Raphael Van Putten
Founder/Executive Director

Raphael Van Putten is the Founder and Executive Director of the Back to Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through storytelling, education, and documentary filmmaking. A graduate of Miami Dade University’s Film School of Technology, Raphael has over three decades of experience mentoring youth in underserved communities, beginning with his work with the National 100 Black Men program and continuing through school outreach and ministry leadership. He has served as both Children's Ministry and Media Ministry Director at Bethel Full Gospel Baptist Church, where he inspired young people to lead, create, and grow in faith. As Executive Director, Raphael oversees the vision and operations of the foundation’s initiatives like Catch the Vision and R.A.A.W., while helping nonprofits amplify their mission through film. His work is rooted in faith, purpose, and a deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the community.