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Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens Celebrates 70 Years

LARC provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families

(FORT MYERS, Fla. April 8, 2024) – Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a luncheon on March 13 at Marian Hall at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Fort Myers.  Established in 1954, LARC Inc. is a training center for success that provides support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson read a proclamation from The City of Fort Myers, recognizing March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

LARC’s executive director, Angela Katz, recognized key individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success over the past 70 years. 

•                    Bobbi Griffin’s parents were among the founding members of LARC in 1954, along with other parents whose children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were initially excluded from public schools.

•                    Kathy Bradley’s family also played a crucial role in LARC’s establishment as founding members.  Kathy herself participated in LARC programs for many years.  Her brother Roger served as the executive director for thirty-one years, and her brother Brian is currently a member of the LARC board of directors.  Additionally, the family generously donated the property that became a group home.

•                    Judy Rogers has been a dedicated instructor at LARC for 34 years, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission.

•                    Ross Webb’s commitment to LARC is evident through his 36 years of service on the board of directors, providing valuable guidance and support.

•                    Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka’s efforts were instrumental in securing state funding for LARC’s commercial culinary training kitchen, enhancing participants’ opportunities.

•                    Marc Collins established a meaningful scholarship fund at LARC to honor his late wife, Lori Carroll-Collins, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and its members.

“As we reflect on the rich tapestry of LARC’s history and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past, we must turn our attention towards the horizon and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Katz.

Katz highlighted LARC’s upcoming initiatives, which include: 

•                    A commercial culinary training kitchen that will offer a four-month curriculum designed to create a path to employment in the food service industry while providing healthy meals to our Adult Day Training participants, supporting our Health and Wellness program, and addressing food insecurities.

•                    Innovative partnerships and programs with medical and emergency professionals.  This program is designed to educate them to better understand and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Our goal is to create a more inclusive healthcare and emergency response system that recognizes and respects every individual’s unique needs and abilities.  Our current partnerships include Florida SouthWestern State College, Keiser University, and Nova Southeastern University.

•                    FGCU’s Music Therapy program is another partnership that has significantly impacted our clients.  This collaboration has led us to explore a multitude of other opportunities.

•                    Expanding our partnerships and forging connections with businesses that recognize the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce.  We have over 74 employment partners committed to creating inclusive workplaces and providing opportunities for individuals with unique abilities.

•                    The construction of a 4800-square-foot group home in Cape Coral that is fully ADA-equipped will meet the needs of all individuals with unique abilities. It will be completed in the summer of 2024.

“The landscape of our community is evolving, and with it, the demands for services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Katz.  “As we look ahead, we are inspired by the possibilities that lie before us and energized by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our community for the next 70 years!”

To learn more about LARC or donate, visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, Executive Director, at 239-334-6285 x210 or [email protected].

 About LARC

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 81.

Craig Goddy Joins Henderson Franklin Business Litigation Team

Naples, Florida — The full-service law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is thrilled to announce the addition of Craig Goddy to its Business Litigation team. A seasoned litigator with more than two decades of experience, Goddy will be based out of the Naples office.

With a distinguished career in commercial and business litigation, Goddy brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success in handling complex legal matters. His experience spans a broad array of practice areas, including general commercial litigation, real estate, creditors’ rights in bankruptcy, banking, and insurance defense. Goddy’s approach to litigation and his dedication to his clients are the hallmarks of his practice.

Before his move to Henderson Franklin, Goddy practiced at his own firm in Naples. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked at major law firms, focusing on commercial litigation, banking litigation, and insurance defense. Goddy has represented a diverse range of clients from community and regional lenders in banking litigation to national banks and private real estate investment companies in both federal and state court litigation. His experience also includes significant involvement in real estate litigation, serving as outside counsel to large property management companies, as well as representing major corporations and small businesses in various litigation matters.

Upon joining Henderson Franklin, Goddy expressed his enthusiasm, stating,

“Joining Henderson Franklin in its centennial year is an honor and a privilege. The firm’s longstanding commitment to its clients and community service resonates with my professional values and aspirations. I am excited to contribute to the firm’s success and to serve our clients with the highest standards of advocacy and integrity.”

Carlos Kelly, Chair of the Business Litigation Department at Henderson Franklin, commented on Goddy’s arrival,

“We are delighted to welcome Craig to our team. His extensive experience and depth of knowledge in business litigation will be invaluable to our department and to our clients. Craig embodies the qualities of a Henderson Franklin attorney, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to our firm and the Naples community.”

Goddy is admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions, including Florida and Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Kent State University, where he graduated cum laude, and the University of Dayton School of Law. He may be reached at [email protected].

Marking a century of service, Henderson Franklin has been an integral part of shaping Southwest Florida’s landscape. With a team of over 50 dedicated attorneys, the firm has been a cornerstone in providing a comprehensive array of legal services. From business and tax planning to estate planning, family law, civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law, Henderson Franklin has continually evolved to meet the diverse needs of its clients. With offices strategically placed in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples, the firm remains deeply connected to the region, carrying a legacy that goes beyond the courtroom. For more information on Goddy or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2024) – In a commendable display of community, the JROTC program across the School District of Lee County has stepped up to combat hunger in our communities through a spirited food drive competition benefiting Community Cooperative, a local nonprofit organization with a mission of ending hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida. Organized by the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs within the School District of Lee County, this food drive addresses pressing community needs and instills civic responsibility and values in all those involved.

Community Cooperative is amazed at this initiative to not only emphasize the importance of service but also the significance of involving young individuals in philanthropy from an early age. “We are thrilled to see an increasing number of young individuals stepping up and getting involved in giving back to their communities,” said Stefanie Ink-Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “We are truly grateful for their support in our mission to end hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida.”

Through their contributions of food items and donations, students are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. The JROTC programs in the School District of Lee County encourage students to actively participate in philanthropic activities and believe in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

“The JROTC February Food Drive has been a tradition for well over a decade, says Director of Army Instruction, Col. (RET) Rodney Robinson. “The service provided is in direct correlation with the JROTC Mission, ‘To motivate young people to become better citizens.’” The hard work Lee County Cadets put into collecting over 12,000 pounds of food and almost $9,000, is true evidence the lessons are learned, and Lee County can look forward to the continued growth and service of these young adults.”

For more information on how you can host a food drive please visit CommunityCooperative.com

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL SPRING FLING EVENT

NAPLES, Florida (April 8, 2024) – The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is celebrating all things spring with its third annual family-friendly Spring Fling event on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This event will open to CMON members only from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and open to all museum guests from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In addition to the museum’s regular exhibits and programming, Spring Fling will feature springtime-themed STEAM activities, face painting, a miniature petting zoo, a bubble dance party, Teddy Bear Mobile stuffed animal making (at additional cost), and more. The CMON Education team will be hosting science demonstrations in the backyard, and guests will have the opportunity to play spring-themed games, compete in STEAM challenges, and add their creativity to a community art project.

Local coffee cart The Bean will be onsite to provide pick-me-ups throughout the morning, and Cajun Gringos food truck will be at the museum from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch for patrons to purchase.

With a focus on animals, plants, produce, and the environment, Spring Fling will be an unforgettable and fun day at the museum. There are no tickets or registration needed to attend. To access early admission and many more benefits, become a member at https://www.cmon.org/membership/.