news release

The TD Charitable Foundation recently awarded Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy a grant for $5,000. These funds enabled Youth Guidance to continue its all-day Learning Center throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

The Learning Center provided children in need with virtual school assistance, evening group mentoring programs, and up to three meals a day. Group mentoring programs included bicycle repair, boat mechanics, gardening, cosmetology, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Approximately 150 low-income children ages 5-18 benefitted from the program.  

“In the midst of COVID-19, we discovered that our children were falling behind in virtual school due to poor Internet access and a lack of adult supervision,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “We decided to open our doors nearly 12 hours a day to accommodate these children and get them the supports they needed. We called this initiative our Learning Center. We are tremendously grateful to the TD Charitable Foundation for helping us to continue this vital program.”

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 with limited resources from Kindergarten through 12^th grade. Children receive healthy meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs that include cooking, sewing, trade skills, life skills, S.T.E.A.M, tutoring, community service, and more. If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.        

About the TD Charitable Foundation

The TD Charitable Foundation (TDCF) is dedicated to supporting, respecting, and improving the quality of life in the diverse communities where we live and do business. TDCF is committed to improving the access to safe, clean affordable housing, economic development, educational opportunities for community members, and the provision of basic human needs when otherwise unattainable. TDCF fosters and creates collaborative opportunities that bring community partners together for the enrichment of communities where we live and serve. The thoughtful and meaningful disbursement of TDCF funds work to serve as a catalyst for the betterment of our local communities.