Trudie Rainone and Philip Barnes [Photo: Kaila Jones]

Children enrolled in the current semester of the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy gathered recently with their families – outside this year – for their annual End-of-Year Celebration.

“The children made their lists and Jenna (Thompson, family services specialist) checked it twice,” said Sue Hunt, public relations specialist, adding that group leader Leslie Mussen had organized the evening’s festivities. “All the kids are getting gifts, which is really wonderful.”

“Santa definitely showed up this year, however he could not be here in person due to COVID,” Holly Forde, assistant executive director, told the crowd. “He is working overtime to get everybody else their presents.”

“They filled out their top three requests and, just depending on the price, we tried to equal it out amongst all the kids,” said Phil Barnes, executive director. Funding was provided by the Exchange Club of Vero Beach, Target, Victoria’s Secret and individual donors.

“This doubles as our signup for next semester,” said Barnes. “We give our kids who were active this past semester the first chance to sign up, and then we’ll reach out and connect with others who might be new to the program. So, it’s a good way to give our kids who are committed a first chance to sign up.”

He explained that because of the coronavirus, they are still not at full capacity. The number of enrollees has been limited to 50 students; half in the morning and half in the afternoon.

“It’s important to have this celebration, because this hasn’t been a great year for a lot of our kids,” said Barnes. “Community support has been outstanding. We have incredible board support, and we have a really solid staff. Everyone makes it work.”

Board members Kevin Moree and Trudie Rainone, in turn, had nothing but high praise for Barnes.

“This is not a job for Phil; it’s a passion,” said Moree.

They added that Barnes had started in the position just one week before the coronavirus hit in March. Despite the tumultuous year, he has instituted several new collaborative programs in areas that teach life skills, and an academic enrichment program that teaches children how to learn.

“He’s amazing; he’s absolutely fabulous. We’re really lucky to have him,” said Rainone, adding with a laugh, “It starts from the top. If the top stinks, everything else is bad. If the top is great, it’s wonderful!”