This project was conceived  and implemented by Emerson Academy students in 2019 when they came up with this community service project. The Mission of the BBOL Project is to keep children, who are at risk of falling behind educationally, reading at or above grade level and hopefully  develop a love of reading.   Currently it helps children of families who are served by Grace Place.   It is currently being introduced as a weekend reading support project for children who attend the Franklin Park Elementary School of Ft. Myers.  The program is run by FGCU current and former students and is provided free for parents whose children are in public schools.   The program is financially supported by donors to Emerson Academy Naples.

Emerson Academy Success

Student Statement

Naples Council on World Affairs (NCWA)

NCWA is an organization whose mission and vision align with our UU values.  They offer an excellent lecture series throughout the season that offers insight into  current issues from a non-partisan perspective.  If you are interested in attending a lecture, check out the schedule at ncwa-fl.org.  Non-members with a guest can attend one lecture free without joining the organization.  Registration is online by clicking here

World Affairs Lectures

Saturday, February 7, 2026 *5:30 pm; Edwards Hall, Rm. 112 

Professor Ho-fung Hung, Johns Hopkins University

The China Question:  Eight Centuries of Fantasy and Fear

Register for the Lecture on China

Saturday, March 14, 2026 *5:30 pm; Edwards Hall, Rm. 112

Professor Vali Nasr, Johns Hopkins University

The United States and Iran: Roots of the Conflict and What Comes Next

Register for the Lecture on Iran

All lectures are free and open to the public and, unless otherwise noted, will be held in Edwards Hall 112 on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University. 

For more information, please contact liebertlectures@fgcu.edu

Immokalee Experience Outing

Wednesday, February 11, 9 am - 1:30 pm

On behalf of the UU Social Justice Committee, we’d like to invite you to a fun, half-day experiential outing in Immokalee to learn more about the community’s history, rich culture and agricultural economy.  We think the outing will open your mind and your heart!  Here are the IMMOKALEE EXPERIENCE details: 

Cost:  $30 pp (Please bring cash to cover museum admission and compensate trip guides and speakers for their time. You will also be expected to pay for your lunch.)

Itinerary:  We’ll carpool from UU and/or meet at Immokalee’s Pioneer Museum at Robert’s Ranch for a tour to learn about Immokalee’s indigenous people and early settlers.  We’ll also discuss why and how Immokalee’s immigrants came to the community and the life of a farmworker. Following this, a guest speaker will talk about Immokalee’s agricultural economy and “The Life of a Tomato” from the fields to your table. (This stop will include a hands-on activity).  Next, we’ll visit Cultivate Abundance, a community garden, for a tour to learn about ancestral foods and discuss Immokalee’s food Insecurity and other challenges. (This stop will include a Food as Medicine hands-on activity).  Lunch at Lozanos (Mexican food) or Fify’s (Haitian food).

Optional Stops:  Immokalee State Farmer’s Market (an opportunity to support local businesses) and/or Lali’s Bakery for dessert (you might want to try Mexican churros).

Important: This outing will involve walking on grass and uneven surfaces as well as participating in hands-on activities.  If you have mobility issues, this outing is not right for you.  Please wear comfortable shoes.  The outing will take place rain or shine so please wear appropriate clothes.

RSVP:  If you are interested in participating, please text or call Ellen Resnick at 973-886-0175.  Please let us know if you want to go to a Mexican or Haitian restaurant for lunch.  If you want to check out the menus, the Mexican restaurant is Lozano’s at 405 New Market Rd. E. and the Haitian restaurant is Fify’s at 320 Alachua St.  Please note that this is a small group outing (maximum 15 people) so we will accept your responses on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If there is a great deal of interest, we’ll schedule additional trips in the future.

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