Vero Beach, FL (February 16, 2021) … On behalf of the Jake Owen Foundation, his brother Jarrod Owen, delivered a check for $15,000 to Youth Guidance. For many years, Country Music star, Jake Owen and his family, Vero Beach residents, have been supporters of Youth Guidance. While at Youth Guidance, Jarrod got to know a few of the kids and learned of the many free programs the organization offers for low-income children.
Born and raised in Vero Beach, Jake Owen has not forgotten his hometown. His Foundation has helped various Indian River County youth organizations, including Youth Guidance, for years.
“We are so grateful for the continued support from the Jake Owen Foundation,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “We have seen the needs of our children increase dramatically during the pandemic, and this generous donation will help us continue our programs to help children stay safe and learning so they can break the cycle of poverty.”
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. Children receive daily meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs that include cooking, sewing, trade skills, life skills, S.T.E.A.M, tutoring, community service, and more. If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
About the Jake Owen Foundation
The Jake Owen Foundation was established in 2010 as a registered 501 (C) 3 private nonprofit foundation through the vision and effort by Jake Owen initially to offer financial support on a national level to children battling cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. He has also been providing assistance to various youth organizations and charities in Owen’s hometown of Vero Beach, Florida and surrounding Indian River County.
Today, the Jake Owen Foundation is proud to be able to expand its mission of helping people in the places they call home, all while supporting the beneficiaries who have been a part of the Foundation since its inception. Our helping hands are able to reach out anywhere and everywhere to make a difference — raising funds through private donations, brand partnerships, and special events assisting child and youth programs, education, healthcare, fitness, nutrition, enrichment, and crisis care. By supporting organizations and charitable partners everywhere, the Jake Owen Foundation is evolving into a national charity, with a local approach. To date, the Jake Owen Foundation has raised more than $3 million dollars for charitable causes and for other nonprofit organizations.