VERO BEACH – Children’s Home Society of Florida Treasure Coast Division (CHS) is giving at-risk children from the community a better chance at succeeding in reading and math through their inaugural Summer Tutoring Program. Thirty-six children and youth, ages 11-17, particularly those most at risk of not succeeding in school or finishing high school, are participating. Conceived and organized by CHS’s Indian River County Board Chair, Marta Schneider, this program provides private tutoring – something these children may never receive – and may be just what they need to achieve in life, school and future employment. Six certified teachers from Indian River and Palm Beach counties, with specialties in GED education and inner city school districts, are leading the sessions. The program is currently taking place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Street in Vero Beach through July 22, every Monday – Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Through the contributions of Quail Valley Foundation, Orchid Island Rotary Club, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Golub, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Ball, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schneider and Mr. and Mrs. Toby Hill, CHS was able to raise $20,500 needed to support this first year’s program. Upcoming speakers include: Vinnie Parentela of Goldcoast Landscape Lighting, John Colontrelle, Barker Heating & Cooling, Space Coast Radio’s- DJ’s Hamp and Katie, Tony Donadio and Dave Hunter, Architect/Builder, John Klock, mechanic, and Wanda Lincoln, Teacher and Chair of Quail Valley Board. Graduation is set for July 22 and it will feature the IRC Sherriff’s Department and their K9 unit. Tuesday’s speaker, Attorney Holly Mantle of the Law Offices of Mantle & Vanhoose, P.A. asked of the children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A veterinarian, a psychologist, a basketball player, an engineer, a marine biologist, a lawyer, a policeman” were all heard throughout the room. “It’s good to have goals, set goals, and go to school. Anybody can do it. It is definitely do-able,” said Ms. Mantle. INFORMATION: (772) 489-5601 or visit www.chsfl.org.
