news release

Youth Guidance is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from Shoes From Susan, making it possible to purchase 108 pairs of new shoes for 95 students in preparation for the summer season.

On April 16th and April 23rd, Youth Guidance students visited Rack Room Shoes at the Vero Beach Outlets, where each student had the opportunity to choose a brand-new pair of shoes that fit both their needs and personal style. The experience offered more than essential footwear; it gave students the dignity, confidence, and excitement of selecting something that was truly their own.

For more than three years, Youth Guidance has been honored to partner with Shoes From Susan, whose mission is to provide dignity and freedom to children in need by allowing them to select their own new shoes in-store.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Shoes From Susan, our students are stepping into summer feeling confident, prepared, and cared for,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director. “This partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we serve, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.”

By allowing students to visit the store and make their own selections, the experience also reinforces inclusion and independence, values central to both organizations’ missions. Shoes From Susan was founded on the belief that every child deserves to feel empowered through choice and access to essentials.

Through this partnership, Youth Guidance and Shoes From Susan continue to ensure that local students have the resources they need to thrive, one step at a time.

About Youth Guidance:

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.

About Shoes From Susan:

Shoes From Susan is a field-of-interest fund of The Community Foundation Martin–St. Lucie dedicated to restoring dignity and opportunity for children living in poverty by providing them with the chance to select their own new, properly fitted shoes in a retail setting. Their mission centers on empowering youth through choice, inclusion, and confidence-building, with giving priorities focused on supporting underserved children and families, particularly school-aged youth in need of essential footwear that promotes both physical well-being and self-esteem. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about Shoes From Susan, visit www.shoesfromsusan.com. Any dollar received up until May 31st will be allocated to Youth Guidance.