According to the Florida Department of Education, there were approximately 423 homeless students in Indian River County in the 2020-2021 school year. In 2015, the Homeless Children's Foundation (HCF) was created to provide sensible solutions for homeless families without duplicating existing services. Their mission is...

According to the CDC, 17.7% of adults in Indian River County have diagnosed depression. In addition, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. Mental Health Collaborative's mission is to is to establish a continuum of care for mental health made up...

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...

According to the Florida Department of Education, over 18,000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade are enrolled in school in Indian River County. Participating in school is the foundation of our children and youth. It is a way for students to gain new skills and...

Approximately 10% of people in Indian River County live below the Federal Poverty line. United Against Poverty (UP) strives to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency. UP serves those in poverty by providing crisis care,...

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...

Approximately 5.5% of youth (ages 16-19) are neither working nor in school. Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) helps keep youth connected to our community by inspiring them to discover untapped talents and possibilities through educational, cultural, and social opportunities. GYAC's new Youth Employability Program is...

According to the Treasure Coast Homeless Service Council, there are approximately 225 total homeless adults in Indian River County. Established in 2014, Camp Haven is the only transformational shelter for homeless and at-risk men of Indian River County. Camp Haven teaches the men to get...

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...