CLAY COUNTY — For Larry Beaufort Jr., building community leaders is key for the future. 

In doing what he dreams, Beaufort works to make this happen by crafting ways for youth to get involved, set goals and make their dreams a reality. 

The new nonprofit organization Doing What We Dream is a product of Beaufort’s strong beliefs and actions. And as the CEO and founder, Beaufort said he is dedicated to give children the push to do what they dream, too. 

“I always wanted to make sure that I got with the youth before it was too late,” Beaufort said. “And to help them realize that, hey, there is a path that you can take. There are goals that you can set.”

From kindergarteners to high school seniors, Doing What We Dream aims to provide educational programs and mentorship opportunities to all ages.

The idea for the nonprofit came from Beaufort’s outlook on his past. When he was in high school, Beaufort said he was a part of a mentorship program called Ladies and Gentleman of the Future. 

He said the help and guidance he got from his own mentor in the program was a blessing to his life. And it inspired him to do something to carry that on. 

“She helped me to see that when you receive help, it helps you to go further in life,” Beaufort said. 

In helping students write out and verbalize what they want in life, Beaufort said the organization assists in making their goals achievable. 

Beaufort said education acts as a stepping stone, followed by good mentorship and encouragement — all things Doing What We Dream aims to provide.

“You do hear people who have outrageous goals, but the goal is to let them know that, hey, if you set your mind to it, anything is possible,” Beaufort said. 

He said the idea for the organization came prior to the pandemic, but it officially became a reality last year. With the help of a team of volunteers, Beaufort said it has really gotten off the ground. 

Since becoming a 501(c)(3), Beaufort said the organization has hosted many community youth projects, including a youth vendor market and a 5K race. 

And with the help of some recent funding, Beaufort said he is excited for the organization's continued growth.

In what he calls its “coming out year”, Beaufort said the organization has a lot more in store. For this upcoming school year, Doing What We Dream will have multiple new programs set up for K-12 students.

From a buddy reading program and free tutoring services to helping high schooler’s navigate entrepreneurship and middle schooler’s prepare for their next steps, Beaufort said the organization will be providing many resources starting in September.

Additionally, the organization has partnered with the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation Honor Rows Program. Beaufort said as they work to push them to do well in school, this year’s Doing What We Dream students will earn the opportunity to see a Jaguars game free of charge.

The programs will kick off in Clay County, however, Beaufort said the organization is hybrid and he hopes to serve the greater Jacksonville area, also.

“Especially in those communities that need the assistance, we want to make sure that nobody's left out and nobody feels forgotten,” Beaufort said. 

On Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the organization will be hosting an informational session for parents and students at the Orange Park Library. Beaufort said the meeting will entail going over the nonprofit, its goals and activities for this school year and registering students. 

For more information you can also visit www.doingwhatwedream.us/.

Making students believe in their dreams and themselves is important. And for the future, Beaufort said he hopes that mission remains at the forefront of everything the organization does.

“We just want to see all the youth thrive and do well on their journey in life,” Beaufort said.