Vero Beach, FL (January 29, 2021) …On behalf of the Indian River County Community Foundation, Jeff Pickering, Chief Executive Officer presented a $30,000 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. Jeff also took a tour of the building and learned of the many free programs offered for low-income children at Youth Guidance.
“We are so grateful for the generous support from the Indian River Community Foundation,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “This will help us continue our programs to help children break the cycle of poverty and become contributing members to the Indian River County community.”
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.
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 serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families.
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.
About the Indian River Community Foundation
Indian River Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit grantmaking foundation with a powerfully simple mission of building a better community through donor-driven philanthropy. The Foundation is in business primarily to help individuals and families to organize and carry out their charitable giving, and to partner with these generous donors to create and leave a charitable legacy. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 2008, the Foundation’s community of donors has grown to hold more than 186 named funds with assets of approximately $75 million. Altogether, the Foundation’s donors have granted more than $71 million from these named funds to support charitable organizations locally and across the country. With a cumulative impact of $60 million, Indian River Community Foundation is one of the fastest growing new community foundations in the country, and one of the most active grantmaking community foundations in the state of Florida. The Foundation has quickly become known as one of the most knowledgeable philanthropic resources locally. To learn more about the Indian River Community Foundation go to donorservices@ircommunityfoundation.org or call 772.205.2977.