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Cheerful encouragement at every turn for the students at
Pathways Early Education Center in Immokalee.

Preparing Children for the Path Ahead

by Karen Coney Coplin
aples, Florida has been my home including an after school snack. And the very youngest are served by
for exactly one half of my life; and being in a safe, supportive place while their family members work.
N yet, it was only last year that I was There are many ways to help Pathways continue its mission and
introduced directly to the Pathways Early expand service to the Immokalee community.
Education Center of Immokalee. Making up Coming up this month is a signature fundraising event,
for lost time, I can tell you that, visually, the Star Light, Star Bright, to be held on January 15, 2025, at the
Center is impressive and inviting; colorful and Royal Poinciana Golf Club. Individual tickets are $450; a table
creative. My inner child saw this on a guest of 8 (if available) is $3,000. To inquire about tickets, please contact
tour as a welcoming and wonderful place. Jacqueline Ferrigno Brown at jacqueline@pathwaysearlyeducation.org
Perhaps you'll, one day soon, see for yourself, too! or call her at 239.261.1774.
th
This remarkable organization celebrated its 60 year serving This event is a gathering of friends new and old, great food
the largely agricultural community of Immokalee, located in and drink with the backdrop of a classically beautiful Naples
the northeastern most part of Collier County. Since 1964, setting. Featured this year is the Brighter Future Photo Project in
Pathways Early Education Center has provided high quality collaboration with Brian Tietz, a local photographer portraying
early learning and child care resources to help Immokalee's today's Pathways students as tomorrow's future career leaders.
children enter kindergarten eager, prepared and ready to learn. This Project is just one tangible and important reminder of
Given these deep roots, this organization truly is a local pioneer the important "life's work" for Pathways teachers, students, staff,
of championing the power and promise of early education. supporters, and everyone else believing in a brighter future for our
Its mission of caring for the most vulnerable populations in communities.
an under resourced community is based on science: a child's well If you are not able to attend the Star Light, Star Bright event,
being, present and future, is best served when kids start quality please consider otherwise supporting the Center. There are many
childhood programs at a young age. Consistently, research shows giving opportunities including an ongoing $2.25M campaign.
that this is a smart investment. A developing child's mind is The goal: to serve more children in Immokalee. This includes
fertile ground to open up the potential to a world of opportunity a generous matching pledge of $750,000 in place from the
rather than limitation. George & Cindy Rusu Family Foundation for all
Pathways' programs help make dreams become realities new/increased gifts.
because our youngest children are sponges ready to absorb, grow Please call or visit the website: pathwaysearlyeducation.org
and learn. Without early learning opportunities, research has for other opportunities to help Pathways continue to innovate,
shown time and again, programs begun later in life are far more serve and nurture their students; the campaign website is:
costly to administer; and are less likely to achieve the same levels pathwaysearlyeducation.org/brighterfuture through all of this,
of measurable success as with small children. the future of Pathways is bright indeed!
We all win when our community's children thrive. Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for
Currently, babies as young as one month old and children future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations
up to 5 years of age are part of the current enrollees at Pathways in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.
Early Education Center. Tied to this is another important Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow
component: proper nourishment for every meal of the day, on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers.

46 www.LifeInNaples.net