NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA YOUNG MOTIVATORS

Andreia Nichols, Young Motivators Commander, is a US Marine Corps veteran. In 1999 she established the North Central Florida Unit of Young Marines, commanding the unit for 25 years.

In Waterbury Connecticut in 1959, several former Marines created a program for boys that mirrored the values of the US Marine Corps. Their program became the “Young Marines”, “promoting mental, moral and physical development of our youth”, and is now a national organization serving boys and girls, with over 236 units in 40 states and around the world.

Growing up in rural North Central Florida, Andreia was always aware of pockets of poverty and hunger, and always felt called to help. As a parent, she understands the challenges in raising children to be good citizens. In 2000, alongside Young Marines operations, she began distributing food to needy local residents. As food insecurity increased during economic downturns, more people needed help. Andreia found more sources of food, and more local volunteers stepped up to assist.

By 2024, community needs grew beyond sanctioned Young Marines activities, and Andreia formed a new 501(c)(3) corporation, North Central Florida Young Motivators, to carry on and expand her life's work of youth development and success, community service, and fighting food insecurity. Young Motivators is entirely independent from Young Marines.