Reflecting on a Year of Learning and Progress
Dear Friends,
As another school year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to share with you the joy, growth, and milestones we’ve celebrated together, and how your support continues to make a profound impact on the lives of Harlem Heights kids and their families.
We proudly watched 37 preschoolers graduate from our Heights Early Learning program, ready to enter Kindergarten with confidence and curiosity. Twenty-eight of the VPK graduates will continue their educational journey with our valued partner, the Harlem Heights Community Charter School.
Our AfterSchool program provided safe, engaging, and nurturing care to 177 children this past school year — a program we have been doing for 25 years! We believe AfterSchool is essential to support our working parents.
The Charter School celebrated 23 fifth-grade graduates. These remarkable students have flourished under the guidance of dedicated educators and a supportive community that strongly believes in their potential. Many will move on to Lexington Middle and Cypress Lake, while others plan to attend Summit and ECS.
Kids and families gathered for a celebration brimming with laughter, a sense of accomplishment, and hope for the future. It was a time to reflect on all that was achieved and to look ahead with excitement.
After a week-long break to wax floors and deep clean, Heights Summer Camp started! Our campus is once again buzzing with the activity, enthusiasm, and creativity of 150 kids. From science experiments to art projects, field trips, and water play, our team is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and enriching environment for every child. Weekly themes include Welcome Week, All Things Disney, The Arts, Red, White & Blue, Deep Sea, STEM, Christmas in July, and Finale Week.
Campers will venture to places like BIG ARTS, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, and Marquee Cinemas. Our staff also includes two teens from the Heights Teen Leadership group and six other local teens, all eager to learn, grow, and gain valuable job skills while getting paid. Thank you for making this possible!
We believe every child and family in Harlem Heights deserves the opportunities for success. The Heights Foundation is committed to building strong, self-sufficient families by supporting education and wellness, fostering family and community development, and providing access to enrichment and the arts.
Thank you for your support and for being a vital part of our work. Together, we’re strengthening Southwest Florida by building brighter futures, uplifting families, and investing in our Harlem Heights kids.
With heartfelt gratitude,
