New Horizons Of SWFL - New Horizons of Southwest Florida

💛 Celebrating More of Our Incredible Volunteers

New Horizons Of SWFL — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:59:29 +0000

💛 Celebrating More of Our Incredible Volunteers

April is National Volunteer Month, and we continue celebrating the incredible volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our super students. Their dedication, time, and heart create lasting impact—helping students grow in confidence, character, and curiosity every day.

Debbie is a pillar of kindness at Cypress SKC. She shows up twice a week with a smile, a plan, and a heart ready to serve—whether that means tutoring, encouraging families, or stepping in wherever she’s needed. Her leadership in organizing a food drive through her church made a meaningful difference for our families, reflecting her deep commitment to community care. Debbie embodies what it means to serve with love, and we are so grateful for her.

Joe brings a calm, patient spirit that helps students feel safe to learn at their own pace. His love for the kids is evident in every interaction—from the way he listens to their stories to the way he celebrates their progress. Joe’s steady encouragement makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our Covenant SKC students..

Andrew shows up with purpose to our Rosemary SKC—determined to help students succeed not only academically, but personally. His passion for mentoring shines through in the way he encourages effort, celebrates progress, and challenges students to believe in their potential. Andrew is the kind of role model who helps shape confidence and character, and our kids are better because of him.

Sherry is a joyful, grounding presence in our Friday clubs. She connects with students in a way that makes them feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Whether she’s leading a discussion, participating in an activity, or offering a listening ear, Sherry brings genuine care and a deep commitment to helping students grow in character and confidence. Her faith-filled encouragement helps our young girls and boys build resilience, self-worth, and strong interpersonal skills. We are grateful for the heart she pours into every Friday afternoon.

Elaine brings a calm, steady warmth to Oak River Super Kids Club. Her patience creates a safe space for students to try, learn, and try again—and her kindness makes them feel seen and valued. Elaine is the volunteer who notices the quiet victories, celebrates the small steps, and supports each child with genuine care. Her commitment to our students shines in every interaction, and we are so thankful for the love she pours into our program.

Andre sets the tone for the week with heartfelt devotionals that help students grow in faith, character, and confidence. She pairs that spiritual support with hands-on academic guidance, helping students with reading, math, and homework through patience and encouragement. Andre’s presence is a blessing to Covenant Super Kids Club, and we are grateful for the steady love she pours into our students.

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

Our volunteers are the heart of New Horizons, and you can join them! Whether you have a few hours a week, a special skill, or simply a willingness to encourage our students, there’s a place for you to make an impact.

Become a Volunteer Today →

The post 💛 Celebrating More of Our Incredible Volunteers first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: More Stories from New Horizons

New Horizons Of SWFL — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:34:07 +0000

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: More Stories from New Horizons

April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re excited to share more stories of the incredible volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our super students. Their time, dedication, and heart inspire confidence, curiosity, and growth every day.

Randy brings an incredible spark to the Estero Super Teens Club—the kind of passion that inspires students to believe in themselves and push a little further every day. His generosity shows up not only in the time he gives, but in the way he listens, encourages, and celebrates each teen’s growth. Randy’s presence has become a steady source of motivation for our students, and we are grateful for the heart he brings to the club.

David is the kind of mentor every child deserves: patient, encouraging, and deeply invested in helping students grow. Whether he’s guiding a tough homework assignment or simply listening to a student share about their day, David shows up with compassion and generosity. His heart for our kids is unmistakable, and his presence brings comfort and confidence to Oak River Super Kids Club. We’re honored to celebrate David and the countless ways he lifts up our students.

Our Super Kids Club in Estero thrives thanks to dedicated volunteers like Mr. Russ. Each week, he shows up with a smile—and snacks the kids eagerly anticipate. Beyond tutoring and mentoring, Mr. Russ brings genuine care to every interaction. He engages fully in our faith-based activities, joining students in prayer and encouraging their growth in both academics and character. His steady presence makes a lasting impact, and we’re grateful for the joy and support he brings to our students.

Elizabeth brings positivity that lifts students up and helps them see what they’re capable of. Her caring approach creates an environment where kids feel encouraged to try, learn, and keep going—even when the work is tough. She celebrates every milestone and reminds students that their achievements matter. We’re thankful for the optimism and heart she brings to Rosemary SKC.

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

Become a Volunteer Today →

The post 💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: More Stories from New Horizons first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons

New Horizons Of SWFL — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:02:08 +0000

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons

April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing individuals who make our programs possible. Our volunteers bring time, energy, and heart to our super students every day—and their impact is felt in every tutoring session, activity, and smile.

Mary has been a joyful force to our programs. At Oak River SKC, Mary brings her signature enthusiasm to every tutoring session. Students light up when she walks into the room—they know she’ll cheer them on, challenge them, and celebrate every win, big or small. Mary has a gift for turning learning into something fun and meaningful, and her steady dedication has shaped countless young readers and thinkers. We are so grateful for the heart she pours into our super students.

Tina brings joy to Estero SKC in the most thoughtful ways—including her wonderful puzzle donations that have become a student favorite. After finishing their schoolwork, our super students gather around the puzzle table, working together, laughing, and building confidence piece by piece. Tina’s generosity has created a fun, collaborative space that students look forward to every day. Her kindness reminds our kids that they are supported by a community that believes in them.

Gale brings creativity and curiosity to every session at Cypress SKC. Twice a week, she arrives with hands-on activities that spark imagination, deepen understanding, and make learning feel like an adventure. Her thoughtful approach helps students connect new ideas to real-world experiences, and her gentle encouragement builds confidence along the way. Gale’s dedication enriches our programs in beautiful ways.

Eliza has a gift for making every child feel seen and valued at Rosemary SKC. Her gentle, caring presence creates a safe and welcoming space where students can learn, share, and grow. Whether she’s helping with homework or offering a kind word, Eliza brings warmth that brightens the entire room. We are grateful for the compassion she pours into our Rosemary students.

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

Our volunteers are the heart of New Horizons, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you have a few hours a week or a special skill to share, there’s a place for you to make an impact.

Become a Volunteer Today →

The post 💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Bus at Cypress SKC

New Horizons Of SWFL — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:05:09 +0000

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Bus at Cypress Super Kids Club

We recently celebrated an exciting milestone for New Horizons of SWFL with a ribbon cutting event at our Cypress Super Kids Club, marking the arrival of a new bus made possible by the generosity of supporters at our January 2025 Gala, Sail to Success.

This new bus has been serving students across the Fort Myers and Estero area since the summer, ensuring Super Kids and Super Teens have safe, reliable transportation from school to our clubs each afternoon. Transportation is a critical part of our mission, and this addition strengthens our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality programming to the students and families we serve.

The celebration brought together volunteers, board members, staff, donors, and our super students. Guests gathered as they waited for the students to arrive from school aboard the new bus. As it pulled up, music filled the air and cheers, smiles, and dancing welcomed the students, setting the tone for a joyful and meaningful afternoon.

Once the students gathered at the club, Dr. Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL, introduced Jim Jost, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who shared remarks highlighting the importance of transportation to the organization’s work.

“Thank you to all of our supporters,” Jost said. “Buses are integral to our success. We pick students up after school and bring them safely to our clubs. We cannot deliver the quality programs we’re known for without the fleet we have. Maintaining and updating that fleet is essential, and it’s only possible because of the continued support of our donors.”

Following the remarks, the ribbon was officially cut, marking the start of this new chapter. The celebration continued as everyone shared cake, conversation, and time together with the Super Kids, an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate what’s possible through community support.

This ribbon cutting was more than a ceremonial moment; it was a powerful reminder of how generosity turns into tangible impact. Because of the donors who supported Sail to Success, students in the Fort Myers area now have dependable transportation and continued access to the care, consistency, and encouragement offered through New Horizons of SWFL.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this moment possible and who continues to invest in the future of our super students.

A video capturing the joy, ribbon cutting, and community celebration at Cypress Super Kids Club.

The post Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Bus at Cypress SKC first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home

New Horizons Of SWFL — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:04:18 +0000

A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home

This past December, one of our New Horizons families was selected to receive a Best Christmas Ever, and the celebration brought joy and hope right into their home.

Through Best Christmas Ever, families are nominated by local organizations and selected to receive a meaningful, in-home Christmas experience. This year, Edwin’s family was chosen in recognition of their resilience and perseverance.

Eleven-year-old Edwin has been part of New Horizons since first grade. When he first joined our program, he spoke very little and struggled academically, especially in third grade. With consistency and support, Edwin has grown in confidence. Today, he is engaged, friendly, and eager to connect with others. His progress academically, socially, and emotionally reflects both his perseverance and the impact of steady encouragement.

Edwin lives under the care of his grandparents, who have stepped in to provide the stability he needs. They are deeply committed to raising him with intention and consistency, making sacrifices to ensure he has a supportive home environment. Edwin also receives weekly in-home therapy to support his growth, and his grandparents remain closely involved every step of the way.

This past year included challenging moments for the family, which required them to lean on one another even more. Reuniting as a household later in the year was a meaningful moment that reinforced the importance of their shared support and connection.

The Best Christmas Ever celebration brought a special moment of encouragement into their home. It was a reminder that the family is seen and supported by a wider community.

We are grateful to Best Christmas Ever, a faith-based nonprofit that partners with local leaders to bless families facing difficult circumstances. Their mission closely aligns with New Horizons’ commitment to serving families with care and respect.

A special thank you to Gene Bradley, his family, and their team for selecting Edwin’s family and creating a Christmas they will remember.

The post A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation: What’s Right for You?

New Horizons Of SWFL — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:02:29 +0000

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation:
What’s Right for You?

At New Horizons of SWFL we want to empower you to steward your resources in the most effective and joy-filled way. As generous people, many of us want not just to give, but to build a legacy of generosity. Two of the most common vehicles for strategic giving are Private Foundations and Giving Funds (also known as Donor-Advised Funds, or DAFs). While both can support your long-term philanthropic goals, they serve different needs, and understanding the differences can help you choose wisely.

Below, we walk through key considerations and where each option may make sense, especially for those of us who desire to honor God with our giving.

What Is a Giving Fund (Donor-Advised Fund)?

A Giving Fund is an account you open with a sponsoring organization (such as the National Christian Foundation (NCF), Collier Community Foundation (CCF), The Collaboratory, etc.), rather than creating a separate legal entity. When you contribute to that fund:

You receive an immediate tax-deductible gift.
You can donate not just cash, but also appreciated securities, real estate, or other complex assets.
The fund’s balance can be invested over time, allowing that pool of resources to grow tax-free.
When you’re ready, you can recommend grants to qualified charities — including international ones with U.S. affiliates — and NCF handles the administration for you.
You can see your fund, recommend grants, and manage giving online — easily, anytime.

Because your fund is held within the sponsoring organization, not as an independent legal entity, there’s far less administrative burden. You don’t have to file complex tax returns, maintain a board, or worry about the overhead of a foundation.

What Is a Private Foundation?

A private foundation is a separate, stand-alone charitable entity. Typically:

It’s governed by a board of trustees (often family members), giving you full control over how grants are made, how assets are invested, and how the foundation is run.
It must comply with IRS rules, including distributing a minimum percentage of its assets each year (usually around 5% of net investment assets).
It also has legal, accounting, and regulatory obligations: you need to file annual tax returns, maintain bylaws, record meetings, and more.
Information about grants and board members may be publicly available, reducing anonymity.
There may be an excise tax (for example, about 1.39% on net investment income) that needs to be paid annually.

Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at some of the most important areas where Giving Funds (DAFs) and Private Foundations differ:

Feature	Giving Fund (DAF)	Private Foundation
Setup & Administration	Easier, hosted by a sponsoring org (e.g., NCF)	More burdensome – legal entity, filings, board, governance
Tax Deduction Limits	More generous: e.g., up to 60% of AGI for cash, and up to 30% for long-term securities.	More restrictive: e.g., up to 30% of AGI for cash and 20% for some non-cash assets.
Ongoing Compliance	Minimal: no separate tax return at the DAF account level.	Annual filings, governance, grant oversight, reporting.
Granting Flexibility	Recommend grants to public charities; the sponsor approves	Full control over grantmaking — including possibility to grant to individuals in certain cases.
Privacy	High: donor identities and grant recommendations can remain private.	Lower: some information is public; board members and grants may show on public filings.
Cost / Tax on Investment Income	No excise tax on income within the DAF.	Excise tax required.
Legacy / Perpetuity	Can continue across a generation or two, but typically not beyond.	Can be structured to last indefinitely as a family legacy.

4. Why So Many Are Choosing to Move from Private Foundations to a Giving Fund

Greater tax efficiency — Giving Funds often allow higher deduction limits and more favorable treatment of non-cash assets.
Less administrative burden — Rather than managing a foundation’s legal structure, board, and filings, donors can hand off the heavy lifting to NCF while maintaining advisory privileges.
Increased flexibility — You can recommend grants whenever you like, manage your fund online, and invite family in without the formalities of a foundation.
Privacy — If you value discretion in your giving, a Giving Fund offers greater anonymity than a private foundation.

NCF outlines a five-step process to transfer (or “terminate”) your private foundation and move its assets into a Giving Fund — simplifying your philanthropy while potentially increasing your impact.

When a Private Foundation Still Makes Sense

There are still situations where a private foundation may be the right tool:

You want full control over investments, grant structure, and perhaps even hire family members.
You wish to operate your own charitable programs, rather than just giving grants.
You see your foundation as a multi-generational legacy vehicle that will outlive you and continue giving in your family’s name.
Transparency is not a concern and you are comfortable with the public nature of foundation filings.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

Here are a few guiding questions to help you and your advisors as you weigh Giving Funds vs. Private Foundations:

What are your giving goals? Are you primarily grantmaking, or do you want to run programs?
How much control do you need — and how public do you want that control to be?
What is your giving horizon? Are you building a legacy for generations, or making flexible, long-term giving decisions?
How much administrative burden are you willing (or able) to manage?
What kinds of assets do you want to give? (Cash, stock, real estate, business interest?)
What are your tax planning goals? How might different vehicles affect your deductions and long-term tax strategy?

Conclusion / Invitation

Choosing between a Giving Fund and a Private Foundation isn’t simply a financial decision. It is a deeply personal, faith-informed choice. At New Horizons of SWFL, we are here to walk beside you as you discern the right vehicle for your generosity.

If you have any questions or need referrals to sponsoring organizations, We would be honored to help you steward your gifts with wisdom, joy, and eternal purpose. Contact New Horizons at 239-946-4146.

References:

Avidian Wealth Solutions — Donor-Advised Fund vs Private Foundation → https://avidianwealth.com/financial-insights/articles/daf-vs-private-foundation/ Avidian Wealth

J.P. Morgan — Donor-Advised Funds vs. Private Foundations: How to Choose → https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/wealth-planning/family-wealth-planning/donor-advised-funds-vs-private JPMorgan Chase

Keystone Global Partners — DAF vs. Private Foundation: Which Is Better? → https://keystonegp.com/insights/donor-advised-fund-vs-private-foundation/ Keystone Global Partners

Kiplinger — Charitable Trade-offs Between Donor-Advised Funds and Private Foundations → https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/charity/604435/charitable-trade-offs-between-donor-advised-funds-and-private Kiplinger

National Christian Foundation (NCF) — Moving your private foundation into a Giving Fund → https://national.ncfgiving.com/forms/movingprivatefoundation National Christian Foundation

Rockefeller Capital Management — Roadmap to Effective Philanthropy: DAFs vs. Private Foundations → https://www.rockco.com/strategic-insights/roadmap-to-effective-philanthropy-donor-advised-funds-vs-private-foundations/ RockCo

Vanguard Charitable — Comparing private foundations and donor-advised funds → https://www.vanguardcharitable.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/hti_dafs_vs_private_foundations.pdf Vanguard Charitable

DAFgiving360 — Donor-Advised Fund Account vs. Private Foundation → https://www.dafgiving360.org/maximize-your-impact/align-your-giving-vehicles/donor-advised-vs-private-foundation dafgiving360.org

The post Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation: What’s Right for You? first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

💙 Community Partners Who Made a Difference

New Horizons Of SWFL — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:31:54 +0000

Celebrating the Community That Made Summer Shine ☀️

This summer was unforgettable for our Super Kids and Super Teens, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support, generosity, and heart of our incredible community partners.

From donated meals and school supplies to inspiring guest visits and volunteer led activities, our students experienced the strength of a united community that came together to support their growth, joy, and success.

As in years past, our summer programming centered around two impactful camps: the Super Kids Reading Camp, focused on literacy, creativity, and confidence building for our younger students, and the Super Teens Leadership Camp, where teens explored leadership development through activities like team building, mentorship, and community service projects.

Essential Support

Laces of Love provided brand new shoes to every student in our summer camps. The smiles on our students’ faces said it all, this generous gift will help them walk into the new school year with confidence and comfort.
Estero Church, a long time site partner, donated backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in the Estero Super Kids Reading Camp. Their continued support means so much to our students and their families.
Summer Meals Program, administered by Lee County Schools through Florida’s Summer BreakSpot, ensured every student received free breakfast and lunch daily, keeping them nourished and ready to thrive.
Bonita Bay Presbyterian Church donated additional backpacks, helping ensure more students had what they needed to begin the school year fully equipped.
West Bay Community Charitable Foundation and Pelican Sound Charitable Foundation helped make Super Kids Reading Camp possible through their generous grant support.

Learning & Enrichment Experiences

Bonita Arts Program brought creative energy and hands on learning opportunities to our Super Kids Reading Camp.
Captain Tom visited and shared his knowledge about fishing and the environment, engaging Super Kids in a fun and educational way.
Bonita Fire Department welcomed our students to their station and gave them an inside look at fire safety and the important work of first responders. Our students even got to live the experience of being a firefighter for a day!
Bonita Springs Assistance Office, our next-door neighbors, spoke with students about their community work and also hosted our Super Teens weekly as part of their summer service project.

Mutual Service & Giving

Gulf Coast Humane Society and Café of Life were recipients of Super Teens’ summer service projects and also took the time to visit and speak to students about their missions, creating powerful moments of mutual impact.
Topgolf and SunSplash helped make summer extra fun by offering discounted experiences that our students enjoyed.

To every individual, organization, and volunteer who poured into our students this summer: thank you. Your kindness, presence, and generosity made this season not just successful, but deeply meaningful. Because of you, our Super Kids and Super Teens are more confident, more prepared, and more inspired to shine. You are the heroes behind this summer’s success.. Your kindness, time, and generosity lit the way for our super students to grow, lead, and shine.

Want to get involved and support our mission? Learn how you can help here.

The post 💙 Community Partners Who Made a Difference first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

Leading Through Service

New Horizons Of SWFL — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:04:38 +0000

Super Teens Lead Through Service at Bonita Springs Assistance Office

This summer, students from our Super Teens Leadership Camp embraced leadership not only in words, but in action: stepping up to serve their community in meaningful ways.

It all began during the first week of camp, when Caily Martin, Director of Operations at the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, visited the students to share about her organization’s mission. Inspired by her words, the Super Teens decided to volunteer at the Assistance Office’s evening food pantry and the response was incredible.

Across three Thursdays in June, students served in every part of the food distribution process:
– Packing and labeling groceries
– Loading food into cars in the drive-thru
– Translating for Spanish-speaking families
– Welcoming and supporting clients along the way

Participation grew each week, with 35 students volunteering the first time and 49 by the final visit.

Our dedicated club directors were with the Super Teens every step of the way, providing guidance, encouragement, and mentorship—helping turn these service hours into powerful leadership lessons.

Together, they made a big impact:

94 households served
348 individuals supported
11 new households welcomed
30 students registered for school supplies
18 babies signed up for free diaper deliveries

“The kids did such an amazing job—they were so helpful, so polite, and so fun! Can’t wait to have you back.” — Caily Martin, Director of Operations, Bonita Springs Assistance Office

“Caily and I can’t stop talking about how much fun we had working with the camp kids. They were an amazing group; everyone wanted to help in whatever way they could.”— Grace Farris, Program Assistant

Even more inspiring? The Bonita Springs Assistance Office invited our Super Teens to return and volunteer again, this time on their own time or alongside their families. That’s how much of an impact they made.

This pantry project was just one of several impactful service experiences during the 2025 Super Teens Leadership Camp. Each opportunity helped our students grow in character, compassion, and confidence.

At New Horizons of SWFL, we believe in nurturing servant leaders who grow in faith, leadership, and love for their neighbors. This summer, our Super Teens lived out the values we hold dear: serving others not for recognition, but because it’s what God calls us to do.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bonita Springs Assistance Office for their generous partnership and for welcoming our students with open arms. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families throughout our community.

The post Leading Through Service first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

🎓 Graduation Ceremony: Celebrating the Class of 2025

New Horizons Of SWFL — Mon, 12 May 2025 14:30:51 +0000

We are proud to announce that this year’s graduation ceremony marked a historic milestone for New Horizons, celebrating our largest graduating class to date — 21 remarkable students. Although three graduates were unable to attend, the Covenant Church of Naples was filled with pride, joy, and celebration as families, staff, mentors, and supporters came together to honor the Class of 2025.

A moving keynote address was delivered by New Horizons alumna Wendy Paz, who reflected on how her journey with the program shaped her future and inspired her personal and academic growth. Her testimony reminded us of the lasting impact a supportive community can make in a young person’s life.

We were honored to welcome our founders, Ellen and Bob Nichols, who presented the prestigious Bob & Ellen Nichols Scholarship to senior Maria, a student who has been part of New Horizons since the first grade. Maria has consistently demonstrated leadership, integrity, and dedication to her goals. She will begin studying at Florida SouthWestern State College to pursue a degree in healthcare, with plans to become a Cardiovascular Technician.

Maria shared powerful words that captured what New Horizons has meant to her:

“I’ve had the chance to experience things like marine labs and athletic camps—opportunities I likely wouldn’t have had otherwise. But the most meaningful part was learning about God. Through Bible lessons and verses, I discovered His love for me, especially during tough times.”

Another standout graduate was Jessica, who joined New Horizons in the 5th grade. Her resilience and hard work paid off as she was accepted into 11 colleges, including the University of Alabama, USF, and Stetson University. She plans to study nursing, and we have no doubt she’ll continue to make a difference in every community she joins.

After the ceremony, students, families, and staff gathered for a luncheon, enjoyed cake, and captured lasting memories at a festive photo backdrop. It was a day full of pride, gratitude, and inspiration.

📸 Relive the celebration — view our photo gallery here:

To the Class of 2025: Your hard work, heart, and hope are lighting the way for the next generation of super students. We couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve accomplished.

The post 🎓 Graduation Ceremony: Celebrating the Class of 2025 first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

Striving For Success

New Horizons Of SWFL — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:21:28 +0000

by: Jillian Rameau

Brothers Quay Longs and Jamaree Jones were striving for success at an early age. During his years at FGCU, Jamaree (JJ) found himself looking to volunteer and came across New Horizons of Southwest Florida. He was passionate about impacting the community through
youth development and completed over 300 hours during his undergrad. Quay quickly became interested in giving back to the community as well, sparking his interest to become an active volunteer with New Horizons. The volunteer duo wanted to reach a greater audience of need and decided to think about opportunities students had, that they could not necessarily see. What began as a spark to impact the community, through the knowledge and growth of entrepreneurship, quickly became so much more than that.

The brothers knew they were destined to do more in their community and believe they were called to give back– this is where Strive Hall was born. After Quay took a temporary pause from school, the idea of assisting youth that have experienced similar life circumstances came to mind. The goal of Strive Hall is to reach students and inspire them with an entrepreneur mindset, encouraging them to reach their full potential in life. Leading with love is at the root of Stive Hall’s core values, says JJ. For Quay and Jamaree, it is essential that students are passionate about what they are pursuing in life, ultimately embracing their individuality. As Quay says, “it’s important to be comfortable with being uncomfortable”, as it is their goal to push students to achieve their dreams, instilling confidence and communication skills within them.

For a portion of the summer, students have the chance to stay on campus, meet new peers, and engage in fun, educational activities. Strive has been active for three years and runs June-July with multiple sessions throughout the months. With each weekend comes a new topic mostly targeting things that are not taught in school, such as emotional intelligence. Volunteers conduct workshops, games, as well as insightful conversations on understanding emotional intelligence, while educating students on coping mechanisms and identifiers. Classes are held on Florida Gulf Coast’s campus in Lucas Hall, giving those present a chance to experience what a weekend in college could be like. Students that are not sure what their future holds or are experiencing educational discouragement can gain a new perspective on all the positives entrepreneurship can offer.

For Quay and JJ, everything in their practice is purposeful and has a ‘why’. “You don’t have to be rich to give back, there are so many ways to give back to community” Quay exclaims.

Their goals are to expand their reach throughout all Southwest Florida and most importantly help individuals be the best they can be, by educating them on the opportunities of entrepreneurship.

Impacts on the community and students have been nothing short of inspiring. JJ shared that many students have chosen to enroll in college to purse their dreams, as well as return to the camp to take on leadership roles to mentor other students. The brothers are aware that motivation is what gives students a drive and JJ encourages readers to “just do it”- whatever that may be, get involved in your community, impact others, and just do it. Most importantly Quay reminds us that “if you want to have an impact on the community, you have to get in the community.” For those looking to make a difference, and get involved through volunteer work, New Horizons is the perfect place to begin, and offers a multitude of opportunities to give back.

The post Striving For Success first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

New Horizons Of SWFL - New Horizons of Southwest Florida

💛 Celebrating More of Our Incredible Volunteers

💛 Celebrating More of Our Incredible Volunteers

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: More Stories from New Horizons

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: More Stories from New Horizons

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons​

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons

💛 Want to Make a Difference?

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Bus at Cypress SKC

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Bus at Cypress Super Kids Club

A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home​

A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation: What’s Right for You? ​

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation: What’s Right for You?

💙 Community Partners Who Made a Difference

Celebrating the Community That Made Summer Shine ☀️

Essential Support

Learning & Enrichment Experiences

Mutual Service & Giving

Leading Through Service

Super Teens Lead Through Service at Bonita Springs Assistance Office

🎓 Graduation Ceremony: Celebrating the Class of 2025

Striving For Success

💛 Volunteer Appreciation Month: Celebrating the Heart of New Horizons

A Best Christmas Ever, Right at Home

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation: What’s Right for You?

Donor-Advised Giving Fund vs. Private Foundation:
What’s Right for You?