GYAC Youth Programs
Gifford Youth Achievement Center, 4875 43rd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32967
About
GYAC Youth Programs offers year-round educational programs for students in grades K–12 in a 38,000 square foot facility that includes classrooms, two computer labs, an outdoor patio, and a full-size gymnasium. The program includes an Afterschool Program with 243 students enrolled, the Boys 2 Men 2 Greatness mentoring program, and the Youth Employability Program, which creates career development and internship opportunities for high school students in partnership with local employers. GYAC Youth Programs also participates in a NASA Downlink that allows students to receive live feedback from astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
GYAC Youth Programs is part of an organization that was founded in 1998, held its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 1997, and opened its original 18,000 square foot facility on February 15, 1998. Over time, the organization expanded with three modular classrooms leased in 2013, a 14,000 square foot expansion project in 2018, and the opening of the Cis and Bill Glavin Educational Center in May 2019, eventually reaching a 38,000 square foot facility. The organization marked its 25th anniversary on February 15, 2023, and held a 25-year celebration event on January 25, 2023.
The mission of GYAC is to create, with God's guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves. Its values are Respect, Hope, Perseverance, Hard work, Inclusivity, and Collaboration. The organization focuses on increasing the graduation rate of African Americans in the Gifford community and has played a role in increasing the graduation rate of Indian River County’s African American population from 23% at its inception to over 90% in the present day.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including a partnership with Indian River State College (formerly Indian River Community College) that created the Kellogg Academic Program for Success (KAPS). KAPS received $500,000 from the Kellogg Foundation and won the Equity Award after its first year in existence. GYAC also partners with local employers through the Youth Employability Program and serves Indian River County’s underserved populations, with 88% of Indian River County public schools served at GYAC.
The organization received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush. It exceeded a $7.4 million capital campaign need in March 2020 and launched a brand refresh in 2022 to align its brand identity with its culture. A pool was built next to the Center to decrease drownings of youth due to a lack of swim instruction and water safety.
Leadership connected to GYAC includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS, and Curtis Webb, Director of Youth Programs. Additional leadership roles include Theresa Baxter, Director of Adult Programs & Services; Peggy Gibbs, CFRE, Director of Philanthropy; Mike Hallenstein, MSDA, Director of Finance; Jay Lundy, Sr., Director of Youth Employability Program; Denise Smith, Ed.D., Director of Student Support Services; and Freddie Woolfork, Director of Public Relations & Facilities Operations. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson, Chairman Emeritus (Founder); Dr. William “Bill” Nigh, Founder; Dan K. Richardson, Founder; Carter Hopkins, Chairman Emeritus; Scott Alexander, Vice Chairman; Todd Fennell, Chairman; Patti Glavin O’Mara, Secretary; Ken Mindt, Treasurer; and trustees and directors such as Rosalen Cline, Lisa Holmes, Norm Rickard, Joan Woodhouse, Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long (Chairwoman), Dave Taylor (Vice Chairman), and others.
Parents and students have shared feedback about GYAC. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, stated, “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
GYAC Youth Programs is part of an organization that was founded in 1998, held its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 1997, and opened its original 18,000 square foot facility on February 15, 1998. Over time, the organization expanded with three modular classrooms leased in 2013, a 14,000 square foot expansion project in 2018, and the opening of the Cis and Bill Glavin Educational Center in May 2019, eventually reaching a 38,000 square foot facility. The organization marked its 25th anniversary on February 15, 2023, and held a 25-year celebration event on January 25, 2023.
The mission of GYAC is to create, with God's guidance, educational, cultural and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families it serves. Its values are Respect, Hope, Perseverance, Hard work, Inclusivity, and Collaboration. The organization focuses on increasing the graduation rate of African Americans in the Gifford community and has played a role in increasing the graduation rate of Indian River County’s African American population from 23% at its inception to over 90% in the present day.
GYAC has a strong network of community partners, including a partnership with Indian River State College (formerly Indian River Community College) that created the Kellogg Academic Program for Success (KAPS). KAPS received $500,000 from the Kellogg Foundation and won the Equity Award after its first year in existence. GYAC also partners with local employers through the Youth Employability Program and serves Indian River County’s underserved populations, with 88% of Indian River County public schools served at GYAC.
The organization received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Award from Governor Jeb Bush. It exceeded a $7.4 million capital campaign need in March 2020 and launched a brand refresh in 2022 to align its brand identity with its culture. A pool was built next to the Center to decrease drownings of youth due to a lack of swim instruction and water safety.
Leadership connected to GYAC includes Executive Director Angelia Perry, MS, and Curtis Webb, Director of Youth Programs. Additional leadership roles include Theresa Baxter, Director of Adult Programs & Services; Peggy Gibbs, CFRE, Director of Philanthropy; Mike Hallenstein, MSDA, Director of Finance; Jay Lundy, Sr., Director of Youth Employability Program; Denise Smith, Ed.D., Director of Student Support Services; and Freddie Woolfork, Director of Public Relations & Facilities Operations. Founders and key leaders include Dr. A. Ronald Hudson, Chairman Emeritus (Founder); Dr. William “Bill” Nigh, Founder; Dan K. Richardson, Founder; Carter Hopkins, Chairman Emeritus; Scott Alexander, Vice Chairman; Todd Fennell, Chairman; Patti Glavin O’Mara, Secretary; Ken Mindt, Treasurer; and trustees and directors such as Rosalen Cline, Lisa Holmes, Norm Rickard, Joan Woodhouse, Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long (Chairwoman), Dave Taylor (Vice Chairman), and others.
Parents and students have shared feedback about GYAC. One parent, Ja’Licia Bass, stated, “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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