A Legacy of Care : How Two Women Changed Healthcare in Collier County

Jamie Ulmer, CEO Healthcare Network

In the heart of Immokalee, where the fields stretch toward the horizon and the spirit of community runs deep, a small but powerful shift in healthcare began nearly five decades ago. It started with two remarkable women whose compassion and leadership transformed not just a community, but the future of healthcare for thousands of families.

A Vision Takes Root

In 1948, Marion E. Fether moved to Immokalee with a passion for service and a drive to make a difference. She quickly became a cornerstone of the community, serving as a home-school liaison, treasurer of the Immokalee Migrant Committee, and coordinator of clothing and toy drives for families struggling to make ends meet. But Marion’s greatest impact was still to come.

By the early 1990s, the need for healthcare among Immokalee’s agricultural workers and their families was urgent. Many were uninsured, undernourished, and without reliable access to even basic medical services. At that time, our organization, then called Collier Health Services, operated out of just two trailers staffed by volunteer doctors.

Marion knew the community deserved more. Through tireless advocacy and leadership as chair of our board, she helped turn a dream into reality. And in 1993, thanks to her determination, our very first medical facility opened its doors.

A Legacy of Generosity

The new center wouldn’t have been possible without theextraordinary generosity of Isabel Collier Read, a philanthropist whose family helped develop Collier County. Isabel shared Marion’s deep love for Immokalee and her commitment to healthcare access for all. Through her family foundation, she donated the land and funding that made the facility possible.

The result was the Marion E. Fether (MEF) Health Center, a lifeline for a community in need. On its opening day, we were already serving more than 15,000 patients, a testament to just how vital this new center was.

New Chapter for a Historic Place

Their vision didn’t just build a building; it built trust, access, and a healthier future. And that legacy continues today.

Nearly 50 years after our founding, the MEF center remains the only comprehensive healthcare option for many Immokalee residents. It’s where families turn for adult and senior care, dental services, x-rays and lab work, HIV and infectious disease treatment, and even in-house pharmacy support. It’s also home to critical programs for women and children, thanks to our partnership with the Florida State University College of Medicine next door.

But time has taken its toll. Some parts of the original building, like the roof, have never been replaced. That’s why we’re embarking on an ambitious renovation project that will double patient capacity, add more exam rooms, integrate new technology, and enhance the overall patient experience for the more than 10,000 people we serve every year.

Renovations began in early 2024 and will be completed in phases to ensure uninterrupted care. The total cost of this transformation is estimated at $5 million, and we’re closing in on that goal, just $900,000 remains to bring this vision fully to life.

Continuing a Legacy of Compassion

From two humble trailers to a thriving network of care, our story is woven into the fabric of Collier County’s history and its future. Just as Marion E. Fether and Isabel Collier Read laid the foundation for this mission decades ago, we remain dedicated to building on their legacy, ensuring that every person in Immokalee, no matter their income or insurance status, has access to the healthcare they deserve for generations to come.

About the Author

Jamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network. An advocate for health equity, he leads a $100 million health system dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or insurance, has access to quality, compassionate care. He serves on the boards of the National Association of Community Health Centers and the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, where he helps shape the future of community healthcare locally and nationally.

Learn more about Healthcare Network at HealthcareSWFL.org