news release

Recently, Kiwanis Youth in Action volunteers sealed and prepared the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy building for painting. They also did a great job improving the landscaping around the 59-year-old building. Kiwanis Youth in Action provides teens 8th grade and older and adults the opportunity to take a day to serve the local communities.

Chairman of Kiwanis Youth in Action and Past Kiwanis Club president, Richard Schlitt of Schlitt Brothers Painting, began by pressure washing the Youth Guidance building! The following day, he and a large group of Youth in Action volunteers sealed the building and prepared it for painting on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

“Richard’s father painted the building many years ago when it was the brand-new Vero Beach Library,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “Now, Richard and the Kiwanis Youth in Action group are beautifying it once again for Youth Guidance!”

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 children 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.