news release

On Monday, November 3rd, Youth Guidance celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its newly renovated facility, located at 1028 20th Place in Vero Beach. The event brought together board members, capital campaign supporters, and community stakeholders who played a vital role in making the organization’s vision a reality.

The celebration marked the completion of Youth Guidance’s facility renovation, an ambitious project designed to expand youth workforce development programs and create a modern, inspiring space for learning and mentorship. This facility, which was the former public library, will serve students in high school to 24 years old. Plans are in the works to designate the site as a Red Cross Reunification Center and Food Vendor in the event of a natural disaster. The building will also serve as Indian River County’s only Center for Child Abuse Prevention Center, or CAP Center, through the National Exchange Club.

Executive Director Phil Barnes and Summit Construction Owner Lincoln Irons both gave remarks during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Today, this building stands a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in our youth and our future,” said Youth Guidance Executive Director Phil Barnes. “With this renovation, we’ve doubled our capacity.”

Approximately 100 guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, now home to a fully-equipped teaching kitchen, construction trades lab, technology lab, audio engineering lab, and multipurpose rooms for tutoring and mentoring. Every room tells the story of Youth Guidance’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and families, providing the tools, training, and support they need to build brighter futures.

“Buckle up, because this is just the beginning,” Barnes said. “The best is yet to come for Youth Guidance.”

Youth Guidance is now hosting tours of its facility. For more information, contact Jen Moore, Director of Development, at jmoore@youthguidanceprogram.org.

About Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy:

Youth Guidance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that build trust, self-esteem, and pathways to academic and career success. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides five key programs to help children, teenagers, and young adults (ages 6-24) break the cycle of poverty, including: the Pathways Afterschool Program, Summer Enrichment Program, Exchange Parent Aide Program, Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and One-on-One Mentoring. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about Youth Guidance, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.