Domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and economic levels. It includes not just physical violence but also emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. One in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. But there is hope—and help is available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergencies, these national and local resources offer confidential support, safety planning, and practical assistance.

Immediate Help: Crisis Hotlines

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
  • Available 24/7 with trained advocates providing crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals.
• Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
  • 800-500-1119
  • Confidential support available around the clock.
• RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline
  • 800-656-4673 (HOPE)
  • National sexual assault hotline with trained staff.

Local Resources in Southwest Florida

Collier County

• Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children
  • 24/7 Crisis Line: 239-775-1101 | Admin: 239-775-3862 | TTY: 239-775-4265
  • naplesshelter.org
  • Services include emergency shelter at two locations (Naples and Immokalee with 60 beds each), individual and group counseling, injunction assistance, court advocacy, hospital accompaniment, and a kennel for pets. All services are confidential and free.
• Project Help
  • Helpline: 239-262-7227 or 800-329-7227
  • projecthelpnaples.org
  • Provides specialized support for sexual assault survivors. Available 24/7.
• Collier County Sheriff’s Office – Domestic Violence Section
  • Office: 239-252-0090 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., M–F) | After Hours: 239-252-9300 | Emergency: 9-1-1
  • Email: blake.rising@colliersheriff.org
  • Provides law enforcement assistance and victim services.
• Collier County Clerk – Domestic Violence Division
  • 3315 Tamiami Trail E., #102, Naples | 239-252-2646
  • collierclerk.com
  • Assistance with injunctions for protection and legal paperwork.

Lee County

• Abuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT)
  • 24-Hour Hotline: 239-939-3112
  • actabuse.com
  • ACT operates emergency shelters in Fort Myers (73 beds), Cape Coral (23 beds), and Hendry County (19 beds) providing safe havens for domestic violence victims and their children.
• Lee County Sheriff’s Office – Victim Advocates
  • 239-477-1000 | Para español: 239-477-1678
  • sheriffleefl.org
  • Provides a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence and violent crimes.
• Lee County Clerk of Court – Injunction Services
  • 239-533-5000
  • leeclerk.org
  • Free assistance in filing injunctions for protection.

Additional Support Services

Basic Needs Assistance

• Salvation Army
  • 239-775-9447
  • naples.salvationarmyflorida.org
  • Offers food, clothing, and emergency assistance.
• Eva’s Closet
  • 239-339-3216
  • evas-foundation.org
  • Provides clothing and household items to those in need.
• Helps Outreach
  • 239-593-3226
  • helpsoutreach.org
  • Offers various community assistance programs.
• Beverly’s Angels
  • 239-404-2082
  • beverlysangels.org
  • Emergency assistance and support services.

Legal and Advocacy Support

• Victim Services Information Referral Line
  • 800-226-6667 (English/Español)
  • TDD (TTY) Users – Florida Relay Service: 800-955-8771
• Legal Aid Service of Collier County
  • 239-775-4555
  • collierlegalaid.org
  • Free legal assistance for qualifying individuals.
• Lee County Legal Aid Society
  • 239-334-6118
  • leecountylegalaid.org
  • Legal support for domestic violence survivors.

Educational & Advocacy Organizations

• Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence
  • 800-500-1119 | TTY: 711
  • fpedv.org
  • Statewide advocacy and education organization.
• University of South Florida Harrell Center
  • 813-974-7832
  • health.usf.edu
  • Research and education on family violence prevention.
• WomensLaw.org
  • 800-799-7233
  • womenslaw.org
  • Legal information and resources for abuse survivors.
• National Electronic Network on Violence Against Women (VAWnet)
  • 717-461-3939
  • vawnet.org
  • Research and information clearinghouse.

Safety Planning Resources

Creating a personalized safety plan is crucial—whether you’re in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or have already left. These plans help protect you and your children. For more information, contact:

• Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children
• Florida Department of Children and Families
• National Domestic Violence Hotline

Financial Independence Resources

Understanding financial abuse and rebuilding economic stability are vital for leaving an abusive relationship. Resources include:

• Securing housing
• Protecting pets during relocation
• Accessing free or low-cost transportation

Specialized Resources

• National Child Abuse Hotline
  • 800-422-4453
  • childhelphotline.org
  • For situations involving child abuse and neglect.
• Tribal Law and Policy Institute
  • 323-650-5467
  • home.tlpi.org
  • Specialized resources for Native American communities.
• MyFlorida.com – Domestic Violence
  • myflfamilies.com
  • State-specific information, statistics, and resources.

Warning Signs Parents Should Know

Domestic violence often affects entire families. Children who witness abuse may display changes in behavior, academic performance, or emotional regulation. Warning signs in teens might include:

• Controlling relationships
• Unexplained injuries
• Sudden personality changes or social withdrawal

Parents should engage in age-appropriate conversations about healthy relationships, respect, and consent to help protect children from becoming victims or perpetrators.

How Our Community Can Help

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also about building a community where survivors feel safe and supported. Here’s how families can make a difference:

• Educate yourself and others about signs of abuse and available resources
• Share resources with friends, family, and on social media
• Support organizations like ACT and The Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children through donations or volunteering
• Create safe, non-judgmental spaces for others to seek help
• Advocate for survivor-friendly policies and accountability measures

Remember: You Are Not Alone

Abuse is never your fault, and you deserve to live free from fear. The organizations listed here are staffed with trained professionals who understand the complexities of domestic violence and can help you navigate your options safely.

Recovery and healing are possible. With the right support system and resources, survivors can rebuild their lives and create the safe, healthy futures they deserve.

For immediate danger, always call 911. For confidential support and safety planning, the 24-hour Naples Shelter crisis line at 239-775-1101 is always available.

If you or someone you know needs help, don’t wait. Reach out today. Every call matters, every person deserves safety, and every step toward getting help is an act of courage. 

The post Domestic Violence Resources in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

Most children cannot understand the magnitude of a storm or its lasting affects and will take their cue from the adults around them. It’s important to prepare your family for dangerous weather so that you can stay safe.  Events that are traumatic for adults are more so for children if they don t know what to do.  Children look to adults for help.  How we react tells them how real the danger is.  If we are calm and prepared, they will be reassured.

Children have varying understanding of storm preparation and recovery, and they may have questions and concerns.  Listen, and answer their questions carefully, stopping when they seem satisfied.  Be truthful and speak at a child’s level.  If you don’t know the answer, say so. Make sure children are supervised and know who is in charge. We cannot prevent storms, but we can let our children know we love them, will be with them, and are doing everything possible to keep them safe.

Make Plans

It helps if a family can plan together for hurricane season.  One family I know meets together to discuss what they will do. Their four children ages three to fifteen, listen, learn, and give input. They have found that their children are learning about hurricanes in school and other programs and have much to offer.  Their friend’s teen saved her horses during Hurricane Charley because she had learned to leave them outside from a guest speaker at her 4-H club meeting.  The barn collapsed during the storm, and her horses would have been injured had they been left indoors. This made an impression on the adults, and they are more open to what their children have to say.

Last hurricane season, my neighbor made lists and assign tasks to family members, checking it off with a sticker or star when each job was done. The younger children enjoyed that visible recognition, and were proud of themselves. I watched as the Mom expressed appreciation to her older daughter, hugging her and thanking her for how she helped her younger sister.

When assigning tasks, they are careful to be reasonable. Depending on their ages and abilities, children help put things away, fold laundry, clear the yard, gather items for evacuation, move outdoor furniture inside, and keep younger children occupied.  Their teen can pack for evacuation, make a home inventory, prepare for pet evacuation, move heavier furniture and equipment, help install shutters; take pictures, and put important papers in plastic protectors.

Your family may need to evacuate or move to one part of your home.  Help children choose what to bring, and pack ahead of time. Include favorites (blanket, stuffed animal), treasures (a special gift or found object), and necessary tools (flashlight, personal radio).   The ideal carrying case is waterproof and can be carried or wheeled easily by the child.  It can be a backpack or canvas bag.  Load the car in advance to see if everything fits.  This is a great time to discuss priorities.   Be sure to include a photo ID and basic identifying information.

Make age-appropriate disaster kits

For infants and toddlers, breast milk is the safest food during an emergency.  Nursing mothers have successfully fed their children through wars and natural disasters.  Nursing has a calming affect on both the mother and child, and nursing can begin up to six months after birth.   If using powdered formula, be sure to have at least 72 hours worth of safe water on hand, and at least that amount of liquid formula if appropriate.  Add diapers, wipes, baby washcloth and towel, a change of clothing, soft toys and board books.

Preschoolers can have their own flashlight, blanket, change of clothes, hat, favorite toy and book. For school age children add a journal and pencil, cards or a board game.   For ‘tweens and teens, add sunscreen and insect repellant if you know they will handle these responsibly.  Children with special needs may have medication, an inhaler, or other special equipment.  Everyone will need water and healthy snacks.

Children should know their names, their parents’ names, address, and phone number.   They should know where to meet in case of emergency and the name of a contact relative outside the immediate area.  Young children can carry this information on a lariat or have it written on clothing or in their disaster kit.   Children need to know how to use 911 and be familiar with disaster helpers, such as firemen, police, FEMA, Red Cross volunteers. Determine a buddy system within the family.

Children thrive on routines and limits. Family routines are certain to be upset in an emergency, and should be re-established as quickly as possible.  This includes getting up, dressing, eating breakfast, going to school, dinner, homework, playtime, and chores.   Limits include the amount and content of TV and computer time allowed, bedtime, healthy foods versus junk foods and drinks, where a child can and cannot play.  For example, downed power lines and standing water MUST be off limits!

Some parents have found that it helps to take time to explain what is happening before and after a storm.  Families can learn about the science of storms and the meaning of weather related vocabulary.  Ask your librarian or bookseller for helpful books to read together.  4-H has developed related curriculum to use with groups, and will be giving presentations at area libraries and park day camps.

Other families allow children to do art projects to express feelings, and to act out scenes using props.  The children drew picture of the storm, before during, or after, then they did a skit on the storm.  Play is a great way for children to process and gain understanding and a sense of control.

After the Hurricane

After a storm, parents can help grieve losses talking about what the storm has taken away.  Did your favorite tree come down?  If so, you might talk about how you’ll miss it’s shade, and how you’ll choose a new tree to plant.  Also talk about good things, such as how everyone helped each other.   Ask, what can we do?   Depending where the storm hit, children can assist with clean-up or help others by sending donations and caring letters. Taking action provides a sense of control.

Every family needs a first aid kit, and to discuss safety after a storm.  Teach children to be careful approaching animals, even your own, as they may be disoriented and can bite. Be sure children are supervised, wear closed-toed shoes, work gloves, and eye protection when helping   Keep a buddy system, know where your children are and give them a time when they are due back. Reassure them that the family is what is most important, and that material things can be replaced in time.  As soon as possible, replace a favorite or treasured item that may have been lost.

After a storm or even after storm preparation, some children may be especially fearful during every day thunder and lightening storms.  They may have nightmares and not want to be away from their parents.  Professional help is available if lasting fears and nightmares occur, and can make all the difference.

Project H.O.P.E. was developed by FEMA to help children handle the emotional aftermath of storms.  Using animal puppet characters and an elaborate, attractive stage, trained staff portray a scene after a storm. They then talk with the audience about what happened, working through any emotional responses the children have.   Project H.O.P.E. collaborates with other youth-serving agencies and can be reached at 863-228-6473 to schedule a performance.

Those who have been hit hard by storms know that the affects can be lasting, and that there is no return to “normal.”  Still, as life goes forward, good things will happen, and children need that reassurance as well.

This information and much more can be accessed through websites for FEMA (find the link for FEMA for Kids), Red Cross, EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network), Collier County University of Florida Extension, Collier County Health Department – WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program) Disaster Homepage:  Children, Stress, and Natural Disasters, University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

The post Emergency Preparedness: Where do children fit in? appeared first on SWFL Family.

It’s a very different type of high school experience. Most of the students have been together since prekindergarten and are more like siblings than classmates. While there are some drawbacks, the students say there are many more advantages to being in a tiny school.

“We are very tight and interconnected,” said senior Katie Collins. “I have had the same gym teacher since pre-K and the same art teacher since pre-K. The other perk is having really small classes. I had an art class with just myself. It was awesome. I grew exponentially in art, got some awards from the school district, and had some art in the district office.”

Just one teacher covers each subject, so they teach the students throughout their high school years, and sometimes in middle school as well.

“Having one follow us from one year to the next, they know us. They know where we struggled and where we excelled,” Katie explained.

Senior Teddy Smallwood had the same English teacher from sixth through 10th grade and said it helped him connect with his educators.

“It is like a family in a way,” he said.

The teachers know every student in the school, and the students know every teacher.

That allows teachers to individualize plans for their students. Several students were able to graduate early. Teddy finished all his high school requirements in December. Two of this year’s graduates are juniors.

“The staff has only 34 high school kids, so it is a lot easier to let kids excel,” Teddy explained. “You get a lot of attention.”

Only Katie and Teddy wanted to be interviewed for this story. Right now, just one of the six seniors is taking classes on campus. The others either finished in December or are completing their requirements online. Katie and Teddy said they watched the number of students dwindle over the years.

“In fifth grade, there were 23 kids. In middle school, there were 16. When we started high school, there were 10 of us. Now, there are only six seniors and only one is on campus,” Teddy described.

Teddy and Katie said some moved away because it was getting too expensive to live in Everglades City. Others moved for better job opportunities for their parents. This could mean even smaller graduating classes in the future.

The Everglades City School began in 1893 when the first lessons were taught in the Storter Home, now the Rod & Gun Club. A schoolhouse was built a few years later, but washed away in the 1910 hurricane. Barron Collier added a high school in 1926. In 1995 the old school was reconstructed into the current campus. It is the only public through high school campus in the county.

With such a small student population, Everglades City School can’t offer the vast menu of classes that other local high schools have. There are no Advanced Placement classes or specialized courses. However, students can still take those online or through dual enrollment.

Opportunities to excel

There are also many sports opportunities, and the seniors say they participate in multiple varsity competitions. Teddy is part of the basketball and baseball teams. Katie plays softball and volleyball. Both students have been on those high school varsity teams since sixth grade. In Everglades City, middle school students can play high school varsity sports. The nearby Indian reservation sends eight of its students to Everglades City to add to the numbers on the basketball team. The school also offers cross country and cheer. Students can join another high school team if they want to play football.

Katie says it is easier to be chosen for special activities since there is little competition. Katie was selected to be part of a debate group that competed at the University of Florida. Then, she was chosen to be an ambassador for debate and traveled all over the state and even to Washington, D.C.

“If you really want the opportunities, you can make them for yourself here. That is another perk of being a small school,” Katie said

“If there is an opportunity, we can pursue it much easier,” Teddy agreed. “It is so easy to get scholarships. At a big school you are competing with 200 kids for a scholarship. At our school it is just six kids.”

It is also easier for them to excel academically. Katie is valedictorian, and Teddy is salutatorian.

Most of the seniors have known each other since they were toddlers. They admit that sometimes they know too much about each other, but they love the camaraderie.

“You get to have a class with all your friends,” Teddy said. “At a big school, you get split up, but here we are with our friends every day.”

And their friends are not just the seniors but all the high school students. Having a prom with just six students would be hard, so everyone in high school is invited. This year, their prom will be held in a wedding barn and the homecoming dance was in the gym.

More than a moment

Graduation for Everglades City students is more than a moment of walking across a stage to get a diploma. Each student is honored with a special slide show.

“Something we do that is special that nobody else gets to do is the senior slide show,” Katie said. “We send in about 20 pictures and a song, and they play about three minutes for each student. And in the yearbook, we each get our own page. In other schools, it is just a picture.”

The students admit that graduation will be tough since they have been together most of their lives.

“It is going to be sad,” Katie said. “We were taking our senior pictures last night, and I was remembering everything. It will be hard after being together for so long. We all have our history with each other. It has not always been completely peaceful, but I will definitely miss them.”

Katie plans to attend the University of Florida to study political science. She said she is tired of hurricanes and likely will move somewhere like Tallahassee or Washington, D.C. Teddy is going to the fire and EMT program at Florida SouthWestern State College. He does plan to settle in Everglades City. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Eleven Great Gifts for the Graduate

Beach Volleyball is a Girls Varsity Sport in Collier County Public Schools

Collier County seventh graders get college, career and life-ready experiences

The post Inside Everglades City Schools Unique Graduation Experience appeared first on SWFL Family.

“We wanted to create a camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes,” Hoffmann said. “Type 1 is rare, so typically, they are the only kid on their hockey team with Type 1, and often the only kid in their school with Type 1. When they are on a team with 60 kids that all have Type 1, it is a very powerful thing. It is not just what happens on the ice but the relationships they develop off the ice.”

The coaching staff of the Florida Everblades hockey team will teach campers skills on the ice. Nurses, nutritionists, mental health experts, exercise experts, and sports psychologists will hold workshops to help the children and their parents learn more about managing and living with diabetes. There also is a program that focuses on navigating school accommodations. Kevin Delaney, who runs a hockey school for deaf students in Chicago, will help organize team-building activities.

“It is teaching kids that … they can still play hockey and get over the hurdle [of diabetes] and not let it stop them. [The camp] empowers the kids and allows them to be with other kids like themselves. It is great for the parents to talk among themselves and share experiences.”

This is the third year of this camp, and Delaney is excited to be part of it once again. “I love the game, and I love teaching the game,” he said. “It is just a positive, enjoyable experience.”

The Only Camp of its Kind

Type 1 Timer Hockey is the only hockey camp in the United States specifically for children with Type 1 diabetes. Last year, NHL player Luke Kunin of the San Jose Sharks, who has Type 1 diabetes, spoke with campers, inspiring them by showing how the disease doesn’t have to stop them from living their dreams. Hoffmann hopes he will speak again this year.

When the camp began in 2022, there were 30 participants. In 2023, that number doubled to 60. Hoffmann expects at least 60 kids again this year. “The more, the merrier,” she said. We have the medical team’s support, so we can do it.”

Hoffmann said there is one nurse for every 6-8 kids at camp. She said that ratio is important to ensure all campers are safe and able to manage their levels while exercising most of the day.

The young hockey players come from all over the country. Typically only two or three campers are local, according to Hoffmann. Most of the families stay while the kids are in camp, so organizers host events such as an evening on the Naples Princess and barbecues for the whole family.

“It is a nice time for the kids to just bond and be together,” Hoffmann said. “The more awareness we can create for these kids, the better.”

Hoffmann says becoming active in helping children and families living with Type 1 diabetes was the best way to embrace her son’s life with the disease.

“We love it,” Hoffmann said. “It is our passion project. “Diabetes and hockey are unique communities, and we merged our two communities together, and we are making a great impact on their lives. We want to make a difference. We are thrilled to do it.”

The Hoffmann Family of Companies owns the Florida Everblades, Southwest Florida’s professional hockey team, and supports Type 1 diabetes research.

All Hoffmann Family business, including the Hertz Arena, Naples Transportation & Tours, Naples Princess and others, donate their goods and services to Type 1 Timer in support of the diabetes and hockey communities.

For more information about Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp, visit www.T1Hockey.com. 

WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to naturally regulate the body’s blood sugar, leaving diagnosed individuals with a lifelong dependency on costly medical insulin.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF PLAYING SPORTS WITH T1D?

Anyone living with T1D can exercise and play sports, but they must take extra steps to ensure they do it safely. Exercise and sports can affect blood sugar by causing glucose levels to rise (hyperglycemia) or drop (hypoglycemia). High blood sugar levels can affect your body and lead to issues like dehydration and fatigue. With new technology, such as a wearable device called a continuous glucose monitor, it is easier to monitor glucose levels while playing sports. These devices allow others (family members, friends, or coaches) to monitor a diabetic athlete’s glucose levels via an app on their personal device. Some athletes work with their doctors to set target glucose levels using a detailed management plan to prevent them from going too low or too high. Another challenge for T1D children playing sports is the expense of insulin and monitoring devices. T1D is such an expensive and time-consuming disease that the extra cost of extracurricular activities is not affordable for families.

WHY ARE SPECIALIZED CAMPS IMPORTANT?

Diabetes camps are important because they help teach children with diabetes the skills they need to manage their disease. These camps ensure that the children are in a medically safe environment and can connect them with new friends who live with diabetes.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR PARENTS OF T1D CHILDREN WHO PLAY SPORTS?

Ensure the coaches and teammates know about Type 1 diabetes and the symptoms of low or high glucose levels. Bring extra snacks and drinks to treat low glucose levels, extra water, and sports drinks to avoid dehydration, and teach others around your child how to check their glucose levels if needed. Exercising and playing sports can help control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease and nerve damage. For a list of camps serving children with diabetes, visit the Diabetes Education and Camping Association at www.diabetescamps.org.

Answers provided by Tami Balavage, president and co-founder of Help A Diabetic Child, an organization that supports underserved children and young adults in Southwest Florida who have Type 1 diabetes and cannot afford lifesaving insulin, diabetes medical supplies, and medical services. For more information, go to helpadiabeticchild.org.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Neapolitan Family Summer Camp Directory

Neapolitan Family 2024 Summer Camp Guide

Local Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs

ARTICLES ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES

Collier Teens Living Well With Diabetes: Cami Lange

Living With Diabetes During the Holidays: Leah Shwedel

SWFL Diabetes Support Organizations

The post Local Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp Inspires Kids With Diabetes appeared first on SWFL Family.

Here is a breakdown of the primary differences between the two test formats:

WHERE and WHEN

Students register for the test on the College Board website at www.satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat. The test must still be taken at a school or official test center. However, the possibility of more test dates and flexibility in test centers’ scheduling may make it easier for students to find a test date that fits their schedule and location.

COMPUTERS AND CALCULATORS

Students can bring their tablets or laptops or use those provided at the test site. It is beneficial for the student to bring their own device, as they will be more familiar with it and limited laptops will be available. Graphing calculators will also be built into the test, so students who feel comfortable using those can leave their own at home, but if they are not, it is recommended to bring their own. Students will still be provided with scratch paper and can use a pen/pencil to work on solutions as needed.

Before test day, students must download the Bluebook App to their testing device. They should make sure it is successfully installed and familiarize themselves with it.

VERBAL SECTION

The verbal section of the SAT will now have much shorter passages, mostly just a few sentences, as they are limited to how much text will fit on a computer screen. Students will answer only a single question about a short passage and then move on to another entirely different one. Doing some practice questions to get used to the format would be beneficial.

ADAPTIVE TESTING

A significant change with the digital SAT is the new adaptive testing model. Now, students will face different sets of questions based on the accuracy of how they answered the first module of each section. The students will receive two possible levels of questions, and the highest score possible on the SAT will be different based on which level of questions they get. Don’t be alarmed; it is not a sudden switch to much more difficult questions if you call the higher level for your second module. There is still a balance in the difficulty of the questions. Students must get many incorrect answers to get the “lower” level of questions. It also shouldn’t be looked at as a disadvantage. Instead of having these students struggle and lose time with more complex questions, they can focus their energy on questions more appropriate for their level. With this new model, everyone gets to take a shorter test and spend more time on each question.

NEW TOOLS

There are tools available in the digital format that can help students. Students should practice making use of these tools to test more efficiently.

Optional Countdown Clock – This feature can be hidden if the student prefers.

Answer Eliminator – a tool to eliminate answers students deem as incorrect from view so they can focus on the remaining answers.

Question Flag – Students can now flag questions within a section for further review.

Reference Sheet – consisting of standard formulas for math questions

TEST PREP

When searching for a test prep company, ask them how they have adapted their materials to the new format. The Collegeboard.org site has digital SAT prep materials available for free.

Ashley McNaughton is the founder of ACM College Consulting. www.acmcollegeconsulting.com.

RELATED CONTENT

Your Top ACT/SAT Questions Answered by an Expert

The Spring College Scholarship Search

The post A guide to the new digital SAT for SWFL students appeared first on SWFL Family.

Following a personal crisis, Nordin’s son Logan fell from a second-story window at his private school, leading to a 385-day wait for assistance from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. This experience prompted Nordin to reach out to local lawmakers, sparking a positive shift in their support for families in similar situations. 

On February 7, 2024, the FDDC (Florida Developmental Disability Council) hosted Developmental Disability Awareness Day in the Capitol, marking a pivotal moment for advocacy. Remarkably, on the second anniversary of her son Logan’s accident, the entire Florida Senate demonstrated unified support by cosponsoring and passing SB 1758 early Wednesday morning, legislation aimed at bolstering services for individuals with disabilities throughout Florida. This milestone reflects the concerted efforts and bipartisan collaboration in prioritizing the needs of those with developmental disabilities.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and the original Bill sponsor, Jason Brodeur, took a moment to recognize Nordin and her family, as well as the 2024 Idelio Award recipient and self-advocate JJ Holmes. JJ and his mother, Allison, have been advocating tirelessly for years. He exemplifies resilience and dedication. JJ has been on the waiting list to receive help for 17 years, making his advocacy even more poignant and urgent. This legislation mandates the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to develop and execute an online application system with receipts. It also accelerates the crisis eligibility determination timeline from 45 days to 15 days and adjusts the age threshold for aging caregivers from 70 to 60 and a few other actionable items. Additionally, the bill allocates $39 million to support the expansion of the workforce in this sector.

 Florida currently ranks 49th in the country for funding services for people with disabilities, leaving a waitlist of 23,000 people (https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/mar/14/nikki-fried/fact-checking-nikki-frieds-claim-about-floridasme/) This Bill, along with several others will bring record change for those with developmental disabilities.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s Live Healthy Initiative Bill (SB7016) has allocated enough funds to remove many from the waitlist. In addition, House Representative James Buchanan has a similar Bill moving forward that allocates funds to further reduce Florida’s hefty line for long-term care solutions. (HB 1271).

Nordin’s advocacy efforts have united over a thousand families, creating a collective voice for change. Just a few months ago, Nordin, along with co-founders Thomas Nurse and Amanda Hayes, motivated by their struggles navigating the bureaucratic maze that families with developmental disabilities often face, began holding weekly Zoom meetings and launched a Facebook group that has quickly grown to over 600 members, to provide support to and organize developmental disabilities families across Florida.

Nordin invited families, allies, and supporters to join in the Capitol to amplify their voices for Developmental Disability Awareness Day, now also known as Logan Lives Day, and this year, hundreds of families gathered in celebration, hand-in-hand in solidarity and advocacy.

The post Naples Mom’s Advocacy for Expanded Disability Services Results in the Passing of SB 1758 appeared first on SWFL Family.

“We have grown an incredible amount,” said Rachel Haughey, head of school at NCA. She explained that having a new progressive plan helped the school recover from difficult times.

“In 2020, with [the pandemic] and everything, the school was in a position of financial duress, and the future was very uncertain,” she said. “There … was fear and uncertainty and doubt” as both teachers and students left the school.

To combat this uncertainty, the board of NCA set forth three initiatives focusing on finances, leadership, and location.

“A lot of families that remained recognized how special this place is,” Haughey said. “It is a place that feels like family.”

Their initiatives worked, and the school began a quick turnaround. This year, the school partnered with Covenant Church of Naples and moved to the church from its previous location at Hodges University. With enrollment soaring, the school already needs more room, so in August 2025, it will move to the 30,000-square-foot former Esporta building in Golden Gate, previously the site of LA Fitness, Lifestyle Family Fitness, and the Athletic Club of Naples.

NCA’s classrooms are filling up with students from public schools, previous homeschoolers, and those new to town.

Courtney Jeremias homeschooled her oldest son until this year when she sent him to NCA as a fifth grader. She also has a kindergarten son there.

Jeremias was apprehensive about transitioning from homeschool to a traditional school but said NCA was the perfect next step.

“What I like most about this school is how they really reinforce and support the very same values and foundations that I try to build with my kids at home,” she said.

Kristin Merrill taught in Collier County Public Schools, and her kids attended public schools. That changed this year when they all headed to NCA.

“I always had that conviction of showing all those great things in public school, and there are a lot of them, but it was all-consuming,” Merrill said. “Everything was: ‘What was your test score?’ and ‘How did you do?’ It just seemed very impersonal.”

Her sons are in fifth and eighth grade at NCA and are enjoying the new atmosphere. Her oldest son likes getting more play time in sports and having outside time during lunch.

“It is an environment of encouragement, acceptance, and love,” Merrill said. “There are high academics and standards, but it doesn’t feel that way. I feel so much less stress and so much less anxiety.”

Growth spurt

Haughey is excited about NCA’s booming growth.

“We had a total turnaround for finances and enrollment, and the provision of this amazing location for the interim, and a new location being purchased in Golden Gate,” she described. “The team went from 8 people to 30. It had been just bare bones and was that way intentionally to balance the budget.”

The school began in 1973 and was initially located off Santa Barbara Boulevard.

“This is our 51st year,” Haughey stated. “We were the first private school in Naples. We predate all of them.”

Tuition might look expensive, but Haughey said with Florida’s Personalized Education Program scholarships, parents don’t pay very much for their children to attend. This year, tuition is $11,190 for kindergarten through third grade, $11,290 for fourth and fifth grade, and $13,240 for middle school. But the state gives parents $9,272 for kindergarten through third-grade children and $8,664 for fourth through eighth grade.

Florida students who opt out of public school can get PEP funding through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This scholarship provides an educational savings account to fund the educational needs of eligible students. The program serves 20,000 students this school year and will grow by 40,000 annually.

Jeremias said that’s why she could now send her children to NCA.

“Because I stayed home and we were living on one income, it is something I didn’t think we could ever do,” Jeremias said. “This opens the door.”

Haughey would like to see NCA expand to include high school. “There is a demand for it and a desire,” she said.

Haughey has five children at NCA. Her kids attended the school first, and she liked it so much she followed them there and took the job.

“A lot of times people think Christian schools give a pass on academics,” Haughey explained. “Our commitment is we are called by God to excellence in all things. We are called to excellence in academics. You are not making sacrifices to have a commitment to a solid Christian education. We desire to be known as one of the best schools, period.”

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The new, unique high school brings together homeschooled students with teachers, advisors, and classmates. Parents can choose any homeschool model, from Florida Virtual School to private online programs to curriculums devised especially for the individual student.

“It is whatever the parent wants,” said Chris Marker, chief executive officer of The Freedom Institute. “We are kind of a concierge service. We are a homeschool support system.”

The school is open 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7-11 a.m. on Fridays. Students can come to campus as much or as little as they like.

“Some come almost the entire time; some come part-time,” Marker said. “It fits in real well with families that travel. It works well for students with individual sports.”

There are also learning opportunities for various careers. Christophe is interested in marketing and is now designing the school’s videos. Clare is building an art portfolio. The Freedom Institute also encourages college-bound students to do dual enrollment with Florida SouthWestern State College. Advisors help students build a list of classes around core content that will help them choose their future careers and meet the requirements of the colleges.

The school currently has four accredited teachers and two administrators. Marker had hoped for about 30 students this year and is excited to have surpassed that with 42. The goal is to have 120 students by the school’s third academic year.

“We anticipated this would be mostly experienced homeschoolers, but 75% [of our students are] from traditional schools,” Marker explained. “Only 25% are homeschool savvy. That one was a shocker.”

About 75% of students at The Freedom Insitute plan to go on to college, while the other 25% will head to the workforce after graduation.

The year-round school costs $8,400 a year, but most families are not paying a penny. Florida’s Personalized Education Program scholarships reimburse $8,000 a year, and families can get an additional $700 from Collier County.

“So it is truly free,” Marker noted.

A few students currently are on a scholarship waitlist but are using a Quest scholarship in the meantime. Marker said that next year there will be more scholarships available so that every student will receive one.

Christophe said The Freedom Institute is much better than just learning from home.

“Before, it was kind of bland,” he described. “I would be at home all day, [with] very limited social interactions. [I had] recorded classes. [It was] not really optimal for a high schooler.”

Now, Christophe has an internship. He has a success coach to help him create his learning path. He has new friends, and he enjoys socializing in the Eagles Nest, a recreation room with ping pong, foosball, pool, arcade basketball, skeeball, video games, and more. There is also a STEM area for science and a fitness room.

“I like the close relationship between the staff and the students,” Christophe continued. “It feels like a home. It does not feel like a public school. You are not a number. I like the balance between work and social interactions here.”

Clare had been a student at Gulf Coast High School and then Aubrey Rogers High School before starting at Freedom this semester.

“I like that you have a lot of freedom,” she began. “You can control what you learn and what pace you learn at. It is helpful for people who are artists like me. Public schools are not oriented around the careers that people are thinking about. I like that all the kids here are super nice. I just feel very welcome.”

Clare is doing dual enrollment, and she is learning to design ads. One of her ads is now in a local magazine.

“That is something I could not do in public school,” she said.

“Traditional schools, in some respects, do a one-size-fits-all all,” Marker noted. “We can do a precise curriculum for where a kid wants to go.” He said there are many additional benefits to The Freedom Institute model of education.

“There is a positive peer culture,” he said. “You have kids working with kids. It is hands-on. It is not just opening a computer and doing a computer module. We do debates. We do group work. As a homeschool parent, one of my biggest fears was lack of socialization and making sure the academics were on par with other kids in the world. Freedom is able to do both. We are able to [offer] the best of both worlds.” 

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

Hybrid Education: Combining Homeschool and the Classroom

Year-by-Year Timeline for College-Bound High School Students

Accountability Accelerates Student Achievement at Collier County Public Schools

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The most recent ratings from the Florida Department of Education in December revealed that CCPS once again earned an “A” rating, continuing a successful “A” streak dating back to 2017. The data provides a baseline for Florida’s first-in-the-nation transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high-stakes testing. Progress monitoring of schools and districts is now carried out through Florida’s new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) Standards.

Focusing on individual student needs and monitoring progress throughout the year—a practice used by CCPS teachers and administrators for over a decade—is now a statewide standard and what we’ve always deemed our “secret sauce.”

Consider where our local district ranks compared to the other 66 school districts in Florida. CCPS is sixth in the state and one of only 16 Florida school districts rated as an “A.” Only five other districts earned more points on the accountability model. “None of those [five] districts are as large or diverse as CCPS, specifically in the subgroups of students who are English Language Learners (ELL), migrant, and/or economically disadvantaged,” explained CCPS Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli following the state’s announcement. “Our District’s ‘A’ rating is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our exceptional teachers, administrators, and support staff who work with our students each day.”

This past year, school grades did not account for learning gains, traditionally a strong measure for CCPS students. However, learning gains will return to the school grades calculation for School Year 23-24, which we hope will boost our score even higher.

Another point of interest is that of the six counties (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, DeSoto, and Glades) comprising the Southwest Florida market; Collier County is the only one with an A-rated school district. Of the traditional neighborhood public schools operated by CCPS, 47 of 50 (94%) earned an “A” or “B” rating, and none earned a grade of “D” or “F.”

Dr. Ricciardelli—who the School Board named as interim superintendent in December of 2022 and appointed superintendent in May 2023—welcomes high expectations and adds, “Our Collier County community holds us to a high standard, and it is my honor to report that even with new State standards, new instructional materials, and new State assessments with new cut scores, we are meeting and exceeding those expectations.” 

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Sophie Sherer, a senior at Naples High School, doesn’t let that scenario happen. She is president of the school’s We Dine Together club. But she doesn’t just put up posters or make announcements about the club; she looks for students who might need encouragement to make friends.

“Especially after COVID, it is hard to make friends, and sometimes it can be scary for new kids,” Sophie began.

Lisa Giblin, a teacher assistant who helps oversee the club, said Sophie is an integral part of keeping students happy and healthy at school.

“Most of the time, when there is a kid sitting in the corner on their phone, they want to be with people,” Giblin said. “Sophie finds those kids. She gets these kids motivated.”

Warm Welcome

The club’s 20-25 members welcome new students to the school, give them campus tours, and introduce them to other students.

Recently, the group encouraged a refugee from Ukraine to join their club.

“It was cool getting to know her,” Sophie said.

“When you are introduced to only faculty, it can be overwhelming, so it is easier to be introduced to someone your age,” Sophie explained. “Moving to a new school can be overwhelming.”

It’s not just new students whom Sophie looks for. It is anyone whom she sees not fitting in.

“I have always just been pretty social,” Sophie described. “I just go up to kids and say, ‘We are meeting in here, we have food, and we are getting together for lunch.’ It’s not even like a club. It is about inviting people to be together and becoming friends with them.”

Kristina Lee, principal of Naples High School, says Sophie’s inviting nature extends beyond the We Dine Together club.

“Everything she does, she makes sure it is an inclusive environment,” Lee said. “Regardless of what she is in, she is an asset to that organization, and it is because of the kindness of her heart that she wants to have everyone involved. Her energy is amazing, and her leadership in this club, as well as many others, makes Naples High School a kinder place.”

Sophie is involved in a lot more than the club. She is president and chief of staff on the state level of the Junior State of America club, participates in Best Buddies, and is vice chair of the City of Naples Youth Council. She hopes all these activities will help her on the road to a degree in political science.

The high school senior says it’s not hard to be inclusive and invite people to be friends. We Dine Together meets only twice a month, but the members invite people to dine with them whenever they see someone alone.

“It is spreading positivity,” she stressed. “It is

so simple. It is just inviting someone to sit at your table.”

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