Excellent speakers and tours of three facilities provided for an informative Human Service Day for Class XV.  We began the day at St. Matthew’s House.  Speakers from The Community Foundation of Collier County and the United Way spoke about how our community deals with all the nonprofits and how those organizations provide some of the funding and many of the advisory services.  The class learned that Collier County provides minimal Human Services and only when they are State or Federally mandated. A panel on the Homelessness and Hunger issues of Collier County enlightened us all.

We proceeded to the Shelter for Abused Woman and Children, which included a

tour of the facility.  Discussions focused on women’s needs, issues and

services.  A lunch was catered by St. Matthew’s House.

We spent the afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County with a

tour of the facilities.  The first panel focused on children’s needs, issues and services.  Mental Health and senior needs were also highlighted.

This was an emotional day with Class XV gaining a greater understanding of the differences and positive effects volunteerism can make in our society. The class was encouraged to learn all they could about the various nonprofits and use their skills in helping the less fortunate residents of Collier County.

Photo of Don Gunther by Ned Bastow

Click here to view photo gallery.