THIS IS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN FOCUS.

COMING UP, A LOOK AT EFFORTS TO MAKE SURE CHILDREN IN ONE OF THE POOREST COMMUNITIES ARE NOT OVERLOOKED.

THE PROGRAM THAT'S OFFERING CHILDREN IN IMMOKALEE AN EARLY START TO THEIR EDUCATION AND FUTURE SUCCESS.

THEN CONTINUING ON THAT PATH TOWARDS HIGHER EDUCATION.

THE ROLE MENTORSHIP PLAYS IN HELPING HIGH SCHOOLERS REACH FOR HIGHER GOALS BEFORE HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE AND ENSURING NEW EXPERIENCES DON'T STOP AND ENTERING ADULTHOOD.

WE LEARN ABOUT A SPECIAL CAMP FOR ADULTS WITH ANY KIND OF DISABILITY.

HELLO, I'M JENNIFER CRAWFORD, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

AS MOST PRESCHOOLS LET OUT FOR THE SUMMER ONE SPECIAL EARLY LEARNING CENTER IN IMMOKALEE STAYS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND AND HAS A WAITING LIST OF 300 CHILDREN PATHWAYS.

EARLY EDUCATION CENTER IS LOCATED IN IMMOKALEE.

THAT'S ABOUT 35 MILES EAST OF NAPLES IN COLLIER COUNTY.

IT'S MOSTLY A MIGRANT FARM WORKING COMMUNITY HAS CAPTURED THE ATTENTION AND RESOURCES FROM A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A MISSION TO ELEVATE FAMILIES FROM POVERTY BY TEACHING THE TINIEST OF ITS RESIDENTS.

>> NERVOUS EXCITEMENT FILLS THE AIR AS ONE BY ONE LITTLE FOOTSTEPS MAKE THEIR WAY DOWN THE HALL.

>> PRESTON, BLUE CAPS AND GOWNS STEPPING INTO PLACE READY FOR THEIR BIG DAY.

WE HAVE 9.

YEAH, GUNS ON IT.

>> A MOMENTOUS OCCASION.

YEARS IN THE MAKING AT PATHWAYS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER OF IMMOKALEE.

>> AND SPECIAL.

SOME OF THEM TOUCH HEART BECAUSE I'VE BEEN HERE THROUGHOUT OUR PROGRAM SINCE OUR BROWN BERENSON CLASSROOM.

>> CENTER DIRECTOR MICHELE BACHMANN AND HER TEAM LEADING THE VPK GRADUATION CEREMONY WITH POMP, CIRCUMSTANCE AND PAGEANTRY.

WHO'S IN GLITTERY DRESSES.

FANCY HERE BEAUSE AND BOYS IN STYLISH SUITS PERFORMING FOR AN ADORING AUDIENCE RECORDING EVERY MOMENT.

>> BECAUSE >> IN MY SHOES, MY AND GETTING MISSION UNTIL THEN AS YOU GO THROUGH WHAT MY SKIN HAS BEEN UP IN JUST A MEDIA VIA CHEERS.

HER FIVE-YEAR-OLD ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

>> I MEAN, THIS IS AMAZING.

>> A HELPFUL AND A LOT OF WAYS THAT SHE'S LEARNING AND YOU GET THAT FROM WITHIN THE WALLS.

ONE WOULD NEVER GUESS THAT THE CHILDREN RECEIVING SUCH TOP NOTCH CARE 3 FRESHLY PREPARED MEALS EVERY DAY.

THE LAW.

A HIGH-QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION UNDER THE DOORS FROM THE STREETS OF ONE OF THE POOREST COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

>> THE ECONOMICS OF IMMOKALEE, THE AVERAGE FARM WORKER MAKES ABOUT $20,000 A YEAR.

THE HOUSING CONDITIONS OUT HERE, THERE'S 110 MOBILE HOME PARKS IN IMMOKALEE.

THEY RANGE FROM ANYWHERE FROM $1500 A MONTH TO $2500 A MONTH.

THE COST IS IS JUST IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.

AND THEN YOU'RE LIVING IN THESE MOBILE HOMES, SOMETIMES WITH STRANGERS HAVE HAD FAMILIES LIVE IN ONE BEDROOM OF THE TRAILER RULES OF OLD DILAPIDATED TRAILERS.

THE BACKDROP FOR BEER CANS IN WAR NETWORK BOOTS.

>> IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE CHEERFUL BRIGHTLY COLORED SCHOOL WELL MAINTAINED LANDSCAPE AND MODERN PLAYGROUND FACILITIES OFFERING RESPITE 2 CHILDREN FROM THE REALITIES AND THE EXHAUSTION OF POVERTY.

>> I FEEL IF IT WASN'T FOR US, WHERE WOULD THEY BE WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?

THEY WOULD BE PLAYING OUTSIDE AND NOW WITH SOME OF THE FABULOUS GARDENS THAT WE SEE EVERY DAY.

BUT THERE WILL BE PLAYING OUTSIDE IN THE DARK.

>> ALMOST HALF OF THE RESIDENTS IN IMMOKALEE HAVE NO HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE.

THE PER CAPITA INCOME HOVERING AT JUST $19,000.

ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE STATE SITUATED IN COLLIER COUNTY WITH A PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME RANKS HIGHEST IN FLORIDA HAD MORE THAN $150,000 OPPOSITE WORLDS INTERSECTING HERE AT THE CORNER OF COLORADO AVENUE AND SOUTH 4TH STREET.

>> PATHWAYS IF YOU ARE IN THE PERFECT LOCATION, I ALWAYS SAY WHERE THE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.

WE WANT TO GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF AN EDUCATION'S CEO BRANDON DOWDY SAYS TUITION RUNS ABOUT $16,000 A YEAR.

>> THE AVERAGE FAMILY, HOWEVER, PAYS JUST $90 A MONTH.

DOWNEY SAYS IT COST 4 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO RUN PATHWAYS AND MOST OF THAT MONEY COMES FROM THE GENEROSITY OF COLLIER COUNTY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES.

>> 73% OF OUR BUDGET IS PRIVATE FUNDRAISING.

AND SO THE COMMUNITY COMES AND SEES THE INVESTMENT AND THE PRODUCT AND WHAT THE OUTCOMES ARE.

OTHERS, THOUGH, CITE A TELEGRAPH.

OUT OF THE CHILDREN WERE GRADUATING TODAY, ALMOST 100% OF THEM ARE READY FOR KINDERGARTEN, WHEREAS A STATE WIDE VPK READINESS IS PROBABLY SOMEWHERE AROUND 50%.

>> PATHWAYS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER WAS FOUNDED IN 1964, SPROUTING FROM A DESPERATE NEED IN THE FIELDS OF IMMOKALEE.

>> IT STARTED IN A FIELD WASH HOUSE.

AND SO THE FAMILY IS WORKING IN THE FIELD.

SO WITH CHILDREN BEING IN BASKETS AND THE PESTICIDES BEING THERE, THEY THERE'S A WASHOUT CLOSE BY THE CHILDREN WERE PUT INTO THE WASH.

CURRENT HOUSE, OF COURSE, SUPERVISED AND ABOUT TIME AS THEY CALL IT.

>> BABYSITTING WHAT BEGAN AS WOMEN BABYSITTING IN AN OLD WATCH HOUSE LED TO THE GROUNDBREAKING OF THE ONLY CHILD CARE CENTER FOR NON-WHITES IN IMMOKALEE IN 1996, EVOLVING INTO WHAT IS NOW A NATIONALLY ACCREDITED COMPREHENSIVE OR LEAGUE EDUCATION POWERHOUSE.

EVERY CHILD.

THERE IS AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN.

>> EVERY CHILD IS SO DIFFERENT.

SO WE'RE MEETING THE LEVEL OF THE CHILD IN THAT MOMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY NEED THE MILESTONES THE THEIR FIRST STEPS.

AND FIRST WORDS THERE, BIKES.

THEIR BIRTHDAYS, THEIR CHRISTMAS, THEIR HALLOWEEN.

EVERYTHING HAPPENS UNDER OUR ROOF.

>> WITH 126 CHILDREN ENROLLED FROM 4 WEEKS OLD TO 5 YEARS OLD, RECEIVING RESEARCH-BASED CURRICULUM.

HE'S AT TO ME PAY BE A BABY.

PATHWAYS HAS ALSO RECEIVED A GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH A QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION.

>> YOU CAN ADD AN ADDITIONAL 25 TO $30,000 TO THE FAMILIES, HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE >> IN A WORLD WHERE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT ARE MEASURED IN DOLLARS AT PATHWAYS.

THE PAYBACK COMES WITH EVERY CHILD MOVING ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY.

ALL.

>> AND WITH THE POWER OF EDUCATION LOVE AND THE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT.

I JUST WANT TO THANK PATHWAYS AND EVERYBODY IN THE STAFF FOR THE GROWTH.

THAT JOB GIVEN MY CHILD TO LEARN.

IT IS AN AMAZING MOMENT TO SEE EVERYTHING AND THE ATMOSPHERE.

I JUST WANT TO THANK PATHWAYS FOR EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO FOR THE KIDS.

>> PATHWAYS IS UNDERTAKING A HALF MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION PROJECT TO HELP MAKE ROOM FOR SOME OF THE 300 CHILDREN ON THE WAITING LIST.

THE EXPANSION WILL PROVIDE 4 NEW CLASSROOMS TO WELCOME 40 NEW STUDENTS IN THE FALL.

COMING UP, OFFERING AN OVERNIGHT CAMPING EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE.

THE ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE AND EXPERIENCE 2 ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

>> I THINK ANYTIME THERE'S A TRANSITION PERIOD.

SO WHETHER THAT'S FROM SCHOOL AND THE SUMMER OR EVEN AT THE END OF THE SUMMER, BACK IN THE SCHOOL, ANYTIME WE HAVE A TRANSITION PERIOD, THERE'S SOME OPPORTUNITY FOR AND THAT'LL FEELINGS OR UNCERTAINTY ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT.

AND IT DOES FEEL LIKE BIG ADDED TO KEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY AND OCCUPIED FOR MONTHS ON IT.

>> WITH STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL AND ON SUMMER BREAK, THERE ARE MANY PARENTS WHO ARE FEELING ANXIOUS ABOUT HAVING THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME FOR MOST OF THE DAY.

WELL, SOME FEEL A NEED TO KEEP THEIR KIDS ENTERTAINED EVERY MINUTE.

EXPERTS SAY THAT'S NOT ALWAYS THE CASE BEING BORED CAN ACTUALLY BE A GOOD THING.

RESEARCH SAYS IT CAN HELP FOSTER CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION.

YOU ALSO DON'T NEED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON ACTIVITIES OR EVEN CAMPS.

THERE ARE MANY FREE OPTIONS.

YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FROM SPLASH PADS AT PARKS TO LIBRARY VISITS AND EVEN A SAFE BONFIRE IN THE BACKYARD COULD BE ENJOYABLE.

ALSO, MANY MUSEUMS AND ZOOS OFFER FREE OR EVEN DISCOUNT DAYS FOR FAMILIES.

>> AND THAT SAID, YOU KNOW, SOME SCREEN TIME IS OK, IT'S OK FOR YOUR KIDS TO WATCH TV OR PLAY SOME VIDEO GAMES.

BUT IT IS ALSO OK TO SET TIME LIMIT ON THAT SCREEN TIME AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO OTHER ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE HOUSE TO GET OUTSIDE IF POSSIBLE.

>> IF YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR ANXIETY DOESN'T SEEM TO BE IMPROVING WITH TIME OR THAT IT'S IMPACTING YOUR LIFE.

DR.

ESHLEMAN SAYS IT'S BEST TO CONSULT WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

SUMMERTIME MEANS CAMP TIME FOR MANY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FAMILIES.

BUT FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THE CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN OUTDOOR CAMPS IS QUITE RARE.

THE STATE SENATE ESTIMATES MORE THAN 3 MILLION FLORIDIANS LIVE WITH SOME FORM OF A DISABILITY TO HELP ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ENJOYED CAMPING EXPERIENCE.

ONE LOCAL GROUP CREATED A UNIQUE CAMP FOR DISABLED ADULTS OF ALL AGES JOINING ME NOW ARE THE FOUNDERS OF TRAILWAYS CAMP SHARON AND JERRY MILLER WHO LIVE IN FORT MYERS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.

>> COME FOR THE BEER.

>> SHARON, CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THIS CAMP ORIGINALLY BEGAN?

>> YES, WE HAD 4 CHILDREN.

2 OF WHOM TURNED OUT HAD A RARE DISEASE AND WE WALKED THAT RARE DISEASE VENTURE.

BUT THE DISEASE RESULTED IN MET NUMEROUS DISABILITIES THAT WERE PROGRESSIVE OVER TIME.

AND THE ORIGINAL LIFESPAN PREDICTION WAS LIKE 5 YEARS.

HOWEVER.

THOSE 2 LIVE TELL 34.

AND 44, WHEN THE ELDER OF THE 2 PASSED AWAY IN 2005.

WE DECIDED THAT TO HONOR HIM.

AND WE WERE IN TEXAS AT THE TIME.

AND SO WE STARTED OUR FIRST CAMP THERE IN TEXAS.

AND WE DID 30 CAMPS IN TEXAS AND WE DID OUR FIRST CAMP HERE IN 2012.

SINCE THEN WE'VE DONE 45 CAMPUS AND WE LOOKED AROUND AND WE DIDN'T SEE A SERVICE LIKE THIS THAT COULD MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL THESE CAREGIVERS AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS LEADING SPECIAL EDUCATION.

I CANNOT.

FIRST OF ALL, IMAGINE.

>> LOSING 2 CHILDREN.

SO MY HEART GOES OUT TO BOTH OF YOU.

BUT I ALSO AM JUST I'M AMAZED THAT YOUTUBE CHANNEL THAT GRIEF INTO REALLY SOMETHING THAT HAS SUCH PURPOSE.

IT'S NOT THAT'S THE MOTIVATION HERE.

AND THE JOY YOU SEE.

>> FROM THE BEGINNING, THEY STEP IN THE FIRST DAY.

AND HENCE ARE LIKE THIS.

AND OF COURSE, IS ALL THE PARENTS ARE CAREGIVERS WHO?

ARE SCARED TO DEATH.

SHOULD WE TRUST THESE PEOPLE RIGHT WITH OUR SON OR DAUGHTER?

AND THEN YOU SEE THIS CHANGE IS SO PREDICTABLE.

THEY STARTED INTERACTING.

THEY CLAIM THEIR BOMB.

THEY GET IT DECORATED.

THEY START GOING THROUGH ALL THESE ACTIVITIES THAT MANY OF THEM NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO DO.

AND BY THE 4TH DAY WHEN IT ENDS AND THEY'VE SPENT 3 NIGHTS OVERNIGHT AND ONE NIGHT THEY GOT THE CAMP FIRE AND ANOTHER NIGHT THEY'VE GOT THEIR BIG DANCE.

AND ANOTHER NIGHT FOR TALENT SHOW.

THEY ARE BONDED AND THEY ARE IN CONNECTION WITH EACH OTHER AND IT DOESN'T MATTER.

WE DON'T CHOOSE A DIAGNOSIS.

WE TAKE THOSE ADULTS NO MATTER WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS AND IT'S OUR JOB.

WE DO HOME VISITS SO THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS THAT THEY HAVE TO BE SUPPORTED AT A CAMP SETTING.

NOW, I DON'T KNOW.

YOU ARE A NONPROFIT.

SO I WASN'T SURE HOW MUCH THAT COST TO THE CAMPER.

>> HOW IT'S FUNDED.

>> OR 2, ABOUT ONE OUT.

>> WE FEEL VERY, VERY STRONGLY ABOUT THE ISSUE OF ABILITY TO PAY.

THESE ARE ADULTS AND THAT.

I DON'T WANT TO RUN A CAMP FOR MILLIONAIRES ACCEPT OR SO WE DO NOT CHARGE ONLY A VERY SMALL FAY.

$75 REGISTRATION FEE FOR OUR CAMPS BECAUSE THEY'RE ADULTS BUT WHAT THEIR PARENTS EARN IS IRRELEVANT.

SO THAT'S WHY WE DO THAT.

SOME PEOPLE SAY WHY DON'T WE CHARGE MORE?

I DON'T WE WILL NOT DO THAT.

WE MAY CHARGE A LITTLE BORED, SO BORED, BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT NOBODY IS TURNED AWAY FROM OUR CAMS BECAUSE AN ABILITY TO PAY.

>> AND YOU HAVE A LONG WAITING LIST.

WE HAVE A LONG WAITING LIST.

YES, WE HAVE.

WE HAVE A BASE OF FOR?

WELL, I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT NUMBER THIS MORNING, BUT IT'S BETWEEN 4 500 OF CAMPERS WHO HAVE ASKED TO BE ON OUR CONTACT-LESS AND TO LEARN WHEN WE'RE HAVING CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES, THAT KIND OF THING AT ANY GIVEN TIME AT CAMP YOU'LL HAVE 30 TO 50 NEW APPLICANT REQUESTS AND THEN YOU'LL HAVE 2030, RETURN EASE ASKING TO COME.

AND WE WE DECIDED THAT WE WOULD ALLOW 6 SPOTS OF THAT MINE FOR RETURN EASE.

BUT THEN WE HAD WE DECIDED THE FAIRWAY WOULD BE TO GO BACK AND GO TO THOSE WHO'VE BEEN WAITING THE LONGEST FIRST PER THEM.

THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.

AND TO THAT POINT, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?

>> FOR ANYONE WATCHING THAT IS INTERESTED IN HAVING A LOVED ONE TO 10 THIS CAMP.

WHAT SHOULD THEY DO TO GET MORE INFORMATION?

OK?

>> THEY CAN GO TO OUR WEBSITE AWWW TRAILWAYS CAMP DOT ORG RIGHT?

AND ON THEIR IT TELLS THEM HOW TO REGISTER IF THEY REGISTER THERE, THEN SOMEONE WILL FOLLOW UP WITH THEM AND BE IN CONTACT BECAUSE THERE ARE MEDICAL CLEARANCES AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE TO BE PROCESS AND THEY WILL ARRANGE FOR A HOME VISIT.

AND THAT'S HOW YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH US.

AND THAT'S RIGHT THERE.

HOW YOU DO WHEN THEY HAD TO SAY AND SHOULD MENTION, WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY TYPE OF DISABILITIES.

>> SO YOU'RE GONNA NAME IT WEVE.

SEE THAT OUR CAMPS.

WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE BY AGE WHERE WE SERVE ADULTS.

WHAT SALES CAMPER WAS.

I DON'T.

>> ACTUALLY ONE CAMPER LAST YEAR CELEBRATED THE 79TH BIRTHDAY OMICRON.

THAT HAS A WONDERFUL WAS UP IS THE ONE WHO RETURNED TO CAMP.

>> THE WAITING LIST.

HE'S GOING TO GET BIGGER.

BECAUSE WE HAVE DISCOVERED NOW THAT THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 1000 FAMILIES AND LEE COUNTY WHO HAVE A CHILD.

I WAS GRADUATING OUT A SPECIAL ED.

AND THEY HAVE NOTHING.

THE DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES AS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER >> AND LET ME JUST ADD, IF YOU TAKE THAT THE DATA THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUT OUT ANNUALLY ON EXETER'S FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION.

IN THIS MULTI COUNTY AREA.

THERE ARE THERE WERE AT THE END OF 25.

ROUNDED 1700 EXETER'S FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION.

GIVE US A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE.

FOR THESE ADULTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS.

>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS STORY TODAY.

AND NOW APPRECIATE YOU JOINING US IN STUDIO AND TELLING US ALL ABOUT IT WITH YOU HERE.

THANK YOU.

>> HERE'S MORE INFORMATION FROM THE WGCU NEWSROOM.

>> ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILS ON DISABILITIES.

MORE THAN 22,000 FLORIDIANS DIAGNOSED WITH AN INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY ARE ON A WAITING LIST FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES TO FIND OUT MORE.

YOU CAN VISIT WGCU DOT ORG.

EVERY YEAR.

MORE THAN 350,000 CARDIAC ARRESTS OCCUR OUTSIDE OF A HOSPITAL.

THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SAYS 40% OF THOSE EXPERIENCING A CARDIAC EVENT NEED IMMEDIATE HELP BEFORE A PROFESSIONAL CAN EVEN ARRIVE.

THAT'S WHY IS WGCUS TEDDY BYRNE EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE CPR TRAINING.

>> JUNE IS NATIONAL CPR AND AED AWARENESS MONTH.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO CPR NOW IS A GOOD CHANCE TO LEARN, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT CAN DOUBLE OR TRIPLE A PERSON'S CHANCE OF SURVIVAL AFTER CARDIAC ARREST.

>> THE CURRENT THE REST IS WHEN YOUR HEART STOPS BEATING.

SO THAT COULD BE DUE TO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS.

BUT MOST COMMON REASONS IS A HEART ATTACKS THAT DOESN'T ALWAYS LEAD TO A CARDIAC ARREST.

BUT AND THE WORST CASES OF THAT.

>> CARDIOLOGIST DR.

GRANT REED SAYS CARDIAC ARREST CAN BE DEADLY WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES, WHICH IS WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO PERFORM CPR RIGHT AWAY IF YOU'VE NEVER DONE IT BEFORE.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND.

FIRST, MAKE SURE THE SCENE IS SAFE AND HAVE SOMEONE CALL 9, 1, 1, 2, IF YOU'RE A LOAN, A CALL AND PUT THE PHONE ON SPEAKER, YOU SHOULD THEN CHECK TO SEE IF THE PERSON IS BREATHING AND HAS A PULSE IF NOT IMMEDIATELY START CHEST COMPRESSIONS.

THE RED CROSS RECOMMENDS 100 TO 120 CHEST COMPRESSIONS PER MINUTE MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION.

IS OPTIONAL.

>> THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOU START CIRCULATING WHAT?

SO IF YOUR TO DO ONE THING FOR A PATIENT PERSON WHO HAS PASSED OUT IN THIS PART OF THE RUST IS DOING CHEST COMPRESSIONS.

THAT'S ACTUALLY NOT A RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU NEED TO DO.

A RESCUE BREATHS IF YOU'RE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS.

>> DR REID SAYS KNOWING HOW TO USE AN AED IS JUST AS CRUCIAL THEY CAN BE FOUND IN MANY PUBLIC PLACES AND INCLUDE VERY SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS.

HE ADDS THESE ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE CPR, BUT TO BE USED ALONG WITH IT.

FOR WGCU NEWS.

TEDDY BYRNE >> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, BUILDING A BRIDGE TOWARDS HIGHER EDUCATION.

THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM PAVING A PATH FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF IMMOKALEE COLLEGE STUDENTS.

THE GUADALUPE CENTER'S HISTORY STATES.

IT STARTED AS A SOUP KITCHEN IN THE 1980'S.

AND IT'S NOW TURNED INTO A PROGRAM SUPPORTING STUDENTS ALL THE WAY THROUGH COLLEGE WGCU REPORTER JAN TO PARK VISITED THE CENTER WHERE ACTIVITIES SERVE TO UPLIFT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS YOUTH.

>> YOU CAN ADD US YOU KNOW, GRANT FINANCIAL ME THAT TO THE TERMINATION IS WORKING EVERY DAY AND THEY SAID THE U.S.

AND THEY CANNOT BECAME CARE SO THEY CAN GIVE ME A BETTER GETS IN AN ISA LEARNING FROM MATT CAN GIVE BACK TO THEM IN EFFECT TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> AGRICULTURE DEFINES THE COMMUNITY OF ENOCH.

IT'S WHERE FARMWORKERS LIVE.

IT'S WHERE BOOSTERS CRUMB.

IT'S WHERE LAUNDRIE US HANGING OUT TO DRY IN EACH SATURDAY.

YOU CAN STOP AT THE ROADSIDE FOR US TO CALL BDA THE POLITICAL.

THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE IS HAPPENING HERE.

RICH SOIL OF IMMOKALEE IS ALSO PLANNING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOME GROWN SCHOLARS.

OF THE 34 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF DECLINE OF THE CENTER 100% ARE COLLEGE BOUND.

NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THESE GRADUATES WERE AWARDED 4.1 MILLION DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY THIS YEAR.

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS, BOB SPANO CONFIRMS THAT EVERYONE'S COLLEGE IS PAID FOR.

>> THE LAST 5 YEARS WE HAVE NOT HAD ONE STUDENT HAVE TO TAKE A COLLEGE LOAN TO GO TO COLLEGE AND THAT'S BASED ON THE SCHOLARSHIPS.

THEY ARE IN OUR PROGRAM.

SCHOLARSHIPS THAT INDIVIDUALS GIVE PARTNERSHIPS.

WE HAVE WITH SCHOOLS.

>> THE PROGRAM HE'S REFERRING TO IS TO TUTORING CORPS OF THE GUADALUPE CENTER IN WHICH THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MENTOR AND TEACH YOUNGER STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

>> OUR KIDS WORKING OUR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM WHERE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TUTOR AND THEY ARE NO WAGE.

BUT EACH YEAR THAT THEY TUTOR WHEN THEY WORK UP TO 200 MEDIA HOURS YEAR, THEY CAN EARN UP TO OUR CREW UP TO $4,000 A YEAR.

SO PROBABLY IN 90% OF OUR STUDENTS AND OUR PROGRAM ACCRUE $16,000.

WELL, THE TIME THEY GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND THEN WE DISTRIBUTE THAT THROUGHOUT THEIR 4 YEARS OF COLLEGE.

>> TO MAKE STUDENTS COMPETITIVE IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS.

THE GUADALUPE CENTER PROVIDES 4 YEARS OF CUSTOMIZED COLLEGE COUNSELING TO THAT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

EQUALLY IMPORTANT.

THE PROGRAM'S SEEK TO ENCOURAGE THEM BY INVITING GUEST SPEAKERS WHO COME TO OFFER ADVICE AND INSPIRATION.

ACCORDING TO CEO AND PRESIDENT OF THE GUADALUPE CENTERED ON LOT.

CAL VO, THESE SPEAKERS ARE HAND-PICKED FOR THEIR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES.

>> LEADERS THAT AND THAT REFLECTS THE COMMUNITY AND THEM IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO BRING IN SO THEY CAN SEE HOW PEOPLE HAVE ACHIEVED THEIR GOALS AND DREAMS.

ONE SUCH SPEAKER WAS CAMERON CONDTIONS.

>> WHO GREW UP IN MIAMI AND NOW IS THE NFL SAFETY FOR THE LAS ANGELES RAMS KITCHEN SAYS HIS FOOTBALL CAREER HAS LED HIM TO BETTER MANAGE AND STRUCTURE TIME.

A SKILL THAT IS ALSO IMPORTANT AS THE STUDENTS BEGIN THEIR COLLEGE STUDIES.

>> THAT WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I LEARNED, YOU KNOW, FROM COLLEGE TO HIGH SCHOOL.

YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO DO.

YOU ALWAYS SOMEWHERE TO BEING A STUFF LIKE THAT, ESPECIALLY IN COLLEGE.

WHEN YOU CAN SIT AND THE LIKE YOU SIT OUTSIDE OF THE SEASON WITH OFFSEASON TIME.

YOU HAVE SO MUCH TIME.

YOU KNOW, YOU COULD PROBABLY WORK OUT FOR 2 OR 3 HOURS A DAY, BUT YOU'VE GOT SO MUCH MORE TIME.

AND I THINK THAT WAS.

WHEN I KIND OF GOT TO THAT, LOU.

>> ONE THEME OF THE GUADALUPE CENTER PROGRAMS IS ABOUT MAKING PREPARATIONS.

JULIA AUGUSTINE SOON TO BE A SENIOR AT IMMOKALEE HIGH SCHOOL.

>> IS COLLEGE FOUND?

THIS IS WHEN I HAD GONE ON A SPRING BREAK SHIP WITH THE GUADALUPE AND WE VISITED A LOT OF LIKE UNIVERSITIES ON THROWS OF HIS FLORIDA.

SHE IS THANKFUL FOR THE COLLEGE CAMPUS TOURS OFFERED BY THE CENTER.

>> GET A FIELD DAY AROUND THE UNIVERSITY.

SEE HIM LIKE THAT.

UNIVERSITY IS THE ONE FOR YOU AND YOU'RE NOT GIVING US TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE WHAT WE CAN DO THROUGHOUT OUR SENIOR YEAR SO WE CAN APPLY.

>> THE PREPARATION EXTENDS BEYOND COLLEGE BECAUSE THE GUADALUPE CENTER ALSO PROVIDES PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONALS CAN CHECK INSIGHTS INTO THE WORKFORCE.

JOZY MENDIOLA.

BONITA SPRINGS IS JULIUS MENTOR.

>> I FOUND FOR A LOT OF CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT MY LIFE AND THEIR WORK OR THEIR THAT ALLOW THE TO DO TO THEM.

AND I SAW DIFFERENT THINGS THROUGH THEIR PERSPECTIVES.

AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

AND WHEN JULIA HEADS OFF TO COLLEGE NEXT YEAR.

>> HER NAME WILL BE ADDED TO THE WALL OF HONOR.

>> AND EVERY TIRE, ONE OF OUR STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE, HE THEY COME UP ON THE WALL WHEN THE FRIGHT AS THEIR NAME IN THE YEAR THEY GRADUATE.

>> BACK SHOWS THE UNIVERSITY IF THEY GO AFTER TRUMP.

>> THE MCCULLY IS NOT A PLACE OF GREAT FINANCIAL MEANS BUT IT IS A COMMUNITY THAT IS TERMINATING YOUTH WHOSE FUTURES ARE NOT DETERMINED BY THE SURROUNDING FARMLAND.

THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF ITS YOUTH AND THE DEDICATION OF DONORS HELP NEW ARRESTEES, YOUNG SAPLINGS OF GRADUATES.

FREMONT COUNTY.

THE STUDENTS ARE THE SOURCE OF ECONOMIC HOPE AND MOBILITY WGCU NEWS.

I'M YOUN JOO PARK.

>> COMING UP ON OUR NEXT PROGRAM OF THE NEW WORLD SCREWWORM HAS SHOWN UP IN THE UNITED STATES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 60 YEARS.

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE RISK THIS COULD HAVE ON LIVESTOCK AND HUMANS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

MAKE SURE YOU VISIT WBC DOT ORG.

YOU'LL FIND ALL OF OUR STORIES AND MUCH MORE.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN RIGHT HERE ON SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN FOCUS.