Dennis Tennis Serving Love (DTSL), a youth development nonprofit based in Broward County, has been named Rising Star Non-Profit Organization of the Year at the 15th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The award recognizes emerging organizations demonstrating exceptional impact and innovation in serving their communities. In less than four years, DTSL has become a leading youth-serving organization in Broward County, using tennis as a tool to promote whole-child wellness—physical, mental, and social-emotional health—for children and families from underserved backgrounds.
Founded in 2022, DTSL was created to address a critical gap: many children in low-income communities lack access to structured sports, safe recreational spaces, and mental wellness resources due to financial barriers. Through its programs, DTSL removes these barriers and provides consistent, high-quality opportunities for youth to grow and thrive.
Since its inception, DTSL has:
• Served 3,500+ youth across Broward County, the Caribbean, and West Africa
• Impacted 420+ youth locally over the past two years
• Delivered 3,000+ hours of free tennis and wellness programming
• Distributed 350+ racquets and equipment sets
Through various programs and initiatives, DTSL provides free tennis instruction, mentorship, mental wellness tools, and character development in partnership with municipalities and Title I schools. This year, the organization also launched two college scholarships for Broward County high school students entering college in the fall.
“Our work is about more than tennis—it’s about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging,” said Dennis Quaye, Executive Director and Co-Founder. “This recognition reflects the strength of our community and the potential we see in every child we serve.”
DTSL’s holistic approach supports both physical activity and emotional development. Program outcomes show that participants increase physical activity, improve confidence and emotional regulation, and demonstrate stronger engagement in school. As demand for programming continues to grow, DTSL is expanding its reach through partnerships with municipalities, schools, and community organizations across Broward County.
Dennis Tennis Serving Love invites community members and partners to support its mission to expand access to youth wellness programming. To learn more or donate, visit www.dennistennis.org.
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Source: Dennis Tennis Serving Love