living situation, has the opportunity to thrive and achieve success through the power of mobility. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance throughout the licensing process for qualifying teens and young adults. Our passionate team is ready to support and uplift our participants every step of the way.
Our Mission and History
Keys to Independence (K2I) is a unique program committed to helping Florida youth experiencing foster care and/or homelessness obtain their driver’s permit and license.
In 2014, Embrace Families was selected by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to manage this statewide project in partnership with foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers, residential group care providers, Guardians ad Litem, case management agencies, youth in foster care, and its lead agency counterparts throughout Florida. In 2021, the program expanded to include young adults enrolled in Postsecondary Education Support Services (PESS). In 2022, the Florida Legislature and DCF further expanded the program’s mission to support youth experiencing homelessness.
This pioneering program is now managed statewide by FLITE Center (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education), a non-profit agency created in 2009 through a partnership of the Community Foundation of Broward, the United Way of Broward and the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale. FLITE offers comprehensive access to services for youth aging out of foster care A top priority is independent living initiatives that lead to successful transitions to adulthood through programs that include: education, employment, housing, health and wellness, human trafficking survivorship, resource navigation, system of care coordination… and driver training through Keys to Independence.
Eligibility
We provide assistance to the following groups:
- Youth in foster care and extended foster care (15 – 21 years old)
- Young adults enrolled in PESS (18 – 23 years old)
- Youth designated as homeless or unaccompanied homeless youth (ages 16 – 24 years old)
K2I Benefits
- DETS course or 4-hour traffic law and substance abuse course
- Learner’s license fee
- Driver’s license fee
- Testing fees (knowledge or skill re-tests)
- Comprehensive driver’s education course
- Auto insurance (includes personal injury protection, bodily injury, and property damage)
- Deductible (in the case of an accident)
- Other costs incidental to licensure (determined on an individual basis)
How Much Does It Cost For A Parent To Get Their Teenager A Driver's License?
Our program has awarded over 1,700 driver’s licenses to youth in foster care and continues to create lasting change.
Are you ready to start your journey to driving independence? Apply Now and let Keys to Independence help you achieve your goals.
Meet Our K2I Team Members
Maria Bonilla
Program Manager
Maria is the K2I Program Manager for Keys to Independence. She is deeply dedicated to supporting children and families, with a strong passion for working in programs that empower individuals and improve their lives. Maria hold’s Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from the UCF…Go Knights! Her professional experience includes roles as a Dependency Case Manager, Behavioral Health Coordinator, and an eight-year tenure with the Keys to Independence Program.
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Crystal Alicea
Keys Coordinator
Keys to Independence Coordinator, former foster youth who started as a Public Ally. Graduated from UCF with Bachelors In Psychology and minor in Sociology and has a soft spot for the elderly and for youth.
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Sarai Arroyo
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Sarai Arroyo graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She has worked as a Family Case Manager and Family Services Coordinator for Devereux, and she is a Coordinator for Keys to Independence, where she previously worked with children in the Child Welfare side of our program and now assists youth who are considered unaccompanied or homeless. Sarai is passionate about serving our youth and seeing them succeed.
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Jasmine Colon
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
In her most recent role, Jasmine was Director of Marketing and Government Affairs for Brevard Hispanic Center. She focused on increasing awareness of the center through participation in community events and outreach. She was also an adjunct Professor for Seminole State College working in the Adult Education and ELS department. Jasmine was also an elementary school teacher in New York, where she worked very closely with numerous children and families across various inner-city schools. She currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education.
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Michael Cornell
Keys Coordinator
Michael has been working with Embrace Families since 2022. He joined the Keys 2 Independence team in January of 2023 and has cherished every moment since. Michael possesses a genuine passion for assisting others and takes pleasure in aiding the youth in attaining some freedom by securing a driver's license. His background is rooted in law enforcement.
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Jacquelyn Dahre-Kinley
Keys Coordinator MO
With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and more than 20 years of customer service experience, Jacquelyn brings a strong mix of compassion, communication, and dedication to her role as K2I Coordinator with the Keys to Independence Program. Her career has been centered on serving others, and she is especially passionate about empowering youth and ensuring they have the guidance, support, and resources they need to thrive.
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Alexis Fischbach
Keys Coordinator
Alexis holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and brings over 9 years of experience as a Child Protective Investigator, followed by a year as a Crime Intelligence Technician. Throughout her career, Alexis has developed a strong commitment to supporting children and families, driven by her passion for making a positive difference in their lives. She is excited to continue her work in the field and is proud to be a part of the Keys to Independence team!
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Lahkoyah Powell
Keys Coordinator
Lahkoyah Powell is a dedicated K2I Program Coordinator with a strong background in social work and a passion for empowering youth. With several years of experience working directly with young people, she brings valuable mentorship and advocacy skills to her role, where she helps young adults aging out of foster care as well as homeless youth achieve independence. Lahkoyah approaches her work with joy and dedication, always striving to create a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
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