About Us: Your Trusted Mentor in Tampa, FL

At Changing Lanes Inc, we are committed to guiding aspiring youth toward independence and self-awareness through dedicated mentorship.

About Changing Lanes Inc - Empowering Youth and Community

Changing Lanes Inc was founded in 2018 by Suzette Brockington, a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and community building. Ms. Brockington began her professional journey as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), where she worked closely with individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In her role as a DSP, she was more than just a caregiver; she was an advocate who helped individuals live fulfilling lives, build meaningful relationships, and engage with their communities.

Driven by a desire for greater impact, Ms. Brockington established Suzie Q’s Homecare, LLC in 2014. While this venture allowed her to take on more responsibilities, she still felt that her true passion—working with young people—was unmet. Her earlier experiences had shown her the unique challenges that young people face, and she felt a profound calling to support them in achieving their goals. This led to the creation of Changing Lanes Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.

At Changing Lanes Inc, we are deeply committed to creating a brighter future for children and young people by addressing their educational, economic, social, and health needs. We believe that strengthening families is essential to building stronger communities, and we work tirelessly to provide the support necessary for families to create environments where children can thrive. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that young people have access to opportunities that will enable them to succeed. This includes advocating for evidence-based solutions, helping communities implement effective strategies, and influencing decision-makers to invest in the well-being of our youth. By removing barriers and creating pathways to success, we aim to empower young people to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society.

Supporting At-Risk Youth: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Potential

Millions of young people face challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and crime. Often labeled as "disenfranchised," "marginalized," or "at-risk," these individuals are more than their struggles. They have dreams, goals, and the potential to make a positive impact in their communities.

At Changing Lanes Inc, we believe in the potential of every young person. We see them not just for their challenges but for their aspirations and capabilities. Our organization is dedicated to being a champion for youth, helping them become the leaders of tomorrow by providing the support and opportunities they deserve.

WHAT IS HIGH-QUALITY MENTORING?

The presence of a mentor is critical in the positive development and growth of a youth. A high-quality mentoring relationship can be established through:

Establishing Goals and Objectives: Setting clear and achievable goals that guide the mentoring relationship.
Creating an Emotional Bond: Building a connection that fosters trust and mutual respect.
Building Trust: Developing a relationship where the youth feels safe and supported.
Fostering Support: Offering guidance and encouragement to help the youth navigate challenges.
Meeting the Youth’s Expectations: Ensuring that the mentoring relationship aligns with what the youth needs and expects.
Placing the Needs of the Youth First: Prioritizing the youth’s well-being and personal growth.
Honoring the Commitment: Staying committed to the mentoring relationship and seeing it through to its conclusion.

How Our Mentoring Program Works

Our mentoring program follows the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring to build impactful and lasting relationships that result in positive outcomes for youth. The key elements include:

Recruiting Mentors and Mentees: Setting realistic expectations about what the mentoring relationship can achieve.
Screening Mentors: Assessing suitability to ensure the youth’s safety and the mentor’s readiness for the role.
Training Mentors: Providing the knowledge and skills needed to build an effective mentoring relationship.
Matching Mentors and Mentees: Pairing based on shared backgrounds and interests to increase the likelihood of a successful and enduring relationship.
Monitoring and Supporting: Offering ongoing advice, problem-solving support, and training opportunities to strengthen the relationship.
Facilitating Closure: Helping both mentor and mentee to end the relationship constructively and reflect on the progress made.

Suzette Brockington - Founder/Executive Director

Suzette Brockington is the Founder and Executive Director of Changing Lanes Inc, with over 20 years of dedicated service to the Florida community, particularly in the Florida Suncoast region. Born and raised in Pasco County, Suzette has built a career focused on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and working with youth who face significant life challenges. Her journey into this field was inspired by her own experiences with a mentor during her youth, whose guidance was instrumental in her development. This early support motivated Suzette to pursue a path where she could give back and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Throughout her career, Suzette has taken on various roles, from being a foster parent to volunteering at youth detention centers and children’s homes in Tampa. She has also worked extensively with individuals managing mental illness, transitioning from incarceration, and facing other barriers to independence. Among her many accomplishments are leading efforts from 2020 to 2024 to feed the homeless in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Manatee Counties, supporting a Pasco County area food bank from 2021 to 2023 that served hundreds of families, and volunteering at the Faulkenburg Youth Detention Center and the Children’s Home of Tampa from 2011 to 2017.

In addition to her professional work, Suzette loves being an active participant in her church, traveling abroad, spending time with her family, and engaging in community action. Her work is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to support and mentor the next generation, just as she was supported in her own youth. She believes strongly in the importance of paying it forward, particularly to young people who are navigating the challenges of life. Through Changing Lanes Inc, Suzette continues to be a tireless advocate for youth empowerment, helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Our Mission at Changing Lanes Inc

At Changing Lanes Inc, our mission is to empower youth to thrive socially, financially, and spiritually by providing comprehensive support and mentorship. We are dedicated to equipping young people with the tools and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges, set and achieve their goals, and become active, empowered members of their communities. Through meaningful relationships and targeted programs, we aim to foster resilience and create pathways for success for the youth of Tampa, FL.

Free Guide: Achieve Independence and Self-Awareness

Learn the secrets to self-awareness and independence. Read our comprehensive guide and start your journey to a brighter future.

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Explore the Benefits of Choosing Changing Lanes Inc

At Changing Lanes Inc, we are dedicated to helping the youth of Tampa, Florida become independent and self-aware through effective mentorship.

'Since joining Changing Lanes Inc, I've found a clear path to my goals.'

– Emily R.

'The career advice I received was transformative.'

– Lucas S.

'I've never been more aware of my abilities and how to use them.'

– Mia T.

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We mentor youth to become independent and self-aware through Mentorship Programs across St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Largo, Wesley Chapel, and the surrounding areas.