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Jenesis Saunders
James Saunders
Jaelyn Saunders

The Immokalee Foundation
Safety in Numbers is a Powerful Thing

Feeling Safe Is A Basic Human Need.
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO Now, meet the Sanders siblings, Jaelyn, Jenesis and James.

hough I have heard the saying "safety in All three are Immokalee Foundation students following diverse
numbers" many times, I have recently begun pathways to future success in education, healthcare, and human
Tto appreciate its meaning on a deeper level. services.
After all, feeling safe is a basic human need. Our students may come from one of the most economically
For most in Southwest Florida, safety is a given: vulnerable communities in Southwest Florida; however, for The
food, housing, and financial security, for example. Immokalee Foundation, "safety" is found in the number of residents
For Immokalee, a primarily migrant farming community just who consistently support these remarkable young people through
35 miles east of downtown Naples, the outlook is quite different. their volunteerism and donations.
Our children and their families are struggling with poverty, food More and more, that feeling of safety extends outside of
insecurity, lack of education, and little hope for a better life. Immokalee and into the rest of Southwest Florida, where you can
The poverty rate in Immokalee is 32%—one out of every three feel secure in knowing that Southwest Florida's future leaders are
residents lives in poverty. Tragically, the poverty rate for children on their way!
is even higher, with 97% qualifying for Free and Reduced Price Imagine a future with Jaelyn teaching your grandchildren, Jenesis
Lunch according to the USDA eligibility guidelines. healing your aches and pains through skilled physical therapy, or
At The Immokalee Foundation, numbers are powerful. To James offering you or a loved one much-needed legal support. Now,
begin, we have supported over 13,000 students in our 31 year imagine life without them — a world devoid of their education,
history. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of leaders experience, and the compassion they learned from you.
through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and Marisol, their mother, says it best: "The Immokalee Foundation
professional development for Immokalee's best and brightest. has brought hope to children, families, and the Immokalee
Sixty of our high school students currently work as tutors for community. It provides an outlet where parents can ask questions,
790 of our elementary school students. Additionally, 162 middle become educated in the child's future, and share in their children's
school students and 174 high school students participate in our successes."
award-winning Career Pathways Program focused on careers And the number of students, siblings, families, and future leaders
in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & we can help without the good people of Southwest Florida?
Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Zero.
Healthcare. Finally, we have 232 students in our postsecondary Please let me end by saying thank you to every person who will
program who are steps away from making their mark on support our mission in 2023. At The Immokalee Foundation, "safety
Southwest Florida's economy. in numbers" starts with all of you. And we know we can count on
At The Immokalee Foundation, we talk a lot about the you, too!
importance of family. Our culture dictates a wide-ranging respect About The Immokalee Foundation
for our immediate families and those whose company we value. The Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial
The Immokalee Foundation supports 148 sibling groups—brothers independence through robust programming that prepares students for
and sisters from kindergarten through postsecondary education— well-paying, in-demand professional careers. To learn more about
enthusiastically preparing to live the dream of career and financial The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, signature events, volunteer
independence. as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in
your estate plans, please call 239.430.9122
For additional information visit immokaleefoundation.org
50 Life in Naples | January 2023