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...

As a major predictor of future earnings, life expectancy, and health outcomes, educational attainment affects more than students and families. At higher levels of education, we have greater opportunities for jobs that pay a living wage, offer health insurance, and pay for more than just the basics...

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...

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....