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TIF staff helped with his application and resume and prepared
him for the interview process. Though Gonzales didn’t get the job, “ As a group, we had over 1,600
he wasn’t deterred. “It became something I really wanted,” he said. volunteer hours. We built ramps
“I started thinking about the rest of my life, and I knew working for the disabled, helped build
on the farm wasn’t going to provide me with what I needed. After
that, I applied for any job I could: janitor, machine operator and the foundation for a veteran’s
others. I never received any calls, but after a year, the apprenticeship memorial, and teamed with
application came up again. I had decided that if I didn’t get it, I Habitat for Humanity to construct
was going to join the Army. I ended up getting the job, and I’ve
been working at Arthrex ever since.” homes in Immokalee.
Now two years into a four-year machinist program at Arthrex, ”
Gonzales is grateful for every moment. “I have come to love and Stonesifer has continued inspiring him. The two stay in touch
enjoy the field I’m in. The possibilities are endless,” he said. and Gonzales speaks fondly of his mentor: “His advice drives me.
Gonzales credits his success to TIF. “If it weren’t for TIF, I’d He once told me that I always need to be the one who says, ‘I can
do that,’ if someone needs something done. This stuck with me.
probably still be working in the fields,” he said. “I look back on
the random spur of events that led me to FBA and TIF and I feel He is genuinely concerned about my well-being, as well as other
completely blessed. They want you to succeed. The program managers kids. When I first met him, I didn’t know at the time people could
stick with you and don’t let you go. I’m so thankful for that.” be like that.”
He also praises his unofficial mentor, TIF board member Dick The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education
Stonesifer, for inspiring him to never give up. Stonesifer was an programs that focus on building pathways to success through
early advocate of the FBA program, and it was there the two
college and post-secondary preparation and support, mentoring and
met. “Mr. Stonesifer shared his story of early struggles with our tutoring, opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills
de
FBA leadership,” Gonzales said. “He started on the production velopment leading to economic independence. To learn more
line cleaning parts at General Electric and eventually rose to
about TIF, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information,
the position of president and CEO of GE Appliances. He had l 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
cal
nothing, but through his hard work and desire to succeed, he made Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation,
it. We were inspired.” can be reached at steven.kissinger@imokaleefoundation.com.
Common Wisdom
Be kind to people and animals too. Laugh a lot. Just tell the truth.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. Clean up your own
mess. Wish upon a star. Please your dentist and floss your teeth. Read a
good book – or two (and read to a child!). Good health is priority #1. Lend
a hand. Give blood. Call your mom and dad, or kids. Take the dog for long
walks and smile at who you meet. Be a friend. Don’t drink and drive. Let
art color your life. Be gentle with the earth. Cut the drama and don’t go to
extremes. Never look back unless you are planning to go there. Be thankful.
To my clients & friends - Here’s to new year blessed
with good health, a warm heart, & a happy home!
“The bright new day...handle with care. Make the most of it.
There is only one to a customer.”
~Author unknown
And...when selling or buying real estate in Naples and surrounds, call upon
KAREN CONEY COPLIN for WELL-INFORMED, RESPONSIVE & ENTHUSIASTIC service.
Karen Coney Coplin, Realtor
Direct: 239.777.4093
Email: NaplesKCC@gmail.com
Happily celebrating my 21st year as a Naples real estate professional!
Award-winning Realtor. Award-winning service.
Life in Naples | January 2015 95
him for the interview process. Though Gonzales didn’t get the job, “ As a group, we had over 1,600
he wasn’t deterred. “It became something I really wanted,” he said. volunteer hours. We built ramps
“I started thinking about the rest of my life, and I knew working for the disabled, helped build
on the farm wasn’t going to provide me with what I needed. After
that, I applied for any job I could: janitor, machine operator and the foundation for a veteran’s
others. I never received any calls, but after a year, the apprenticeship memorial, and teamed with
application came up again. I had decided that if I didn’t get it, I Habitat for Humanity to construct
was going to join the Army. I ended up getting the job, and I’ve
been working at Arthrex ever since.” homes in Immokalee.
Now two years into a four-year machinist program at Arthrex, ”
Gonzales is grateful for every moment. “I have come to love and Stonesifer has continued inspiring him. The two stay in touch
enjoy the field I’m in. The possibilities are endless,” he said. and Gonzales speaks fondly of his mentor: “His advice drives me.
Gonzales credits his success to TIF. “If it weren’t for TIF, I’d He once told me that I always need to be the one who says, ‘I can
do that,’ if someone needs something done. This stuck with me.
probably still be working in the fields,” he said. “I look back on
the random spur of events that led me to FBA and TIF and I feel He is genuinely concerned about my well-being, as well as other
completely blessed. They want you to succeed. The program managers kids. When I first met him, I didn’t know at the time people could
stick with you and don’t let you go. I’m so thankful for that.” be like that.”
He also praises his unofficial mentor, TIF board member Dick The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education
Stonesifer, for inspiring him to never give up. Stonesifer was an programs that focus on building pathways to success through
early advocate of the FBA program, and it was there the two
college and post-secondary preparation and support, mentoring and
met. “Mr. Stonesifer shared his story of early struggles with our tutoring, opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills
de
FBA leadership,” Gonzales said. “He started on the production velopment leading to economic independence. To learn more
line cleaning parts at General Electric and eventually rose to
about TIF, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information,
the position of president and CEO of GE Appliances. He had l 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
cal
nothing, but through his hard work and desire to succeed, he made Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation,
it. We were inspired.” can be reached at steven.kissinger@imokaleefoundation.com.
Common Wisdom
Be kind to people and animals too. Laugh a lot. Just tell the truth.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. Clean up your own
mess. Wish upon a star. Please your dentist and floss your teeth. Read a
good book – or two (and read to a child!). Good health is priority #1. Lend
a hand. Give blood. Call your mom and dad, or kids. Take the dog for long
walks and smile at who you meet. Be a friend. Don’t drink and drive. Let
art color your life. Be gentle with the earth. Cut the drama and don’t go to
extremes. Never look back unless you are planning to go there. Be thankful.
To my clients & friends - Here’s to new year blessed
with good health, a warm heart, & a happy home!
“The bright new day...handle with care. Make the most of it.
There is only one to a customer.”
~Author unknown
And...when selling or buying real estate in Naples and surrounds, call upon
KAREN CONEY COPLIN for WELL-INFORMED, RESPONSIVE & ENTHUSIASTIC service.
Karen Coney Coplin, Realtor
Direct: 239.777.4093
Email: NaplesKCC@gmail.com
Happily celebrating my 21st year as a Naples real estate professional!
Award-winning Realtor. Award-winning service.
Life in Naples | January 2015 95
