Vero Beach, FL (September 30th, 2025) – On Friday, September 26th, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy officially became an accredited Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Center through the National Exchange Club. Youth Guidance received a “AAA” rating – the highest rating possible – indicating that the agency meets or exceeds all the Exchange Club’s standards for program quality, effectiveness, and operational practices.
Youth Guidance is the only CAP Center in Indian River County and has joined a network of 65 accredited centers across 22 states.
As part of its CAP Center, Youth Guidance facilitates the evidence-based Exchange Parent Aide Program.
Through weekly visits and personalized coaching from a trained parent aide, the program equips parents and caregivers with the tools and support needed to build safe, nurturing homes for their children.
In October of 2025, Youth Guidance will complete renovations to its main facility in downtown Vero Beach at 1028 20th Place. In addition to serving as a hub for youth workforce development, the renovated space will also be used to facilitate parent workshops with the goal of growing the Exchange Parent Aide program.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this honor from the National Exchange Club,” said Youth Guidance Executive Director Phil Barnes. “Our team has been working hard for over a year to achieve this designation. We are looking forward to expanding our Parent Aide program and other initiatives to best serve Indian River County youth.”
About Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy:
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that build trust, self-esteem, and pathways to academic and career success. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides five key programs to help children, teenagers, and young adults (ages 6-24) break the cycle of poverty, including: the Pathways Afterschool Program, Summer Enrichment Program, Exchange Parent Aide Program, Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and One-on-One Mentoring. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
