🌍 Why We Are Here
Each year, over 20,000 youth age out of foster care without stable support. Many face homelessness, unemployment, or justice involvement soon after. True-North Initiative exists to intervene early—providing prevention education, mentorship, and life-skills training that help youth build stability, purpose, and direction.
🍃 Mission & Vision Statement
Mission: To equip foster and system-involved youth with prevention education, life skills, and mentorship that support healthy, stable transitions into adulthood.
Vision: A future where youth aging out of care are prepared, supported, and empowered to thrive.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
LYNNETTE GONZALEZ
Lynnette Gonzalez is the Founder and Executive Director of True-North Initiative. Having experienced foster care and group homes firsthand, she understands how the lack of consistent support can lead to addiction, incarceration, domestic violence, and continued system involvement. Drawing from both lived experience and years of professional work in recovery and youth support, Lynnette founded True-North Initiative to intervene early—providing prevention education, life skills, and mentorship so foster and system-involved youth can transition into adulthood with stability, guidance, and hope.
Meet Our Team
Founder & CEO
Clinical Director
Clinical Director
Lynnette Gonzalez is the Founder and CEO of True-North Initiative. Drawing from her lived experience in foster care and years of professional work in recovery and mentorship, Lynnette leads with a prevention-focused approach to supporting foster and system-involved youth. Her work centers on early intervention, life skills, and consistent
Lynnette Gonzalez is the Founder and CEO of True-North Initiative. Drawing from her lived experience in foster care and years of professional work in recovery and mentorship, Lynnette leads with a prevention-focused approach to supporting foster and system-involved youth. Her work centers on early intervention, life skills, and consistent mentorship to help youth transition into adulthood with stability, guidance, and purpose.
Clinical Director
Clinical Director
Clinical Director
Dr. Bonnie Mitchell, DBH, LPCC, has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through mental health, addiction recovery, and integrated care. Since 2014, she has served in clinical and executive leadership roles—overseeing community health programs, directing multi-site treatment clinics, and expanding access to comprehe
Dr. Bonnie Mitchell, DBH, LPCC, has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through mental health, addiction recovery, and integrated care. Since 2014, she has served in clinical and executive leadership roles—overseeing community health programs, directing multi-site treatment clinics, and expanding access to comprehensive behavioral health services. Now based in San Diego as Clinical Director of Healthy Life Recovery, Dr. Mitchell continues her commitment to building stronger communities, particularly through mentorship programs aimed at foster youth. She is especially passionate about investing in youth, believing that with the right support, young people—particularly those overcoming adversity—can thrive as they transition into adulthood. During the annual summer camp, Dr. Mitchell provides clinical leadership and oversight, ensuring a trauma-informed, safe, and supportive environment for all participants. Her work also integrates evidence-based prevention education and emotional-regulation strategies, helping youth strengthen coping skills through life skills workshops and protective factors that reduce the risk of substance use.
Medical Director
Clinical Director
Medical Director
Dr. Tunde Bosu (he/him) is a board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. With extensive experience in adolescent treatment settings, Dr. Bosu brings a trauma-informed, holistic approac
Dr. Tunde Bosu (he/him) is a board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. With extensive experience in adolescent treatment settings, Dr. Bosu brings a trauma-informed, holistic approach that emphasizes self-acceptance, healing, and long-term wellness. He addresses the interplay of physical, emotional, and social health to support recovery and resilience. During the annual summer camp organized by the nonprofit organization, Dr. Bosu serves as Medical Advisor, helping ensure a safe, trauma-informed environment and clear protocols for health navigation, opioid awareness, and prevention education. He also contributes to life skills workshops and mentorship programs aimed at empowering foster youth.
On-Site LVN
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Toni Collins serves as the On-Site Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for True-North Initiative’s Annual Intensive. A trauma-informed nurse and longtime foster parent, Toni brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her role.
Having supported foster youth and children in care for most of her life, she understands the complex needs
Toni Collins serves as the On-Site Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for True-North Initiative’s Annual Intensive. A trauma-informed nurse and longtime foster parent, Toni brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her role.
Having supported foster youth and children in care for most of her life, she understands the complex needs system-involved youth often carry. As the on-site LVN, Toni provides medical oversight, health monitoring, and medication support while serving as a calm, trusted presence for youth throughout the program.
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Liana Campos serves as a Workshop Presenter for True-North Initiative, leading sessions focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and mindset development. As a small business owner, Liana brings real-world experience and practical insight into what it means to think creatively, take initiative, and build something from the ground up.
Through
Liana Campos serves as a Workshop Presenter for True-North Initiative, leading sessions focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and mindset development. As a small business owner, Liana brings real-world experience and practical insight into what it means to think creatively, take initiative, and build something from the ground up.
Through her workshop, Liana encourages youth to see themselves as entrepreneurs—helping them recognize their strengths, develop confidence, and understand how personal branding, work ethic, and vision can shape their future. Her approach is motivating, relatable, and focused on empowering participants to believe in their potential beyond current circumstances.
Youth-Mentor & Male Cabin Lead
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Youth-Mentor & Male Cabin Lead
Prince Rugira serves as a Youth Mentor and Lead Cabin Counselor for True-North Initiative. Having rebuilt his own life through accountability, personal growth, and commitment to change, Prince brings lived experience, relatability, and integrity to his role with youth.
Prince understands firsthand how positive guidance, structure, and cons
Prince Rugira serves as a Youth Mentor and Lead Cabin Counselor for True-North Initiative. Having rebuilt his own life through accountability, personal growth, and commitment to change, Prince brings lived experience, relatability, and integrity to his role with youth.
Prince understands firsthand how positive guidance, structure, and consistent support can alter a young person’s trajectory. As the Lead Cabin Counselor, he creates a safe, structured environment for youth while modeling responsibility, respect, and healthy decision-making. He is deeply committed to building trust through positive interactions and genuine connection.
In addition to mentoring, Prince supports group facilitation and engages youth in meaningful conversations that encourage self-reflection, accountability, and growth. His presence provides youth with a real-life example of resilience and the possibility of change, making him a cornerstone of the Annual Intensive experience.
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Mike Boyd serves as a Workshop Presenter and Youth Mentor for True-North Initiative. With more than 33 years of experience on a military base as a flight paramedic, Mike brings deep real-world knowledge, discipline, and leadership to his work with youth.
During the Annual Intensive, Mike presents a workshop focused on the pathway to becomi
Mike Boyd serves as a Workshop Presenter and Youth Mentor for True-North Initiative. With more than 33 years of experience on a military base as a flight paramedic, Mike brings deep real-world knowledge, discipline, and leadership to his work with youth.
During the Annual Intensive, Mike presents a workshop focused on the pathway to becoming a flight paramedic, exposing youth to career possibilities in emergency medicine and service-based professions. He also shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma, offering youth an authentic example of resilience, perseverance, and growth.
Beyond the workshop, Mike makes himself available as a long-term mentor, building positive relationships with youth and encouraging accountability, purpose, and confidence as they navigate their own futures.
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Oscar Reyes serves as a Workshop Presenter and Youth Mentor for True-North Initiative, leading sessions focused on career pathways in cardiac scrub and radiologic technology.
Drawing from his professional experience in the medical field, Oscar introduces youth to hands-on, in-demand healthcare careers that offer stability, purpose, and lo
Oscar Reyes serves as a Workshop Presenter and Youth Mentor for True-North Initiative, leading sessions focused on career pathways in cardiac scrub and radiologic technology.
Drawing from his professional experience in the medical field, Oscar introduces youth to hands-on, in-demand healthcare careers that offer stability, purpose, and long-term growth.
Through his workshop, Oscar helps youth understand educational pathways, certification options, and real-world expectations within these career fields. He is passionate about encouraging youth to see themselves in professional roles and guiding them toward practical, achievable goals.
In addition to presenting, Oscar supports youth through mentorship—offering encouragement, guidance, and positive reinforcement as they explore future career possibilities and build confidence in their potential.
Operations Manager & Youth Mentor
Workshop Presenter & Youth Mentor
Operations Manager & Youth Mentor
Charles Beal serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for True-North Initiative and as Operations Manager for both the Annual Intensive and year-round programming. In this role, Charles oversees logistics, coordination, and on-site operations to ensure programs run smoothly, safely, and with intention.
With a strong background in reco
Charles Beal serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for True-North Initiative and as Operations Manager for both the Annual Intensive and year-round programming. In this role, Charles oversees logistics, coordination, and on-site operations to ensure programs run smoothly, safely, and with intention.
With a strong background in recovery-based and support-focused environments, Charles brings structure, accountability, and consistency to the organization’s operations. His behind-the-scenes leadership allows staff and mentors to remain fully present and engaged with youth.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Charles serves as a Youth Mentor, working alongside Prince Rugira to support youth through positive engagement, guidance, and example. His steady presence, reliability, and commitment to service make him a key part of the True-North Initiative team.
How We Will Do It
Where It All Begins
Life Skills & Career Exploration
Life Skills & Career Exploration
The True-North Initiative launches with a clear purpose: to prevent substance use and system involvement among foster youth and at-risk teens by building protective factors through connection, structure, and purpose.
Our first annual summer camp takes place in August 2026 at Buckhorn Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Over five days, trained trauma-informed staff and mentors guide 14 youth through a prevention-based curriculum centered on safety, belonging, life skills workshops, and purpose-driven goal setting.
This retreat marks only the beginning. Each participant continues in a year-long support cycle with consistent mentorship programs, prevention workshops, and structured check-ins to promote healthy, purpose-driven, drug-free living.
Life Skills & Career Exploration
Life Skills & Career Exploration
Life Skills & Career Exploration
The Annual Summer Camp integrates real-world prevention education with practical life skills workshops and career discovery for foster youth. Participants develop readiness through guided sessions in budgeting, interviewing, communication, and teamwork—all essential protective skills proven to reduce risk behaviors.
Career exposure is enhanced through mentorship programs with entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and first responders who model discipline, resilience, and service. These experiences empower foster youth to envision a future grounded in confidence and healthy decision-making.
Purpose & Personal Development
Life Skills & Career Exploration
Relationship Building with Community Mentors
Prevention starts from within. At our annual summer camp, foster youth engage in self-reflection, communication, and emotional-regulation activities. These life skills workshops help them understand their identity, manage stress, and set meaningful goals.
Additionally, our mentorship programs address conflict resolution, healthy boundaries, coping strategies, and self-worth—core elements of prevention education that strengthen resilience and support long-term wellness.
Relationship Building with Community Mentors
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Relationship Building with Community Mentors
A strong support network can significantly alter the trajectory of a young person's life, especially for foster youth. Our mentorship programs connect participants with caring adults—including professionals, educators, and first responders—who exemplify recovery, responsibility, and hope. These relationships provide the ongoing encouragement and accountability youth need to stay engaged in education, employment, and positive community activities throughout the year. Additionally, our annual summer camp and life skills workshops offer valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.
Continued Connections
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Our commitment doesn’t end when the Intensive concludes—it grows from there. Throughout the year, True-North Initiative, a dedicated nonprofit organization, provides structured follow-up through prevention-education workshops, life skills workshops, case management, and mentor check-ins. We assist foster youth with education, employment readiness, benefits navigation, and life-planning so that each participant has a clear path forward and a trusted network beside them, including our engaging annual summer camp and mentorship programs.
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Long-Term Vision: Transitional Housing & Empowered Independence
Looking ahead, the True-North Initiative, a nonprofit organization, aims to establish a Community-Centered Apartment Program— a small, drug-free, trauma-informed living space for foster youth and system-involved young adults stabilizing after the Intensive. This environment will provide daily mentoring through structured mentorship programs, practical skill-building via life skills workshops, and ongoing prevention support. The goal is to create a controlled, substance-free bridge between dependence and independence, helping young adults secure education, employment, and permanent housing while maintaining stability and purpose. Additionally, the initiative will also include an annual summer camp to further support these young individuals.
True-North Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth through various programs, including our annual summer camp, life skills workshops, and mentorship programs. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 39-3782952. After submitting a contribution or completing a registry purchase, a donation receipt will be emailed to you. Please retain this receipt for your tax records.