And Sew It Begins The new school year is in full swing and our Bright Beginnings students are having fun in our new Sewing class! With help from our talented volunteers and donated sewing machines and fabric, our parents are learning the basics about sewing techniques, expanding their wardrobe, and most importantly, making [...]
We Have a New Bright Beginnings Course After many requests and popular demand, we are officially extending our Bright Beginnings curriculum to a third course level. Our newest course, Beginnings 301, is our latest level for moms who have completed Beginnings 101, 102 and 201. We also have a total of seven Beginnings [...]
A Familiar Face Returns to Campus Grace Place Jubilee Scholarship alumnus Alex Amador is headed back to Grace Place; this time as an Academy of Leaders Site Coordinator. “I am very excited to rejoin Grace Place,” said Alex. “In high school, Grace Place really helped me grow and gave me the tools I [...]
Grace Place Advocate John McNamara Passes Away It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to education advocate and Grace Place supporter John McNamara, who passed away on August 5, 2019. John’s generous and loving spirit was known to many in the Naples’ community, including the staff and families here at Grace [...]
Take a look at what our students have been up to this summer!
Grace Place is thrilled to announce exciting staff additions, promotions, and changes! We are delighted to welcome Marianne Lambertson, as the Chief Development Officer and Peter Aurelio, as the Facilities and Operations Manager. Former Grant Controller, Tim Barone has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer following Dave Tobiasz’s retirement. Diane Ponton is taking on [...]
It Truly is Independence Day Most Americans celebrate Independence Day with pie, barbecue, fireworks, and flags. For two of our students, as Americans this year, Independence Day meant so much more. Yanety Ramirez’s lengthy journey to American citizenship started in 2011 when she came from Cuba by way of Mexico. “I’ve [...]
Cheers to Class of 2019! Our AP Leaders are now high school graduates and off to college! This year’s class received over $600,000 in scholarships, the most of any graduating class in Grace Place’s history and each student has big plans for their bright future! Among the graduating class are our three Jubilee [...]
Work Hard, Play Hard Throughout the month of February, the Bright Beginnings moms prepared homemade boxed lunches for staff and volunteers as a fundraiser for their end-of-year celebration. Week after week, the moms banded together, collaborated different menu items, and delegated different roles. Some bought ingredients, others prepared meals in their own kitchens, and [...]
MEET ARLETYS GOMEZ Arletys started coming to Grace Place in 2010. After being introduced to the organization through volunteering, she enrolled in the AP Leadership program. There she gained access to College Access Workshops, ACT preparation classes, college visits, job skills training, and a mentorship program. She learned leadership skills, formed life-long friendships, and found [...]