Last Updated on January 27, 2022
Like any other mothers, Colleen Gonzalez wanted the best for her children. But, she found compared to other schools, her school’s programs were falling short. Colleen wanted to know why and she got to work.
Colleen Gonzalez: Help Yourself By Helping Others
By 
Growing Bolder
Related Stories 12 of 14
Related Stories 12 of 14
Growing Bolder’s Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives Special
Business
In this edition of Growing Bolder’s Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives, we highlight the lives of men and women in Central Florida. We share their stories because the passion, purpose and significance they find in their daily lives is attainable for all of us. We just have to believe that more is possible.
Growing Bolder With Mary Lee Downey
Service
From her small-town beginnings in rural Arkansas, Mary Lee Downey had big-time desires to do what she could to help correct injustices and stand up for those in need.
Changing The Mental Health Stigma: “Seeking Emotional Support Is Not Weakness, It Is Intelligence”
Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is one of the most important, yet often-overlooked aspects of our overall wellbeing. It can be especially challenging for those entering retirement and facing a new stage of life.
Living With Dementia: Now Serving Joy And Connection At Our Moment Cafe
Brain Health
Sometimes the simplest thing – a song, a smile, a dance – can mean everything. When you have dementia, there aren’t many places to go. At Our Moment Cafe, caregivers and patients can find acceptance. Bill Shafer shares the story of Dick Boyden and Joan Bender, who started an Our Moment Cafe in The Villages, Florida
“Aren’t You Glad To Be Alive Now?” Dr. Sylvia Earle’s Passion For Our World
Philanthropy
Last Updated on March 7, 2024 Dr. Sylvia Earle fell in love with the ocean splashing in the Gulf of…
The Guardians of Peace: Gaming for Good
Tech
Meet Debbie Petry, a 64-year-old who is combing the powers of technology and meditation to make a difference in the world.
Put the Fun in Fundraising
Philanthropy
The secret to doing more good is to do more of what you love. Here are some tips to help you use your unique talents and skillsets to have fun while you’re giving back.
Nevertheless, She Persisted
Arts
As a medical doctor, photographer, mother, world traveler and FAA Certified Drone Pilot, Claire Johnson has many impressive attributes. Intelligence. Persistence. Determination. But her greatest characteristic might be this: staying open to the possibilities.
Find your Fabulosity with Sheryl Kurland
Philanthropy
Certified domestic violence advocate Sheryl Kurland had the skills she needed to help the women take steps to move forward in their lives. Still, using advice from her mother, she found a way to do even more.
Vivian Stancil: Do Not Fear What is in Your Heart.
Entrepreneurship
Vivian Stancil, once a morbidly obese woman with an intense fear of the water is now a healthy, city official who runs two non-profits.
Honored Bound
Philanthropy
Tonja Anderson-Dell started her nonprofit Honored Bound to help families find the remains of service members missing from military plane crashes. It began as a personal quest and ended up helping dozens.
Calendar Girls: Senior Dance Team Marking Great Days Ahead
Philanthropy
Calendar Girls is a Florida dance team made up of women 50-plus who perform for fun, fitness and fundraising for charities
