Guadalupe Center’s Montecalvo recognized for leadership  

Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo has been honored as an Exceptional Leader at the News Service of Florida’s 3rd annual Above and Beyond Awards, a recognition of women whose vision and dedication go beyond expectations to create lasting impact. 

The statewide awards highlight women leaders who are making a difference across business, public service, media, nonprofit and labor. Montecalvo was selected for her “transformative” leadership and dedication to creating life-changing opportunities for children and families in Immokalee, according to information provided. 

Under her guidance, Guadalupe Center serves more than 2,000 students each year across five campuses through its proven continuum of programs from nationally accredited early childhood education to after-school tutoring, college preparation and career success. Montecalvo has also fostered a strong workplace culture, with an 85% teacher retention rate, well above the state average, a news release states. 

Arlington of Naples, CCSO to offer free CERT training 

The Arlington of Naples is partnering with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to host a free Community Emergency Response Team training program designed to equip residents with essential emergency preparedness and response skills. 

This no-cost, hands-on training will take place at The Arlington’s Cultural Arts Center, located at 7900 Arlington Circle, Naples, over the course of three Saturdays: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Lunch and snacks will be provided. To ensure adequate time for background checks, potential participants are encouraged to apply by Oct. 28. 

“We are excited to host this important training and welcome our neighbors into our community to learn vital skills that can help protect and support one another in times of need or a disaster,” said Christy Skinner, executive director of The Arlington. 

The CERT program trains residents to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies, providing critical support to first responders and improving community resilience. Key topics covered in the training include: 

• Disaster preparedness and response 

• Fire safety and light search and rescue 

• Team organization and leadership 

• Basic disaster medical operations 

“CERT-trained volunteers play a vital role before, during and after emergencies — checking on neighbors, sharing critical information and supporting emergency services,” said Corporal John Amabile, who is with the CCSO’s Real Time Operations Center. 

Applicants must be residents of Collier County. Fill out the application online via the CCSO website: colliersheriff.org/community-resources/community-emergency-response-team-cert-application 

Publix awards food pantry $10,000  

“A man’s life should be judged on how much he contributed to the health and well-being of his fellow man.” Publix founder George W. Jenkins didn’t just say those words, he lived them, according to information provided. An active philanthropist who donated his time, talent, and money, Jenkins — affectionately known as Mr. George — established Publix Charities in 1966 to care for the communities Publix served. Today, Publix Charities continues Mr. George’s legacy by supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast, a news release states. Its financial support of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry continues with a $10,000 grant awarded in 2025. 

“We are deeply grateful to Publix Charities for their investment in our efforts to provide healthy choices for the children and families we serve,” Our Daily Bread executive director Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan said.  

Meanwhile, Empty Bowls Naples, Inc. has awarded $25,000 to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry as part of its mission “to eliminate hunger in communities one bowl at a time,” according to information provided. 

Empty Bowls’ total distribution of $225,000 to 14 community organizations this year represents its largest distribution awarded to date since the grant program began. 

“Last year, ODBFP provided an estimated 1,662,267 meals through the distribution of 1,994,720 pounds of nutritious food proportioned to meet USDA dietary guidelines to help food insecure children and families in Collier County. This would not have been possible without our long-standing partnership with Empty Bowls Naples, Inc. and their deep commitment to serving the community.” Rossetti-Ryan said. “Thanks to their generosity, our dedicated volunteers and other strong partnerships we have formed, ODBFP was able to use over 90% of every dollar raised on programs directly feeding the hungry in 2024.” 

The 20th anniversary of Empty Bowls Naples will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Cambier Park. Tickets are available at emptybowlsnaples.com. 

Neale named ‘Lion of the Law’ 

Attorney, mediator and arbitrator Patrick Neale has been named the 2025 Donald Van Koughnet Lion of the Law by the Collier County Bar Association. The award emphasizes excellence in legal skills, professionalism, ethics, service to the community and service to The Bar and will be presented at the 2025 Collier County Bar Association DCA Dinner on October 23. 

Patrick Neale & Associates is a client-centered law firm focusing on the areas of construction law, small business law, land use, contractor licensing, real estate, zoning, governmental, bankruptcy, administrative law and aviation law.  

For more information, call 239.642.1485. 

Food bank receives $25,000 for Hunger Action Month 

Harry Chapin Food Bank announced it received a $25,000 gift from Suncoast Credit Union in honor of Hunger Action Month. The gift will help provide thousands of meals to children, families and seniors struggling with food insecurity, offering critical support at a time when the need remains high across the region. 

 In addition to this donation, Suncoast Credit Union also sponsored Harry Chapin Food Bank’s distribution at the Golden Gate Community Center on Sept. 17 in Naples. With the help of Suncoast Credit Union employee volunteers, the event provided food for 300 families in need.  

 Together, Suncoast Credit Union and the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation have provided $434,500 in support since 2010, thereby strengthening Harry Chapin Food Bank’s community work.  

DLC appoints Fenton as HR director  

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health announced the appointment of Lance Fenton as director of human resources. 

 With more than 15 years of experience as a progressive HR professional, Fenton has designed and led enterprise-wide initiatives in leadership development, succession planning and organizational effectiveness across public and private sectors, including health care, nonprofit and government. He excels in building strong talent pipelines, preparing organizations to meet current and future workforce needs and aligning people and strategies with organizational goals to ensure long-term growth and sustainability, according to information provided. 

 “We are thrilled to welcome Lance to our team,” said Scott Burgess, CEO of DLC. “His proven leadership in building strong teams, cultivating high-performing workplace culture and implementing innovative talent strategies will ensure our staff is equipped and supported to deliver the highest quality care. Lance joins a dedicated team committed to advancing the mission of DLC through both organizational excellence and compassionate service.”