Weekly Insights: Gifford Youth Orchestra

In Indian River County, 17% of children live below the poverty level. Utilizing music and the performing arts as tools, Gifford Youth Orchestra (GYO) strives to empower children to change the trajectory of their lives from poverty to success and help them become productive members of both their community and the larger community.

"The arts provide not only support for kids but expression and opportunities," GYO Executive Director Casey Lunceford states. "They need an outlet."

Gifford Youth Orchestra provides education, experience, and training in various cultural and performing arts, including music, drama, dance, and the vocal arts for the youth of Gifford, Florida and neighboring communities with a core focus on mastering stringed instruments. Their program prepares children to become better students, value citizenship as active agents in the community, build healthy social skills, develop positive relationships with peers, parents and teachers, and other adults, and gain confidence and self-esteem.

Weekly Insights works in conjunction with Indian River Indicators. Indian River Indicators was launched in June 2021 and originated after the completion of the 2019 Indian River Community Needs Assessment. It provides key data and information about our community that is updated annually and can be used to support and sustain proven programs. It can also be used by community leaders to develop policy, promote promising practices and inspire innovation that can lead to solutions to persistent community challenges.

To learn more visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org and click “Indian River Indicators” or contact a member of the Community Foundation’s team at 772.492.1407.

_{Photos by Carly Lenhardt}