Following a monthlong delay caused by the recent tornadoes’ devastation, it was a particularly jubilant crowd that gathered at a beautifully restored Quail Valley River Club for the 47th annual Tropical Night Luau to benefit the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy.
Guests gathered poolside for cocktails, where they enjoyed meeting enrollees in some of the numerous YG programs, all of which are free to participants thanks to YG supporters.
Jahzara was busily preparing delicious ahi tuna nachos, a skill she learned in the Culinary Program, and Kadi, who has been in the Sewing Program for the past three years, proudly modeled a skirt she made.
Isabella and Kavion, participants in the Teachers in Training partnership with the Learning Alliance, explained that they provide after-school mentoring to students at Citrus and Vero Beach Elementary schools. And, through a partnership with Float Hope, two young swimmers displayed their skills in a freestyle race that ended in an almost dead heat.
Following an entertaining performance by Hiti Mahana Polynesia, guests moved inside to enjoy a delicious dinner, and Phil Barnes, YG executive director, spoke about their plans for the future.
“Walk through the doors of Youth Guidance and you will find a certified special education teacher helping children struggling with reading and math. You’ll find teenagers, learning how to interview for their first job. You will witness young adults earning certifications to start their careers in the trade sector,” said Barnes.
He explained that programs are currently taking place at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, until their entirely renovated facility is completed, hopefully, by May 2025.
“Our capacity will double and we will have access to a state-of-the-art commercial teaching kitchen, a workshop, emerging technologies lab, a sewing and upholstery studio, a tutoring wing and other amenities that will open up new opportunities and career pathways for our students,” said Barnes, adding that the facility will serve as a Center for Child Abuse Prevention through the National Exchange Club.
Barnes said that while their original $1.5 million goal has been met, they decided to also invest in upgrades such as a generator and impact windows so that it may serve as a hurricane shelter. As a result, he said they need to raise an additional $500,000 to remain debt free.
“In the meantime, construction has started on the facility and we can’t wait to get into the new space. In closing, I want to thank everyone here tonight for being our partner in transforming lives. Your support is invaluable. It gives our youth hope, safety and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Thank you all,” said Barnes.
Joseph Harrington spoke about the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, where currently 22 students, ages 17 to 24, are learning skills in the construction trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, electric, welding and HVAC.
“When I entered the pre-apprenticeship program, I was a new father,” said Harrington, adding that after assisting him to receive professional certifications, Youth Guidance helped him to find a job and begin his career.
“Now I’m a third-year apprentice who aces every test. In the next few years I’m wanting to be a journeyman electrician and eventually pursue a degree for electrical engineering,” said Harrington.
“If this program has helped provide the clarity and success in my life that it has, then the potential to help others is limitless.”
For more information, visit YouthGuidanceProgram.org.