Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently honored Collier County community partners who have made a significant impact on the organization and its mission.
“Our Better Together team is so grateful for the donors, volunteers, partners and advocates who support us in fulfilling our mission of helping families overcome crisis,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “These groups and individuals are the reason we are able to change lives and allow our community to flourish, and it was an honor to recognize many of them for their generosity and unwavering support this year.”
Better Together recognized honorees for their impact during the reception held Feb. 20 at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples. Honorees include:
· Host Family of the Year was presented to Isaac and Abby Fuller for hosting a 4-year-old boy while his parents got treatment. In addition to providing him with a safe and loving home, they registered him for pre-K, potty trained him and welcomed him like one of their own children.
· Doug Campbell Generosity Award was presented to Moon Bae Chung for being a lifetime supporter of the Better Together mission and making sure no parent struggles alone.
· Community Partner of the Year was presented to Project HELP Naples, with Vaneza Gonzalez accepting the award on behalf of the organization, for hosting an outreach event in Immokalee in 2023. Because of this partnership, Better Together was able to distribute diapers, wipes, clothing for kids and provide additional resources to 20 families.
· Church Partner of the Year was presented to Calvary Chapel Naples for its support of the Better Together mission. Pastor Aaron Lapp and the people of Calvary Chapel collected so many toys and gifts during Christmas that delivery required two trips.
· Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Daniel Ramos for going above and beyond for families, helping with referrals, transportation and more.
· Mentor of the Year was presented to Francine “Kip” Courtemanche for helping multiple parents navigate difficult seasons through mentorship. She gives parents the encouragement to accomplish their goals and helps them every step of the way.
· Super Volunteer of the Year was presented to Carol Norkus for providing so much for families, from baking cookies to recruiting gala sponsors. Resource volunteers do the so-called “little tasks” that allow host families and mentors to help vulnerable families, but she’s had a big impact.
Better Together helps parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. With the help of donors and hundreds of volunteers and church communities, Better Together builds lasting support systems that help families cope with hardships – such as job loss, substance abuse, homelessness and jail time – and ensures that children are cared for in a safe home until the family can be reunited. To date, the program has served over 9,000 children and kept 98% of families together, while helping 42,000 job seekers across 22 states find employment.
To learn more about Better Together and its mission, visit BetterTogetherus.org.
