Bonita Community Foundation

Our Amigos Center is one of 16 organizations to receive a grant from the 2003 Winter Grant cycle of the Bonita Springs Community Foundation.  We have been awarded $3,000 to support our efforts to provide quality immigration services to the low-income families of Bonita Springs.  We are honored that the Board of Trustees has entrusted this grant to support our existing work.

Our Case for Immigration Services

The Amigos Center is the only Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited agency that provides on-site immigration services to low-income people on a regular basis in southern Lee County and northern Collier County.  During 2003 our immigration office averaged 108 client visits each month.  We expect the demand to increase in 2004 because of the rising flood of new immigrants arriving to Southwest Florida and the ongoing discussion in Washington D.C. to offer new immigration programs to foreign nationals living in the US.  Proper legal immigration documentation is essential for successful assimilation into American society.  We need to prepare.  We need to train additional immigration workers.  With your prayers and financial help the Amigos Center can do the job.

Christmas Gift Distribution

Once again we were able to distribute Christmas gifts to 300 local children thanks to the efforts of Faith Lutheran Church-Punta Gorda, Marco Lutheran-Marco Island, Messiah Lutheran-Naples, St. Michael’s Lutheran School-Fort Myers and Zion Lutheran-Fort Myers.  Here is a thank you letter (just as it was written) from the Torres family that expresses the feelings of many recipients of your kindness:

It has been 2 years now that I have received gifts for my children.  I would like to thank you wonderful people from the bottom of my heart for making these past 2 Christmass very special for me and my family.  My husband was in a accident 2-1/2  years ago at work falling off a 2 story building and know unable to provide for our family, so know it is just me working and trying to provide for my family.  So what you sweet people have done for me these past 2 years are very special.  I wish that words could express the gratitude that I feel.  May God bless your families this Christmas the same as you have blessed mine.

Thank you and Merry Christmas

Leadership Development

Leaders of our Bonita and Fort Myers Hispanic churches recently met to review the 2003 church activities and financial reports.  We also discussed plans for 2004.  This type of process is meant to both improve our outreach efforts and to establish a living model of accountability and collaborative effort.  We share in the privilege and the responsibility of making disciples of all nations.

Web site

 For more information check out our updated web site for photos: www.amigoscenter.org

Give thanks to God for . . . 

Ø                  Generosity of those who planned and worked to make this a special Christmas;

Ø                  Volunteers who sacrifice time and talent;

Pray for . . .

Ø                  Your support of our ministry;