Nathan Suranofsky, Mardy Fish Foundation’s Program Director presented a $6,768 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy for the health, fitness, and nutrition component of its programs.
“Mardy Fish has been providing assistance to various youth organizations, including Youth Guidance for many years,” said Nathan Suranofsky. “Our mission is to provide children, particularly underserved minorities, with the opportunity to participate in safe and impactful fitness, nutritional, and enrichment programs empowering them to live healthy and productive lives.
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families. Programs are free and children are provided with three meals a day.
The grant from the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation will help fund healthy cooking and nutrition classes as well as recreational activities, including pickleball, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, rugby, boxing, karate, and other physical activities.
“We are grateful to the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation for helping our children stay active and healthy,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “At Youth Guidance we believe in a sound mind in a sound body. Regular exercise helps children do better in school and develops character traits that transfer over to other aspects of their life.”
Youth Guidance is currently open all day, providing a safe place where students receive three meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the kids complete virtual school under the supervision of experienced Youth Guidance staff and tutors from Big Brothers Big Sisters. From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., they engage in group mentoring programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), life skills, recreational activities, and vocational training.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy or making a donation, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.