New Horizons of Southwest Florida marks 25 years serving students

New Horizons of Southwest Florida is celebrating 25 years of tutoring, mentoring and faith-based youth programming in Lee and Collier counties. The nonprofit says it has grown from a neighborhood ministry into a network that has served thousands of students and families.

Why it matters: - New Horizons of Southwest Florida has spent 25 years supporting under-resourced children and teens with academic help, mentoring and character development. - The nonprofit says its work gives students in Lee and Collier counties a steadier path to graduation, confidence and future plans. - The anniversary highlights how a small neighborhood effort grew into a regional youth program serving thousands of students and families.

What happened: - New Horizons of Southwest Florida is marking its 25th anniversary. - The organization traces its origins to founders Ellen and Bob Nichols and an effort to reach children in a Bonita Springs neighborhood. - Dr. Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL, said the anniversary is a chance to celebrate the students the nonprofit serves. - New Horizons now offers free after-school and summer programs for K-12 students in neighborhoods across Lee and Collier counties.

The details: - The organization began when Ellen Nichols, an educator, and Bob Nichols, a professional boat captain, felt called to serve children in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Bonita Springs. - The Nicholses went door to door inviting children to a Sunday morning “Super Kids Church.” - As the family relationships deepened, New Horizons added tutoring to meet academic needs, especially for students from non-English-speaking homes. - The first Super Kids Club started with about 20 children. - New Horizons says its model includes tutors, mentors, staff, volunteers, churches, donors and community partners. - The nonprofit’s programs focus on academic support, leadership, responsibility, confidence, faith and character lessons. - Students learn about Jesus, His love for them and God’s plan and purpose for their lives through the faith-based programming. - Maria, a member of the Class of 2025, attended New Horizons from first grade through graduation. - At graduation, Dr. Cunning presented Maria with the Bob & Ellen Nichols Scholarship. - Maria planned to attend Florida SouthWestern State College and pursue a healthcare career. - Maria said New Horizons helped her believe in herself. - New Horizons staff encouraged Maria during middle school when she struggled with motivation and grades. - An incentive for earning A’s and B’s helped Maria stay on the A-B honor roll. - Maria said Bible lessons and Scripture shaped her faith during difficult seasons. - Maria now plans to pursue psychology and wants to listen to, support and guide others.

Between the lines: - The anniversary message centers on transformation, not scale alone, with the nonprofit using individual student stories to show its impact. - New Horizons frames its mission around the idea that a child’s circumstances should not determine the future. - The organization’s faith-based identity remains central to its programming and messaging as it looks ahead. - The celebration also reinforces the role of local volunteers, churches, donors and partners in sustaining the model.

What's next: - New Horizons will mark the anniversary year with special events, student and alumni stories, community partnerships and a community gathering planned for spring 2027. - The nonprofit says it will continue meeting students where they are and providing academic and relational support. - New Horizons is inviting media interviews with Dr. Cunning, the Nicholses, alumni, students, volunteers and longtime supporters. - Media representatives may also visit a neighborhood club to see the programs in action.

The bottom line: - New Horizons of Southwest Florida says 25 years of local tutoring and mentoring has built a lasting pipeline of support for children in southwest Florida.