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Purposeful Giving to Make a

L asting Impact

ince 1984, Guadalupe Center has been a catalyst for
change in Immokalee, evolving from a simple soup
Skitchen into a transformative hub of opportunity and
empowerment. Over the past four decades, Guadalupe
Center has helped countless families break the cycle of
poverty through education, paving the way to a future
brimming with endless opportunities.
The center’s mission is anchored in the belief that education
is the key to unlocking boundless potential. With access to
high-quality education programs, families can attain financial
stability, ensuring essential needs such as food, housing, “ It takes a village to raise children, and honestly,
health care, and transportation are met.
without the Guadalupe Center, my boys would
A History of Transformation not have been able to get the resources or
Decades ago, many adults in Immokalee faced uncertain help that they need. Their support has lifted
futures, with nearly half lacking a high school diploma and a lot of weight off my shoulders as a parent.”
only a small percentage holding a college degree. Today, this
landscape has transformed dramatically, thanks in large part – Bianca, Mother to George and Sammy
to the collective efforts of Guadalupe Center, local nonprofits,
and dedicated community supporters.
To date, over 250 alumni of Guadalupe Center have graduated How to Make a L asting Impact
from college, embarking on careers as doctors, teachers,
business owners, and community leaders throughout With 70% of its operating budget reliant on
Southwest Florida. A recent survey conducted in partnership
with Florida Gulf Coast University revealed that Guadalupe philanthropic support, Guadalupe Center’s
Center graduates are 55% more likely to earn a college degree success is driven by community involvement.
than their peers from Immokalee High School, and 25% more Supporters can participate in various ways:
likely to earn $70,000 or more annually. These achievements
are a testament to the power of education, especially when • Attend an event: Guadalupe Center’s annual Elevate
combined with community support. gala is one of Southwest Florida’s premier charitable
events. Elevate the Dream will be held on January 10,
Your Support Matters 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.
This school year, more than 2,000 students, from infancy • Join the Golden Circle: This group of female
through college, will benefit from the center’s high-quality philanthropists works toward a shared vision of
educational programs: strengthening Guadalupe Center’s impact.
• Early Childhood Education (pre-school) • Become a GEM: Members of the Give Every Month
• After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment program provide consistent support through recurring
(elementary school) donations that fund education programs.
• Tutor Corps RISE (middle school) • Support a collection: Guadalupe Center’s Holiday Gift
Shop and Back-to-School Supplies Drive ensure students
• Tutor Corps (high school and college) have the essentials for academic success.
Guadalupe Center has expanded its reach to serve more • Monetary donations provide tuition assistance,
students and families. Our partnership with Able Academy, instructional materials, and professional development
funded by Naples Children & Education Foundation, enables for educators, helping students reach their full potential.
our behavioral health team to offer vital support for children
facing challenges like language delays, trauma, or disabilities.
A powerful example is three-year-old twins Samuel and George,
who began their journey at Guadalupe Center last year. Their
mother sought a nurturing environment for them, recognizing
their potential. Thanks to individualized attention from our
Behavioral Health Specialist and Able Academy, Samuel and
George have made remarkable progress, learning to express
themselves and build friendships.

Life in Naples | November 2024 47