news release

Members of the Head, Heart and Hands (HHH) of Indian River Club recently awarded Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy a grant for $11,000. These funds will enable Youth Guidance to help low-income children develop life skills, trade skills and self-confidence to lead successful adult lives. The grant funds will be directed toward students who reside in South County, including Oslo and the Highlands.

“We have met with the owners of local businesses and there remains a huge demand for qualified workers within the trades. These are lucrative careers that do not require a college education,” said Phil Barnes Executive Director. “Our vocational program is designed to help students build job skills so that they may break the cycle of poverty and secure meaningful careers after graduating from high school.”

The HHH grant will help implement programs at Youth Guidance such as: Boat Mechanics, Gardening/Agriculture, Bicycle Repair, Job Coaching, and Resume Writing. These activities will be offered in conjunction with partners in the community.

Youth Guidance is open all day, providing a safe place where students receive three meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the kids complete virtual school. From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., they engage in group mentoring programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), life skills, recreational activities, and vocational.

training. All programs and meals are free for families. The organization serves approximately 250 children every year.

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. Founded in 1973,

Youth Guidance serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families. Children receive daily meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs.  If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call 772-492-3933 or visit our website at youthguidanceprogram.org.        

About Head, Heart and HandsThe Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club (HHH) was established in 2013 and is run by its own Board of Directors who manage not only the overall strategy of the program but also develops and implements specialized activities focused on the needs of the Treasure Coast community with a primary focus on south county.

 If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.