Page 54 - LIN DEC WEB

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

by Dawn Monteclavo

here are gifts that almost certainly will create a magical in Florida Gulf Coast University’s early admissions program.
T Christmas morning for a child. Elmer is an eighth-grader who has been able to receive specialized
support and services that are helping him excel in middle school.
A new smartphone. A train set. A bicycle.
Every gift-giver wants to see that euphoric state of joy and Graciela, the youngest, is a second-grader whose reading, math
happiness last forever, but technology evolves, interests change and and social skills soared after enrolling in the After-school Tutoring
children grow. Program.
For generations, people have been searching for a gift that truly This is just one family. Guadalupe Center hopes to reach as
keeps on giving, an item that is just as valuable today as it will be many families as possible and accomplish its mission of breaking
next month, next year and beyond. the cycle of poverty through education for the children of
That gift is out there, though. It’s the gift of education. Immokalee.
Education can make dreams a reality. Little girls and boys That mission becomes clearer when reviewing statistical data.
can dream about becoming doctors, teachers, business owners, According to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
engineers, financial planners and more. A high-quality education median income rises proportionately with educational attainment:
can make it happen. Less than high school diploma: $619/week
Of course, education is not a gift with immediate gratification. High school diploma: $781/week
It’s a gift that requires hard work from the recipient, who must Associate degree: $938/week
put forth effort in the classroom and show ambition, drive and Bachelor’s degree: $1,305/week
determination. It’s a gift that needs mentoring and guidance along Master’s degree: $1,545/week
the way. It’s a gift that requires soul-searching and contemplation. Doctorate degree: $1,885/week
In the end, though, education creates endless possibilities by Money, of course, doesn’t
allowing children to set a goal and then begin charting their future. buy happiness. For children
Each year, Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,500 students who grew up living in poverty,
through its nationally accredited Early Childhood Education though, it pays for three meals
Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program per day, rent or mortgage,
and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. utilities, reliable transportation,
These programs are making a difference in the lives of health care, clothing and other
Immokalee families, including one with four siblings all benefiting expenses.
from Guadalupe Center’s educational programs. Alberta, the Education can change lives and
oldest, is now a sophomore at Roberts Wesleyan University change an impoverished community
majoring in business, with scholarships and grants covering nearly like Immokalee. Guadalupe Center students are
regular volunteers for Lipman
every expense. Rosaura, a Tutor Corps student, will graduate next Every December, generous
Family Farms’ annual Backpack
spring among the top of her class at residents of Southwest Florida open
Giveaway each summer.
Immokalee High School, where she their hearts and wallets to support
participates in numerous clubs and numerous charitable causes. Education
activities, and also is enrolled is a gift unlike any other, one that helps students recognize that
the impossible is actually possible and that their dreams are within
reach.

Dawn Montecalvo is president of Guadalupe Center in Immokalee.
To provide a lasting gift to students in Immokalee, please visit
Alberta (top right) is a role model GuadalupeCenter.org/how-to-give or call 239-657-7711.
for her siblings, each of whom
is following in her footsteps at All donations are tax deductible.
Guadalupe Center.

54 Life in Naples | December 2021