Of the 15,000 veterans living in Indian River County: 88% are age 65+, 34% are disabled, 24% are unemployed, and 5% live in poverty. One of the many programs at the Veteran's Council of Indian River County, Veterans Helping Veterans, provides home improvement repairs for...

Place of Hope is a faith-based, state licensed children and families organization offering housing and support services designed to end the cycles of abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty, and human trafficking.  Since its inception in 2001, Place of Hope has served over 20,000 children, youth and...

In partnership with Vero Beach Magazine, Indian River Community Foundation’s President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, writes a monthly column called Indian River Insights. These articles explore the root causes of community needs, celebrate successes, analyze meaningful solutions, and offer insights into persistent challenges. In the...

In partnership with Vero Beach Magazine, Indian River Community Foundation’s President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, writes a monthly column called Indian River Insights. These articles explore the root causes of community needs, celebrate successes, analyze meaningful solutions, and offer insights into persistent challenges. In the...

The Education Foundation of Indian River County sponsors STEP (Summer Transition Enrichment Program) into Kindergarten, a free four-week summer experience for 4 and 5 year old children. The primary goal of this program is to prepare children for Kindergarten success by providing pre-reading, math and...

Pictured from left to right: Renee Bireley, Development Manager; Vania Bartee, Children's Coordinator; Vanessa McGriff, Operations Manager; Kris Rivera, CCPBD Operations Director. The Samaritan Center provides transitional housing and guidance to homeless families in Indian River County and prepares them to live independently. The average length of stay is 6-9 months....

According to Indian River Indicators, 11.9% of adults in Indian River County are veterans, compared to 8.6% of all adults in Florida. As many as 30% of veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dogs for Life is devoted to improving the quality of...

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) endeavors to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action, and community education and outreach. ORCA is committed to returning the Indian River Lagoon to a vibrant,...

In partnership with Vero Beach Magazine, Indian River Community Foundation’s President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, writes a monthly column called Indian River Insights. These articles explore the root causes of community needs, celebrate successes, analyze meaningful solutions, and offer insights into persistent challenges. In the...

Children's Home Society (CHS) builds bridges to success for children in order to achieve a world where children realize their full potential. Based on the 2020 HUD Point In Time Count, on any given night in IRC, 342 individuals are homeless. 36% of them or...