TIF Annual Report book 1up - The Immokalee Foundation · 2017-2018 annual report n 9 on May 10, 2018, at Ave Maria university, 107 graduates, their families, and mentors gathered

2017 - 2018An n uAl Re p oRt

2 2017-2018 annual report n www.immokaleefoundation.org

2017-2018 annual report n www.immokaleefoundation.org 3

Letters from the Executive Director and Board of Directors Chair

About The Immokalee Foundation

Summary of Programs

Statement of Activities

Take Stock in Children

Immokalee Readers

Career Development

Junior Academy

Post-Secondary & Career Success

Heavy Equipment Service Technician

Awards: Charity Navigator Four-Star Award & Guide Star Platinum Seal of Transparency

Thanks to this year’s Mentors!

FuNtastic Memories

Ways to Give

Benefactors

Committee

Corporate Sponsors

The Immokalee Foundation Staff

Board of Directors

Looking Ahead

Career Pathyways

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As a young student in Immokalee, I was just like so many other kids – I had big dreams. In my family, going to college would be the pinnacle of success, with the promise of a rewarding career to follow.

That dream propelled me forward, even as I recognized that college may never be within my reach.

It was sheer determination coupled with the support of my family and friends that helped me defy the odds. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Hodges university, I joined The Immokalee Foundation staff 10 years ago, giving back to my community by working closely with students in our programs.

Earlier this year, I was invited to lead the foundation. It is not only a privilege to serve as Executive Director, it is also the fulfillment of those childhood dreams.

And what an incredible time to be here: Today, The Immokalee Foundation is poised on the cusp of implementing a bold, new, strategic evolution in the foundation’s programs. using data and analysis – and a heavy dose of visionary thinking – we will continue to create pathways to financial independence for the youth of Immokalee by opening doors to sought-after professional careers that may or may not require a college degree.

By responding to our community’s specific career needs with an approach that embraces both college tracks and professional certification programs, we can best ensure that our youth of today achieve their dreams – no matter how big they may be.

Sincerely,Noemi Y. Perez

“The Immokalee Foundation is building on 27 years of success in providing Immokalee youth with enrichment programs, career exploration, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities to create new pathways to the future. Thank you for believing in us.”

Noemi Y. Perez, Executive Director

“Helping the youth of Immokalee achieve financial independence through rewarding careers is truly fulfilling. We’re so grateful for your trust and support as we pursue this mission, and we will continue to work every day to earn it.”

Joyce HagenChair, Board of Directors

Noemi Y. Perez Joyce Hagen

During the past year, I was asked to provide remarks at an induction ceremony for the students and parents who participate in the programs of The Immokalee Foundation.

As I contemplated what I might say that would embody the foundation’s commitment to these students and their families, it felt essential to reinforce the breadth and depth of our services: from early learning literacy intervention, mentoring, and career exploration to scholarships, internships, advocacy and so much more, The Immokalee Foundation walks with them side by side on the pathway to success.

Even the foundation itself is more than staff and board members; we are partners with business and community leaders who deeply understand the importance of our mission and generously support the programs that have so successfully led these students to financial independence since our founding.

The past year is no exception. The incredible results of our operations and services reflected in this annual report is made possible by all those who believe in providing a hand up to those less fortunate.

“You will not walk this path alone.” Indeed.

With gratitude,Joyce Hagen


Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has been committed to improving the future of the children of Immokalee. The Immokalee Foundation was originally formed to raise awareness about the challenges the agricultural town of Immokalee faces every day and to gain financial support from the neighboring communities.

After more than fifteen years of providing financial support to other organizations servingImmokalee’s children, The Immokalee Foundation began to advance its role in the community and developed programs with measurable outcomes to address the many challenges. This fundamental shift helped The Immokalee Foundation to narrow its scope by gradually focusing on what the organization believed to be a critical part in the economic development of Immokalee: Education. What began as a grant-awarding organization has transformed into a fully operational not-for-profit, providing direct services and support to the children of Immokalee.

The one program that solidified The Immokalee Foundation’s transition to the educational path was the partnership with the statewide program Take

Stock in Children (TSIC), which provides mentorship and scholarship opportunities to motivated students. TSIC was the beginning of a whole new adventure—one that gave The Immokalee Foundation the opportunity to take a closer look at other potential educational programs needed for the children of Immokalee.

By 2009, the foundation had successfully implemented numerous programs emphasizing education and other life skills that lead to economic independence for the children of Immokalee. The programs that The Immokalee Foundation provides include Immokalee Readers, Junior Academy, Take Stock in Children, Career Development and Post-Secondary & Career Success. Although the foundation’s programs originally provided help for approximately three hundred children, the number has continued to dramatically increase. Today The Immokalee Foundation is a direct service provider for approximately 1,300 students, thanks to the sincere and loyal support of people like you, our corporate sponsors, leadership and our team. Together we can make a difference.

About The Immokalee Foundation


Summaryof ProgramsProgrAmS FocuS on AcAdemIcS, SocIAl SkIllS And chArAcTer

Through The Immokalee Foundation’s programs, students achieve academic success and become role models for other youth in Immokalee. They are introduced to a wide variety of careers and meet people in our community who are working in those varied professions.

By emphasizing education and life skills, The Immokalee Foundation provides students with the resources to become economically independent adults. We are shaping a workforce of young people who do not have to struggle in the ways that their own parents often have.

This next generation includes youth who are earning degrees and professional certifications across the spectrum: teachers, nurses, accountants, heavy equipment operators, business owners, construction managers, and members of the united States military.

As members of their extended families, The Immokalee Foundation celebrates each student’s success with pride and renewed commitment to our mission.

From elementary school to middle school and throughout high school, students are enrolled in age-appropriate programs that supplement the school day and emphasize both citizenship and community service. Over 1,300 students were served during the 2017-2018 academic year in the following programs:


Statement ofActivitiesFIScAl yeAr july 1, 2017 - june 30, 2018

Use of fUNdsFISCAL YEAR 2017-2018

Program Services ..............................78% Administration ....................................6% Fundraising .......................................16%

fUNdiNg bY soUrceFISCAL YEAR 2017-2018

Individual Contributions ..................40% Corporations .....................................19% Board/Emeritus Contributions ........25% Grants ................................................16%

reveNUe$3,262,047


Take Stock in childrenSInce 2001, The ImmokAlee FoundATIon’S TAke STock In chIldren ProgrAm hAS AwArded more ThAn$1 mIllIon In ScholArShIPS.

The Immokalee Foundation recently earned its sixth consecutive Take Stock in Children Gold Level of Excellence Award. Jillian Hasner, Take Stock in Children President and CEo, said, “The Immokalee Foundation exceeded its targets in 10 performance categories. We applaud the hardworking mentors, staff and supporters on another year of phenomenal service for the students of Immokalee and the community.”

During a recent Take Stock in Children Induction Ceremony, the evening’s student speaker, Maria Plata, a former Take Stock student, went to college at Florida Gulf Coast university. After graduating, she traveled to Thailand, Dubai and elsewhere around the world teaching English, while learning about other cultures. Today, Maria is back in Immokalee, serving as the foundation’s career and internship coordinator and giving back to the organization that helped her achieve her goals.

other speakers at the induction ceremony, including parent Dolores Sanchez and mentor Elizabeth o’Donnell, joined in to represent all aspects of the Take Stock students’ support system.

Students promised to maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average, to remain crime-free and drug-free, to be positive role models to other students, to perform community service, and to meet with their mentors regularly. Parents and mentors promised their support of the students’ goals and to do their part to encourage their success, asking for help on their behalf if needed.

Among the incoming Take Stock students was Melanie Gomez-Trejo, who hopes to become an orthodontist.

Gomez-Trejo was familiar with The Immokalee Foundation programs before earning a place in Take Stock. She was in the foundation’s Career Development Program for high school students and also served as a tutor for the young students in Immokalee Readers.

Gomez-Trejo is a senior at Immokalee High School this year, and she hopes to be the first in her family to attend college – with her sights set on Florida State university.

Many foundation program participants are first-generation college students.

Adriana Trejo attended the Take Stock induction ceremony with her daughter. “It was such an exciting day for both of us,” Gomez-Trejo said. “My mom was proud of me for being able to be part of the Take Stock scholarship program. She has been my motivation to work hard at school.”

The Immokalee Foundation has been a Take Stock in Children of Florida program partner since 2001. upon successful high school graduation, students are awarded full-tuition scholarships to four-year state colleges, two-year community colleges, or vocational/technical schools, depending on their career paths.


on May 10, 2018, at Ave Maria university, 107 graduates, their families, and mentors gathered for an emotional and inspirational graduation ceremony.

The event recognized 68 high school graduates, 24 college or university graduates, and 15 vocational school students who successfully completed their academic curricula. Each graduate has participated in The Immokalee Foundation programs such as Take Stock in Children, Immokalee Readers, Career Development, Junior Academy, and Post-Secondary Success.

The speaker was Dr. Kristen Dimas, who is in her second year of residency at the Florida State university Family Medicine Residency Program at Lee Health in Fort Myers. Dimas was involved in The Immokalee Foundation programs while in high school and has served as an inspiration to students since then.

The foundation’s first graduate to become a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Dr. Dimas was the valedictorian of Immokalee High School in 2008.

“It was great to have her come back to speak to our students, as she was once in their shoes,” said Program Events Coordinator Victoria Grimaldo.

Closing remarks at the ceremony were given by Noemi Reyes, another foundation success story.

In the fall of 2016, Reyes spoke at the Charity Classic Celebration about her experiences with The Immokalee Foundation. In the audience was Dale Morrison, a board member of the InterContinental Hotels Group. He recognized the potential in Reyes, who was then studying marketing at Florida International university. Connections were made and meetings were arranged.

Reyes has since graduated from FIu and finished an internship and management training program with the InterContinental Hotel in Miami.

pRomises to keepAnother 40 students pledged to maintain the good grades and behavior required of the Take Stock in Children scholarship program at an April induction at Immokalee Technical College.

100% of our students graduate from high school Compared with 80% in Florida overall

100% of our graduates are placed in post-secondary education at universities, colleges or technical programs

91% of our post-secondary students graduate Compared with 65% in Florida overall

94% of our immokalee readers achieve reading growth

100% Graduation Rate 3.78 GPA 726 Community Service Hours 100% Post-Secondary

Scholarships


ImmokaleereaderselemenTAry School STudenTS geT helP From TrAIned And PAId hIgh School-Age TuTorS – And boTh beneFIT AcAdemIcAlly.

The ability to read is an absolute, fundamental skill necessary to create a brighter future through education. The Immokalee Readers program works to build literacy skills for elementary-age children who are reading below grade level by providing high school-age tutors, supervised by professional teachers, to help enhance reading skills – and build lasting friendships.

In 2018, the foundation received a Strategic Initiative Partnership award of $358,550 from the Naples Winter Wine Festival/Naples Children & Education Foundation, to benefit the Immokalee Readers and Junior Academy programs, which together touch every age of student in Immokalee.

Immokalee Readers helps students like Roberth Webster, a second-grader at Lake Trafford Elementary School. Roberth was reading at only an early kindergarten level when he was enrolled in the after-school program at the beginning of the school year. He wouldn’t have known then what

reading adventures awaited him – like those in his favorite series of books today about Pete the Cat.

Nohemi Vasquez is one of the high school-age tutors who work with students in Immokalee Readers like Roberth.

“Working as a tutor opened a lot of doors for me, too,” said Vasquez, who recently graduated from Immokalee High School. She learned as a tutor that she enjoyed teaching and heard about a scholarship that will pay for her college education in exchange for her agreement to teach in a Florida public school after graduation and certification.

She enjoyed her time after school with young readers. “Watching them grow from where they started is amazing – and to think we did that together,” she said.

Tutors apply for the job like any other. They turn in a resume and sit for an interview. If chosen, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain drug- and crime-free. During the 2017-2018 school year, 113 students earned a position as a paid Immokalee Readers tutor.

Because many Immokalee students use other languages at home, the additional training in English at a young age is especially important. As an added benefit, the high school tutors also have shown improvements in overall reading proficiency.

roberth Webster


High school students were tutors in the Immokalee Readers program in the 2017-18 school year.

Supervised by certified teachers, high school students serve as tutors – and role models – for the younger students in the program, which takes place after the regular school day.

School Days in Operation Students

Eden Park Elementary 3 days a week/2 hours 146

Highlands Elementary 3 days a week/2 hours 104

Lake Trafford Elementary 4 days a week/2 hours 103

Pinecrest Elementary 4 days a week/2 hours 165

Village Oaks Elementary 4 days a week/2 hours 228

Learning… about each other and the world is also part of the Immokalee Readers mission.

Together… young students and their tutors gain language skills.

Growing… in skills and confidence, their chances for academic success rise.

94% Making Academic Gains 100% High School Graduation Rate 3.62 Tutor GPA 722 Community Service Hours


FoundATIon STudenTS InTerAcT wITh ProFeSSIonAlS AT neTworkIng recePTIonS ThAT enhAnce TheIr SkIllS And InTroduce Them To new cAreer PoSSIbIlITIeS.

careerdevelopment

The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Development program introduces a broad range of career choices to Immokalee youth. Most students come from families in which the choices have been limited; Career Development empowers these youth to imagine a different future for themselves — and to make the right decisions to achieve their dreams.

Students in Career Development pledge to maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain drug- and crime-free, and provide community service.

The program guides students through a step-by-step discovery process through their education and occupational desires. Students participate in: • Career panels with professionals in various fields • Industry and office tours • Job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships • Career interest inventories • Group and individual mentoring • Employment skills class and resume workshops • Business etiquette and networking experiences

100% High School Graduation Rate 3.49 GPA 38 ACT Prep Students 12.5% Gain in ACT (2 point composite gain) 17 SAT Prep Students 7% Gain in SAT (70 points gain) 433 Community Service Hours

Dale morrison and noemi Reyes


junior AcademyexPoSeS STudenTS To PoSSIbIlITIeS For TheIr lIveS, begInnIng In mIddle School wITh The junIor AcAdemy.

The Immokalee Foundation’s Junior Academy program introduces a broad range of career choices to Immokalee youth. STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - continues to be Collier County Public Schools’ concentration. Most students come from families in which the choices have been limited; Junior Academy empowers these youth to imagine a different future for themselves — and to make the right decisions to achieve their dreams.

To be eligible, students must apply and be interviewed; as early as sixth grade, students in Junior Academy pledge to maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain drug- and crime-free, and provide community service. Middle school students in the Junior Academy program stay after school three times a week for education in leadership; as well as additional reading, writing and math instruction; obtain homework help, extension lessons on world affairs and STEM subjects; and supplementary lessons in technology and leadership.

The program guides students through a step-by-step discovery process through their education and occupational desires. Students participate in:

• Career panels with professionals in various fields • Industry and office tours • Civic engagement trip to Washington, D.C. • Career interest inventories • Group and individual mentoring • Time Management and study skills workshops • Six week summer program on Career Exploration & STEM

Jenesis sanders and Alexis Molina garcia

Alondra estrada

3.0 GPA 32 Community Service Hours 92% Attendance 99 Days in Program

Yuridia calihua-Panzo, Litzy banda-soto and Jorge gutierrez


Post-Secondary& career Success

Jesus AbarcaFlorida state university 2013

lipman produce

Jesus velazcoColgate 2018

Amazon

Noemi reyesFlorida international university 2018

DHl express

Immokalee’s Post-Secondary & Career Success program provides readiness initiatives to ensure high school graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to qualify for and succeed in their quests for education and training leading to a career.

Post-secondary specialists assist students in setting up individual academic plans that allow them to graduate

from college and to navigate the complex world of financial aid. Students also receive guidance in developing important life skills such as financial responsibility, time management and study habits — skills that benefit them both now and later in life.

In short: We not only help students reach post-secondary education, but we also help them to succeed.

91% Graduation Rate 72 High School Graduates Post-Secondary Graduates:

• 24 completed a degree path • 217 on track to complete a degree path • 175 completed a degree path over life of program

15 Heavy Equipment Service Technician Graduates


Allegheny CollegeAllen Community CollegeArcadia universityAve Maria universityBroward CollegeChattanooga Community CollegeColgate universityCollege of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s universityColumbia universityCornell universityEdinboro university

Embry Riddle universityFayetteville State universityFlorida Gulf Coast universityFlorida International universityFlorida Polytechnic universityFlorida SouthWestern State CollegeFlorida State College of JacksonvilleFlorida State universityGrinnell CollegeHillsborough Community CollegeHobe Sound Bible College

Hopkinsville Community CollegeImmokalee Technical CollegeIndian River State CollegeJohnson & Wales universityMichigan State universityunited States MilitaryNova Southeastern universitySanta Fe CollegeSoutheastern universitySouthern Technical CollegeSaint John’s universitySuncoast College of Health

Tallahassee Community Collegeunited States Militaryuniversity of Central Floridauniversity of Floridauniversity of North Floridauniversity of South Floridauniversity of West FloridaValdosta State universityValencia College

Accounting TechnologyAccounting/FinanceAerospace EngineeringAgricultureArts And EntertainmentAutomotiveBaking And Pastry ArtsBiologyBiomedical ScienceBioengineeringBusiness, Management, & AdministrationCommunicationsComputer EngineeringComputer Information SystemCosmetologyCriminal JusticeCriminologyCulinary

Dental HygieneEarly Childhood EducationEconomicsEducationEmergency ManagementEngineeringEnglishEnvironmentalExercise ScienceFood Industry ManagementGeneral StudiesGeographyHealth ScienceHistoryHospitalityInformation TechnologyInterdisciplinary Medical SciencesJournalismLegal

Legal StudiesMarine BiologyMarketingMaterials Science EngineeringMathematicsMedicalMusicNursingNutritionParalegal StudiesPatient Care TechPhysical TherapyPolitical SciencePre-MedPre-NursingProfessional Golf ManagementPsychologyPsychology and SociologyPublic Health

Public RelationsRadiologyRecreation and Sport ManagementResort and Hospitality ManagementScienceSkilled TradeSocial and Human ServicesSocial ScienceSocial WorkSociologySociology: Inequality and SocialSpanishSpeech PathologySports ManagementVeterinarianVisual Arts Digital Media ManagementZoology

De

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Post-Secondary& career Success

throughout the year, students – all involved in the immokalee Foundation programs – benefit from career panels focused on building pathways to success, broadening experiences and life skills. Career panels feature speakers from technology, law, media, human services, health care, manufacturing and other fields. the speakers often share personal stories about their educational backgrounds and the struggles they encounter in achieving their goals. often, career panel days involve outings to a variety of workplaces.

91% Graduation Rate 72 High School Graduates Post-Secondary Graduates:

• 24 completed a degree path • 217 on track to complete a degree path • 175 completed a degree path over life of program

15 Heavy Equipment Service Technician Graduates

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Dr. Gerardo Alfaro Immokalee High School Alumni Chiropractor Mark Beland AVoW Hospice Community Liaison Paul Burns PT NCH Healthcare System outpatient Rehab Corporal Todd Byrns Collier County Sheriff’s office Marine Bureau Dr. Christina Carrillo Immokalee High School Alumni AcupuncturistMike Facundo Immokalee High School Alumni ArchitectSannestine Fortin Immokalee High School Alumni LawyerAlex Galvan Immokalee High School and The Immokalee Foundation Alumni Billing Specialist, Lipman Daniela Garcia Arthrex Capital Equipment Engineer Sandy Gutierrez Immokalee High School Alumni Certified Registered Dental HygienistMaria Jimenez Healthcare Network of SWFL Vice President of Human ResourcesStacee ommundsen John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Doctor of AudiologyRamon Rodriguez Heavy Equipment Service Technician program iTECH student Dr. Patricia Schwarz Immokalee High School Alumni Physical TherapistNatalie Spencer AVoW Hospice Neurologic Music Therapist, Complementary Therapies SupervisorCrispin Tovar Heavy Equipment Service Technician program iTECH studentDr. Claude Villiers Florida Gulf Coast university Engineering

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heavy equipment Service Technician

Blattner Energy - Gainesville Bubba’s Repair Service Collier Paving and Concrete Everglades Equipment - Belle Glade FL Ring Power - SarasotaKelly Tractor - Fort MyersNEFF - Naples Ring Power - Tampa Sunbelt RentalsSynergyuS Sugar Corp - Clewiston

our graduates work for these Companies

Hest students at iteCH – Guadalupe (emily) trevino and issac Vargas

The Heavy Equipment Service Technician (HEST) program at iTECH, supported by The Immokalee Foundation, provides a two-year post-secondary option that appeals to students who may not choose the college path.

HEST includes practical experience in engine operation, rebuilding diesel engines, hydraulic system testing, heavy equipment fleet maintenance, and rebuilding transmissions, along with specialized skills in electronics, such as the use of manufacturers’ diagnostic tools.

After the first year of the program, students are matched with summer internships. Students then return to complete a second year of instruction. In 2017, 100 percent of the students in the Heavy Equipment Service Technician program graduated, and 88 percent were placed in jobs immediately following graduation, with an average wage of over $20/hour.

90 Students Since 2010 Inception 91% Graduation Rate 90% Employment


heavy equipment Service Technician

The Immokalee Foundation earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency – the highest level of recognition – from GuideStar.

Nonprofits qualify for the Platinum Seal by demonstrating how they measure progress and results and using those metrics to effectively show how donors’ dollars are put to work. While the nonprofits themselves provide a great deal of the information considered, GuideStar compiles additional data from verified sources.

A trusted source for information about charities, GuideStar organizes and presents data and information about philanthropic organizations to help private companies, funding organizations and individual donors make wise decisions about the nonprofits they support. About 7 million people visit GuideStar.org every year, and its comprehensive database of nonprofits is available to millions more through additional charity platforms.

The Immokalee Foundation received the highest rating for its financial health, transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, the foremost independent charity watchdog in the United States.

After examining the foundation’s income tax documents, its website and other data, Charity Navigator awarded the foundation its second consecutive four-star rating. The designation applies to charities considered “exceptional” that exceed industry standards and outperform most similar charities. only 29 percent of charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received two consecutive top ratings.

According to Charity Navigator President and CEo Michael Thatcher, “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets The Immokalee Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. only one-quarter of rated charities have achieved this distinction.”

Charity Navigator has rated 1.5 million American charities. To be rated at even a basic level, each nonprofit must meet certain accountability standards, including an obligation or willingness by a charity to explain its actions to its stakeholders and make available critical data about the organization.

Forbes, Business Week and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine have profiled and written favorably about Charity Navigator’s data-driven method of evaluation.

The Immokalee Foundation is the recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest Four-Star Award and also earned the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Both designations are awarded only to exceptional charities that exceed industry standards and outperform most similar organizations. It is evidence of a charity’s financial health, transparency, and accountability.


Thanks to this year’s mentors!

The Immokalee Foundation is looking for a few good mentors.

Actually, the nonprofit that is improving the futures of Immokalee’s young people needs more than a few good mentors. mentorship is one of the most important aspects of the foundation’s programs, and there are plenty of students who will benefit from caring, compassionate adults who have at least forty-five minutes per week to help them improve their academic and life skills.

each student newly inducted into Take Stock in children – mostly seventh- and eighth-graders – is partnered with a volunteer mentor, who encourages the student to succeed in academics and in life. The program continues to grow and more mentors are needed.

while 91 percent of Immokalee students graduate from high school, 100 percent of those involved in The Immokalee Foundation’s Take Stock in children program graduate. The coaching and support of mentors is critical to each student’s success.

The caring adults with experience mentoring invariably consider it one of the most rewarding relationships they have had. They know that they are changing lives, not only of the students they come to know well, but also their families and the Immokalee community at large.Since many of the students are the first in their families to attend college, they benefit from the guidance of professional and retired professional adults in Southwest Florida.

WHAT MAKes A MeNTor?• Firm belief in the power of education• Desire to make a difference in a child’s life• Commitment of 45 minutes each week meeting a mentee in Immokalee or virtually• Complete application• Attend new mentor orientation• Continually support mentee based on student’s individual academic success

becoMe A MeNTor!For more information, contact michelle kennedy at (239) 657-2461 [email protected]

Julissa montalvo, Dorothy Campbell and Crystal moreno

Debbie DeVita and litzy Rojas

Arthur Goldstein, mark trejo, Rafael Rodriguez and Dick Rothwell


Thanks to this year’s mentors!

Ana AbarcaJill AdamczykDon AlbrachtBarbara AllenRobert AmenLarry AustermillerLinda AyerAmber BarrJane BelandGerald “Jerry” BelleBernard BensonSamantha BhagwandatLinda BigelowAndrew BregmanRonald ButkiewiczGeorge CampDorothy CampbellLuis CartagenaRussell CooperEsteban CorreaEmily CostiganJohn CostiganBrian CouchJoseph CozzolinoIrv DavisBetty DeBordDon DeBordCatherine DeVitoDebbie DivitaPaul DuretteYeimi EspinozaJana ForakerJim FullKaren FullLeslie GallegosChadd GarciaArthur Goldstein

Bobby GonzalezPatricia “Anne” GoodnightApril GoodnightYaresly GorosquietaVictoria GrimaldoAndrea HalmanHans HeinsenKaren HendricksJohn HenryKate HenryDaniel HernandezElda HernandezJoni HodappLorena IbarraCynthia JanssenFalia JustimaDavid KasperMichelle KennedyJames “Jim” KerridgeMargaret KeyesDyan KonicekBeat KramerDavid Longfield-SmithCatherine LuzaniaRonald LuzaniaMary Kay MarchandCathleen MarekDonald McCullochGary McPhailMara MichelJohn MonterFred MoosallyJoan MoosallyCatherine NicholsBeth NightingaleElizabeth o’DonnellJudy oggero

Adeshola ogundausiWilliam “Bill” olexNoemi Y. PerezDeanna PetersonCraig PetnuchMaria PlataKatherine PryorBrenda Pulido AyalaIrene QuintenillaJennifer RajoppiGail ReifsnyderAriza ReyesRichard “Dick” RothwellJeimy RuizFrancis ScarpaCynthia “Cindy” SchmidtDennis SchmidtJoseph SciortinoTeddy SitterFelicia SotoRichard SpiwakLeo StecDavid StehlinStephanie StehlinFred ThomasGloria Torres-KennedyManny TouronAudrey TurrubiartezBrenda ValleMarianne WebdellCassandra WeeksMax “Jaime” WeisingerBenjamin WorksDee ZednikJoseph Zednik

becoMe A MeNTor!For more information, contact michelle kennedy at (239) 657-2461 [email protected]

Dominique Rios, Jackelyn Banda-soto and Jan BacklundDebbie DeVita and litzy Rojas Daniel Hernandez, loudjina louis, Bryan Reyes and Andres estrada

We appreciate each and every mentor who provides their time and commitment in helping our students realize and achieve their dreams


Funtastic memories

what a year of celebrating and supporting the students of Immokalee!


ways to give

Here’s HoW YoU cAN HeLP: • Donate money, stock or retirement assets

• Mentor a middle or high school student

• Leave a Legacy through planned giving

• Partner with us through your organization or company

• Volunteer your time and talent as a speaker, committee member or in another role

The ImmokAlee FoundATIon needS your helP To conTInue our work enrIchIng The lIveS oF ImmokAlee’S moST PrecIouS reSource – ITS youTh.


benefactors

Vivienne and Barry AdamsJohn AhernElizabeth Aherneusha and Monte AhujaPatricia and Don AltorferClaudia and Robert AmenAmeritech Facility ServicesMary Dewane and Joseph AndersonArthrex, Inc.Bank of America Charitable FoundationCarol and Jim BartonLuann and J. T. BattenbergSusan and Steven BeckerDouglas BeckerThe Belle FamilyAnn and Blake BenjaminShirley and Michael BensonBernard BensonKathleen and John BlackmanBMo Private BankDonna and Will BobbSchatzi BorgellaDebra BowenkampBridgetown at the Plantation Community AssociationBright Funds FoundationJudith BrooksSonja and Lowell BrownGabriel BrunoDixon BuehlerAnn BurhansRosaland and Jonathan BurroughsJohn Cammett

Carmen and Jim CampbellDorothy and Charles CampbellJose CantuLee Ann CapogrossiBecky and Lewie CardNancy CarlinTimothy CartwrightCole CarusoCaterpillar FoundationTerry and Jack CaveneyCharles & Virginia Jacobsen Charitable TrustBeth and Gary ChensoffThe late Frank ChiarenzaDarlene and Ron CindrichJane and Hal CohenParker and Miles CollierCollier Enterprises Management, Inc.Mark ColodnyContronex, Inc.Jackie and Barney CookThomas CoppolaEmily and John CostiganJoyce and Pat CoughlanMary Cary and Gary CoughlanJoe CozzolinoMaria and George CozzolinoCarole and George CozzolinoWarren CroceJames CrowleySue and Curt CulverCummings & Lockwood LLCTeddy Sitter and Kenneth Danilo

Mary Ann and Harry DebesBetty and Don DeBordLynda Krukowski and Dave DemboMary DemonacoSandra DePeauxThe Estate of Lester DequaineDermatology Specialists of NaplesJoAnn and Gregg DeWittJosephine DiMolfettaAlison and Scott DouglasJoseph DowdallSandy and Tom DoyleScott DraperDeborah and Bruce DuncanLeslyn DundasThomas DunnePaul DuretteConnie and Bob EatonCharles EatonEDC Interiors, Inc.Tayebeh and Massoud EghrariMassoud and Isabella Eghrari Charitable FoundationCatherine ElkinsAlexandria ElkinsDoug EssonMarie EvansJim FaranceSusan FilipJulia and Andrew FisherJoyce Hagen and Don Fites


Mary Ann and Harry DebesBetty and Don DeBordLynda Krukowski and Dave DemboMary DemonacoSandra DePeauxThe Estate of Lester DequaineDermatology Specialists of NaplesJoAnn and Gregg DeWittJosephine DiMolfettaAlison and Scott DouglasJoseph DowdallSandy and Tom DoyleScott DraperDeborah and Bruce DuncanLeslyn DundasThomas DunnePaul DuretteConnie and Bob EatonCharles EatonEDC Interiors, Inc.Tayebeh and Massoud EghrariMassoud and Isabella Eghrari Charitable FoundationCatherine ElkinsAlexandria ElkinsDoug EssonMarie EvansJim FaranceSusan FilipJulia and Andrew FisherJoyce Hagen and Don Fites

Fites Family Charitable TrustJane and Jim FitzgeraldFlorida Community BankSusan Regenstein and Barry FrankVanessa FranklinBarbara and George FranksJeanne FriedmanKaren and James FullCathie and Ed GalanteRobert GambleGannett FoundationGartnerGE FoundationSheryl and Kenneth GeigerSara and James GeorgePat and Dave GibbonsPat and Don GillisRichard GiltnerCandice GonzalezGood Shepherd united Methodist WomenJanet and Dave GriffithDebra and John GriswoldMosey and Don GuntherNancy Hagen and Andrew TecsonAmy and Tom HaleSabrina HallenbeckHappy Tails Pet SalonLinda and Hans HeinsenJean and William HellegasKate and John HenryJanet HenryJeannie Henry

Mara HerskowitzHertz Global HoldingsJerry HildebrandLori HillJane and Robert HillmanBeverly and Larry HinmanChristine and Dick HobbsSusan and Tom HodgsonJohn HoganMary Ann and William HoltHoughton Mifflin HarcourtDarin HovisThe Hubers FamilyDon HuffnerHuntington Private Client GroupLeslie HunzikerKeith HynesKathy HynesIBERIABANKInsurance Source of NaplesJ. Kennedy Kincaid Jr. Martial TrustJack Forte FoundationAllen F. Jacobson Family FundJoseph JaffeFathi and Kawthar JishiHugh JonesAdline JusteCarol and Pat KaneKarpus Family FoundationManny KatzLuisa and Patrick KellyKelly Foundation, Inc.Joyce and Jim Kerridge

Meg and Jeff KeyesStephanie and Steven KissingerMary and Kevin KistingGina and Richard KlymSusan KnoxPhillip KreighbaumKaren and Robert KruppJulie and Jon KukkNatalie KurasL3 organizationKelly LacksCathie and Bill LarkinRosemary LarotondaWilfred LarsonThe Estate of Joan LarsonEileen LeoneLilly Pulitzer Coconut PointLipman Family Giving FundLipman Produce, Inc.Mario LiraMarvcia and Louie LitrentaAllyn LitzelmanMichelle and German LizaLouis H. Gross Foundation, Inc.Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Miracles on the March, A Lund Family Foundation / Carol and Tom LundDorothy and Ronald MakiMichael MandaroKathie and Jim MarkiewiczAlex and Pat MarrenLisa MarshMarsh Private Client Services

Melanie MartelTina McCain MatteKaren and Mort MayCarolyn and Don McCullochSonia and Mac McDonaldSheila and Dennis McGonigalCatherine McGuireKatherine McKinneyGayle and Don McLeanJonathon McLeodNatalie and John McNicholasDavid McNicholasAlicia and Bill MelchionniCarol and Robert MeliJoan and David MelvilleMercedes-Benz of NaplesJosh MickMidwestone BankJan Eveleigh and Rick MillerKristin and John MillerSierra MillsJack MillsteinRoss MlsnaCindy and John MonterCleta MoodyElaine and Jay MoorinJoan and Fred MoosallyBarbara and Jack MorganCarol and Jerry MorrisBarbara and Dale MorrisonBoo and Mort MortensonEdward MortonLiz and Iain Mossman

Mary Lynn and Stephen MyersDennis NallyNaples Children & Education FoundationKaye and Peter NegriNetwork for GoodJoyce and Bill NewellDaniel NieserBette and Terry NobleLisa and Steven NorbyPatsy and Randy NortonElizabeth and Alan NovickJohn NulsenJane o’BrienJudith and Jim o’ConnorSusan and Francis o’DonnellEllen and Don o’NeillJames orrisonMargaret and Harold overholtAnnette PakulaJoan and Mahendra ParekhMichelle ParkerAnkita and Jayesh PatelPBS ContractingRichard PeakeGale PearceLouise PentaNoemi Y. and Jay PerezRoger PetrinWarren PizingerEmily and Kevin PowderlyKathy and Steve PryorPamela and Donald Radcliff

Nita and Kenneth RappPeggy and Don RedlingerGail ReeseJoy ReisemanJacqui ResopThomas RigdenJudy and Jim RinglerRoy RitenourChristine RittbergerLorrie and Ken RittmannSulbey Rivero HoltBeverly and Chris RobertAnne and John RobertsScott RobertsonJennifer RoeperCandace RogersSheila RogowskiGary RomanoCarol and Harry RoseLinda and Harold RosensonBarry RosenthalMarie and Tony RossiRichard RothwellBrigid and Daniel RotigelJudy and Tom RushRena and David RutsteinEllen and Dave RyanLinda and Craig RydinJared SalisburyJoseph SandaJoseph SandersSunny and John SapienteLorraine and Frank Scarpa


benefactors

Nita and Kenneth RappPeggy and Don RedlingerGail ReeseJoy ReisemanJacqui ResopThomas RigdenJudy and Jim RinglerRoy RitenourChristine RittbergerLorrie and Ken RittmannSulbey Rivero HoltBeverly and Chris RobertAnne and John RobertsScott RobertsonJennifer RoeperCandace RogersSheila RogowskiGary RomanoCarol and Harry RoseLinda and Harold RosensonBarry RosenthalMarie and Tony RossiRichard RothwellBrigid and Daniel RotigelJudy and Tom RushRena and David RutsteinEllen and Dave RyanLinda and Craig RydinJared SalisburyJoseph SandaJoseph SandersSunny and John SapienteLorraine and Frank Scarpa

Steve ScheiweChristine ScherdingSuzanne and Tom SchilliThe Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation / Maureen and Dick SchulzeFrances and Larry SchusterShirley and Richard SchweersDenise and Joseph SciortinoKaren and Bob ScottJacqueline and Ben ScottScott Robertson Auctioneers - The Voice of ExperienceCarroll and Brad ScribnerStephen SeditaAndrew ShapiroLynn and Kent ShoemakerCynthia and Robert ShoneSue and John SkoviakJulianne and Marty SmithPatricia and Jay SmithEric SmudaEdith SofoulVanessa SohanAnn and Tom StallkampBen StarlingLinda and Sam SteinMarie and Dick StonesiferAnne and Frederick StrattonDonna and Dirk StuuropJeremy SugarmanPamela SugrueConstance Sullivan

Jeanie and David SummersDonna and Steve SumnerSuncoast BeverageSuncoast Credit union FoundationSunshine Ace Hardware/A Wynn Family CompanySwivel Group EventsAnn SyphersJohn SzotTake Stock in ChildrenAngelita TannerJoe ThackerThe Hinman FoundationThe League ClubThe Shone Family FoundationJohn TobeDeborah and William TolerToshiko and Jay TompkinsAlleen and Jerry TostrudBridie and Paul TracyHeather TraftonCourtney and Pat TrittlerCindy and Bob TucciNadine and Ken ullmanKathleen van BergenJulia Van DomelenLynne and Michael VikAnne and Geoffrey von KuhnDeborah and James WaineyKathleen WaiteMelanie and Martin WasmerWaste Management, Inc.Morrison Waud

Vivian and Doug WelshBeth and Jeff WesselSusanne WessonLinda WestBetsy and John WheelanKim and Scott WhitcombVivienne and Thomas WilliamsLinda WynnsYoung Audiences of Southwest Florida, Inc.Jeffrey YunDee and Joe Zednik



committees

executive Committee Joyce Hagen: ChairAlison Douglas, secretaryJim markiewicz, treasurer staff: noemi Y. perez

investment Chuck Campbell: ChairDon HuffnerDavid leguspablo Veintimilla staff: noemi Y. perez

Charity Classic pro-Amleadershipsunny sapiente: ChairDon FitesJohn GriswoldJoyce Hagenkevin Johnsonpatrick trittler staff: noemi Y. perez Barbara Cornellier Audra Dinanno laura simmelink

Finance & Audit James markiewicz: ChairCharles Campbellthomas Di BernardoAmy Halepablo Veintimilla staff: noemi Y. perez Yasmin mohammed

Charity Classic CelebrationBarbara morrison: Co-ChairDale morrison: Co-ChairJoyce Hagentina mattelouise pentasteve pryor staff: noemi Y. perez Barbara Cornellier Heather noel laura simmelink

program services Joseph Zednik: Chairluis CartagenaJohn CostiganJohn Henryelaine moorinkent shoemakerAnn stallkamp staff: noemi Y. perez Amber Barr Yeimi Castaneda

tsiC selectionDee Zednik: Chairlinda AyerJohn Costigan staff: noemi Y. perez Yeimi Castaneda


program services Joseph Zednik: Chairluis CartagenaJohn CostiganJohn Henryelaine moorinkent shoemakerAnn stallkamp staff: noemi Y. perez Amber Barr Yeimi Castaneda

tsiC selectionDee Zednik: Chairlinda AyerJohn Costigan staff: noemi Y. perez Yeimi Castaneda

corporate Sponsors

· ACI Worldwide· Arthrex· AVoW · Barron Collier Companies· Beacon Chiropractic· BMo Private Wealth Bank· Collier County Medical Society· Collier County Sheriff’s office· FineMark Bank· Florida Gulf Coast university· Florida Highway Patrol· Healthcare Network of SWFL· Hertz

· Hodges university· iTECH· Johns Hopkins All Children’s outpatient Care· Lipman Family Farms· NCH outpatient Rehab Center (NCH Healthcare System)· Patrick Neale & Associates· Paychex· PK Studios· Pulte Homes· Smart Marketing· SoN Studios· Sunshine Ace Hardware

PRIVATE

BANK

Mercedes-Benzof Naples


The Immokalee Foundation Staff

Noemi Y. Perezexecutive director

Linda Avalosoffice manager

Amber barrProgram Services director

ruby castilloProgram Assistant

Audra diNannooutreach & development coordinator

Yeimi espinozaStudent Services manager

Yaresly gorosquietaAfter School Program coordinator

victoria grimaldoProgram events coordinator

Ashley gutierrezvista volunteer

Linda Halligandata Specialist

barbara Hawkescareer Pathways manager

daniel HernandezPost-Secondary & career Success Program Specialist

carly HilleAdministrator

Lorena ibarraStudent Advocate

Michelle Kennedymentor & volunteer coordinator

richard Kentcareer counselor

Paulina MaganaPost-Secondary & career Success Program Specialist

Yasmin MohammedFinance director

Araceli MorenoStudent Advocate

Heather Noeldevelopment coordinator

Maria Platacareer & Internship coordinator

Maria reyesStudent Advocate

Marisol sandersImmokalee readers coordinator

sylvia YzaguirreFinance Assistant


george franksBoard Emeritus

blake gableBoard Emeritus

John HenryBoard Emeritus

skip HildebrandBoard Emeritus

Kevin JohnsonBoard Emeritus

Will LarsonBoard Emeritus

Mac McdonaldBoard Emeritus

Lisa MerrittBoard Emeritus

don o’NeillBoard Emeritus

Louise PentaBoard Emeritus

Peggy redlingerBoard Emeritus

Ann stallkampBoard Emeritus

dick stonesiferBoard Emeritus

board of directors

Jerry belleBoard Member

chuck campbellBoard Member

Luis cartagenaBoard Member

John costiganBoard Member

curt culverBoard Member

don guntherBoard Member

donald HuffnerBoard Member

david LegusBoard Member

barbara MorrisonBoard Member

Peter NegriBoard Member

steve PryorBoard Member

Joseph ZednikBoard Member

B o a r d E m e r i t u s

Joyce HagenChair, Board of Directors

Jim MarkiewiczBoard Treasurer

Alison douglasBoard Secretary


Since 2007, The Immokalee Foundation has focused on preparing our hard-working middle and high school students for college. Through the incredible dedication of our donors, mentors and staff, the foundation has consistently achieved a 100 percent high school graduation rate for these students. Additionally, of those high school graduates, 91 percent complete their post-secondary education. We couldn’t be more proud of these students, who have embraced the foundation’s resources to help them achieve their dreams.

Now, we are working toward an expanded mission for the coming school year, based on our successful programs and led by our steadfast commitment to helping these young men and women achieve financial success through satisfying professional careers.

As we all know, desirable professional careers don’t always require a college degree. The Immokalee Foundation has spent more than a year developing a new model that captures the best components of the Take Stock in Children scholarship program and applies it to professional careers across the spectrum – including careers that don’t require a college degree.

Through extensive research and analysis, we have identified four pathways for our students that lead to well-paying jobs that are in high demand in Southwest Florida and that lead to rewarding professional careers. These career pathways are healthcare, business management, engineering and construction management, and education and human services.

We are collaborating with our program staff, industry professionals, and higher education institutions to identify opportunities for middle, high school and post-secondary students to explore career options through after-school and summer programs. Classes for earning industry-recognized credentials and certificates, apprenticeships, internships, dual enrollment programs, field trips, academies, camps, and many other career-centric opportunities help students as early as middle school to identify a career path of interest.

Importantly, we are involving parents early in the process, to help educate them about the incredible professional opportunities available in Southwest Florida, even for students who choose a career that doesn’t require a college degree.

And we will support these students every step of the way, with mentoring and scholarships that will help keep them on track and focused on success.

The Immokalee Foundation is building on 27 years of breaking down barriers, forging new pathways, and changing the lives of Immokalee’s youth by creating this exciting new focused initiative for delivering career-based programming.

As we stand on the precipice of launching an entirely new career model, we recognize that our success is reflected by the commitment, dedication and support of our families, students, community and business partners. We thank you.

looking AheadSucceSSFul cAreerS In The new economy


SucceSSful careerS in the new economy

Engineering/ConstructionManagement

Transportation, Distribution,

& Logistics

Science, Technology,

Engineering, & Mathematics

Architecture

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Education & Training

Human Services

Government & Public

Administration

Law, Public Safety, Corrections,

& Security

EDUCATION/ HUMAN SERvICES

Business Management & Administration

Finance

Marketing/Sales

Hospitality & Tourism

Arts, A/v Technology & Communication

Information Technology

BUSINESSMANAGEMENT

Nursing/Patient Care

Health Science

Medical Management

Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant

Doctor

HealtH care

2375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 308Naples, FL 34103(239) [email protected]

908 Roberts Avenue WImmokalee, FL 34142(239) [email protected]

Documents

TIF Annual Report book 1up - The Immokalee Foundation · 2017-2018 annual report n 9 on May 10, 2018, at Ave Maria university, 107 graduates, their families, and mentors gathered