GIFFORD, FL — Tuesday, September 5, 2023 — Two loyal board members recently transitioned off the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s (GYAC) Board of Directors after six years of dedicated service. Float Hope founder, Jeff Powers, and local attorney Dane Ullian, a partner with Gould Cooksey Fennell, both began their terms in 2017. Powers provided valuable insight on fundraising best practices while serving on the Development Committee, and Ullian lent his legal expertise to board governance.
“GYAC is forever grateful for its partnership with Float Hope,” stated Angelia Perry, GYAC’s executive director. The organization, started by Powers in 2017, has helped teach hundreds of underserved children how to swim. “GYAC is blessed to have a passionate group of board members who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to move forward GYAC’s mission to create, with God’s guidance, educational, social and cultural opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families we serve.”
“As a board member, Mr. Powers always looked for innovative ways to ensure that our community’s children were always in the forefront,” remarked Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long, GYAC’s board chair. Powers was enthusiastic and his organization, Float Hope, which gives community children an opportunity to learn to swim and be informed about water safety, was well received in the community and by GYAC’s students. “Jeff worked diligently to enhance the lives of the participants and helped to meet the financial needs to participate as well. His vibrant attitude and approach to life will be missed. I know he will continue to enrich the lives of children through his program,” said Dr. Taylor-Long.
Ullian helped revise GYAC’s bylaws, arranged for a donation of reading books to GYAC students through an organization with which he is affiliated, and was an advocate of GYAC’s academic afterschool and summer programs.
Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long had this to say about Ullian’s time on the board, “As a board member, Mr. Ullian provided GYAC with a unique perspective on legal issues concerning board governance. He kept us informed and was always willing to lend his expert services for the good of the Board. Whenever he spoke, it was with absolute certainty that the Board would listen, adhere to, and move on his suggestions. Dane’s presence on our Board was much needed, and he will be sorely missed.”
About GYAC
Gifford Youth Achievement Center, a 501(c)(3), opened its doors in 1998 on a mission to enhance the academic experience of underserved youth in Indian River County. Twenty-five years later, GYAC continues to offer year-round educational programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, GYAC provides activities for adults and seniors. The Center also hosts job fairs, health clinics, community gatherings and serves as an information hub for those in need of services.
