Page 90 - Life_In_Naples_December_2018

THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION
SEEKS MENTORS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE
LIVES OF STUDENTS

by Noemi Y. Perez

y mentor has encouraged me to further
my education and to keep striving to
accomplish my goals,” said Immokalee
“M Foundation student Leessett Perez. “Most
importantly, my mentor is one of my greatest friends.”
There is so much more to mentorship than meets the eye;
according to the generous volunteer mentors for The Immokalee
Foundation, the relationship between mentor and mentee is a very
positive one for both sides of the equation.
January is National Mentoring Month, and The Immokalee
Foundation is seeking mentors to help shape the futures of young
people in our community. We need adults who are willing to share Emily Costigan, Luis Mendoza, Sherlanda Auguste, John Costigan
their time, talent and experience to help students in our programs
can share with them. It is a delight to see them expand their horizons
excel not only in their studies – but also in their lives.
and help them see possibilities that they may not have considered.
Mentor Emily Costigan explains the benefits of mentoring
“It is a cliche, but I do learn as much from them as I give, and
this way: “I have enjoyed being a mentor because I like having a
spending time with teens helps me stay engaged,” Costigan said.
relationship with young people who have their whole lives ahead of
Indeed, mentors like Costigan who spend an hour each week
them with so many options from which to choose. I feel that my life
with their mentee and participate in activities enable students to
experiences have given me some insight into decision-making that I
have a much larger view of the world and the possibilities in it.
“Russell is an energetic, enthusiastic and empowering mentor,”
said Angel Mateo, a foundation student, when speaking of his
mentor, Russell Cooper. “Over the span of three years, my mentor
has enriched my mind on various intricacies of our modern world
that have accelerated my ascent to an active global citizen. Few in
my life have helped me mature and prosper like Russell has – all in
the hopes that I can materialize my dreams.”
Some mentors come from local companies; many mentors are
retired. All that is required is a desire to help a young student on
his journey and the time and ability to make a commitment to
meet with that student at least once a week.
As The Immokalee Foundation mentors and students say, the
rewards are great.

Noemi Y. Perez, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation,
can be reached at noemi.perez@immokaleefoundation.org.

To learn more about mentoring or to become a mentor,
contact Michelle Kennedy at 239-657-2461 or mentor@
immokaleefoundation.org. Additional information is available at
http://immokaleefoundation.org/volunteer-or-mentor.
The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education
programs that focus on building pathways to professional
careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills
development leading to economic independence. To learn more
about The Immokalee Foundation, volunteering as a career panel
speaker or host, becoming a mentor, making a donation, including
the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information,
Debbie Divita and Amy Hale, BMO Wealth Management, with Leessett call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.
Perez, The Immokalee Foundation student.

90 Life in Naples | December 2018