Page 86 - March-2015-Life-in-Naples-Magazine

assistance to initiatives in education, career development

and health care in Immokalee. In the late 1990s, TIF

began to concentrate its efforts more on education,

believing education was an integral part of the economic

development of Immokalee.

TIF began to provide its own scholarships and

mentoring in 2009 through its partnership with Take

Stock in Children, a statewide program that provides

deserving students an opportunity to fulfill their potential

and attend college. TSIC helps increase high school

graduation rates by holding students to a pledge to stay

out of trouble, keep their grades up and consistently

meet with a mentor. These volunteer mentors – often

DOROTHY CAMPBELL (MENTOR), SHARON AND MICHAEL MICHIGAMI (SUPPORTERS), FRANCISCO CUEVAS community members passionate about making a
(STUDENT) AND DON GUNTHER (BOARD MEMBER) AT 2014 CCC difference – meet with their students on a regular basis,
providing invaluable support, guidance, accountability
Dedicated supporters and friendship.

Over time, new programs were introduced and today,

help TIF make a difference in addition to TSIC, the foundation offers Immokalee
Readers, Career Development and College Success.
Immokalee Readers is an intensive reading
intervention program targeting the bottom 17 percent of
readers from kindergarten through third grade.The after-

by Steven Kissinger school program matches elementary students with high school-aged tutors for enjoyable and
productive reading lessons.
S ince 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has
worked diligently to empower Immokalee’s Through the Career Development program, TIF aims to increase awareness and
children.Through programs focused on education, knowledge of career paths through an array of career panels, seminars and industry-targeted
tours.One popular event isTIF’s annual networking reception.Here,local business executives

vocation and life skills,the foundation is helping hundreds from companies such as Arthrex, Hilton Naples, The Ritz-Carlton and NCH Healthcare

of students pave their path to success. However, the Systems provide valuable insights and real-life lessons important in helping students prepare

foundation doesn’t do it alone; we rely on the help of the for life beyond high school.

community to help us make a positive difference in the Understanding that college isn’t for everyone,the Heavy Equipment Mechanics program

life of a child. We are never disappointed. Year after year, at the Immokalee Technical Center was launched as part of the CDP in 2010 thanks to the

sponsors, donors, mentors, board members, businesses, guidance of Don Fites,the former CEO of Caterpillar.Fites was instrumental in developing

volunteers and more give of themselves to help TIF a collaboration with the public and private sectors to raise funds for the program. With the

continue enriching the lives of Immokalee’s youth. support of The Caterpillar Foundation, the Fites Family Charitable Trust, Kelly Foundation

Community support has always been crucial to the Inc. and Kelly Tractor, and The District School Board of Collier County, HEM was born.

success of the organization. When Parker Collier and TIF’s College Success program provides ongoing mentorship and academic advisement

other concerned citizens of Collier County founded TIF for students on a post-secondary path, helping them to set up individual academic plans to

24 years ago, their goal was to garner enough financial ensure graduation.They learn and develop important life skills such as financial responsibility,

support to make an impact in the lives of Immokalee time management and study habits.

citizens. And make an impact they did. With the Most importantly,we are making a difference.One hundred percent of the students who

generous help of philanthropic citizens, companies and participate in TIF programs graduate from high school, and 97 percent of those students go

institutions,TIF began raising funds to provide financial on to a college or vocational post-secondary path.Plus,about 75 percent of those students go

on to graduate.We are giving students a chance to reach heights they never thought possible.

Community partnerships, dedicated supporters and volunteers, board members and

more are essential to continuing our mission. Every person, family and business supporting

TIF plays a crucial role in helping Immokalee’s children achieve their dream of economic

independence and we are grateful.

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on

building pathways to success through college and post-secondary preparation and support,

mentoring and tutoring,opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills development

leading to economic independence.To learn more about TIF,volunteering as a mentor or for

additional information, call 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation, can be reached at steven.

kissinger@immokaleefoundation.com.

HEM CLASS PARTICIPANTS WITH BOB MOORE

86 Life in Naples | March 2015