Helping 1,400+ students and families
As we adjust and adapt to the current situation, our teachers and staff are hard at work. The transition to virtual learning is challenging in a community where internet access is often considered a luxury and day-to-day needs take precedence over anything else. With help from our community and philanthropic partners, we are addressing the immediate and essential needs of our families while helping them navigate “e-learning.” And, we continue to teach.
Student Focused
We are ready to help when needs arise. Here is what we are doing to help now:
- Staying in contact with 1,400+ students and families across all programs
- Preparing and supporting parents of early learning students to be their child’s primary teacher with at-home resources and lesson plans to maintain progress and keep students on-track
- Bringing students together by hosting virtual classes for early learning students and helping establish a new class routine for students – singing, learning and laughing together
- Maintaining almost daily communications with Tutor Corps high school and college students to provide support for virtual learning and encouragement in an uncertain time
- Continuing college preparatory activities for all Tutor Corps students such as writing college essays, taking assessments, completing applications and applying for scholarships
- Identifying and addressing immediate needs for families
Our focus remains on preparing students for academic success and economic independence. Students need our help staying focused on that goal and seeing hope for their future now more than ever. We know Guadalupe Center is their lifeline and we will not let them down.
Mission Forward
You can help Guadalupe Center while we continue to advance our mission by staying Student Focused, Mission Forward.
Your gift will allow Guadalupe Center to:
- Uphold our commitment to continue paying our teachers – the majority of whom are Immokalee residents
- Continue the shift to virtual and remote learning. Update and upgrade our technology to ensure our students have access to laptops and other devices to learn at home.
- Help families who live paycheck to paycheck with their immediate needs like food, diapers and baby formula, while they are unable to work during this crisis
If you are able to Give, thank you. We appreciate each and every donation.
Filling the Gaps
Students need support today. When parents can’t work, food insecurity becomes an immediate challenge. Thanks to Debbie & Bill Toler and the Clark Family Foundation for acting quickly to help our families with hot meals. With the help of Jonesez BBQ and Mi Ranchito, we were able to feed families on Saturdays to fill the gap as other services were getting up and running.
Weekdays, Guadalupe Center is a food distribution location for Collier County Public Schools. This resource is critical for our families who rely on the center for weekday meals.
Mentors are invaluable to our Tutor Corps students, especially now. Their support lets students know they are not alone and keeps them engaged and hopeful. We are grateful for all that the mentors are doing to encourage students.
Words of Hope and Encouragement are especially important now. Your kind words on our social media channels are an encouragement to the families, students and staff, reminding us that we are together as we remain distant. Follow our story on social media – like, share and comment.
Always,
Due to closures and work-from-home efforts, we are encouraging email communications at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@GuadalupeCenter.org.
Past Messages

Founded in Shared Values – Saint Mary’s Summer Camps and Programs Grows Partnership with Guadalupe Center
Twelve young women from Guadalupe Center of Immokalee, Florida attended Saint Mary’s Pre-College Institutes this year through their two-year old partnership with the College to offer summer enrichment opportunities to

Guadalupe Center highlighted in Florida’s 2025 – 2026 Kindergarten Readiness Report
Guadalupe Center is honored to be recognized in Florida’s 2025–2026 Kindergarten Readiness Report for its role in helping more children begin kindergarten ready to succeed. Click here to read the

Immokalee children lace up new fitted shoes for summer and the start of school – WGCU News
About 300 Immokalee children will walk in comfort and style the rest of this summer and to start the new school year, thanks to Laces of Love. Click here for

Southwest Florida in Focus – WGCU News
Our President & CEO, Dawn Montecalvo, sat down with Jennifer Crawford of WGCU for their Southwest Florida in Focus series to discuss our programs. Watch the episode here.

Women to Watch, June 2026 – eBella Magazine
Ellen Vanderberg and Kellie Burns have been appointed to Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees. Click here for full article.

Men to Watch, June 2026 – eBella Magazine
J.F. Scherer has been appointed to Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees. Click here for full article.