Although the sold-out crowd initially shivered by the pool in their tropical apparel at the 48th annual Tropical Night Luau as blustery gusts blew in off the lagoon, the broad smiles on the faces of the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy children and an inspiring speech by a graduate of its Pre-Apprenticeship program clearly warmed the cockles of their hearts, turning the event into the nonprofit’s most successful fundraiser to date.
Once inside the Quail Valley River Club, where guests enjoyed a delicious Hawaiian-style dinner, Phil Barnes, YG executive director, spoke about the recent official opening of their newly renovated state-of-the art facility, which he said will provide hands-on experiences and real-world career opportunities for middle school, teenagers and young adults.
“We will soon be able to double our capacity and build upon our successes,” said Barnes, noting that three-quarters of their construction pre-apprenticeship graduates have secured full-time employment or are enrolled in trade school.
Certified teachers work with younger children every day after school, which in the 2024-25 school year led to 100 percent advancing to the next grade level on time, and 91 percent achieving at least 90 percent or higher attendance.
Additionally, Barnes said, Youth Guidance is now an AAA accredited Child Abuse Prevention Center, the only one in Indian River County, and is part of a network of agencies across the country working to keep families safe and productive.
Barnes credited the generosity of donors, sponsors and friends for believing in their mission, inspiring their dedicated staff and board members, and improving the lives of the young people that they serve.
John Wright, a graduate of the Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program, shared a little about his personal journey, saying that only a year ago, he wasn’t sure where he was headed.
Although he knew he wanted an opportunity to build a lasting skill, he didn’t feel he had the tools, connections or confidence to take that first step. Today, though, he is employed full-time as an apprentice and is on a solid career path toward becoming an electrician.
“From day one, this program gave me structure, training and support. More than that, it gave me belief in myself. I learned not just how to work with my hands, but how to show up, stay focused, and be part of a team,” said Wright.
He added that he learned success comes from what you’re willing to learn and how hard you’re willing to work, rather than from where you start.
He expressed appreciation, on behalf of all the other students and graduates, to the instructors, mentors and especially the donors, whose generosity funded the tools, equipment and staff.
“But more than that, you invested in people. You gave us a chance to grow into professionals, to provide for our families, and to contribute to our communities with pride,” said Wright.
“When you support programs like this, you’re not just funding education, you’re fueling transformation.
“You’re helping people like me move from uncertainty to stability, from potential to purpose,” said Wright, noting that each graduates’ success is an example to others.
“Thank you for believing in us, for investing in our futures, and for giving us the opportunity to prove what we’re capable of.
“I’m walking into the next chapter of my career with pride, confidence and gratitude, and that’s because of you,” said Wright.
“That’s why I do what I do, and that’s why you give what you give,” said James Buttonow, Construction Trades director, choked with emotion.
Buttonow said that because of the expansion they now have 22 students each in their Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday classes and are poised to graduate 44 students, more than double the 16 who graduated last year.
Youth Guidance will operate out of two sites in the long-term, for now, with programs for sixth grade to high school and beyond, including construction trades, culinary arts, and other in-demand trades taking place at the new facility, and kindergarten to fifth grade programs occurring at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.
For more information, visit YouthGuidanceProgram.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
