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At New Horizons of SWFL, gratitude is woven into the fabric of our mission. November’s theme of thankfulness gives us a wonderful opportunity to pause and recognize the many blessings that sustain and inspire us. Here are three highlights that make this season especially meaningful:

A New Bus on the Road
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of a new bus to our fleet! Serving the Estero route Monday through Thursday from noon to 6:30 PM, this new bus represents a significant milestone forNew Horizons of SWFL. With it, we’re able to reach more students, ensuring they have safe, reliable transportation to our programs. This acquisition underscores our commitment to expanding access to life-changing opportunities for youth in our community, and we are incredibly thankful for the support that made this possible.

Honoring Outstanding Leadership
We’re proud to share that our Board Chair, Jim Yost, was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) on November 12 for his exemplary volunteer leadership and service to New Horizons of SWFL. Jim’s unwavering dedication, strategic insight, and generous spirit have profoundly impacted our organization, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his outstanding contribution. Congratulations, Jim – we are immensely grateful for your leadership and the positive change you inspire!

Celebrating Our Volunteers
On November 7, we had the privilege of honoring the heart of New Horizons of SWFL: our volunteers. The Volunteer Appreciation Reception, generously hosted by FineMark Bank, brought together about 70 attendees for an evening filled with gratitude, delicious food, and camaraderie. The night was a beautiful reminder of the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who bring our mission to life daily. We are deeply thankful for their time, compassion, and commitment, which make a genuine difference in the lives of the children and teens we serve.

As we reflect on these blessings, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of our community who supports New Horizons of SWFL in countless ways. Together, we’re empowering young lives and building a brighter future for all.

The post Gratitude in Action: Our November Highlights first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

November 6, 2024

New Horizons of SWFL is excited to share that we recently participated in the Buoys and Bait Fishing Tournament, a fantastic initiative organized by the Freedom Waters Foundation. This incredible organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals facing challenges by providing unique fishing opportunities that build life skills and foster connections with caring volunteers.

In preparation for the tournament, our dedicated staff arranged transportation and provided chaperones for the journey, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our Super Teens. On the day of the event, they were transported to a beautiful marina in Naples, where they were warmly welcomed by volunteer captains and representatives from Freedom Waters.

The excitement was palpable as the boys were grouped with their mentors, ready for a day filled with adventure on the water.

During the three hours spent fishing, our Super Teens experienced the thrill of catching fish, all of which were safely released back into the water. This practice not only promotes conservation but also teaches participants about the importance of respecting nature. As they fished, the boys shared stories, laughter, and camaraderie, strengthening their bonds with each other and their mentors.

At the end of the tournament, participants gathered for an awards ceremony that celebrated their achievements. Categories included “Biggest Fish,” “Most Unusual Fish,” “Smallest Fish,” and “Most Fish,” allowing everyone to feel recognized and appreciated. Each boy enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by the exciting moment of receiving their own fishing pole and tackle kit to take home. This thoughtful gesture ensures that the experience doesn’t end with the tournament, but rather continues as they engage with fishing in their own time.

Participating in this event not only provided valuable fishing skills but also fostered connections and built confidence in our Super Teens. These outings serve as a reminder of the importance of community, support, and the simple joy of spending time outdoors.

The Freedom Waters Foundation offers fishing experiences for children and adults with life-threatening illnesses or disabilities, as well as veterans. Through these outings, participants not only enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being on the water but also gain valuable life skills, such as patience, teamwork, and resilience. Each fishing trip is a chance to escape daily struggles, create joyful memories, and build relationships with mentors who are passionate about making a difference.

We are immensely grateful to the Freedom Waters Foundation for making this memorable experience possible and for their ongoing commitment to enhancing lives through fishing.

 

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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.

Give a Donation: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

 

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After retiring and relocating to Southwest Florida, Terri Pilla embarked on a civic engagement journey that sparked personal growth and a commitment to community service.  “It is wonderful for the soul to help other people,” shared Pilla. Her change from a leisure lifestyle to one focused on giving back showcases her values that are aligned at New Horizons of SWFL. Pilla emphasizes that “children are my passion”, showing her genuine desire to give back to the community and the little ones.

“It’s wonderful for the soul to help other people” 

Terri Pilla, New Horizons Volunteer

Terri Pilla has been an integral part of New Horizons for the past nine years, and is currently serving as the head of development on the Board of Directors. Pilla said there is more to life than pickleball, golf, and playing cards, she devotes her free time to volunteering. Although her role in seeking funding opportunities is challenging, her passion towards the education of youth and children “gives me the strength to do the hard part of the job which is asking for money,” said Pilla. 

In addition to her role as a board member, Pilla’s hands-on volunteering sets her apart and demonstrates her sincere commitment to the students. Her saying “give, but you receive more” reflects her belief that the joy and fulfillment gained far surpass what one may give. This motto isn’t merely a collection of words for Pilla; it serves as a guiding principle that underscores her dedication to fostering reciprocal relationships through volunteering at New Horizons.

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.

Give a Donation: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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Jim Yost had been involved in the education system for several years when he was approached by friends who volunteered at New Horizons of SWFL asking if he wanted to volunteer there and he decided to check it out with his wife. After coming to the afternoon tutoring sessions a couple of times, they concluded that it would be a great opportunity for them to give back their time and talents to the children and youth of Southwest Florida.

According to Yost, the volunteering experience at New Horizons is outstanding and his colleagues can testify to it. He finds his role in helping children and youth learn and succeed is profoundly enjoyable. What truly brings him joy and fulfillment is the opportunity to accompany students throughout their entire educational journey, witnessing their growth and progress firsthand.

Over the course of several years, Yost has been an integral part of the New Horizons team. His journey began as a dedicated mentor to students, later extending to active involvement in various committees. Yost’s unwavering passion for education and the well-being of our youth has left a lasting impact on our organization’s efforts. Today, he holds the esteemed position of treasurer on the Board of Directors, exemplifying his commitment to our mission. Yost’s experience with New Horizons, whether as a volunteer or board member, has been consistently positive, reflecting his deep dedication and invaluable contributions to our cause.

When asked about how he would convince someone that New Horizons is the right choice for them if they were looking to volunteer, his response was: “I think I would do two things. I would give them the business case for our mission, show them what we do, why we do it, and the success that we have, and say you can be part of that. And then two, I would take them to one of our tutoring sessions, show them how it works, see how they can fit in,” and “hopefully both of those would hook them on to being new volunteers,” added Yost.

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.

Give a Donation: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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The post Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Yost first appeared on New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

Sheila has been a teacher her whole life and she loves it. She taught for nearly 30 years to children of all ages. Once it was time to retire, Sheila didn’t know where to go next. “I prayed to God, you know I love teaching, what else can I do? New Horizons was a real fit” she shared. 

New Horizons of SWFL’s mission is to empower under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring, and faith-building. Not only does New Horizons assist with academic goals but also character and faith development. 98% of parents stated their child’s desire to be successful in school and get better grades has improved since attending New Horizons. 

Wade’s experience with children has been outstanding. She has been a dedicated volunteer with New Horizons for over 12 years. Volunteering her time at the First United Methodist Church of Bonita Springs Super Kids Club. There she assists students who need help with their homework and sometimes even shares the daily devotional at the end of the day. Wade enjoys most getting to educate the children on the Christian Bible stories.

When asked if there was an occupation she would rather do she truly couldn’t find a better fit. “It gives me sunshine and an outlook on life. I’m very happy to go and help contribute to other children’s success, my goal is to help them,” said Wade. 

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.

Give a Donation: https://bit.ly/3Ixz6IV

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• Twitter

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