Discover TRUE-North Initiative
Our Mission
T.R.U.E. North Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to guiding foster youth toward lives of confidence, purpose, and independence. Through mentorship, life skills workshops, and our annual summer camp, we provide youth aging out of foster care with the tools, support, and connection they need to thrive beyond the system.
Why We Are Here
Every year, more than 20,000 youth age out of foster care in the United States-over 4,000 in California alone-within 18 months, nearly half will become homeless, incarcerated, or struggle with substance use or abusive relationships.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Life can unfold in unexpected and painful ways. Trauma, poverty, and untreated generational wounds often ripple through families, leaving children to carry burdens that shouldn't be theirs.
I share my story because behind every child in foster care is a story like mine—one woven with love and hope, yet tangled with struggle and loss. These stories are not only about hardship; they are also about the possibility of change. TRUE-North Initiative exists because I believe cycles can be broken, healing can happen, and every youth deserves a support system that will always be there.
By sharing my journey, I hope to shine a light on the reality foster youth face and remind the world that with the right support, love, and guidance, no child has to navigate life alone.
How We Will Do It
The Plan
TRUE- North Initiative is launching with a clear and focused mission: to create life-changing experiences for foster youth through our annual residential camp. For 4 nights and 5 days, youth will immerse themselves in a safe, structured environment where they can learn, grow, and connect. Our first camp is scheduled for Summer 2026 in the San Bernardino Mountains, in partnership with Buckhorn Camp.
Life Skills & Career Workshops
Practical training for real-world independence: smart job hunting, budgeting, and workplace skills. Youth will explore culinary pathways, meet entrepreneurs who've turned ideas into income, and practice hands-on skills they can use right away.
Purpose & Personal Growth Classes
Guided classes to help youth identify strengths, set goals, and build confidence. Activities and reflections challenge them to dream bigger-and map clear steps from vision to action.
Relationship Building with Community Mentors
Positive connections that last: local business owners, first responders, licensed mental health and recovery professionals, and trauma-informed mentors who can walk alongside youth as lifelong allies.
Continued Connections
Our vision doesn’t end when camp is over. Throughout the year, we will host reunion events and community gatherings where campers reconnect, strengthen their support system, and continue building relationships that carry into adulthood. By combining intensive one-on-one focus at camp with ongoing community engagement, we aim to give every participant the tools, guidance, and encouragement to navigate life with confidence and hope.
THE STARFISH STORY
One day, a young boy was walking along the beach after a storm. The shore was covered with thousands of starfish that had been washed up by the tide.
As he walked, he picked them up one by one and gently threw them back into the ocean.
A man approached and said,
“There are too many. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy looked down, picked up another starfish, tossed it into the waves, and replied,
“I made a difference to that one.”
TRUE-North Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3)
Your gift helps empower foster youth through mentorship, education, and lifelong guidance. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
TRUE-North Initiative EIN: 39-3782952
An automatic donation receipt will be mailed to you after submitting payment through the "Donate Now" link.
Meet Our Team
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, including overseeing community health programs, directing multi-site treatment clinics, and expanding access
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, including 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. 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.
Medical Director
Clinical Director
Clinical 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 University School of Medicine. Dr. Bosu has worked in a variety of treatment settings and is trauma-informed, with extensive exper
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 University School of Medicine. Dr. Bosu has worked in a variety of treatment settings and is trauma-informed, with extensive experience caring for adolescents. His holistic approach emphasizes self-acceptance and self-actualization as key components of healing and long-term wellness. Dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based care, Dr. Bosu addresses the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and social health to support patients on their journey toward recovery and resilience.
On-Site LVN
Clinical Director
On-Site LVN
Toni Collins, LVN, is a trauma-informed nurse with over 20 years of experience in behavioral and mental health, substance-use recovery, pediatrics, and acute care. She previously served as a Compliance Director, aligning programs with DHCS, CDCR, and Joint Commission standards. A foster parent for most of her adult life, Toni combines cl
Toni Collins, LVN, is a trauma-informed nurse with over 20 years of experience in behavioral and mental health, substance-use recovery, pediatrics, and acute care. She previously served as a Compliance Director, aligning programs with DHCS, CDCR, and Joint Commission standards. A foster parent for most of her adult life, Toni combines clinical expertise with compassion for youth facing complex medical and behavioral needs. At True North, she will provide 24/7 on-site nursing, overseeing safety, medication management, and documentation to ensure compliance. Toni is currently attending United Nursing College to become a Registered Nurse, expanding her ability to serve our community.
FOUNDER & CEO
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
Lynnette Gonzalez is the Founder & CEO of True-North Initiative and serves as Camp Director and mentor. She grew up in the foster care system due to abandonment and abuse and experienced the confusion of stepping into adulthood without consistent guidance or safety nets. Without positive role models, she often made poor choices—lessons t
Lynnette Gonzalez is the Founder & CEO of True-North Initiative and serves as Camp Director and mentor. She grew up in the foster care system due to abandonment and abuse and experienced the confusion of stepping into adulthood without consistent guidance or safety nets. Without positive role models, she often made poor choices—lessons that shaped her conviction that youth deserve better. Lynnette has dedicated her life to ensuring foster youth do not have to make the same mistakes or navigate life alone. True North exists for that purpose: teaching critical life skills and building a dependable mentor/support system for youth. She believes every story, no matter how hard the beginning, can be rewritten with the right tools and community—and a plan for a safe and happy future.
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
true-northinitiative.org
YOUTH MENTOR
TRUE-NORTH INITIATIVE
YOUTH MENTOR
Prince Rugira brings strength, resilience, and a heart for service to his role as a male cabin mentor. Based in San Diego, he works as a behavioral health technician and house manager in sober living, where he leads by example and fosters community. Prince is grounded in spirituality, known for his positive outlook, and deeply committed
Prince Rugira brings strength, resilience, and a heart for service to his role as a male cabin mentor. Based in San Diego, he works as a behavioral health technician and house manager in sober living, where he leads by example and fosters community. Prince is grounded in spirituality, known for his positive outlook, and deeply committed to helping others make healthy choices. Having overcome challenges in his own life, he shares his lived experience to inspire youth with hope and resilience. His non-judgmental approach and dedication to building strong connections make him a powerful role model for the young men he mentors.