The Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy recently completed a complete overhaul of its 8,600-square-foot facility, something that would not have been possible without contributions from generous donors.
At a cocktail reception for top-level donors at Quail Valley at the Pointe, Phil Barnes, YG executive director, provided an update on the reconstruction and conveyed his sincere appreciation for their dedication and support.
“Last year we served 210 children, teenagers and young adults, ages 6 to 24, helping them break through barriers and reach their full potential,” said Barnes.
“Thanks to your partnership, 100 percent of our children advanced to the next grade level on time this past school year. Children access opportunities and programs that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do. These include cooking and etiquette, sewing, carpentry programs, drone flying courses, scholarship opportunities, college tours and paid internships.”
Additionally, 16 graduates of their pre-apprenticeship skilled trades program are now employed in the trade sector and are on the path to success with rewarding, high-paying jobs.
When Barnes began working at Youth Guidance in March 2020, the world began to shut down, so remodeling the 65-year-old building was put on hold.
“Almost five years later I’m thrilled to share with you that we’ve raised $2.1 million out of our $2.4 million goal for the project,” said Barnes.
The state-of-the-art facility features a commercial kitchen for culinary arts training, a lab for construction trades, a classroom for upholstery and fashion design, and multi-purpose rooms for life skills and career preparation. It will also enable them to serve double the number of students.
“As partners and significant investors in our mission, you’ve made our vision a reality,” said Barnes.
He also acknowledged the assistance provided by St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, which offered space during the reconstruction.
Trudie Rainone, a board member and longtime supporter, commended Barnes, punctuating that despite coming on at the onset of the pandemic, he skillfully addressed its many challenges and has continued to expertly lead the organization.
“I think you, as a leader, have what’s necessary,” said Rainone.
“It takes a village. That sounds cliche, but it’s the truth. We’re all in it together, and we’re making an impact. So thank you so much,” said Barnes.
A couple of weeks after the donor reception, 300 spectators gathered at the Boulevard Tennis Club for what Barnes described as the largest and most exciting finals of the 30th annual King of the Hill Tennis Tournament.
Tennis players from throughout the Treasure Coast competed in the six-week competition established in 1996 by tournament director Gigi Casapu, a longtime supporter of Youth Guidance.
After an opening rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by YG student Nina P., the winner of the annual Gigi Casapu Scholarship was announced. The recipient, Dominic S., an A/B Honor Roll student at Indian River Charter High School, was selected based on his essay and an interview with a panel of judges.
The competing players in the Open Division Finals were Chase Perez Blanco, Andrew Butz, Yohann Prinsen and Samuel Sippel. Sippel earned the needed points to win the match, with Blanco as the runner-up.
They each received a wild card in the doubles draw for the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tournament, a Professional USTA $15,000 event scheduled to take place May 4-10 at the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club.
For more information, visit YouthGuidanceProgram.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
