A Journey of Gratitude and Joy
When Natalia and Juan Felipe arrived from Colombia to Naples in December 2021, they brought with them what every parent does — hope for a brighter future for their children. Their journey led them to Grace Place, a community that would soon feel like home.
They learned about Grace Place through Natalia’s aunt, who attended the food pantry every Friday and often shared stories of the programs and caring people she met. “She showed us Grace Place through video calls,” Natalia recalls. “When we saw it, it felt almost too good to be true — a blessing that seemed perfectly designed for our family’s needs.”
Soon after settling in, their three children began to join Grace Place programs:
- Juan Pablo, then an eighth grader, started in the summer program.
- Juan Camilo, in kindergarten, joined the after-school program.
- Juan Esteban, their youngest, joined the after-school program later on, excited to follow in his brothers’ footsteps.
“Grace Place even offered us transportation,” Natalia says with a smile. “From that day forward, my kids have felt right at home here — they never want to leave.”
For this family, Grace Place became more than a learning center — it became a second home. “We love the activities, the family events, and the way they involve parents,” Natalia says. “They truly care about our kids’ growth and academic development.”
The family attends nearly every event — from educational workshops to community gatherings. “Everyone at Grace Place has been so supportive and welcoming,” she adds. Her husband, Juan Felipe, agrees: “The values and respect our children learn every day mean everything to us.”
Moving to Naples meant leaving behind their professional careers — Natalia had been an HR specialist and Juan Felipe a marketing specialist in Colombia. “Starting over was not easy,” Natalia reflects, “but Grace Place gave us the tools, guidance, and confidence to build a new life for our family.” She now runs her own cleaning business and recently became a Certified Nursing Assistant, while Juan Felipe works as a plumber. Both are enrolled in English classes at Grace Place, where they’ve found encouragement and practical lessons focused on confidence and communication. This experience has empowered them to strengthen their businesses and pursue new career paths in Naples.
Their children are thriving — Juan Pablo, now 17, is about to graduate, plays football and is getting ready for college; Juan Camilo, 8, loves soccer; and little Juan Esteban, 5, wants to be a doctor. All three of them enjoy being at Grace Place. As Juan Camilo puts it, “They give me so much love and look out for me.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, Juan Felipe reflects, “Grace Place is the reason we go to work each day with peace of mind, knowing our children are safe, loved, and thriving. We are so grateful for the care, support, and warmth they give our family — it truly feels like a second home.”
