AROUND TOWN
GIVE TO BETTER TOGETHER Better Together, a voluntary, community-driven
IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION EARNS TOP MARKS
alternative to foster care, is seeking donations for
For the fourth consecutive year, The Immokalee
HopePacks to provide basic hygiene, toiletry and
Foundation has earned the GuideStar 2020
other necessities for children participating in the
Platinum Seal of Transparency, placing it in the
Better Families program. Since March and the onset
top 1% of all nonprofits in Florida. Platinum status
of COVID-19, the nonprofit organization has seen a
demonstrates The Immokalee Foundation’s excep-
155% increase in the number of requests for help
tional trustworthiness, financial strength, fiscal
due to the widespread isolation, unemployment
management best practices, and tangible success-
and stress that are putting families at additional
ful outcomes in its mission of creating pathways to
risk. HopePacks generally cost $25 on average. In
successful professional careers for the students of
addition to tote bags or small backpacks, the wish
Immokalee. To earn Platinum status, The Immokalee
list of items for children includes basic toiletries, a
Foundation disclosed extensive information through
hairbrush, books, socks, stuffed animals, pacifiers,
its GuideStar Nonprofit Profile. The in-depth data
diapers, lotion and gift cards.Donations can be
encompasses the foundation’s organizational back-
mailed to 15275 Collier Blvd., Suite 201-284, Naples,
ground, in-depth financial data, and qualitative and
FL 34119 or check the website for drop off locations.
quantitative information about its goals, strategies,
Better Together has created an Amazon wish list
capabilities and results. Philanthropists, donors and
too. Better Together has served over 2,500 chil-
foundations who support charitable organizations
dren in Southwest Florida and kept 96% of fam-
rely upon the GuideStar rating as a verified indica-
ilies together. The nonprofit was founded on the
tor of the strength, proficiency, and effectiveness of
belief that loving parents should not lose children
nonprofits. The Immokalee Foundation provides a
because they are having money problems, or had
range of education programs that focus on building
the courage to seek treatment, or got hospitalized
pathways to professional careers through support,
without childcare. BetterTogetherUS.org
mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence.
10
Naples Lifestyle | January 2021