New Horizons of SWFL is pleased to announce it has received a $23,421 grant from the Collier Community Foundation. These funds will support tutoring, mentoring and character-building programs for under-resourced K-12 students in our community.

At Super Kids Club, elementary students receive after-school tutoring and mentoring at a trusted club located near where they live and go to school. Volunteer tutors help students with their homework and build relationships with students that encourage students to stay in school. In the summer, Super Kids Reading Camp helps these students overcome summer backslide by enhancing their reading skills and preparing them for the coming school year.

“We are honored to partner with the Collier Community Foundation in our mission to equip our students with tools that will help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” New Horizons of SWFL CEO Dr. Linda Cunning said. “With these funds from the community, students in Collier County will have a safe place to go while building their confidence and improving their grades.”

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Community Impact Fund. This Fund is made up of donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to identify and grant to the community’s most current needs.

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons of Southwest Florida effectively changes the lives of under-resourced students by providing tutoring, mentoring and character-building experiences at its neighborhood clubs. Together with a dedicated group of community volunteers, New Horizons equips K-12 students with the tools to reach their full potential and graduate from high school with a plan for the future.

Help students reach their full potential by becoming a volunteer or to support our programs click here.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

About the Collier Community Foundation

The Collier Community Foundation™ is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages more than 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $328.1 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results.®  Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.

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New Horizons of Southwest Florida is proud to announce that 12 of our dedicated volunteers have been honored with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award, bestowed by the President of the United States. This national honor recognizes the exceptional commitment, time, and effort these individuals have selflessly dedicated through volunteer service and civic participation.

Each of these exceptional volunteers embodies the spirit of community service, and their unwavering dedication has been instrumental in the success of our organization’s mission. Including two of our own teen students who volunteer in our programs for younger students (*). We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the following outstanding volunteers:

Judith MacGregor – Gold

*Michella Martinez Jose – Silver

Noreen Thomas – Silver

Andre Self – Bronze

Andrew Sullivan – Bronze

Elizabeth Schwesinger- Bronze

Hellena LaRosa – Bronze

Joseph Beary – Bronze

Laura Jensen – Bronze

Pat Phillips – Bronze

Phyllis Col – Bronze

*Rolando Escandon Jr. – Bronze

These 12 individuals have collectively contributed thousands of hours to support our initiatives of providing tutoring, mentoring, and character building experiences. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for creating positive change in our community have not gone unnoticed.

New Horizons of Southwest Florida is deeply grateful for their efforts and commitment to making our region a better place for all. We recognize that their service is a shining example of the power of volunteerism and community engagement, and we are immensely proud of their accomplishments.

On October 17th, volunteers were presented with The President’s Volunteer Service Award by Dr. Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL, in a heartfelt and inspiring ceremony hosted at Northern Trust in Bonita Springs that recognized their exceptional contributions to our community.

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons effectively changes the lives of under-resourced students by providing tutoring, mentoring and character-building experiences at its neighborhood clubs.

New Horizons of Southwest Florida effectively changes the lives of under-resourced students by providing tutoring, mentoring and character-building experiences at its neighborhood clubs. Together with a dedicated group of community volunteers, New Horizons equips K-12 students with the tools to reach their full potential and graduate from high school with a plan for the future.

Help students reach their full potential by becoming a volunteer or to support our programs click here.

Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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New Horizons of SWFL is delighted to announce the reopening of the Rosemary Super Kids Club after a temporary closure due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. Nearly one year since the Category 4 storm wreaked havoc on our community, the site proudly welcomed more than 50 eager students back into its main building.

On Tuesday, September 26th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Club’s entrance. The event was graced by the presence of students, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic staff, and unwavering supporters who gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.

“It has been an exceptionally challenging year for all of us, but our resilient community came together to ensure that our students had a safe and nurturing environment for learning while the building was restored. Today, thanks to the incredible efforts of many, our beloved building is once again filled with the sounds of laughter, the spirit of learning, and the promise of growth,” said Dr. Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL.

“It has been an exceptionally challenging year for all of us, but our resilient community came together to ensure that our students had a safe and nurturing environment for learning while the building was restored. Today, thanks to the incredible efforts of many, our beloved building is once again filled with the sounds of laughter, the spirit of learning, and the promise of growth,”

Dr. Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL.

Throughout the restoration process, students continued to receive essential tutoring services at Turning Point Church, a valued partner of New Horizons, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to the children’s education and well-being.

New Horizons of SWFL extends its heartfelt appreciation to the individuals and organizations that played a pivotal role in making this reopening possible, including: Bob Harter, Devoted Restoration, First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, Hank and Louise Leander, Janita and William Smith, Lesley and John Hill, Parker Hudson Homes, Sally Smith, The Dexter F. and, Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, Turning Point Church, and Williams & Thomas.

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons effectively changes the lives of under-resourced students by providing tutoring, mentoring and character-building experiences at its neighborhood clubs.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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New Horizons of SWFL is pleased to announce the appointment of  Patrick Cauley and Rev. Brent Whitefield to the Board of Directors. 

“As New Horizons of SWFL continues to grow and impact students, our board members share wisdom and bring sustainability. Our newest board members provide tremendous leadership to an already accomplished group,” said Dr. Linda Cunning, New Horizons of SWFL’s CEO.

Patrick Cauley is a Lawyer, CPA and management executive with experience in multinational business operations, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, commercial transactions, strategic planning, corporate governance, risk management, tax, compliance and human resource and environmental law. Pat has worked with congressional leaders as Chief of Staff and Key Advisor. 

Rev. Brent Whitefield is the Mobilization Pastor at Covenant Church of Naples. He is called to challenge, strengthen and encourage disciples for the work of outreach and missions. He helps give direction to the churches outreach and GO missions commitments through teaching and through seeking out and maintaining healthy kingdom partnerships.

The 2023-2024 Board of Directors includes Chair, Edith A. Hunt, West McCann, Sandy Chisolm, Jim Yost, Terri Alsept, Ellen Nichols, Bob Nichols, Dr. Denise Carlon, Judy Dove, Debbie Mathews Finch, Terri Pilla, and Deborah Porter. 

*Post updated on October 18, 2023

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons effectively changes the lives of under-resourced students by providing tutoring, mentoring and character-building experiences at its neighborhood clubs.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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The odds of winning a scholarship were about 1 in 8 for a student in a Bachelor’s degree program according to a 2014-2015 study by The National Center for Education Statistics. The odds for the Guerrero family are 2 in 3 and soon to be 100%. 

The Dream

In 1995 eleven year old Anayeli Maqueda migrated from Mexico to the US. Her father, a laborer, aspired more for his family. Anayeli joined the workforce after completing high school. Soon after she started a family. As a single mother, Anayeli relied on her parents to help her raise her two daughters and son. “I worked a lot to be able to give them the best possible so that they could have a good path and always reminded them to study because it’s necessary to be educated so they don’t struggle the way I did,” said Anayeli. 

A family member attending the New Horizons of SWFL program encouraged Anayeli to enroll her children. At this time her oldest, Yoselin, was in sixth grade and was struggling to keep up in school. In Anayeli’s pursuit of providing her children a better path towards success, she enrolled the trio. After-school they would get homework assistance from the volunteers and staff at their local club. Additionally, they participated in the College Bound program and received personalized help applying and preparing for college and scholarships. 

The Next Generation

In 2021, Yoselin graduated high school and the New Horizons program. Upon graduation she had secured her CNA license, obtained college credit and was awarded the Take Stock in Children Scholarship. “I was so happy when I got the scholarship, it made me want to work hard and get good grades not only for that but for me and the people at New Horizons to show them that I’m doing well at school,” shared Yoselin. She recently obtained her associates degree and is a CNA at a local hospital as she works towards a degree in medicine. 

Just last month, Pablo completed high school and the New Horizons programs. Similar to his oldest sister he graduated with college credits and is also a recipient of the Take Stock in Children Scholarship. “New Horizons helped me understand the importance of funding my post-secondary education and gave me the opportunity to be tutored when I needed it the most. Volunteers and staff were a big help when I needed assistance and it was very helpful in those moments that I didn’t know what to do,” said Pablo. With the rising cost of college, those considering higher education must also evaluate the associated financial demands which can discourage first-generation students. “I knew that I was fortunate and that this opportunity would help me and my mom long term,” Pablo admitted. In the fall he will play the clarinet in the marching band of University of Central Florida as he pursues a dual major in Environmental Science and Animation. 

With three down and one more to go the stakes were high and the pressure was on for Yaresly, the youngest of the three. Since the third grade Yaresly was in gifted classes and in sixth grade she was taking classes above her grade level. During sixth grade she applied for the Take Stock in Children’s Program and was disappointed when she wasn’t accepted. Nevertheless, she continued to work hard and consistently attended New Horizons. “She would come home with A’s and so I started to tell her I wanted A+’s,” Anayeli recalls. Then in 9th grade, she had the opportunity to apply once again. “We waited nervously,” said Anayeli. In March, Yaresly was notified that she had been selected into the Take Stock in Children’s program. It is evident that Yaresly is bright and her hard work was noticed. She is already planning on taking college level classes and even plays the baritone in band, trombone in jazz band, and the euphonium in marching band. 

The Culmination

Yaresly was one of the 11 New Horizons students who after the rigorous application and interview process was selected into the Take Stock in Children-Lee County Program. Lee County Public Schools selected 49 students across the district this year. These students will receive a 4-year tuition scholarship, upon graduation, if they meet the requirements of the program.

Providing comprehensive after-school tutoring is just one of the primary focuses of New Horizons. Students get individualized support for planning for their future and access to tangible resources to help them reach their full potential.  “This family is testament of the outstanding and life-changing accomplishments that are happening at New Horizons of SWFL,” Dr. Linda M. Cunning, Executive Director of New Horizons of SWFL, said. 

“For me personally, had I had help perhaps I would’ve continued studying. There wasn’t that for me and I needed it to know that there are options.” The sacrifices of the generations prior has culminated with a family that is thriving and optimistic of the future. Anayeli shares this advice to parents “it is worth it, it can be hard and sometimes I felt like I had no strength but now I am here.”

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and character building programs for more than 500 students annually in Southwest Florida. If you are interested in enrolling your child into one of our 10 trusted neighborhood clubs, call us at 239-948-4146.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering at a Super Teen Club or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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“Empowering tomorrow’s generation today,” is not only the slogan for New Horizons of SWFL, but the motivation behind the Point of Light Presidential Service Award nominee Dr. Judith MacGregor’s purpose, “I know what they need, which is a little encouragement.”   

New Horizons of SWFL’s mission is to empower under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring and faith-building. 

“Seeing a woman scientist like myself, who looks like an average person,” stated Dr. MacGregor in an effort to show the students a higher education is possible. Dr. MacGregor has conducted a variety of projects including discussing the value of education, life choices, and creating opportunities in science for students. She has also administered science experiments, but she truly enjoys crafting projects with her students in diverse age groups. 

Dr. MacGregor is involved in 5 active organizations in the SWFL area, including, being a member Bonita-Estero Elks Lodge #2753, a member of American Association of University Women (AAUW). She also serves as a Director of the Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation and mentors’ youth on the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education while facilitating workshops to close the gender wage gap. She is passionate about equality and empowerment for all, but most importantly allowing women to understand their value, “girls can do anything.”  

Dr. MacGregor has been extremely valuable to New Horizons for the past 8 years. “Judith has been a long-time major supporter and volunteer of New Horizons,” stated Dr. Linda M. Cunning, Executive Director of New Horizons of SWFL. “[She has] provided auction items for our events over the years, she single-handedly wrote for us, and we have received both the local and National Elks Foundation Grants for a number of years (over $35k in grants).”   

These grants help provide food, snacks, computers and other resources needed to help these young people succeed. “Judith doesn’t know the plethora of things that she has done and the lives she’s touched,” stated Charlotte Nal, MNM, Director of Volunteerism. Most volunteers do not understand their impact, no matter how little it may seem to the person volunteering, it means everything to these kids, “You can see how you can lift them… then a light bulb goes on in them and that’s what I’m looking for,” stated Dr. MacGregor. This is the goal of New Horizons, to empower. The book of John says “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). This is exactly what Dr. MacGregor does. Act!  

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and character building programs for more than 500 students annually in Southwest Florida. If you are interested in enrolling your child into one of our 10 trusted neighborhood clubs, call us at 239-948-4146.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering at a Super Teen Club or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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New Horizons of SWFL takes pride in its volunteer network of inspiring role models and mentors who work tirelessly to assure that under-resourced students in Southwest Florida walk down the right path. Around four years ago, Pastor Chris Muller of Legacy Life Church joined the family and he is here to stay. 

“There is no job too big, no job too small,” this is what Pastor Chris had to say when asked about his service at New Horizons. His love for education was sown in his heart at a very young age, and it blossomed when he became the father of four incredible kids. As his children grew up, he either led or helped organize every school and extracurricular activity they were involved in. His passion for teaching flourished as he gained experience in the field and had the chance to work with many school ministries both domestically and abroad. 

Pastor Chris partnered with New Horizons in an effort to create a safe environment for children to learn and socialize at his church. During the after-school program, he volunteers as a mentor and counselor for middle and high school students. Coaching and managing the chess team is one of his favorite things to do. He is not afraid to take on a challenge and enjoys working closely with students who need extra support. 

Pastor Chris has been helping Romanian education initiatives for years, in addition to his indispensable position as a committed New Horizons volunteer and Lead Pastor. He visits Romania two or three times a year to supervise projects and interact with pupils. When asked about some of the biggest obstacles he has faced throughout his career, Mr. Muller revealed that it is quite challenging to share one’s knowledge with people from a different culture, especially during a time when it feels like older people are no longer relevant to new generations. “That is why we need more organizations like New Horizons,” stated Pastor Chris. 

Pastor Chris finds immense importance in planning for the future. At New Horizons, students have the opportunity to make a plan for their future and are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Pastor Chris encourages students to start thinking about their future as soon as possible. Living in the now is crucial, but we must never lose sight of the fact that every choice we make today will have an impact on our life tomorrow. New Horizons mission is to empower the youth through tutoring, mentoring and faith-building, and Pastor Chris brings all three to the table. 

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and faith-building programs for more than 500 students annually in Southwest Florida. If you are interested in enrolling your child into one of our 10 trusted neighborhood clubs, call us at 239-948-4146.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering at a Super Teen Club or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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“I have always felt that education is the key for students and families to get good jobs and to be successful.” These words not only reflect the educational mindset of Alison Corner but also the mission of New Horizons of SWFL. 

New Horizons is a local nonprofit that aims to empower under-resourced youth to achieve their full potential through tutoring, mentoring and faith-building. 

“I knew that when I left being an administrator that whatever I did I would do something for children,” said Corner regarding her decision to volunteer at New Horizons. “That’s always been in my heart from having worked with children for 40 years.” 

Corner has been an integral part of New Horizons during her six years with the organization. “She was on the ground running with projects and finding opportunities to assist with making sure that any additional stuff needed for the clubs was obtained.” stated Charlotte Nal, MNM, Director of Volunteerism. Corner first volunteered as a tutor and now serves as the Co-Chair of the Community Council for New Horizons. The council consists of representatives from different communities including Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers. She is responsible for recruiting new representatives from these communities and getting them involved with the mission through tutoring at the after-school programs, attending fundraising events, and supporting the various programs and projects throughout the school year. 

Corner’s educational and career experience is extensive. She attended Tufts University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in child study and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in learning disabilities. Corner began work as a kindergarten teacher where she realized her passion for helping students with special needs. She became an early childhood coordinator in Lincoln and Newton, Massachusetts and eventually earned her certification as an administrator. Corner was a PK-4 principal in Lowell, Massachusetts at an urban elementary school for five years where she had the privilege of working with families who were refugees settling in the United States. The experience of dealing with people of diverse backgrounds helped make the transition of working with students at New Horizons seamless. “I felt very comfortable with the students, and I also felt drawn to them because of my experience working in Lowell,” stated Corner. 

True volunteerism is about sharing hope and optimism with the world. By graciously offering your time, skills, and energy to infuse others with a feeling of hopefulness. “I feel anything that we can do as citizens to help our teachers, children and parents is very important,” stated Corner. This attitude is why she has impacted so many lives and helped spread a sense of hope, not just in New Horizons, but in the world. 

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and faith-building programs for more than 500 students annually in Southwest Florida. If you are interested in enrolling your child into one of our 10 trusted neighborhood clubs, call us at 239-948-4146.

Help students get the tools they need to succeed by volunteering or donating. Interested in joining the community council? Email the Director of Volunteerism at volunteer@newhorizonsofswfl.org to get connected today.
Give a Donation: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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Chess has found a new generation of fans. With the recent introduction of stations at Super Teens Club’s, 6-12th grade students (Super Teens) have discovered the classic board game as they explore new interests. Many had never played chess before and now they’re hooked. Keeping students immersed in education just got a new look. 

Super Teens Club is an after-school program for 6th-12th grade students that takes place on Monday through Thursday during the school year. Super Teens receive homework help, are encouraged by staff and volunteers and participate in a daily devotional. It is one of the seven programs New Horizons provides to qualifying students in Collier and Lee County. 

“On days when students are not assigned homework or complete their assignments before the devotional time begins, we wanted to create opportunities for students to develop skills that they were interested in and keep them engaged while at the Club, ” said Andrea Holley the Programs Director. Chess isn’t the only activity that was introduced. Throughout the week students rotate between arts and crafts, MasterClass computer lab, as well as strategic-thinking games.

Expert Taught Skills 

MasterClass is an immersive online experience where students take classes created by well-known instructors and includes extensive pre-recorded video content, an instructor’s guide, interactive assignments, and more. Students can research topics like business, photography, acting and leadership from among many others. “The Athlete’s Mindset” by Wayne Gretsky, “Songwriting & Producing” by Alicia Keys, “Creating Change” by Malala to name a few of the classes. Through New Horizons students are learning valuable knowledge being taught by experts that they otherwise would not have access to. 

Connection through Creativity 

“I enjoy the art station. I like art, the different activities in the art station are fun and I get to learn how to make new things,” said Jessica. Jessica is an 8th grader and has been enhancing her skills at the art station. She recently auditioned and was accepted into a competitive Arts Program for high school next year. Volunteer’s also benefit from the stations as it allows them to connect with the students beyond schoolwork. Like, volunteer and Board Member, Sandy Chisolm and Emmanuel who created an origami crane together. Stations open windows for bonding and building that mentoring relationship. 

Exploring for the Future

Programs are structured around students receiving homework help from volunteer tutors and mentors. The day ends with a devotion style lesson that encourages character and faith building themes. Overall, the goal is for students to graduate with a plan for their future. “With stations our thought is that when students gain a better understanding of themselves, their talents, and their interests, it is a good solid beginning to planning for their future” said Andrea. Many of the students come from homes where English is not the first language and in many cases will be the first to attend post-secondary school.  In between homework and devotion time students are able to explore and grow in skills that can lead them to a career path, simultaneously immersed in education in a safe-environment. 

Community Effort

Funding for the stations was provided by Bonita-Estero Elks Lodge #2753 and supporters of New Horizons. Judith MacGregor, Grants Coordinator for the Bonita Estero Elks Lodge,  said “the Elks are thrilled to be a part of sponsoring this program which is an investment in the future.” The dedicated area of stations also allows us to bring in partners, such as Youth4Orphans, who are doing a weekly financial literacy station with our students at our Bonita Springs club.  Volunteers who have an educational or creative skillset are encouraged to get involved. The introduction of stations has increased students’ motivation to complete their homework as they are eager to start up a chess match, learn about “Documentary Filmmaking” from Ken Burns, or create an art piece that perhaps one day will be framed at a museum.

About New Horizons of SWFL 

New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and character building programs for more than 500 students annually in Southwest Florida. If you are interested in enrolling your child into one of our 10 trusted neighborhood clubs, call us at 239-948-4146.

Help students take steps towards higher education by volunteering at a Super Teen Club or donating to support programs where students get the tools they need to make a plan for their future.
Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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