ORLANDO, Fla. – Haley Hunt, founder of The Verb Kind, has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of incarcerated youth.
Her organization, which she started six years ago, focuses on mentoring and providing hope to young people in juvenile detention centers.
“We go in with everyday citizens like you, like a grocery store worker or a stay-at-home mom or an attorney,” Hunt said. “We spend time with kids who are locked up, mentor them, encourage them, give them love and hope.”
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Hunt’s journey to founding The Verb Kind is as inspiring as the work she does. A former singer-songwriter with a record deal, she returned to Orlando feeling lost and unsure of her path.
A chance encounter with a woman who taught yoga at a juvenile detention center, led Hunt to visit the facility. The experience was transformative.
“There were 22 girls just staring at me,” she recalled. “I realized there’s a lot of kids in jail because of circumstance.”
That first visit led to another, soon those visits provided the purpose she was looking for.
“As soon as you walk in the room and you see their smiles, your heart just shifts a little bit and you’re just like okay this is not what I expected.”
The Verb Kind’s mission is rooted in action. Hunt chose the name “Verb” because it signifies action, and the organization’s acronym stands for “Victory Every Day Restoring Belief.”
She emphasized the importance of showing up and taking action, especially for kids who have often been let down by adults in their lives.
“Love is an action,” she said. “We win every day by restoring belief not only in the kids but in people like you and me.”
The organization’s impact has been profound. In 2020, the state of Florida recognized The Verb Kind’s work and encouraged Hunt to expand the program to every county in the state.
Today, the nonprofit operates in 13 counties in Florida and has expanded to other states, including Alabama and Tennessee.
Hunt’s goal is to take the movement nationwide and eventually provide post-release services to support youth as they transition back into their communities.
Hunt shared stories of transformation, like Anthony, a young man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up in detention. Now, he speaks at events about the hope The Verb Kind has brought him.
Another success story is a girl from Pinellas County who graduated high school and applied to be a mentor for the organization. “She now wants to be a part of the mission that saved her,” Hunt said.
The Verb Kind’s work has not gone unnoticed. Last year the organization won the prestigious Victory Cup, which provided funding to hire a part-time CEO and mentor coordinator.
Additionally, they were chosen as the NFL Players Association’s social justice charitable partner of the year, a significant honor that has opened doors for further expansion.
Hunt’s vision for The Verb Kind is clear: to continue providing hope and support to incarcerated youth and to challenge others to step out of their comfort zones and make a difference.
“Life isn’t about convenience,” she said. “Maybe this year, in 2025, challenge yourself to be inconvenienced and serve.”
For those interested in getting involved, The Verb Kind welcomes volunteers from all walks of life.
“You don’t have to be a professional counselor,” Hunt assured. “They care that you showed up for them.” With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, The Verb Kind is making a lasting impact on the lives of young people who need it most.
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