FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 9, 2013) – The Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation recently awarded Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. a $12,500 grant.
This grant will be used to fund its Community Montessori School’s academic programs, outdoor play equipment and much-needed building improvements.
“Children in low-income areas often score the lowest in print knowledge and phonological awareness,” said Community Montessori Directress Cindy Venezia. “This grant will allow us to enhance these areas in the classroom, thus greatly impacting the children’s academic levels. The donation will also be used to improve the school’s building and regular maintenance.”
The Community Montessori School is an APPLE accredited early-learning program that provides quality early-childhood education to 40 children, ages 2 to 5, from families who are working or in school and at 150 percent below the poverty level. The program prepares its students for elementary school by focusing on the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Its graduates enter kindergarten better prepared for future academic success.
The fully licensed facility is open to the community and offers a quality, affordable pre-school education in a safe environment to families who are committed to their children’s learning. Tuition rates are based on the family income.
The Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation Inc. is a local community based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to assisting Local and National Charities that make a difference to Lee County residents of all ages.
CCMI is an innovative nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. The agency provides more than 15,000 meals each month through its Everyday Café and Marketplace and Home Delivered Meals programs. CCMI also offers homeless services and comprehensive case coaching services through its United Way Resource Houses, oversees an emergency mobile food pantry and supplies weekend backpacks full of food to more than 2,500 children each school year.
CCMI serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. CCMI works in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, Harry Chapin Food Bank and regional community foundations as well as collaborating with fellow community and service groups including The School District of Lee County and numerous churches, businesses and community support organizations.
For more information, call 239-332-7687 or visit www.ccmileecounty.com.
