Most locals have probably visited the Wilton Collective at least once in their lives.

It's not only known for its collection of arts and clothes, but for helping LGBT teens to train for the workforce as well. It is the brainchild of Julian Cavazos, who created the non-profit work-study program as part of Julian's Fountain of Youth.

Check out our stories about Wilton Collective below:

Get Ready to Party at The 2022 Reverse Quinceañera Aug. 27

The glitz! The rivalries! The drama! Finishing touches are being put on the party of the year: the annual Reverse Quinceañera by Julian’s Fountain of Youth (JFOY).

The event’s eleventh edition will go down Saturday, August 27 at The Venue in Wilton Manors.

And this year, it’s getting a makeover.

“We have completely changed the format of the show,” JFOY Founder Julian Cavazos told SFGN. “In the past we’ve had competing damas for Miss Reverse Quinceañera. To change it up and go into a new look, we’re having houses compete at the Posing For A Purpose Ball.”

Five houses will be competing: The House of WAM (World AIDS Museum), The House of Flock (FlockFest), The House of Pub, The House of Imperial Sun Court, and The House of Royal Peacock. The winners will get $5,000 to donate to the non-profit of their choice.

Photo by Stephen R Lang.

Julian's Fountain of Youth: Leading LGBT Youth Toward Success

Julian Cavazos, president and founder of non-profit Julian’s Fountain of Youth (JFOY), thought the organization would take at least two years to come to fruition.

Less than half a year after he began working on it, he already had keys to their first location.

Cavazos knew, after taking experiential learning courses, that he wanted to create a program that taught LGBT students in an experiential way. He promised himself he would get to this passion project at some point, “before you know it, it's been five years.”

Vendors Share Artistry and Heart with the Collective

Dooney Potter, local artist, could not avert his gaze on a certain chandelier when walking by the Wilton Collective.

Drawn in, he entered the store with his husband a month after they first opened and realized this could be the spot for his artwork.

After inquiring for a spot, Potter had free range to pick a time to set up his work.

Wilton Collective Collects Art, Clothes, Furniture and Lessons

Julian Cavazos often found himself staring at a large building he loved, entranced.

First as a Mexican restaurant in the ‘90s, then as Boomerangs, and now, finally, he can call it his own: Wilton Collective, a work-study program part of his non-profit Julian’s Fountain of Youth.

Cavazos said he “always knew” he wanted to build a work-study program for LGBT teens to work.

“They get to see themselves within the workspace, from the top all the way down,” he said. “That to me was very, very important.”