Wellfit Girls Annual Report 2019-2020

LEADERSHIP | FITNESS | EMPOWERMENT

Wellfit Girls 2019-2020 Annual Report

L EA D ERS HIP FI TN ESS E M POWERMENT

2

W E L L FI T GI RL S

Message from the Executive Director Safety, Tenacity, Integrity, Courage, Kindness, Authenticity and Resilience are the core values of our Wellfit Girls organization. When faced with the global pandemic earlier this year, these guiding principles were front and center as we were forced to adapt our programming and brace for months of uncertainty.

Committed to offering meaningful leadership development and fitness training, our leadership team worked diligently to create new and exciting ways for the girls and alumnae to connect virtually (more on this on page 18).

While these months have been unique and challenging at times, they have also provided us with an opportunity to practice what we preach as an organization. We ask the girls to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. We promote consensus decision making. We don’t quit and we don’t take the “easy way out.”

Looking back at our 2019-2020 fiscal year, I am proud of the many milestones we are able to celebrate. We signed a one-year lease for our first office space.

We hired a full-time Program Director and increased the number of girls served to 47, a more than 80% increase over the previous year. We piloted two new programs (Wellfit Adventure Camp and Leaders in Fitness Training) and we brought in the most revenue in our seven-year history. In December we were awarded a $27,500 grant from United Way of Collier County and in April we had our most successful 5K to date by attracting runners and walkers from all over the world in our virtual “Hop to the Top” Easter race.

We have much to be proud of and much more to look forward to as we welcome Brooke Spencer as our new executive director effective August 1, 2020. Similar to my Wellfit Girls journey, Brooke began as a volunteer, took on a part-time program coordinator position, and was promoted to program director last year. On top of her programming responsibilities, she has been by my side learning and executing much of the day-to-day operations and administrative work. Her fresh perspective, new ideas, and strong work ethic are a wonderful asset to Wellfit Girls. I can’t imagine a better person to lead the organization into the next phase of our journey.

We know our program is changing lives. At Wellfit Girls, we believe our holistic approach of intentional leadership development, fitness training, small group settings and challenging expeditions are what allow the girls to step out of their comfort zones, turn obstacles into opportunities, disconnect from the known, connect with the unknown and increase selfconfidence all while creating lifelong friendships.

With your support, we will continue investing in our future leaders and create strong, confident women committed to healthy lifestyles and positive social change. When girls feel empowered, they have greater confidence and success.

Thank you for believing in our mission!

Sincerely,

Colby Robertson Executive Director

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

3

Welcome Letter from Brooke Spencer Dear Wellfit Girls Community, As I step into this new and exciting chapter in my life, I think about all of the people who have supported me in getting here. Jill and Colby have taught me generosity, kindness and empowered leadership. Our facilitators have taught me collaboration, creativity, and adaptation. Our mentors have taught me patience, understanding, and listening.

Our participants have taught me vulnerability, hope, and FUN! I would not be stepping into this life changing role if it wasn’t for each person who has supported my personal and professional growth along the way. To all of you, I acknowledge your support, kindness, and willingness to get me outside of my comfort zone to grow beyond anything I imagined for myself.

When I first heard about Wellfit Girls, the appeal was the travel, outdoor adventure, leadership training, fitness and personal growth aspects of the organization. What I didn’t know I was going to receive three years later is a sisterhood, family, and safe space for my own empowerment journey. Wellfit Girls is not just a job for me, it’s a way of being, a movement, a revolution of girl’s and women’s leadership. I have endured challenges beyond my years and searched for a way to give back what I have learned through guidance, mentorship, and creating a safe place for girls that I didn’t have growing up. My mission in leading this organization is to offer girls the support they need to grow into successful, confident women with a strong voice.

As I transition into this executive director role, I come with the knowledge of each of those before me. The path has been paved for me, the path has been paved for the Wellfit Girls team and the path has been paved for our participants. I look forward to carrying the torch of our co-founders and the legacy they set out to create in inspiring, challenging, and empowering teen girls to climb high in all areas of life. Thank you to all who have supported us and all who continue to support us during this very exciting transition for Wellfit Girls!

Go Within to Go Beyond!

Best,

Brooke Spencer

4

W E L L FI T GI RL S

OUR MISSION To inspire, challenge and empower teen girls to climb high in all areas of life through transformational leadership programs.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

5

OUR CORE VALUES SAFETY T ENACITY INTEG RITY COURAG E GENEROSITY AUTHENTICITY R ESILIENCE 6

W E L L FI T GI RL S

THEORY OF CHANGE I F WE build positive relationships with youth, provide fitness & leadership training to expand their confidence, offer cultural immersion, outdoor adventure & experiential learning opportunities to broaden interpersonal skills & raise aspirations and prepare them mentally, physically and emotionally to overcome past, present and future obstacles;

T H EN

they experience increased empowerment & self-acceptance; physical fitness & holistic wellbeing; courage & resiliency; gratitude, empathy & compassion; optimism & connectedness;

W HICH R ESULTS IN empowered leaders who have unlimited possibility and a belief they can BE anything they want (brave, hardworking, generous, hopeful, free, curious and happy); thereby creating self-reliant adults committed to healthy lifestyles, global awareness and positive social change.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

7

AAbout BOU TGirls Wellfit Wellfit Girls is a Naples, FL-based 501(c)(3) organization that operates in Collier and Lee Counties. Wellfit Girls was founded in 2014, received 501(c)(3) designation in 2015, and formally expanded into Lee County in 2017. The organization offers a fitness and leadership-based curriculum for teen girls who are in-need and at-risk to meet their full potential.

The curriculum is designed to offer a combination of physical, mental, and interpersonal challenges, including conflict resolution, vision and goal-setting, leadership, and improved body image, to inspire girls to step out of their comfort zone and flourish as confident and empowered leaders. Personal training, running, yoga, and nutrition coaching are intentionally incorporated into the curriculum to teach a healthy lifestyle, the connection between mind, body, and spirit, body alignment posture and self-presentation skills.

8

W E L L FI T GI RL S

WHO Who Are The Wellfit Girls Program participants are academically capable teen girls from area high schools in Collier and Lee Counties. Participants have faced demonstrated challenges ranging from extreme poverty to secondary language acquisition to significant wellness and fitness deficiencies, anxiety or depression. Moreover, teenage girls in general are known to struggle with long-term personal difficulties related to feelings of self-worth and belonging.

Girls apply to Wellfit Girls and are selected by a committee based on their need and collection of above strengths and challenges. While there is the opportunity for girls to fundraise meaningful portions of their program fees, our bigger vision is to offer scholarships to ensure no girl is turned away from the opportunity to be exposed to this incredibly powerful curriculum. To date, a large majority of Wellfit Girls participants have received some scholarship support.

Participating girls, as a function of their involvement, are required to personally fundraise a percentage of the costs; this is an intentional piece of the curriculum that prioritizes accountability, leadership, and social entrepreneurship.

We have an active alumnae program, Beyond the Summit, that offers opportunities for service events, connection with program leaders and additional chances for adventure-based experiential learning.

Wellfit Girls connects teen girls from across a broad spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, regional geographies, and personal experiences, and even in our relatively short organizational history we can be confident in the long-term benefits of the evidencebacked curriculum and the programmatic family that results.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

9

NEED The Need Teen girls are faced with social pressures of body image, peer pressure, substance abuse, high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, which directly impacts their decision making, self-esteem, relationships, social and emotional behaviors, desire to take on leadership roles and community involvement.

According to the Heart of Leadership, 1 in 4 girls have depression, eating disorders and other mental or emotional disorders. Low self-esteem, depression and anxiety are global issues with high prevalence in this population, having a huge impact on our local high school girls’ ability to realize their full potential.

and online platforms, yet the most isolated, interpersonally, which is a contributing factor to depression, suicide and anxiety.

In her TED talk, Connected, but alone? Harvard professor, Sherry Tuckle says, “Human relationships are rich and messy and they are demanding and we clean them up with technology; and when we do that, one of the things that can happen is that we sacrifice conversation for mere superficial connection.”

Studies show 79% of girls opt out of important life activities – such as trying out for a team or club, running for student government and engaging with family or loved ones – when they don’t feel good about the way they look.

Feelings of loneliness and a lack of belonging create an environment that promotes higher levels of depression and anxiety in our youth today and when students face mental health challenges it negatively impacts school attendance, increasing the risk for behavioral difficulties, substance use, obesity, highrisk sexual behavior, academic difficulties, high school dropout and suicide.

This upcoming generation is the most connected cohort in the history of the human population, across cultures and nations, through digital media

If not addressed in their critical teen years, these mental health challenges and insecurities can stay with them through adulthood.

10

W E L L FI T GI RL S

“Human relationships are rich and messy and they are demanding and we clean them up with technology; and when we do that, one of the things that can happen is that we sacrifice conversation for mere superficial connection.�

- Sherry Tuckle, Harvard Professor

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

11

SO LU T ION The Solution With adventure-based challenge programs, experiential education and interpersonal relationship coaching, the girls develop personal resilience, a collaborative spirit, physical and emotional fitness, as well as self-love and confidence. We cultivate a sense of community through belonging and inclusion. We create realtime connection.

Challenges are intentionally presented throughout the program to encourage cooperative solutionseeking and personal resilience. We want participants to see challenge as an opportunity for transformation, not merely an obstacle to overcome. We are about amplifying each girls’ voice and minimizing the risks for mental health and psycho-social issues. We believe girls need to know they can speak up, lead and be rewarded for their courage and authenticity.

We have a holistic approach to well-being. We emphasize self-love and body image not as an ideal, but as a unique and authentic expression of each individual.

12

W E L L FI T GI RL S

WELLFIT GIRLS AIMS TO:

• Create healthy lifestyles and habits at an earlier age

• Increase understanding of self-care needs • Increase self-esteem and body positivity • Build self-confidence • Improve mood and daily attitude • Improve relationships with peers and adults • Provide tools to manage and lower levels of stress at school and home

• Provide tools to fight off depression through exercise and meditation

• Cultivate a sense of community to feel belonging and inclusion

• Create connection with others

Fitness, running, stretching and strength-training lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle positively impacting levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mental health. Other known benefits of exercise include:

and fight off depression. Learning how to work out with others, encouraging and inspiring each other is a cornerstone to fighting off isolation and building self-confidence.

• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “happy chemicals”

• Lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol • Stimulating the neurotransmitter

norepinephrine, which improves mood, increases self-esteem and body positivity

• Helping teens sleep better Research shows that early interventions in health, fitness and nutrition are critical to incorporating lifelong healthy behaviors and improved mental health and wellness. Wellfit Girls Alumnae regularly report that incorporating fitness into their lifestyles during and after Wellfit Girls is an empowering and effective way to manage stress

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

13

NEW 2019-2020 PROGRAMS

“The experiences

I had at Wellfit Adventure Camp were very positive.

I made connections with people and formed amazing friendships.

I bonded with people and had a good time.

I learned many life lessons and new things that I am sure to use and already have. I’m extremely happy that I have had this opportunity to go do something so inspirational. I’m entirely grateful for this experience. Not only has it let me take care of myself, but it has also taught me to truly go within to go beyond.”

Anjeliette O’Meara WAC 2019

14

W E L L FI T GI RL S

WAC WELLFIT ADVENTURE CAMP Wellfit Adventure Camp (WAC) offers a unique opportunity for middle and high school girls to participate in three weeks of leadership, fitness and empowerment curriculum. Daily camp activities include creative selfexpression, personal discovery, yoga, fitness, meditation, team building games, connection and fun! The camp culminates with a five or six-day expedition where girls will hike, do yoga, play games, cook their own meals, connect with each other, nature and most importantly themselves.

LIFT LEADERS IN FITNESS TRAINING Leaders in Fitness Training (LIFT) is an eight-month fitness and wellness focused program for 8th and 9th grade girls. Wellfit Girls piloted the LIFT program at Palmetto Ridge High School and Naples High School, working closely with school counselors to identify at-need girls. Students worked with a personal trainer one time per week for eight months learning the basics of strength training, yoga, running and nutrition. LIFT culminated with a 4-day river canoe expedition to North Florida in partnership with North Carolina Outward Bound. The expedition took place during Collier County’s Spring Break in March 2020. This program is currently on hold for 2020-2021 due to COVID.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

15

“As a participant in Summit Sisters, I learned so much about myself and made many strong connections with the other girls. I was challenged to be the best version of myself every session whether it was fitness or leadership. The Summit Sisters program is truly transformative.”

Sara Sullivan Summit Sisters ’18 & ’20

SS SUMMIT SISTERS Summit Sisters is Wellfit Girls’ signature 5-month leadership, fitness and empowerment program for high school girls in Collier and Lee county.

Girls have the opportunity to participate in Summit Sisters each year from grade 9 to grade 12 to dive deeper into the curriculum concepts and compound on their unique leadership styles.

Participants meet twice weekly, January through May, for leadership and fitness group sessions. Each year, the program will culminate with a different expedition in June in mountainous regions of the United States (Colorado, Montana, Utah, etc.). The purpose of this program is to build deep relationships with youth, provide in-depth leadership training and create a safe space for girls to connect with nature, each other and most importantly, themselves.

This year, Summit Sisters was scheduled to culminate with an expedition to Montana in June 2020. Due to COVID, we offered a 7-day virtual expedition and 36-hour Solo experience. Please see page 18 for more on the virtual expedition (A message from our founder).

16

W E L L FI T GI RL S

Bill Copeland said, “Try to be like the turtle - at ease in your own shell.� My daughter has come to be at ease with herself. Through the Wellfit Girls program, I have seen her develop leadership qualities that she did not even know she had. She has gained courage, grace and an empathetic ear as she has learned to share her journey through the program and listen to others share their stories of success and hardship. I used to fear that she would draw into her outer shell as life has not always been easy for our family. This program has given her the tools to be brave enough to share her feelings, beliefs and challenges and not feel scared of the way those emotions will be received. As a parent, I feel blessed to have been able to watch the interactions between the leaders of Wellfit and my daughters. I have come to tears many times wishing that all children could receive the motivation, encouragement, compassion, and ultimate acceptance that these women demonstrate daily as mentors to future generations. My daughter has learned through the solo challenges to not be scared of her thoughts, fears, emotions, nature, lack of technology and just...... silence. I have learned through the solo challenges to let go, trust in her strengths and know that she has the skills of a survivalist in nature and in the technological mecca we live in today. I have learned to listen without the goal of a response to her goals. I have witnessed an excitement blossom within her soul that shines out with confidence, curiosity, compassion and happiness. Together as a family, we have grown stronger. The Wellfit Girls organization has not only changed the lives of my daughters but my own.

Sherry Ashley Wellfit Girls Parent

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

17

Mountains of Our Minds – 2020 Virtual Expedition One thing about Wellfit Girls, is that we are resilient, and if we’ve learned anything about 2020, it is that resilience is the primary ingredient that prepares us to adapt to stress and overcome trauma and adversity. I might add, that while no one was “nailing it” during the first few months of the global pandemic, we were pleasantly surprised how seamlessly we transitioned from twice weekly in-person meetings to online zoom groups, individual sessions with the girls and even some online parent workshops.

We successfully reached our wellness/fitness and leadership curriculum goals throughout the five months; yet worried we wouldn’t be able to offer an impactful culminating experience after travel to Montana was canceled. The leadership team brainstormed every option imaginable, having contingency plans as pandemic dictates and social distance rules changed weekly.

The easy and reasonable thing to do was quietly close out this year’s program on an extended zoom call. But, Wellfit Girls don’t tend to stop at easy and we prefer audacious over reasonable.

One powerful Rite of Passage commonly included in wilderness programs is a Solo Experience . We had never offered this element in our expeditions in the past as they are jam-packed with service, trekking and cultural experiences, but this year the “Solo” became be the peak experience of the expedition considering the social distancing guidelines as they were. We realized this could be a win:win. We would be in compliance with CDC recommendations AND offer an impactful, novel experience for the girls.

18

W E L L FI T GI RL S

The 36-hour Solo is challenging, rewarding and requires planning and proper tone-setting. It’s not just a digital detox or a social “time out.”

A Rite of Passage is a ceremony to mark a celebration or a change in life status. It involves: 1. A psychospiritual idea of severance: dying to one’s old life 2. Crossing the threshold and stepping into the unknown 3. The return to take on a new life Climbing mountains has been a Rite of Passage for Wellfit Girls during the past six years. We intentionally let go of the past, what’s holding us back and cross over to the other side, ready to assert a new way of being and empowered action in our lives.

The mountains have been the metaphoric backdrop in the Wellfit Girls’ experience, and this year, what better mountains to climb than the ones in our mind?

The intentional use of metaphor woven into the fabric of our teachings throughout our five-month leadership program provides the girls with a feeling that they are on the mountainous trail of life already. A courageous conversation is a mountain. Running the Hop to the Top 5K is a mountain. Fundraising and service are mountains.

Putting aside our own personal preferences to take a stand for others is climbing a mountain. Showing up no matter the mood is climbing the mountain.

We know that life is not about climbing one mountain and being done; but preparing for the ranges of

mountains we will face in our lives. Resilience training is a cornerstone of our curriculum, preparing girls to face life’s summits and valleys, to weather the storms, to set a clear path to their goals, but route-find, also, when they lose their way.

This year’s unique virtual expedition was an invitation for the girls to accept the ultimate journey, the invitation to Go Within to go Beyond . To meet the mountains of their mind, the wild weather within, to overcome doubt, defy limiting beliefs and set a new plan of action for life’s inevitable and undulating challenges and opportunities.

Prior to the Solo, our seven-day Virtual Expedition included personal growth workshops, facilitated conversations by our alumnae on race and racial social justice issues, LGTBQIA+, social media for good (and bad) and healthy relationships and boundaries, interactive scavenger hunts and self-discovery games, contemplative coloring, journal prompts, a service project with Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, physically-distanced beach walks, virtual yoga, dance and fitness, a movie and discussion night of Just Mercy, Taco Tuesday virtual dinner (together, apart) and time for one on one calls with members of the leadership team. We even had a surprise celebrity meet and greet with the Valerie Weiss, the director of Outer Banks and two of the cast members, Madelyn Cline and Madison Bailey.

Every year, the leadership team is inspired by the experiences of the girls. Their journey of personal growth is our social and emotional currency. They keep us wanting to work more and harder for all girls. We hope

their words will inspire you, as well: “The solo was one of the best experiences of my life.”

“Being able to go out to Labelle, even social distancing, was meaningful to me. I felt connected to the other girls, even on my solo, together, apart.”

“Earth is amazing. I had never spent that much time outside connecting with nature.”

“The solo was amazing. I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

Personally, one of my favorite activities of the week was hearing expedition proposals from each girl that we may consider for future expeditions. The girls took us on a virtual journey all over the wilds of the United States and into Canada’s Rocky Mountains; from Alaska’s Wilderness to New Hampshire’s rugged trails to Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains, California’s Redwoods, North Carolina’s rivers and woods and more.

We are proud to have completed our 7th year of adventure and leadership with our girls. Only in getting comfortable with our inner landscape are we able to powerfully climb in the mountains we will face in life.

I can assure you, we are in good hands with the future leaders of Wellfit Girls. Thank you for following along our journey! Onward and upward we rise!

In wellness, Jill Wheeler Founder

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

19

MIA MENTORS IN ACTION Mentors in Action is an opportunity for alumnae who want to dive deeper into the Wellfit Girls leadership, fitness and empowerment curriculum, serve as a mentor and put what they have learned into action.

Mentors in Action is open to any rising senior who has completed Summit Sisters. Due to the popularity of this program, we are also accepting college age alumnae to serve as mentors. Girls may apply to be a mentor for Wellfit Adventure Camp (WAC) and Summit Sisters.

“The mentor program has helped me mature and step into a bigger role of leadership throughout all areas of my life. Going through the mentor program as a young woman has helped positively guide me into adulthood and has allowed me to take on more responsibilities at home, in school and at work. I look forward to continuing in the mentorship program again next year.”

Lila Kirkman Summit Sisters ’19 | WAC Mentor ’19 | Summit Sisters Mentor ’20

“Before mentoring I had many concerns about not being a good enough mentor. After doing it I realized that I don’t have to be a perfect mentor. That experience has now shown and given me the knowledge that I don’t have to be perfect going into something new I just have to try. I was able to connect with my mentees and hopefully have an impact on them. Mentoring was an experience that I never thought I would do but would now jump at the chance to do again.”

Andrea Luviano Summit Sisters ’18 | LIFT Mentor ‘19 | Summit Sisters ’20

20

W E L L FI T GI RL S

“A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of you to show you how they did it. A mentor walks alongside you to show you what you can do.”

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

21

SERVE Who We Serve 2019-2020

Wellfit Girls Participants by County COUNTY

# OF PARTICIPAN T S

S C H OLARS H IP

% OF S C H OLARS HI P S

Collier County

35

Full Scholarship

55%

Lee County

12

Partial Scholarship

1 2%

TOTAL

47

No Scholarship

33%

TOTAL

1 00%

Race Breakdown

Grade Breakdown GRA DE

# OF PARTICIPAN T S

RAC E

%

African American, Black

9% 7%

7 /8 Grade

9

9th Grade

10

American Indian, Native American or Caribbean Islander

10th Grade

8

Hispanic, Latino

20%

11th Grade

5

Multi-Racial

4%

12th Grade

8

White, Caucasian

60%

Other

7

TOTAL

10 0 %

TOTA L

47

th

22

Scholarship Breakdown

th

W E L L FI T GI RL S

IMPACT Our Impact Since our founding in 2014, more than 140 girls have benefitted from Wellfit Girls. In that time, we have expanded our core program from Collier County to include Lee County, secured key community partnerships including United Way of Lee County, United Way of Collier and the Keys, Fort Myers High School and PACE Lee County, expanded programming to include a summer camp, and established the viability and impact of the program.

Girls who successfully complete our program are more likely to: assume leadership roles in their schools,

achieve successful college matriculation, seek out volunteer engagement, demonstrate long-term commitment to physical wellness and fitness, display improved public speaking and other metrics related to self-confidence, and maintain better relationships with peers and adults. Formal assessments indicate improvements in measures related to trust, empathy, emotional control, academic motivation, and school bonding, all measures of improved resiliency. Studies show that resiliency is a better indicator of long-term success than IQ.

DATA

Number of Girls Served

Number of Participants Served Since 2014

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Year

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

23

“100% of Wellfit Girls report they have more optimism as a result of their participation in the program, meaning they have more hope that at the end of the day everything is going to be okay.�

24

W E L L FI T GI RL S

Holistic Student Assessment-Retrospective The Holistic Student Assessment-Retrospective (HSA-R) was designed by The PEAR Institute in partnership with McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

The data outlined below provides a summary of student’s perceived growth in social-emotional skills at the end of the program as compared to the start of the program.

The HSA-R prompts participants to think about how you feel at the end of the program compared to the beginning of the program and uses a 5-point scale (1 = Much less than before, 3= About the same, 5= Much more than before) to rate the extent to which their thoughts and feelings have changed since starting Wellfit Girls.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

25

KKeyEY Findings • 100% report they have more optimism as a result of their participation in the

program, meaning they have more hope that at the end of the day everything is going to be okay.

• 100% report that as a result of the program they are more active (Action Orientation).

• 100% report a positive improvement in critical thinking as a result of their time in the program.

• 93% report they have more perseverance as result of their participation in the

program. Studies report that resiliencies such as perseverance are better indicators of future success than IQ and SAT scores.

• 93% report a positive change in reflection, meaning they can now make sense of their own experience, emotions and thoughts to create a sense of identity.

• 93% report a positive improvement in relationships with peers.

• 86% report they are more assertive as a result of their experience in Wellfit

Girls, meaning they feel they have more voice and choice and more self-control to negotiate rules, roles and boundaries.

• 86% report positive improvement in relationships with adults as a result of their experience in the program.

PERCENT POSITIVE CHANGE - RESILIENCIES 100%

100

100% 93% 86%

93% 86%

79%

80

79%

60

40

20

26

W E L L FI T GI RL S

O pt im ism

n io ct Re fle

st Tr u

Em pa th y

ce se ve ra n Pe r

As se

rti

ve n

es s

l nt ro Co n

Em ot io

O re i

A nt ctio at n io n

0

PERCENT POSITIVE CHANGE - RELATIONSHIPS 100

93% 86%

80

60

40

Relationships with Peers

Relationships with Adults

20

0

PERCENT POSITIVE CHANGE - LEARNING & SCHOOL INTEREST

100%

100

86% 80

79%

60

43% 40

20

Sc

ca iti Cr

ho

lT

ol B

hi

nk

on di n

in

g

g

t In te re s g in rn

Le a

A M cad ot e iv m at ic io n

0

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

27

LEADERSHIP TEAM

JWheeler IL L

Founder & Creative Visionary Officer; Consultant

COLBY Robertson Executive Director

BROOK Spencer E Program Director

L IA NNE HEATHER Viniar Martin Program Facilitator

28

W E L L FI T GI RL S

Program Facilitator

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

- Wayne Dyer

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

29

L to R: Christine Citrano, Christy Carpenter, Colby Robertson, Josh Leppo, Mirna Valerio (Inspired Speaker), Jill Wheeler, Nannette Staropoli, Dr. Ashley Mandeville

B2019 OAR - 2020D Board of Directors Christy Carpenter, Gallagher Insurance President Christine Citrano, REALTOR, John R. Wood Properties Secretary Magen Kellam, Magen E. Kellam Attorney at Law

L to R: Founding Board Members Colby Robertson, Andrew Miranti, Jill Wheeler

Dr. Ashley Mandeville, Florida Gulf Coast University Josh Leppo, Leppo Financial Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Colby Robertson*, Wellfit Girls Nannette Staropoli, Content Clix Jill Wheeler*, Wellfit Institute *founding board member

HONORARY BOARD MEMBER Andrew Miranti*, The Village School

30

W E L L FI T GI RL S

PART N ERS In-Kind Donors + Community Partners All Day Endurance All Star Dance Studio Allegra Marketing Athleta Bella Diva Fitness

Dermatology Specialists of Naples Elephant Creative Co. Elevate Training Enterprise

Impact Zone Golf

Practice Yoga

Jumpanzee

Publix

Laces of Love

Ridgway Bar and Grill

La Playa

Rocky Mountain Human Performance

Legacy Dentistry

Biggs Acupuncture

EveryBODY Pilates & Yoga

LEKI

Black Diamond

Fairways Wine Vault

lululemon

Bronwen Jewelry

Ficarra Design Associates

Bill and Martha Meyers

Burn Bootcamp

First Watch

Neubek Photographers

Copper Creative

Fort Myers Brewing Company

North Collier Regional Park

Fort Myers High School

PACE Center for Girls, Lee County

Bonita Bay Club Naples

Cycle Bar Naples Cypress and Palm Boutique

HBK CPAs & Consultants

Delicious Raw

Hedy’s Gems Hyatt House

Salon Bamboo AVEDA

MW Makeup Artistry

Pickleball Academy of Southwest Florida

Shaklee Sun Leaf Swinging with Purpose Tailormade Fitness Turtle Club United Way of Lee County Wellfit Institute William Meyers Soups Venue Naples

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

31

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers

32

Amanda Adams

Lorel Martens

Avorie Anderson, WG ‘17

Martha Meyers

Mary Behr, WG ‘19

Justin Moomaw

Kelly Clark

Julio Morel

Christin Collins

Bella Musico, WG ’17

Stevie Curcio, WG ‘18

Matt and Melissa Neubek

Laura DalSanto Wu

Colleen O’Sullivan

Madi D’Elia, WAC ‘19

Evelyn Pacheco, WG ’14

Teagan D’Elia WAC ‘19

Chanel Pinder

Jamie DePaola

Brittany Price

Allison Durian

Amanda Rauktys

Casi Emmerich, WG ’15

Anjelliette Rauktys WAC ’19

Natalie Finazzo, WG ‘15

Jaela Rauktys

Asheley Gelin, WG ‘19

Caroline Ridgway

Kasey Golding

Evelyn Sevilla

Jake Hester

Lindy Smith

Natalia Hester

Annie Spencer

Abigayle Johnson, WG ‘19

Sara Sullivan, WG ‘18

Holly Kistler

Heather Viniar

Lila Kirkman WG ‘19

Amy Voelkl

Kendall Klein WG ‘14

Savannah Walter

Litzy Lerma, WG ‘16

Joel Waltzer

Andrea Luviano, WG ’18

Sinclair Zanfardino, WG ‘19

Lianne Martin

Riley Zuccarello, WG ’14

W E L L FI T GI RL S

SPONSORS Corporate Sponsors + Donors Barron Collier Companies

Ficarra Design Associates

Neubek Photographers

Bronwen Jewelry

First Watch

California Pizza Kitchen

HBK CPAs & Consultants

Rogers, Wood, Hill, Starman, Gustason P.A.

Calusa Bay Properties

Jason’s Deli

Southwest Florida Women’s Group

Christine Citrano, PA

Jetpack Pest Solutions

Sunshine Ace Hardware

Content Clix

J. McLaughlin

Tacos & Tequila Cantina

Executive Electronics

Lee Health Foundation

Unique Wood

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

33

GRANTS Community Grants

34

W E L L FI T GI RL S

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your accomplices towards growth.”

- Joseph Campbell

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

35

D ON OR S Charitable Donations $25,000 + United Way of Collier County

$10,000 + Enterprise NE Regional Managers

Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation

Paulette P. Kempfer Family Fund

Tacos & Tequila Cantina

Swinging with Purpose

$5,000-$9,999 Ferrante Charitable Gift Fund

Martha and Bill Meyers

The League Club

Ficarra Design Studios

Bob & Lucy Sheldon

United Way of Lee County

Les Bolstad III

Deborah O’Brien

Joel Waltzer

Christine Citrano

Neubek Photographers

Michelle Weeden

First Watch

Nannette Staropoli

UBS*

Lee Health Foundation

Barbara Van Dorn

*corporate match

$2,500-$4,999

36

W E L L FI T GI RL S

$1,000-$2,499 Barron Collier Companies

Debi Grilo

Jenny and Scott Kashman

Calusa Bay Properties

Hamilton Family Charitable Fund

Josh Leppo

Christy Carpenter Gar Duke and Nicole Friend Karen French

Jake Hazewinkel

Southwest Florida Women’s Group

HBK CPA’s & Consultants Jason’s Deli

$500-$999 Nick and Bernice Andrews

Chuck and Heidi Holley

Rogers, Wood, Hill, Starman, Gustason P.A.

Amy and Juan Arambula

Hovland INC.

Bernie Beckman

J. McLaughlin

Betty Blackwell

Gretchen and Bruce Koehn

Peter and Michelle Vamvakaris

Deb Campbell

Dan and Stephanie Milwit

Lisa Wilder

Christina Clontz

Jennifer Sassi Pavich

Daniel and Melissa Williams

Executive Electronics

Nancy Rappaport

Ashley Solomon

$250-$499 Sharon and Russ Berkoben

Jetpack Pest Solutions

Patricia and William Reilley

Lodato Bronwen

Bill and Jill Leisman

Susan Rokela

Britton Family

Kathy Linsin

Mark Rush

Cathy Centafanti

Tracey Maloney

Sandor Season of Giving

Kathy and David Dillon

Dan Miller

David and Jeanie Summers

Bengal Dow

Lynne Adams and Graeme Morpeth

Unique Wood Floor Co.

Lynn and Don Dwyer The French Kenneth Gary Ashley Gerry Fern and Andrew Jaffe

Jodi Nienkerk Nathalie Ralton

Frank and Barbara Westover Wren & Roch, Inc. Edward Zelinske

James Rappaport Jerry Rappaport Jr. A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

37

FFinancial IN A NCIAL Summary FUND IN G BY SO URC E

AMOU N T

Fundraising Events

$7 6 ,975

Program Income

$17,0 4 9

Individual Donations & Corporate Sponsorship

$7 8,444

Grants

$5 4 ,7 86

In Kind

$2 6 ,6 36

Scholarship Fund

$19,0 98

Student Fundraisers

$5 ,740

TOTAL REVENU E

$2 78 ,72 8

USE O F FUN D S

AMOU N T

Program Services

$147,45 2

Fundraising

$30,6 5 0

Administrative & General

$82 ,96 3

TOTAL EX PENSES

$2 61 , 065

12% Program Services

56%

32%

Fundraising

Administrative & General

38

W E L L FI T GI RL S

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

39

SCHOLARSHIP Nancy Beckman Scholarship Congratulations to Stevie Curcio, the fourth recipient of the Nancy Beckman Scholarship.

The Nancy Beckman Scholarship Fund, founded by her good friend Martha Meyers in November 2016, is awarded to one Wellfit Girl each year who represents and exemplifies Nancy’s tenacity and positivity to make her life and those around her better. The committee selected Stevie to be the recipient because of her determination, generosity and desire to climb high in all areas of life.

“Wellfit Girls has changed my life for the better. I was always super shy and never spoke before doing this program. During Summit Sisters, I learned that I have a voice and I am allowed to use it. In May I graduated from Naples High School and I am now in my first year of college at FSW majoring in early childhood education. This program has really helped me become who I want to be.” - Stevie Curcio

SCHOLARSHIP Jane Waltzer Scholarship Nicksie Lordeus is the third recipient of the Jane Waltzer Scholarship. The Jane Waltzer Wellfit Girls Scholarship Fund, founded by her husband and three daughters in 2018, is awarded to one Wellfit Girl each year who represents and exemplifies the true characteristics Jane Waltzer embodied. The committee selected Nicksie to be the recipient because of her strength and determination.

“The person I was before this program was hurt and broken, scared and fearful of a lot of things. I took a lot of people’s burdens on my shoulders. Being in the tent during the Solo and forgiving myself for everything, I was able to breathe again and think properly. I felt relief wash over me. For the first time in a long time everything became clear.” – Nicksie Lordeus

40

W E L L FI T GI RL S

SCHOLARSHIP Lis Nassberg Scholarship Congratulations to Dallise Castillo, the second recipient of the Lis Nassberg Scholarship. The Lis Nassberg Wellfit Girls Scholarship Fund, founded by her best friend Nannette Staropoli in 2019, is awarded to one Wellfit Girls each year who represents and exemplifies the true characteristics Lis embodied. The committee selected Dallise, a student at PACE Lee County, to be the recipient because of her kindness and generosity.

“It was a great experience. I am so grateful that I was able to participate. Before Wellfit Girls, I wasn’t making the best decisions and I was getting myself into trouble. Now I am more assertive. If I know that someone is making a decision and it’s not in my best interest, I can say no and stay on the right track.” – Dallise Castillo

SCHOLARSHIP Sandra Sommer Scholarship Teagan D’Elia is the first recipient of the Sandra Sommer Scholarship. The Sandra Sommer Wellfit Girls Scholarship Fund was founded by her niece Martha Meyers. Martha initiated this scholarship to celebrate her aunt – a classy, fun, loving, warm lady who taught her the value of family, love and community. The committee selected Teagan for this scholarship with the hope that she experience the same sense of family, love and community through Wellfit Girls.

“I started Wellfit Girls during the summer of 2019 for the first summer camp where we went to Georgia. I have now gone on four expeditions with Wellfit Girls. I have learned more about myself and others and my body’s capability of doing whatever I put my mind to more than I have in any other program I have ever been to. I cannot be more thankful that I have had the chance to be able to do this program on a full scholarship. It is truly extraordinary. I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive the Sandra Sommer Scholarship.”- Teagan D’Elia

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

41

AWellfit LUGirls MNAE Alumnae Mary Behr | WG 19| Estero High School |Penn State University Cassidy Breuer | WG 19, WG 20 | Seacrest Country Day School* Gioia Bonanno-Garcia | WG 20 | Fort Myers High School* Jenna Brown | WG 20 | Palmetto Ridge | Florida Southwestern State College Dallise Castillo | WG 20 | PACE Lee County* Jessica Caudillo | WG 18 | Naples High School | Valencia College Stevie Curcio | WG 18, WG 20 | Naples High School | Florida Southwestern State College Faith Dannenhauer | WG 20 | Fort Myers High School* Lizandra Delgado | WG 20 | PACE Lee County | Florida Southwestern State College Myah Daniels | WG 17 | PACE Lee County** Teagan D’Elia | WG 20 | Naples High School* Natalie Finazzo | WG 15 | Barron Collier High School | Florida Gulf Coast University*** Asheley Gelin | WG 19 | Lely High School | Spelman College Natalie Gottschalk | WG 15 | Home School | Florida Gulf Coast University Savannah Harmon | WG 19 | Fort Myers High School | University of Central Florida Kristen Hedgpeth | WG 15 | Gulf Coast High School | University of South Florida Sofia Herrero | WG 19, WG 20 | Fort Myers High School* Alize Islaes | WG 17 | PACE Lee County** Dasia Jackson | WG 18 | PACE Lee County** Deziree Keay | WG 20 | Mason Classical Academy* Lila Kirkman | WG 19, WG 20 | Fort Myers High School | Fort Myers Technical College Maria Koribanic | WG 20 | Golden Gate High School* Nicksie Lordeus | WG 20 | Lorenzo Walker Technical High School* Andrea Luviano | WG 18, WG 20 | Palmetto Ridge | Florida Gulf Coast University Elena Martens | WG 18 | Barron Collier High School | Centre College Presley McGirt | WG 20 | Cypress Lake High School* Carly McGovern | WG 18 | Fort Myers High School | Florida State University Reyna Michael | WG 19 | PACE Lee County** Angie Morla | WG 20 | Gulf Coast High School | Florida Gulf Coast University Bella Musico | WG 17 | Naples High School | University of Mississippi Evelyn Pacheco | WG 14 |Estero High School | Florida Gulf Coast University*** Isabella Pinto |WG 19 |Barron Collier High School | Florida Southwestern State College Sofia Ramallo | WG 16 | Barron Collier High School | Florida Gulf Coast University***

42

W E L L FI T GI RL S

AWellfit LUGirls MNAlumnae AE Paige Schallenkamp | WG 16 | Barron Collier High School | Florida Gulf Coast University*** Sara Sullivan | WG 18, WG 20 | Naples High School Trixie Szilagyi | WG 15 | Naples High School | University of Tampa*** Rose Theel | WG 20 | Seacrest Country Day School* Ashley Thibaut | WG 19 | Fort Myers High School | Johnson & Wales University Olivia Westervelt | WG 17 | Seacrest Country Day School | Florida State University Stephanie Whittaker | WG 17 | Naples High School** Sinclair Zanfardino | WG 19, WG 20 | Barron Collier High School | University of South Florida * DENOTES ALUMN A IS STIL L IN H IG H S C H OOL * * DENOTES ALUMN A GRAD UAT ED F ROM H IG H S C H OOL * * * DENOTES ALUMN A GRADUAT E D F ROM COLLEG E

100%

82%

graduated high school

went on to college/ university or armed forces

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

43

AWellfit LUMNAE Girls Alumnae

Our LIFT (Leaders in Fitness Training) girls and eight alumnae paddled for four days in Mims, Florida over Collier County’s Spring Break in March. They island-hopped and camped as they practiced self-reliance, compassion, physical fitness and service, gaining confidence in outdoor living and adventure.

The girls supported one another, problem-solved unique initiatives and shared deeply during campfire conversations. We partnered with North Carolina Outward Bound School and received feedback about the girls’ impressive leadership and interpersonal communication skills, as well as how quickly they picked up new technical skills, like canoeing, navigation, pitching tents, building fires and cooking big (yummy) meals in the outdoors.

44

W E L L FI T GI RL S

EVE NT S Inspired Speaker

Series with Mirna Valerio November 19, 2019

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

45

The Wellfit Girls Difference Maker Award was envisioned and created to recognize dynamic and generous leaders in Southwest Florida, who are making a difference in our community through their time, treasure and talent.

2018 Neubek Photographers The winners of the 2018 Difference Maker award are Matt and Melissa Neubek. Through their company, Neubek Photographers, they have dedicated countless hours photographing the Wellfit Girls journey. They are champions for diversity and value differences, giving generously to Wellfit Girls and the community. They are role models to our girls and are most deserving of this award.

2019 Laura DalSanto Wu The winner of the 2019 Difference Maker award is Laura DalSanto Wu. Laura has gone above and beyond in her support of our organization.

She has dedicated countless hours training the Wellfit Girls throughout their journey. She is a champion for health and wellness, giving generously to Wellfit Girls for the past three years. Laura is a role model for leadership, fitness and entrepreneurship and is most deserving of this award.

46

W E L L FI T GI RL S

EV ENTS Souper Bowl February 1, 2020

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

47

EVENTS Ribbon Cutting | March 5, 2020

EV ENTS

International Women’s Day March 8, 2020

48

W E L L FI T GI RL S

EVE NT S Top 5K Virtual Hop to the April 11, 2020

Due to COVID-19, we moved our annual Hop to the Top 5K online allowing walkers and runners from all around the world to participate. We ended up with 343 runners from 35 states, England, Costa Rica, Wales, Australia, Singapore and more! It was truly amazing to see so many people (and pups!) come together to support Wellfit Girls. Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, hopped or golfed their way to the finish!

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

49

INSPIRATION Our Daily Inspiration When girls feel physically empowered, supported by enhanced public speaking skills, improved confidence, and deeper self-discovery, their growth as leaders is markedly enriched. The girls experience themselves as stronger inside and out, and the world experiences them as more confident, empowered, and ready to lead. Participating girls will have experienced many vulnerabilities prior to program enrollment. This program addresses these vulnerabilities in foundational ways, elevating girls into the next phase of their lives. Studies have shown that facilitated experiences and nature-based adventure have a positive influence on teens, improving self-esteem and self-control. Of related importance, how we carry ourselves in the world begins with a strong physical foundation. A key element of successful leadership, as imbued through the Wellfit Girls program, is a focus on the value of a positive, powerful and lasting impression. Seeing firsthand how Wellfit Girls graduates develop and thrive, through and beyond the program, provides continuous motivation to continue to grow this meaningful organization.

50

W E L L FI T GI RL S

HOW TO

How to get Involved Wellfit Girls provides a wide range of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for supporters. We host several events throughout the year, including our Hop to the Top Easter 5K & Fun Run, an Inspired Speaker Series, Sunset Yoga, and our “Souper Bowl� fundraiser on Super Bowl weekend.

Our volunteer committees meet regularly, devoting substantive in-kind contributions of time and talent. Sponsorships at any level are welcome, and we encourage donors to reach out to us to talk about what makes sense for your family or company. More information about the organization is always available on our website, wellfitgirls.org. We have printed materials available, as well. We welcome you to attend an upcoming event, or simply reach out for a conversation about all that our Wellfit Girls do for and in our community.

A N N UA L RE PO RT 2019-2020

51

GO W ITHIN TO GO B E YO ND!

W E LLF ITG IRLS .ORG