Vero Beach, Florida, recently celebrated a significant milestone for youth development and community resilience with the grand reopening of the Youth Guidance facility. On Monday, Nov. 3, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of an ambitious renovation project designed to expand crucial youth workforce development programs and create a modern, inspiring environment for learning and mentorship within Indian River County.
The newly revitalized facility, located at 1028 20th Place in Vero Beach, was once the beloved public library, now repurposed to serve high school students up to 24 years old. This strategic transformation goes beyond traditional education, aiming to equip young individuals with vital skills for future success. The event drew together a host of supporters, including dedicated board members, capital campaign contributors, and various community stakeholders, all instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition.
Beyond its primary educational role, the facility is poised to become a cornerstone of community support and preparedness for Indian River County.
The renovated Youth Guidance building will not only expand youth workforce development but also serve as a designated Red Cross reunification center and food vendor during natural disasters, and function as Indian River County’s only Center for Child Abuse Prevention (CAP Center) through the National Exchange Club.
During the ceremony, impactful remarks were delivered by Executive Director Phil Barnes and Summit Construction owner Lincoln Irons. Barnes emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement, stating, “Today, this building stands a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in our youth and our future. With this renovation, we’ve doubled our capacity.”
Approximately 100 guests were welcomed to tour the state-of-the-art facility, which now boasts an array of specialized learning environments. These include a fully-equipped teaching kitchen, a practical construction trades lab, an advanced technology lab, and an innovative audio engineering lab. Additionally, multipurpose rooms are available for tutoring and mentoring sessions, all designed to underscore Youth Guidance’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people and their families. Each space within the building is a testament to providing the necessary tools, training, and support to foster brighter futures.
Barnes concluded the celebration with an optimistic outlook for the organization’s future, declaring, “Buckle up, because this is just the beginning. The best is yet to come for Youth Guidance.”
Youth Guidance is now offering tours of its impressive new facility. For those interested in learning more or scheduling a visit, contact Jen Moore, director of development, at jmoore@youthguidanceprogram.org. This revitalized center represents a powerful investment in the youth and the overall well-being of the Vero Beach and wider Indian River County community.
