Vero Beach, FL (January 7, 2021) … Youth Guidance is thrilled to announce that two new members, Trudie Rainone and Carolyn Butler Norton, Esq., have joined its Board of Directors. Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is a non-profit organization that provides one-on-one and group mentoring programs to children ages 5-18 from low-income families in Indian River.
“Trudie and Carolyn bring with them tremendous experience and knowledge that will help us as we continue to grow as an organization,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “In a short time, they have increased community awareness of Youth Guidance and provided strategic direction to further improve programs.”
Trudie Rainone, a loving mother and grandmother, is a passionate advocate for children. She first learned about Youth Guidance as Co-Chair of Quail Valley Charities.
Rainone has an undeniable talent raising money for charitable causes that she believes in. As Co-Chair of Quail Valley Charities, she helped the organization raise more than $8 million to benefit dozens of youth-serving nonprofits in Indian River County. Rainone also is a Board member with Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s Association, Senior Resources Association, and the Senior Collaborative.
“Youth Guidance has been able to accomplish so much despite COVID-19,” Rainone said. “I am proud to be part of an organization that takes action and looks for innovative ways to impact the lives of children in our community.”
Carolyn Butler Norton, Esq., has been involved with Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy for more than 5 years. She mentored a young girl, introducing her to fun and positive activities in the community, including tennis and playing violin with the Gifford Youth Orchestra. Butler Norton is a Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney and has practiced law for more than 35 years.
Also, a loving mother and grandmother, Butler Norton is passionate about youth and seniors. She is a member of numerous professional associations, including the Area Agency on Aging, Indian River Community Service Alliance, and Alzheimer’s & Parkinson Association.
Rainone and Butler Norton are joining the organization’s innovative and committed Board of Directors. The Board provides guidance on carrying out Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy’s mission of enriching the lives of Indian River County youth though mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures.
Youth Guidance is 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. 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. All programs and meals are free for families. The organization serves approximately 250 children every year.
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.