Vero Beach, FL (December 13, 2019) — Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is launching a fundraising campaign to improve its facilities and expand its capacity. The Indian River County, non-profit organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of underprivileged children, from low-income families through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem and positive futures
Youth Guidance purchased its building from Indian River County in 2017. The 58-year-old building has served our community children well, as the original Vero Beach Library and then the Indian River County and Youth Guidance offices. But now, the building has deteriorated, and its layout no longer works to adequately serve Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy programs. In addition, the weathered building condition creates constant maintenance problems, often forcing relocation of programs.
“Our biggest concern is the building’s layout and condition,” said Felix Cruz, Executive Director. “The rooms are cramped; the building is dilapidated, and the building’s condition fails to help our children dream of a positive future.”
“Due to limited and insufficiently configured classroom space, Youth Guidance must limit the number of children who can be placed in programs,” continued Cruz. “The lack of space means we have waiting lists for many programs. Without the space to accommodate them, and the staff to serve them, children are left out or forced to wait months for the program of their choice.”
Youth Guidance is looking to raise $1 million dollars to improve its facility, to serve more children per year and improve the environment where our children learn and play. The organization is moving forward to raise funds to: replace its aging roof, replace the malfunctioning HVAC system, optimize and expand program spaces, provide a teaching kitchen, purchase hurricane shutters or impact windows, install a security system/cameras, build a multipurpose room, install privacy fencing, provide an outdoor basketball/play area, repair and paint the building exterior and interior.
Youth Guidance works with kindergarten-12th grade children. Programs are all free and children are provided with a nutritious meal before evening programs. The Youth Guidance children are all from low income homes, who without guidance, may remain trapped in a cycle of generational poverty, dimming their hopes for the future. With direction from its staff, mentors and volunteers, these children can experience a path toward a brighter future.
Funds from the “Shaping Brighter Futures Building Campaign” will make a difference in the lives of these children. It will help Youth Guidance fulfill its mission of mentoring children and helping them find their way out of poverty.
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