Gifford Youth Achievement Center Youth Programs
Gifford Youth Activity Center, 4875 43rd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32967
About
Gifford Youth Achievement Center Youth Programs offers year-round educational programs for students in grades K–12. The programs take place in a 38,000 square foot facility that includes classrooms, two computer labs, an outdoor patio, and a full-size gymnasium. The center also runs an Afterschool Program with 243 students enrolled, the Boys 2 Men 2 Greatness mentoring program, and the Youth Employability Program (YEP) for high school students, and it has the Cis and Bill Glavin Educational Center with eight classrooms and four offices.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 1998, the organization held its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 1997, opened its original 18,000 square foot facility on February 15, 1998, and renamed itself the Gifford Youth Achievement Center in 2015. February 15, 2023 marked GYAC’s official 25th anniversary. GYAC’s mission is to create, with God’s guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS; Director of Youth Programs Curtis Webb; Director of Student Support Services Denise Smith, Ed.D.; Director of Youth Employability Program Jay Lundy, Sr.; Director of Adult Programs & Services Theresa Baxter; Director of Philanthropy Peggy Gibbs, CFRE; Director of Finance Mike Hallenstein, MSDA; and Director of Public Relations & Facilities Operations Freddie Woolfork. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson (Chairman Emeritus and Founder), Dr. William “Bill” Nigh (1949–2001, Founder), and Dan K. Richardson (1919–2014, Founder), along with board officers and trustees such as Chairman Todd Fennell, Vice Chairman Scott Alexander, Secretary Patti Glavin O’Mara, Treasurer Ken Mindt, Chairwoman Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long, Vice Chairman Dave Taylor, and multiple directors and trustees.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including a partnership with Indian River State College (formerly Indian River Community College) to create the Kellogg Academic Program for Success (KAPS). The Youth Employability Program (YEP) creates career development and internship opportunities for high school students in partnership with local employers. The center was selected to participate in a NASA Downlink, which allowed students to receive live feedback from astronauts aboard the International Space Station. GYAC received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush, and KAPS won the Equity Award after its first year.
Parents and students have shared feedback about the programs. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, said, “I cannot speak enough about the support from GYAC. I’m a single parent, and it’s hard. The homework help alone is huge. As a parent, I’m forever grateful.” Another parent, Chantral Warner, said, “I’ve never seen a program like this, and I pray that GYAC is here forever. They are truly setting children up for greatness!” An 8th grade student, Tyjah W. from Oslo Middle School, said, “GYAC helps students strive for academic excellence, respect and community involvement. They help students find their talents and excel at them.”
Last updated February 15, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 1998, the organization held its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 1997, opened its original 18,000 square foot facility on February 15, 1998, and renamed itself the Gifford Youth Achievement Center in 2015. February 15, 2023 marked GYAC’s official 25th anniversary. GYAC’s mission is to create, with God’s guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS; Director of Youth Programs Curtis Webb; Director of Student Support Services Denise Smith, Ed.D.; Director of Youth Employability Program Jay Lundy, Sr.; Director of Adult Programs & Services Theresa Baxter; Director of Philanthropy Peggy Gibbs, CFRE; Director of Finance Mike Hallenstein, MSDA; and Director of Public Relations & Facilities Operations Freddie Woolfork. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson (Chairman Emeritus and Founder), Dr. William “Bill” Nigh (1949–2001, Founder), and Dan K. Richardson (1919–2014, Founder), along with board officers and trustees such as Chairman Todd Fennell, Vice Chairman Scott Alexander, Secretary Patti Glavin O’Mara, Treasurer Ken Mindt, Chairwoman Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long, Vice Chairman Dave Taylor, and multiple directors and trustees.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including a partnership with Indian River State College (formerly Indian River Community College) to create the Kellogg Academic Program for Success (KAPS). The Youth Employability Program (YEP) creates career development and internship opportunities for high school students in partnership with local employers. The center was selected to participate in a NASA Downlink, which allowed students to receive live feedback from astronauts aboard the International Space Station. GYAC received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush, and KAPS won the Equity Award after its first year.
Parents and students have shared feedback about the programs. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, said, “I cannot speak enough about the support from GYAC. I’m a single parent, and it’s hard. The homework help alone is huge. As a parent, I’m forever grateful.” Another parent, Chantral Warner, said, “I’ve never seen a program like this, and I pray that GYAC is here forever. They are truly setting children up for greatness!” An 8th grade student, Tyjah W. from Oslo Middle School, said, “GYAC helps students strive for academic excellence, respect and community involvement. They help students find their talents and excel at them.”
Last updated February 15, 2026.
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