The Butterfly Effect on Immokalee

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

Have you ever thought, “I’m just one person—what difference can I make in the world?” Coined by MIT professor Edward Lorenz, the “Butterfly Effect” is a theory that the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil can hypothetically set off a tornado in Texas due to a set of interconnected and reactive events.

Although this theory was first applied to physics, one can’t help but wonder how it applies to giving.

Consider Oliver, one of more than 800 Immokalee Readers students receiving critical literacy and language development support after school.

Oliver dreams of one day becoming a police officer. Along with 97% of other Immokalee Readers students, he is making gains in his reading ability because of the extra support he receives through our Immokalee Readers program. His progress is laying the foundation for the rest of his educational journey and his life.

Now, let’s look at a very realistic scenario for Oliver’s educational and professional future—one made possible by The Immokalee Foundation.

Throughout middle school, Oliver embarks on a career exploration phase with The Immokalee Foundation. Thinking far ahead, The Immokalee Foundation has already assigned Oliver a Florida prepaid scholarship for postsecondary support.

Some career panels, workshops, and field trips involve our partnership with Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). After developing a career action plan in 8th grade, his trajectory is already set for his career in law enforcement.

Now in high school, Oliver follows our Education and Human Services Pathway—one of four Immokalee Foundation Career Pathways leading to well-paying jobs in high demand in Southwest Florida. Activities include financial literacy education, postsecondary and college prep programs, mentorship, career expos and field trips, ACT prep courses, summer educational camps, networking events, paid internships, and other highly specialized career programming.

When Oliver is invited to participate in the CCSO’s Public Safety Career Academy in 11th and 12th grade, he gets to dive even deeper into the world of law enforcement.

Next, with all this extraordinary preparation and experience, Oliver becomes part of the 100% of Immokalee Foundation students who graduate high school and have a postsecondary plan to pursue an in-demand professional career. With the help of scholarships and ongoing guidance and support from The Immokalee Foundation, Oliver can now pursue a criminal justice degree at a Florida university.

Fast forward, and Oliver is an FBI special agent responsible for everything from national security and counterterrorism to criminal investigations and law enforcement. He has rescued hundreds from falling victim to human trafficking. He was even given an honorary medal for his courageous work, saving countless lives in the line of duty.

Oliver’s deep connection to Southwest Florida profoundly influenced his decision to return home. He now works alongside Collier County Sheriff ’s Office to make our community one of the safest places in the nation to live, work, and play.

Now, imagine all the different career scenarios just waiting to happen for the 1,300 students currently supported by The Immokalee Foundation. Immokalee is filled with highly motivated “Olivers” who need you to flap your wings on their behalf.

Yes, success can happen because of one small act of giving. A donation. Volunteerism. A caring smile. An encouraging handshake. It all counts. Be a part of the Butterfly Effect that forever changes the lives of Immokalee’s Children.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For more than 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your estate plans, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.