Page 3 – RCMA

January 27, 2025

RCMA Raises $1.5 Million for New Charter Academy Construction; Anonymous Family Foundation Matches Dollar-for-Dollar

Mulberry, FL, [January 27, 2025] – RCMA is proud to announce a major milestone in its capital campaign for the Mulberry Community Academy (MCA). Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors across Florida, RCMA successfully raised $1.5 million, unlocking a dollar-for-dollar match from an anonymous family foundation, resulting in a total of $3 million raised for this transformative project.

This critical funding propels RCMA closer to its vision of building a 22,000-square-foot, environmentally sustainable, dual-language community academy serving grades K-8. Located in Mulberry, Florida, MCA is designed to provide high-quality education to up to 300 children, focusing on low-income rural poor families.

“This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our supporters and the power of community,” said Isabel Garcia, Executive Director of RCMA. “Every dollar raised is an investment in the future of our children and a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty for families in rural Florida. The anonymous family foundation’s matching gift amplifies this impact, enabling us to bring this dream closer to reality.”

A Transformative Project for Rural Florida

The Mulberry Community Academy officially opened in August 2024 with temporary classrooms that currently accommodate kindergarten through second grade. The main campus, scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2028, will provide students with a state-of-the-art educational environment and a dual-language curriculum that celebrates the bilingual, bicultural heritage of RCMA families.

The academy will serve families from western Polk County, including Mulberry and southern Lakeland. By expanding capacity, MCA will meet the growing demand for RCMA’s holistic approach to education, blending rigorous academics with essential wraparound services that address the unique needs of low-income rural poor communities.

RCMA’s Commitment to Transformative Education

Based in Immokalee, RCMA is Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of quality early childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator. For nearly 60 years, RCMA has been dedicated to empowering children and families in rural areas by providing bilingual, bicultural education that supports academic success and social mobility. With this new academy, RCMA furthers its mission of creating brighter futures for Florida’s most vulnerable communities.

“This is not just a building—it’s a promise to our families,” added Garcia. “A promise that every child deserves a quality education, and we are dedicated to providing that experience.”

Join the Mission

RCMA invites individuals, corporations, and foundations to join in this transformative project. Opportunities to contribute to the Mulberry Community Academy campaign remain available, as the organization continues working toward its goal of completing the academy and its campus enhancements.

For additional information, please contact Joseph Goldbach at Joseph.Goldbach@rcma.org or 239-658-3560 x1059.

ABOUT RCMA: RCMA is Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of quality early childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator. RCMA serves people in rural areas living in poverty, primarily agricultural working families. RCMA has 54 child development centers and three charter schools in 20 Florida counties that provide a bilingual, bicultural curriculum to nearly 4,700 children annually. Established in 1965 and headquartered in Immokalee, RCMA has a staff of 1,400 employees and more than 50,000 alumni. Visit www.rcma.org.

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January 20, 2025

RCMA’s Family Support Workers Pass the Test

Group of RCMA Family Support Workers standing together indoors, holding certificates of completion for the Family Development Credential Program. The group is smiling, with a backdrop featuring gold and black balloons and a golden tinsel curtain.

At RCMA, we provide children with an excellent education and offer vital services to their families. Our family support workers (FSWs) play a key role, assisting families with challenges and helping them build stable homes. They provide counseling, referrals, and a variety of services to support families in need.

Recently, 14 FSWs from RCMA completed the Family Development Credential (FDC) Program, developed by Cornell University. After 80 hours of interactive training and passing the standardized exam, they earned this nationally recognized credential. Congratulations to these dedicated individuals—we’re so proud of your hard work and commitment to our families!

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January 20, 2025

ICA Celebrates Tradition and Tamales

It was a night filled with the sounds of ICA’s talented scholars and the scents of delicious tamales as ICA celebrated its 9^th annual Tamalada. The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage by not only honoring the tradition of tamale making but also fostering a sense of togetherness among the diverse families within the RCMA community.

This year’s event featured an array of cultural experiences, with students performing holiday songs and dances to help bring the holiday spirit to all who attended. Following the performances, the evening culminated in delicious tamale dinners, where families, students, faculty, and the RCMA community came together to share not just a meal but stories, laughter, and the spirit of unity.

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January 19, 2025

A Celebration of Community at Wimauma Community Academy’s Fall Festival

A joyful group of students from RCMA’s Wimauma Community Academy proudly holds up their blue first-place ribbons after participating in a soccer tournament during the school’s Fall Festival. The children, dressed in white shirts and black shorts, beam with pride as they pose outdoors under a sunny sky. Behind them, teachers and parents cheerfully join in the celebration, with tents and trees adding to the festive atmosphere.

RCMA’s Wimauma Community Academy (WCA) recently hosted its Fall Festival, an annual tradition that brings scholars, parents, teachers, and RCMA staff together for a day of fun, food, and community spirit. This fun event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of the connections that make WCA such a special place.

The highlight of the day was the soccer tournament, where every student, from kindergartners to eighth graders, hit the field with enthusiasm and teamwork. Each of the students displayed their skills and passion for the game. As the tournament concluded, the excitement reached a peak with a much-anticipated match between the teachers and moms, showcasing friendly competition and lots of laughter.

The sense of community extended beyond the soccer field. Parents brought an array of delicious homemade dishes, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities and delighting everyone in attendance. The festival also served as a great opportunity for families, staff, and community members to connect in a fun, family-like atmosphere.

Funds raised during the Fall Festival will directly support field trips and end-of-year activities for WCA scholars, ensuring they continue to have enriching experiences throughout the school year.

Thank you to the parents, staff, and students who made this event possible and created lasting memories for all involved. The Fall Festival truly reflects the heart of RCMA’s mission—bringing families together to support the education and well-being of our children.

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January 19, 2025

Major League Inspiration: Chris Sale Visits RCMA’s Immokalee Community Academy

Chris Sale, a professional baseball pitcher, poses outdoors with a group of enthusiastic students from RCMA’s Immokalee Community Academy (ICA). The students, proudly wearing ICA-themed t-shirts and casual clothing, stand together smiling, with staff members and Sale in the back row. The vibrant scene takes place in front of the school building, with red patio umbrellas and a basketball hoop in the background, highlighting the engaging and welcoming environment of RCMA’s Immokalee Community Academy.

The students at RCMA’s Immokalee Community Academy (ICA) recently had the unforgettable experience of meeting professional baseball pitcher Chris Sale. Known for his remarkable career with the Atlanta Braves, where he earned the 2024 Cy Young Award, Triple Crown, and Gold Glove, Sale took time out of his busy schedule to visit the campus, inspire young minds, and demonstrate his heartfelt support for RCMA’s mission.

Sale’s visit was not just a fleeting appearance. He toured RCMA’s Immokalee facilities, engaged with multiple classrooms, and captivated the students with personal stories about his journey to the Major Leagues. His message to the students was simple but powerful: education and perseverance open doors to success.

The Lakeland, Florida native shared a story about his own crossroads as a young athlete. While being scouted by numerous baseball teams in college, Sale made the deliberate choice to finish his degree before starting his MLB career. “I wanted to make sure I had something to fall back on,” he told the students. “Your education is something that no one can ever take away from you.”

Students listened intently as Sale recounted his journey from Lakeland Senior High School to Florida Gulf Coast University, and ultimately, to the Major Leagues. He also talked about balancing sports and academics, staying motivated, and achieving goals.

But Sale’s impact wasn’t limited to words. He made meaningful connections with students by actively engaging in their classrooms, showing genuine interest in their classroom activities. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that left them feeling inspired and valued.

Sale is more than a celebrated athlete; he’s also a steadfast supporter of RCMA and its mission to provide educational opportunities to children of low-income families. His visit highlighted his commitment to giving back and using his platform to uplift communities like Immokalee.

“It’s incredible to see someone as accomplished as Chris Sale take the time to not just visit but truly connect with our students,” said Isabel Garcia, RCMA’s Executive Director. “His words and actions reinforced the importance of hard work, education, and staying true to one’s dreams.”

Thanks to this incredible visit, the scholars at ICA will carry with them the lessons they learned from this extraordinary visit. Chris Sale’s journey—and his kindness—will serve as a reminder that greatness comes not just from talent, but from dedication, humility, and a passion for helping others.

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January 19, 2025

A Season of Joy at RCMA

A joyful group of children from RCMA stands together in festive holiday attire, including matching red shirts that read 'Merry and Bright' and Santa-themed pajama pants. They smile brightly in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with ornaments, lights, and a shining star on top. The classroom background features cheerful wall decorations, educational posters, and a holiday calendar, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

The air at RCMA’s Child Development Centers and Academies buzzed with excitement as the holiday season arrived. In every corner of Florida, children eagerly anticipated their center’s unique celebrations. Each center had its own way of spreading holiday cheer, but one thing united them all: the joy of the season and the warmth of community.

Each center and academy had their own spin on celebrating the holiday. At a few centers, a surprise awaited the children. Santa Claus himself arrived, with a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” and a sack full of toys donated by a local church group. The kids’ eyes sparkled with wonder as they each took turns sitting on Santa’s lap, sharing their wishes and receiving a special gift. The laughter echoed through the halls as they tore into their brightly wrapped treasures, holding up dolls, toy cars, and puzzles to show their friends.

At Mulberry Community Academy, the scent of holiday treats filled the air as children gathered to make holiday treats. Guided by their teachers, they decorated cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles, with more candy landing in their mouths than on the cookies! Meanwhile, little hands were busy creating holiday ornaments, painting them with bright reds, greens, and golds.

At other centers, local civic groups brought toys for the children to make sure that every child had a present. The teachers transformed spaces into winter wonderlands, complete with Christmas trees twinkling in the corner. The children, many of whom do not usually experience such festive displays, squealed with joy as they unwrapped their surprises.

All of RCMA’s centers celebrated in their own special way, but the highlight for many was the joy of being together. As the children laughed, played, and created, the teachers looked on with pride. These moments, filled with love and community, reminded everyone why RCMA is more than a school—it is a family.

In the end, it wasn’t just the toys, treats, or ornaments that made the season bright. It was the shared experiences, the sense of belonging, and the magic of the holidays that made this time of year unforgettable for the children at RCMA.

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December 20, 2024

RCMA Center Welcomes Senator Calatayud

Senator Calatayud at RCMA’s South Dade Child Development Center

RCMA’s South Dade Child Development Center recently welcomed Senator Alexis Calatayud, who has a strong background in Early Childhood Education. During her visit, the senator asked staff insightful questions about enrollment and staffing challenges in recent years. She toured the center, including an infant’s classroom, the preschool classroom, and concluded with the Core Team’s workspace, where she met additional staff and posed for a group photo. Senator Calatayud expressed her admiration for RCMA’s work, noting how happy the children seemed during her visit. We are very honored that the Senator visited. Thank you!

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December 20, 2024

Stepping Up For Our Community

Samaritan’s Feet International at our Dover II Child Development Center

We have so many amazing partners, but one has really put their best foot forward. Actually, hundreds of feet! A big RCMA thank you goes out to Samaritan’s Feet International for holding their recent shoe giveaway at our Dover II Child Development Center. Over 50 volunteers came together to help Samaritan’s Feet International distribute 627 pairs of shoes for the community there.

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December 20, 2024

Lipman Family Visits New Lipman Campus

Things are taking shape at the new Lipman Family Campus for Children and Families in Immokalee. The Lipman family recently paid a visit to the site to see the construction of the center up close. When completed, the state-of-the-art child development center will offer expanded classroom space for children, a huge kitchen for the preparation of nutritional meals, and plenty of open areas to play and learn. The site will also include soccer fields for the community and a facility for first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies. The Campus is expected to open next year.

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November 26, 2024

MCA Principal honored as Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero

RCMA’s Dani Higgins honored as a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero, receiving a $50,000 grant to support building the new Mulberry Community Academy.

Dani Higgins, principal at RCMA’s Mulberry Community Academy, has been named a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero. She was honored during a game on November 23. The award includes a $50,000 grant to RCMA to support the construction of the new MCA building, a critical component of RCMA’s long-term plan to expand the school’s capacity and enhance the educational environment for our students.

Since 2011, the Community Hero program has honored local individuals making a difference in their communities. Each Hero is celebrated with an in-game video highlighting their inspiring work to help those in need. To support their efforts, the Lightning Foundation awards the Hero a $50,000 grant to benefit the charities they choose.

“Dani exemplifies the heart and mission of RCMA, making her the ideal representative for this program,” said Isabel Garcia, Executive Director at RCMA. “With over 20 years of experience in education, Dani has committed her life to uplifting the youth of the Mulberry community. She is a teacher, a mentor, an advocate, and a community leader, and it reflects her unwavering dedication to transforming lives and guiding underprivileged youth toward opportunities they once believed were out of reach. She truly is a hero!”

More than an educator, Higgins is an advocate for the low-income families in Polk County. During COVID-19 and more recently during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, she spearheaded efforts to provide essential resources, ensuring that vulnerable families were supported throughout these many challenges.

RCMA will use the $50,000 in grant funds to begin construction of the permanent MCA building in March 2025, increasing the school’s capacity to accommodate K-8th grade. The award will also enhance educational and support services offered at the school.

RCMA is raising additional support to complete this project, and naming opportunities are available.