Letter: A thrill reborn

Alice Arena, Naples Trustee, Guadalupe Center

A thrill reborn

It was such a thrill to read your editorial on the outstanding work of the Guadalupe Center.

I experienced that same thrill five years ago when I first visited this center for education and growth based in Immokalee.

I still feel it every time I walk through those doors.

I am fortunate to live a comfortable life here in Naples, but I grew up in a very modest Hispanic home in Los Angeles and was the first in my family to graduate from high school.

I cannot describe the instant joy and empathy I felt seeing those little faces, knowing what their futures could have been and what they can now be, thanks to the generosity of so many.

I knew what I had to do. I knew what I needed to do.

In the last five years I have seen many lives transformed — not only those of the families we serve, but of those who have been moved to help them break the cycle of poverty in Immokalee.

We are so grateful.