Hello, everyone! My name is Lisa Munkelwitz, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to share a little bit about myself and my deep-rooted commitment to serving others. Born in New Jersey and raised on Long Island, New York, I have called the beautiful SW Florida home for the past 30 years. Alongside my wonderful husband Walter, I have been blessed with three incredible sons: Nick, Andrew, and Jeremy.

One of my greatest joys in life is indulging in the thrill of watching football and hockey. Sports have a way of bringing people together, and I relish in the camaraderie and excitement these games bring. When I have the chance, I also enjoy immersing myself in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing—especially when it means visiting my son in Colorado.

Throughout my life, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to help those in need. I believe that lending a hand and offering support can make a significant impact on the lives of others. Whether it was volunteering in nursing homes, being actively involved in my children’s schools, or dedicating my time to the St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry, giving back has been a cornerstone of my life.

Now, I am thrilled to embark on a new journey as a mentor with the Children’s Network of SWFL. This opportunity to guide and support young individuals in our community fills me with immense joy and anticipation. I firmly believe that by providing guidance and nurturing relationships, we can empower children to reach their full potential and create a positive impact on their lives.

As a mentor, I bring a compassionate heart, a listening ear, and a wealth of life experiences to share. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves, set goals, and work towards achieving them. Together, we will navigate the challenges they face, celebrate their triumphs, and foster resilience and self-confidence.

Being a part of the Children’s Network allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for helping others. Together, we can create a community that uplifts and supports its members, ensuring that no child feels alone or left behind.

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children I will mentor. I believe that through kindness, empathy, and understanding, we can shape a brighter future for the next generation. Together, let us embrace the power of mentorship and create a world where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I would love to hear your stories, thoughts, or experiences with mentoring or community engagement. Please feel free to share them in the comments below.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lisa Munkelwitz

Greetings, everyone! My name is Jory, and I am thrilled to share a little bit about myself and my deep connection to the community of Bonita Springs. Though originally from Chicago, I have also spent a significant portion of my life in Arizona before settling here in 2016.

My greatest joys in life come from spending quality time with my wonderful husband and two beautiful children. We cherish moments together, whether it’s exploring the pristine beaches, relaxing in the warm Florida sun, or simply enjoying the company of our loved ones. Family and the bonds we create are the foundation of our happiness.

Professionally, I have dedicated the past 21 years of my life to teaching. Currently, I have the privilege of teaching kindergarten at Naples Park Elementary School. Guiding and nurturing young minds during their formative years is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a privilege to witness their growth, curiosity, and enthusiasm as they embark on their educational journey.

In addition to my teaching role, I hold a master’s degree in counseling, which has further enriched my ability to connect with and support students on a deeper level. Understanding the social and emotional well-being of children is crucial, and my background in counseling allows me to provide holistic support to my students.

Given my passion for education and my unwavering commitment to community, I am incredibly excited to embark on a new chapter as a mentor with the Children’s Network. The opportunity to give back to my community, to uplift and support young individuals on their unique paths, fills me with immense joy and gratitude.

As a mentor, I strive to be a positive role model and a compassionate listener. Each child’s journey is unique, and my goal is to provide guidance, encouragement, and support along the way. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and through mentoring, I hope to empower them to embrace their full potential.

Being part of the Children’s Network allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for creating a brighter future for our community’s children. Together, we can make a lasting impact and foster an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered.

I am honored to be part of this mentoring program and excited to contribute to the growth and well-being of the children I have the privilege to mentor. The opportunity to give back to my community is a true blessing, and I am grateful for the chance to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I would love to hear your stories, thoughts, or experiences with mentoring or community engagement. Please feel free to share them in the comments below.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Jory

Hello, everyone! My name is Valerie Morton, and I am delighted to share a glimpse into my life, filled with a deep commitment to community, service, and empowerment. As a mother, foster mother, sister, and friend to many, I have been fortunate to witness the transformative power of compassion and support.

One of my greatest passions is my involvement with the Girl Scouts—an organization that has been a part of my life for 25 years. As a lifetime member and Troop leader for middle school and high school girls, I have had the privilege of guiding and mentoring young women at the Cadette and Senior levels. Girl Scouts is more than just badges and cookies; it instills essential values of morals, character, and so much more. Seeing these young girls grow into confident, capable individuals is an incredible reward.

In addition to my work with the Girl Scouts, I dedicate myself to the Toys for Tots initiative every year. Ensuring that every child receives a gift during the holiday season is a passion of mine. I firmly believe that children deserve to experience the joy and innocence of childhood, regardless of their circumstances. Through the collective efforts of volunteers and donors, we can make a positive difference in the lives of these children, bringing smiles to their faces and warmth to their hearts.

Another significant aspect of my life revolves around the Community Resource Center of Punta Gorda INC., a 501C3 charity founded by my mother 28 years ago. Since its inception, I have been actively involved in every step of the organization’s journey. Our work goes beyond a food pantry distribution a couple of times a month; we strive to provide comprehensive support and resources to individuals and families in need. Through initiatives like job assistance, counseling services, and educational programs, we aim to empower our community and foster resilience in the face of challenges.

Community service and supporting others have become the pillars of my life. I firmly believe that when we come together and extend a helping hand, we create a stronger and more compassionate society. It is through these acts of kindness and generosity that we can bring about positive change and improve the lives of those around us.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to make a difference in the lives of others. Each experience has reaffirmed my belief in the power of community and the incredible impact we can have when we unite for a common cause. It is my hope that my involvement in various initiatives inspires others to find their own paths of service and support.

Thank you for taking the time to read a part of my story. I would love to hear your own experiences, thoughts, or reflections on community service or any initiatives close to your heart. Let’s continue to make a positive impact together and create a world where compassion and empowerment thrive.

Warmest regards,

Valerie Morton

Hello, everyone! I am Jacquie, and I am excited to share my perspective on the importance of compassion, listening, and support in our journeys through life. As someone working in healthcare, I have come to realize that at the core of every person’s needs is a simple desire: to have someone who will truly listen and be supportive, no matter what they are facing.

Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of genuine presence and empathy in healthcare settings. Sometimes, people simply need a compassionate ear to share their experiences, fears, and hopes. They seek someone who can be there for them without judgment and without necessarily having all the answers. Through these interactions, I have seen the power of human connection and its ability to bring comfort and solace.

This realization has inspired me to take a step further and volunteer as a mentor. I firmly believe that community and interpersonal relationships play a vital role in our lives. By being present and offering support, we can make a lasting difference in someone’s journey.

As a mentor, my approach is rooted in the understanding that we all have our unique struggles and challenges. While I may not have all the answers, I can provide a safe space for individuals to express themselves openly, knowing that they are heard and valued. Offering support without judgment allows for honest conversations and the building of trust, which can be transformative for both parties involved.

Volunteering as a mentor is an opportunity to extend a helping hand and remind others that they are not alone. It is a chance to offer guidance and perspective when needed, but more importantly, to provide a listening ear and a compassionate heart. The impact of such a simple act of kindness can be profound, offering solace, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

I am motivated by the hope of making a difference in the lives of those I have the privilege to mentor. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs, the joys and challenges, and create a space where growth, healing, and personal development flourish. Every small act of kindness has the potential to create a ripple effect that can positively influence not only the individual being mentored but also the wider community.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this mentoring journey. It is my sincere hope that by being present, listening attentively, and offering support, I can contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate community. Together, let us embrace the power of human connection and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or reflections on the importance of listening and support in our communities. Please feel free to share your insights in the comments below.

With warm regards,

Jacquie

Hello, everyone! I am Michelle, and I am thrilled to share a bit about myself and my passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Spending time with my delightful 5-year-old granddaughter, Karter Rae, brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It’s incredible how children can light up our lives and remind us of the beauty in every moment.

For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an orthopedic surgeon. Assisting patients and witnessing their journeys towards healing and recovery has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The field of orthopedics has allowed me to combine my love for healthcare and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

However, my love for volunteering and my yearning to contribute more to my community led me to become a mentor with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. The opportunity to give back and support young individuals in their personal growth and development is something that truly excites me.

Mentoring offers a unique chance to connect with young minds, providing guidance and support as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. It is a way for me to share my experiences, skills, and knowledge, with the hope of inspiring and empowering them to achieve their dreams.

Being part of the Children’s Network of SWFL allows me to channel my passion for helping others into a structured and purposeful endeavor. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an organization that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families within our community.

Through mentoring, I have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of young individuals, nurturing their potential and helping them become confident and resilient individuals. Witnessing their progress and knowing that I have played a role in their personal development is an incredibly gratifying experience.

I am deeply grateful for the chance to give back and make a meaningful impact within my community. Volunteering and mentoring have enriched my life in countless ways, reminding me of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the power of connection.

If you have ever considered volunteering or becoming a mentor, I encourage you to take that leap. There are numerous organizations and initiatives within our community that would greatly benefit from your time, skills, and dedication. Together, we can create a brighter and more supportive environment for everyone.

I am excited about the journey ahead as a mentor and the opportunity to positively influence the lives of young individuals within the Children’s Network of SWFL. I invite you to share your own experiences with volunteering or mentoring in the comments below. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another through the power of community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to connecting and learning from all of you.

Warm regards,

Michelle