Page 46 - LIN-Nov 2023-web-version

Education ‘elevates’ Ramirez family to new heights

Since its inception, 244 Tutor Corps graduates have earned college
degrees. For a small community like Immokalee, where just 7.7% of
adults have a bachelor’s degree, 244 college graduates is a big deal.
“Poverty is an economic condition that can persist for generations,
but a high-quality education has the power to create a cycle of
the same priority as physical health," says Hatch. Often, food
prosperity in rural communities like Immokalee,” said Tutor Corps
insecurity is the basis for NAMI Collier clients to approach the College Director Jorge Perez, himself an Immokalee native who
organization for a meal, then other help. graduated from Florida State University and returned home after
Nowhere was this so evident as it was in the aftermath of graduation. “Gabe is one of many alumni who have come back to
by Karen Coney Coplin Hurricane Ian. Like CRC, NAMI Collier experienced an serve this community in the fields of education, health care, business,

he bounty of fall harvests and the exponential demand; hot meals were then delivered door-to-door. finance and other professions.”
Unlike many Guadalupe Center students, Gabe is not the first
Thanksgiving holiday are here! In This allowed for an assessment of storm damage, living conditions, member of his family to earn a college degree. That honor went to
T the spirit of the season, I spoke with and other issues exacerbated by the storm. his older sister, Jasmin, who earned an associate degree from Florida
dedicated leaders committed to taking action so This intentional and personal contact built trust among NAMI SouthWestern State College in 2017, the same year she graduated
those dealing with hunger and food insecurity Collier's clients, and brought others - family and neighbors - to from Immokalee High. Then in 2021, she received a bachelor’s degree
issues are given assistance now and throughout their fold. by Dawn Montecalvo in psychology from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania. This summer,
the year. In addition to keeping their sizable food pantry on Castello abe Ramirez spent most of his she completed a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling
Kari Lefort, the Collier Resource Center Drive well-stocked, "The Giving Room" is stocked with personal childhood in Immokalee, not venturing from Florida Gulf Coast University. She, too, returned to Immokalee
CEO, shared comments about food insecurity in hygiene items, clothing, and household goods, which are available Gtoo far from his hometown. after graduation, first working at Pace Center for Girls, Collier
Naples, as well as her organization's mission to help, and also how to all involved in NAMI programs. When it came time for college, though, at Immokalee and now at Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier
Gabe headed north... way north. He enrolled County.
you, as a reader, can help CRC and the clients it serves. Like the Collier Resource Center, ALL programs at NAMI at St. John’s University in Minnesota, 1,800 Gabe likely won’t be the last of the Ramirez siblings to earn a
Her organization views those who are without the resources to Collier are free of charge to their clients. With goals of meeting miles from home, and majored in education. college degree, either. His younger sisters, Mikaela and Maya, are
purchase food and feed their families as an often "hidden" issue. basic needs and identifying other ways to provide mental health However, his long-range plan always included both enrolled in the Tutor Corps Program, and his younger brother,
Though there was heightened attention focused on this issue with and other support to our fellow Neapolitans, both organizations a return to Immokalee so he could make a difference in his Emilio, is excelling in the Early Childhood Education Program.
the arrival of COVID and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. are creating the possibility of stronger, healthier futures, with less hometown. “We see this all the time with families,” Perez said. “Education
If a client approaches the Collier Resource Center about food trauma for the most vulnerable among us. What he didn’t know, though, was just how quickly that would helps elevate one sibling, and younger brothers and sisters follow in
needs, they will be connected to food pantries and other resources For this I am thankful. Might you join me in taking action to happen. their footsteps.”
The Ramirez’ story is one of many that fuel Guadalupe
to help ensure that their cupboards are filled with nutritious, varied support these organizations and the families in their care? After graduating in May, Gabe secured a job as a second-grade Center’s signature fundraising gala: Elevate the Journey of Endless
offerings. Donations of monetary and in-kind gifts are welcome; as teacher at Eden Park Elementary in Immokalee. It’s a five-minute Possibilities. The event theme directly relates to the world of
commute from home and less than a mile from his old stomping
And as an integral part of follow up, free case management are contributions of food and other items suitable for use by possibilities that is created through high-quality educational
grounds at Immokalee High School. It’s also directly across the
services are provided to pinpoint resources to sort through other these organization's clients. Share their posts online; sign up for street from Guadalupe Center’s van Otterloo Family Campus for programs. Those wishing to support students like Gabe, Jasmin and
issues and solve problems short-term and long. These might be newsletters; perhaps, volunteer! Learning, which houses the nationally accredited Early Childhood their siblings are invited to join Guadalupe Center staff and students
housing, medical and dental care, senior needs disability equipment, The Collier Resource Center and NAMI Collier can be Education Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program at Elevate, which will be held January 12, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton
diapers and more, including mental health services. contacted through their social media pages and via phone: that he participated in throughout high school. Naples, Tiburón. Proceeds from the event will help students reach
Food is a basic necessity for all, Beth Hatch, the CEO of NAMI Collier Resource Center : 239.434.2030 “It was always my plan to come home and give back to the new heights.
For more information about Elevate, please visit

Collier stated, and this tenet is a foundation for their services to NAMI Collier : 239.260.7300 community that has given me so much,” said Gabe, who also
will coach wrestling at Immokalee High and spend next summer GuadalupeCenter.org/event/elevate-the-journey.
community members in need, from infants to seniors. And, for one If you would also like to receive a list of area food pantries for
teaching students in Guadalupe Center’s Summer Enrichment About the Author
group falling in between these age ranges, like school-age children, donations or to share, please email Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com - Dawn Montecalvo is president and CEO at Guadalupe Center, which
Program.
numerous studies have linked proper nutrition to better learning. and consider following her@Naplesbythenumbers and @NaplesCayden provides high-quality educational programs for nearly 1,950 students
"Much of our mission is to strive to accord mental health on Instagram for more stories about Life in Naples. annually in Immokalee.
46 Life in Naples | November 2023 Life in Naples | November 2023 47
46