news release

Two groups totaling about 75 adult and teen age volunteers from Kiwanis Youth in Action painted the 6500 s.f. Youth Guidance Center and built a fence and gate for ARC, all on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The larger group painted the Youth Guidance building (formerly the IRC Main Library across from City Hall) three colors, which required close coordination between the 18 groups of three painters each. Kiwanis members helped supervise the groups with two professional painters volunteering to paint the hard-to-reach spots.

At the same time a smaller group of teens with Kiwanis supervision were building a fence and six-foot high gate for ARC, which is located near Vero Beach Elementary School on 16th Avenue.

These projects are typical of the many such activities that Kiwanis YIA performs throughout the year for the benefit of the Vero Beach community and its residents.

Kiwanis is a 100-year-old global service organization based in the US with clubs in 80 countries, all dedicated to improving the lives of children. Kiwanis has served Vero Beach and Indian River County since 1935. For more information on our activities, members and membership information, visit our website at www.verokiwanis.com or call Robi Robinson at (772) 460-092.                     

The Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast was established in 1973. Its mission in our community is to help support children’s education, activities and charities. Besides scholarships, our club actively sponsors Key Clubs in Vero Beach High School and Indian River County Charter High School. We also conduct community service work days involving Key Clubbers, have sponsored the Annual Take A Kid Fishing Tournament since 1991 and Youth In Action since 1998.

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. The children complete virtual school from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They engage in group mentoring programs, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., 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.