Dear Grace Place For Children And Families Team,

Thank you for inviting the United Way of Collier and the Keys to the Stewardship Luncheon to learn about the Bright Beginnings Family Literacy & Adult Education Programs’ achievements and progress and discussions about future sustainability and initiatives. The experience was not only enlightening but deeply inspiring. Learning about the unique elements of your programs, particularly the PAC time (considered the “special sauce” of the program), is what sets your approach apart.

Highlights for me:

  • The commitment to adult education through day and evening classes, catering to small groups, is commendable. Learning about the four annual cycles and the core belief that parents are the child’s first teachers was fascinating. This philosophy and the notion that learning has no age limit resonates strongly with me.
  • The Bright Beginnings program, serving children from 0 to 5 years and impacting over 200 students, is a testament to your dedication to early education.
  • Equally impressive is your support for 100 high school students and the remarkable success of the Lead College program, which has enabled students to receive over 2 million in scholarships, including four full-ride scholarships.
  • Expanding adult education, including opening a second Citizenship class due to the insightful observation of board member Jim, reflects your responsiveness to community needs.
  • The diversity of your student body, with individuals from 23 different countries speaking multiple languages, adds a rich cultural dimension to your educational environment.
  • Your commitment to quality is evident in the classrooms, with at least two teachers and efforts to include volunteers, ensuring the best possible experience for the children.
  • Utilizing the same assessments as Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) demonstrates your alignment with established educational standards.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to learn about your impactful work at Grace Place For Children And Families. Your dedication to the community, especially children and families, is inspiring. I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of your programs.

 

-Ashley Jones, MSW
Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Collier and the Keys