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.

As we strive to find the best solutions for our students, families and staff, I am grateful for your encouragement and support. The phone calls, emails and well wishes on social media motivate me and my team. It means so much because I know this is a difficult time for you as well. Never has together felt more significant and it seems we are more together in our distance.

Although our hallways are quiet, Guadalupe Center remains a beacon of hope and a resource for families in times of need. Our ability to continue serving children and families is because of our dedicated staff, steadfast partnerships and generous community.

Our teachers and staff are working to identify and address the immediate needs of our students and families. With the school day moving online, our priorities are helping parents understand the actions needed for virtual learning, providing academic resources and working to maintain student progress. This transition is especially challenging for families who have limited exposure to technology.

Providing services and support today requires creativity, flexibility and a unique approach. Our method of delivery has changed but our focus remains on preparing students for academic success and economic independence. We know Guadalupe Center is their lifeline and we will not let them down.

For those who are able, we have a time-sensitive donation match opportunity through our partner Stand Together Foundation. Your generous gift can help Guadalupe Center access up to $100,000 in matching funds. Donate to #HelpTheHelpers, a rapid response campaign on our designated GoFundMe page, and the Stand Together Foundation will match gifts of up to $5,000 per donor.  Click here to learn more.

Thank you for helping provide hope for children and families in Immokalee as we remain student focused and mission forward!

Always,

I hope this email finds you well and taking the necessary precautions during this very challenging time.

Guadalupe Center is a family, and like you, we have had to make some very difficult decisions to keep our students, staff and families safe. Based on the latest guidance from the CDC, the Guadalupe Center will be closed through March 27. Additional determinations will be made week by week.

Even though our physical campus is unavailable, Guadalupe Center has always been a resource for families in times of need and this tradition will not change.

Our mission and commitment to children and families continues as we work closely with our community partners to support families. Our areas of immediate focus are:

• Maintaining continuity of staff and programming
• Supporting and encouraging at-home and remote learning
• Helping Tutor Corps college students get home or to a safe location while colleges suspend classes, shift to remote learning and close campuses
• Ensuring students and families have meals
• Monitoring the needs of our families and working to find resources when possible
• Supporting the health and wellness of our community

All upcoming fundraising events have been suspended. Although Celebration Dinner at Grey Oaks has been cancelled, we are working to find an opportunity to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2020. The Charity Golf Classic will be rescheduled for late October 2020. Please stay tuned and watch for updates.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer encouragement and support. Like you, we are making adjustments moment by moment to address the ever changing circumstances. We pledge to keep you informed in the coming weeks; your ongoing support will be critical.

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.