The Joy Center

Just Older Youth, Inc. (JOY), a Florida non-profit organization consisting of a growing group of informed citizens who see a need for a community center in the Upper Keys with an emphasis on activities and life-long learning opportunities for residents age 60+. Census statistics, report over 23,000 citizens of the Keys are seniors. “Aging in place” is part of what will keep citizens of means living in the Keys. Our vision has the potential to create a model community center serving all ages of the Upper Keys, which could be replicated in the Middle and Lower Keys.

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Betsy Baste, M. Ed., is president and founding member of Just Older Youth, Inc., and a long-time volunteer instructor for the Tech 101 class at the Plantation Key Senior Center. Her experience in the non-profit sector includes director of after school teen centers, graduation coach in public schools, job training coordinator for displaced workers, arts festival development coordinator, and volunteer firefighting. Her love of the ocean originated in her home state of Connecticut, so as a scuba instructor, she has found her way back home to the beautiful Florida Keys working at the Pennekamp Park dive shop.