IRCF Awards Youth Guidance $100,000

Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem and positive futures. Through one-on-one and group mentoring programs, Youth Guidance helps children graduate from high school, build vocational and life skills, and secure meaningful careers to break the cycle of poverty.

Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded Youth Guidance $100,000 to complete the renovation of their building, the historic library in Vero Beach. The renovated facility will accommodate 80 students daily and will transform the maze of cramped offices into a state-of-the-art center for workforce development and a community hub of learning and innovation. Key components of the renovation include a commercial teaching kitchen, a construction trades lab, a multimedia room, a technology lab, a fashion design studio, and an emergency shelter that will serve the public during natural disasters.

This project is truly an investment in the future of our youth and workforce. The renovated facility will provide unprecedented opportunities for young people to develop real-world skills, earn industry certifications, receive mentorship from professionals in the field, and ultimately secure meaningful careers to break the cycle of poverty.

Indian River Community Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking is aligned with a vision of a more healthy, prosperous, and generous Indian River County community. Grantmaking priorities are informed by the findings of the most recent community needs assessment and the most current data and information collected on Indian River Indicators. 

IRCF is holding informational sessions for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Indian River County who are interested in applying for a competitive grant. If interested, please call 772.492.1407 or email Brooke Sauserman to reserve your spot. Please read our Guidelines before registering.