More than 100 attend Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy ‘School Warming’ Party

FORT MYERS, Fla. - July 19, 2013 - PRLog -- More than 100 supporters, parents and students of the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy braved the heat and humidity to get their first glimpse of the school’s new home.  Officials cut the ribbon on the L.I.F.E. Academy’s new location at 5100 Tice Street in Fort Myers on Wednesday morning, July 10.

The Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy is a tuition-free Lee County charter school for students with intellectual disabilities ages 11 through 22.  The eight-year-old school had previously leased space at Tarpon Street and Seminole Avenue in Fort Myers.  The new location features seven classrooms, a bus ramp area, a large kitchen, a laundry facility, a dedicated library and computer lab, and other accommodations.

“It was great to watch the faces of our students as they walked in the school,” said Kirsten O’Donnell, Goodwill’s director of public relations.  “The last time they saw this building, it was a big empty warehouse.  They couldn’t believe they were in the same place.  The only person with a bigger smile than the students was Principal (Lynn) Pottorf.”

The new school location is part of the Goodwill Opportunity Center complex which, when completed in late 2013, will house not only the school but also the administrative, retail, and mission headquarters of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

Guests at the L.I.F.E. Academy ribbon cutting were encouraged to bring “school warming” gifts.  By the end of the day, the school had received stacks of DVDs, books, cooking supplies, and even two microwave ovens.

“I was very impressed to see the generosity and support from our community,” said Fred Richards, Goodwill’s vice president of career development services.  “Our new location provides us with the opportunity to expand and grow our student population through improved technology, resources, and partnerships.”

The new Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy location was designed by Lawson Group Architects and built by Owen-Ames-Kimball. Interior design consultation was provided by Norris Home Furnishings.

The Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy is a tuition-free, open-enrollment Lee County charter school.  The school’s curriculum is designed to promote self-advocacy, and develop life skills for independent living, by focusing on academic skills, daily life skills and vocational/workforce skills. For more information about the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy, please visit the school’s website at www.GoodwillLIFEAcademy.org or call Principal Lynn Pottorf at (239) 334-4434.