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Agenda 01/22/2019 Item #16E301/22/2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as the recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds” award and to present the award at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting. OBJECTIVE: To select a recipient for the 2019 “Against All Odds” award for presentation at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting. CONSIDERATIONS: Beginning in 2016, the Board of County Commissioners has presented the “Against All Odds” award annually to special individuals who have overcome great challenges and, despite circumstances, have excelled and given back to the community. Previous recipients of the award are: 2016 Mackensie Alexander - the son of Haitian immigrants from Immokalee who went on to play football in the NFL while encouraging/supporting local disadvantaged youth. 2017 Carlos Ruiz - Army paratrooper deployed to Afghanistan who returned home with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and now mentors other local veterans. 2018 Arthur Bookbinder and David Weigel - despite their own vision impairment, both men have been dedicated to helping low vision and blind individuals in Collier County. For the 2019 award, the Communication and Customer Relations Division once again announced a call for nominations from the public. The announcement was sent to media outlets, public and private high schools, and posted on the county’s website and on social media. Nominations had to be accompanied by a narrative describing the nominee’s journey; specifically, how he or she has overcome considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also had to include examples of how the nominee had given back to the community. The following two Collier County residents were nominated for the 2019 award: Christina Harding-Cruz Ms. Christina Harding-Cruz grew up in Immokalee, one of five children in a single parent household. Her father suffered from alcohol abuse and, like many who suffer from that disease, he could not be there for the family like he may have wanted to. Her father’s absence was difficult for Christina’s family, both emotionally and financially. Christina, her mother and four siblings lived in a one -bedroom “shack” dwelling until moving in with relatives; 15 people living together in a three-bedroom trailer. Christina always admired her mother because her mother gave up everything she had to make sure there was food on the table, including pawning most of her valuable belongings. Christina knew at a young age that she wanted to work hard and dedicate herself to helping others. While in high school, she received college credits through the dual enrollment program and graduated high school with an associate degree and then obtained her bachelor’s in 2017 with magna cum laude honors. Christina was the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. She founded “Love is Not an Option,” a group that helps the homeless in Immokalee and has volunteered her time at several non -profit agencies, including the Pace Center for Girls where she worked with at-risk young women and was eventually offered a job there leading programs. Christina currently works full-time at the Pace Center and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work from the University of Central Florida. Despite incredible hardship, Christina has gr own to be a selfless and determined young woman who empowers others and makes a positive impact on lives 16.E.3 Packet Pg. 1075 01/22/2019 in Collier County. Dr. Arthur Boyer Dr. Arthur Boyer immigrated from Haiti in September 1991 at a time when Haiti was experiencing political turmoil and many people lost their lives. He began his American journey in Immokalee as a farm worker. He struggled economically with little clothing and food. For nine years, Dr. Boyer lived in fear of being deported. He enrolled in the English program for ad ults in Immokalee and volunteered at Legal Aid of Florida in Immokalee where he worked as a translator. In 2000, Dr. Boyer became a legal resident of the U.S. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration from Hodges University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University. He is the founder and president of the Dr. Arthur Boyer Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization with the mission to inspire and strengthen community development through a transformational sharing culture. During Hurricane Irma, he worked along with the Red Cross, World Vision, local churches, and others to ensure the community’s needs were met. Dr. Boyer also serves on the Collier County Black Affairs Advisory Board. FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of an award will not exceed $150. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and legality, and requires majority vote for selection. -JAK GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There are no growth management impacts. RECOMMENDATION: To select Christina Harding-Cruz as the recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds” award and to present the award at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting. PREPARED BY: Mike Sheffield, Director, Communication and Customer Relations ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Dr. Arthur Boyer (DOC) 2. Christina Harding Cruz (DOCX) 16.E.3 Packet Pg. 1076 01/22/2019 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.E.3 Doc ID: 7751 Item Summary: Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as the recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds” award and to present the award at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting. Meeting Date: 01/22/2019 Prepared by: Title: Supervisor - Operations – Communication and Customer Relations Name: Lissett DeLaRosa 01/10/2019 2:29 PM Submitted by: Title: Manager-Communications & Cust. Relations – Communication and Customer Relations Name: Mike Sheffield 01/10/2019 2:29 PM Approved By: Review: Administrative Services Department Michael Cox Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 01/11/2019 9:19 AM Communication and Customer Relations Mike Sheffield Additional Reviewer Completed 01/11/2019 2:25 PM Administrative Services Department Len Price Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 01/11/2019 2:49 PM County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 01/11/2019 3:28 PM Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 01/11/2019 4:04 PM Office of Management and Budget Laura Wells Additional Reviewer Completed 01/11/2019 5:27 PM County Manager's Office Geoffrey Willig Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 01/14/2019 2:56 PM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 01/22/2019 9:00 AM 16.E.3 Packet Pg. 1077 Monday, December 25, 2017 Maria De Jesus Communication and Customer Relations Division 3299 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102 Naples, Florida 34112 Reference: Dr. Arthur Boyer, EdD 720 Crestview Drive Building 11- Unit 102 Immokalee, Florida 34142 Dear Ms. De Jesus: We have the greatest honor to proudly endorse Dr. Arthur Boyer for the Against all Odds Award. We are about seven thousand Haitians currently living in Immokalee. Our resiliency and viability have made us one of the most indelible, burgeoning, and hardworking community members of Immokalee, Collier County. We owe it to many who have sternly worked for decades to improve our image and our living conditions in the community. However, Dr. Boyer has been, by far, in many capacities, our symbol of inspiration, resiliency, encouragement, and pride. Dr. Boyer immigrated from Haiti in September of 1991. He came for only a two -week vacation. By the end of his vacation, Haiti was hit with a series of political turmoil. Thousands lost their lives. He had to decide between staying in the US and taking the risk going back to Haiti. Against his will, he decided to stay in the US. Little did he know, that was going to be a costly sacrifice for many years. That young aspiring poet and French literature teacher started his American journey in Immokalee as a farm worker. An experience that was academically, emotionally, and physically alarming. For many that could be the end, but for him, it was only the first page of his adventure. He knew days with not enough to eat, days with only one pair of shoes, days with no good clothes to wear, and days with burning tears and no emotional support. Dr. Boyer understood that school was a sure way for success. While he was working in the farms, he decided to attend an English as Second Language program for adult in Immokalee. Within months, he became fluent. Then his teacher encouraged him to volunteer at Legal Aid of Florida in Immokalee. He did it. He succeeded. He stopped working in the farms. He became a Creole-French-English translator just to make a basic living. Nonetheless, for nine years, he lived in the shadow with the greatest fear of being deported for being in the US illegally. In 2000, Dr. Boyer became legal. Education became a priority. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Hodges 16.E.3.a Packet Pg. 1078 Attachment: Dr. Arthur Boyer (7751 : Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds" award) University, and his Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University. It is worth noted that Dr. Boyer is the first and only Haitian with a doctorate degree in Immokalee. Dr. Boyer's contribution to our community for the past 20 years has been only honorable. Over the years, he has been a radio social commentator, an inspirational speaker, and community activist. He has played multiple leadership roles in different community-based organizations around Southwest Florida. He has been teaching for almost fifteen years. Last but not least, Dr. Boyer is the President and founder of Dr. Arthur Boyer Foundation, Inc., which is a non-profit organization to inspire and strengthen community development through a transformational sharing culture. Dr. Boyer has never missed the opportunity to protect, discuss, and seek the best interests of our community. The latest example was his actions during the crucial times of hurricane Irma. He faced the challenges of the moment and led commanding leadership activities working with multiple organizations including the Red Cross, World Vision, local churches, and other to ensure that the community's basic needs were met. Ms. De Jesus, we take this noble opportunity to acknowledge, to thank, and honor Dr. Boyer for his great life, his honorable achievements, and his invaluable services to our community. We highly recommend Dr. Arthur Boyer for the Against all Odds Award. Best regards, Marie Guirlene Beldor 16.E.3.a Packet Pg. 1079 Attachment: Dr. Arthur Boyer (7751 : Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds" award) Collier County Board of County Commissioners “Against All Odds” Award Program Nominee: Christina Harding, 239-246-0177, christinaharding@yahoo.com Nominated by: Noemi Y. Perez, The Immokalee Foundation Executive Director 239-430-9122, Noemi.Perez@Immokaleefoundation.org Submit by Dec. 31, 2018 to: Communication and Customer Relations Division Maria Pizarro, 239-252-8113, maria.pizarro@colliercountyfl.gov Nomination (600 words maximum): Christina Harding was in elementary school when her young life went from one type of difficult to another. Her family had been struggling financially and with an abusive father. When her parents separated and her father died, Christina, her four siblings and her mother moved into a three-bedroom trailer with 11 other relatives in Immokalee. For four years, they ate their meals in soup kitchens, shared rooms in a small dwelling, and barely got by. During that time, Christina developed a resolve to better her life. In seventh grade, having done very well in school, she was accepted into the Take Stock in Children college scholarship program through The Immokalee Foundation. “The Immokalee Foundation has brought out so much in me that made me into the woman I am today,” she said. “They believed in me and helped me to believe in myself, equipping me with essential life skills, college prep, ACT training, tutoring and so much more." She was also growing into an empathetic person with a keen understanding of what others in similar circumstances were going through. She became the first in her family to graduate from high school and go on to college, where she studied social and human services at Florida Gulf Coast University and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. While an FGCU student, she founded Love Is Not an Option, a project to help local homeless people obtain necessary personal items. “I saw a need in our community, so in December 2015, I created a partnership with Catholic Charities to host my first event,” she explained. “Individuals suffering from homelessness are invited and given a meal, along with a bag full of sanitary items. Various agencies and local churches all donate or help collect items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, Band-Aids, shampoo, soap and socks, as well as snacks and cards with words of encouragement.” In partnership with St. Matthew’s House and Catholic Charities, Christina recently expanded the program to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she had visited a few years ago and noticed a large homeless population. Tulsa residents have taken the reins since then; her goal is to develop the program to a national level. With a partner, she also started a weekly support group for young people, and another for women in need of emotional healing at Friendship Baptist Church. In the meantime, she is pursuing a master’s degree from University of Central Florida and expect s to complete her degree in December 2019. While pursuing higher education, Christina has gained work experience as a forensic social worker at the David Lawrence Center and PACE Center for Girls, where she now works full time. Christina has helped with The Immokalee Foundation fundraisers and assisted summer counselors in activities with the Boys and Girls Clubs. She has been the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Greater Naples AAUW, a prestigious women’s club empowering girls. 16.E.3.b Packet Pg. 1080 Attachment: Christina Harding Cruz (7751 : Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds" In addition to working full time for PACE, Christina will be starting a year-long internship in January as a medical social worker for NCH Healthcare. “My prayer as a kid was to make a difference in thousands of lives, and it’s happening. I’m living my dream, but my story continues. I can’t wait for the next chapter after my master’s degree program,” she said. Despite incredible hardship, Christina Harding has become a person who empowers others and makes a positive impact on lives in Southwest Florida. Christina deserves to be recognized because she is a selfless, courageous, and determined young woman who exemplifies the meaning of the “Against All Odds” award. November 2, 2017 Nominee: Christina Harding Cruz Jorge Perez, Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps College Coordinator Christina Harding-Cruz has been successful against all odds. Growing up in lmmokalee, Florida as one of five children was challenging for Christina and her single mother. Her father was not around and suffered from alcohol abuse. As with many that battle this decease, her father could not be there for her family like he may have wanted to. Christina recalls her 5 th grade graduation, waiting for her father to come and witness her accomplishment, but he never made it . Her father's absence was not only hard for Christina and her family emotionally, but also financially. Growing up in a single parent home was tough. Christina grew up in a one-bedroom shack before eventually moving in with relatives, 15 of them living in a three -bedroom trailer. Christina has always admired her mother because she gave up everything she had to make sure they had food on the table, including pawning off most of her valuable belongings. Christina always knew she wanted to help others. She seized all of the opportunities that she could so that she could be successful in reaching her goals. While in high school, Christina joined several organizations including the Guadalupe Center's Tutor Corps Program. Through this program, she tutored academically at risk students in grades K- 2nd after school, received a wage and college prep, and accrued scholarship money for college. In addition, she began taking college credits through the Dual Enrollment Program at lmmokalee High School and eventually began her college career at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida. Receiving her Associates degree from Valencia in only one year, she transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University where she majored in Social Work. She graduated with a Bachelor degree in May 2017 with Magna Cum Laude honors. Christina's life goal is to help everyone she can because as she says, "Love Is Not an Option". This is the same name of the group Christina founded to help the homeless in the lmmokalee community. During the 2016 holiday season, Christina collected various items and distributed them personally to the homeless in the community. She felt this population's needs were not being met and she wanted to do something about it herself. She looks to continuing this event again this year, and for many more years to come. And as if all this were not enough, Christina began volunteering at the Pace Center for Girls working with the at -risk young women of lmmokalee. She was eventually offered a job at Pace which she accepted because she wanted to lead and mentor the program's young women. She initiative a number of new programs including Leadership Mondays and Tutorin g Tuesday to help build confidence, leadership, and life skills using the "7 habits of Highly Effective Teens". 16.E.3.b Packet Pg. 1081 Attachment: Christina Harding Cruz (7751 : Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds" In a continuation of what Christina feels is her life's work, Christina now works for the David Lawrence Center as a Forensic Specialist. She is responsible for more than 80 cases, serving asan advocate and liaison with the court system for her clients that fall under Florida State Stature 9.16 (clients that are incompetent to proceed or not guilty by reason of insanity). Christina is truly committing her life to helping others, not just in words, but in everyday actions. Future plans call for completion of a Master's degree in Social Work beginning this year at Florida Gulf Coast University. She hopes to run her own non-profit organization and wants to continue focusing on helping young women. She says she sees so much potential in them, and as with her own personal journey, she knows that they can overcome any challenges they face. They just need a little help. 16.E.3.b Packet Pg. 1082 Attachment: Christina Harding Cruz (7751 : Recommendation to select Christina Harding-Cruz as recipient of the 2019 “Against All Odds"