Cleo was one of the original residents of our first Protected Harbor home. In that role, she has developed deep friendships and paved the way for all newcomers. She feels this is truly her home and her friends are her family. She happily states, “When I came to Protected Harbor, my life changed for the better”. She is particularly grateful to the staff who help her develop new skills. Currently, Cleo is helping prepare meals and learning to cook new dishes.

She enjoys going for long walks outside with the other girls, chatting amiably about the day’s events and the many books she loves to read. In fact, she considers herself a true “bookworm”. Besides reading, Cleo loves watching classic black and white movies, often imagining herself as one of the characters, dressed in glamorous vintage clothing. Swimming is another passion of hers, declaring she can swim like a mermaid!

Cleo attends the community Goodwill program during the day and enjoys the various classes there. Her favorite activity though is going out to dinner with her parents. Culver’s is always her first choice, and she regularly orders her favorite butter burger.

At the Protected Harbor homes, every birthday is celebrated. Cleo embraces the festivities with enthusiastic glee. She also delights in the Christmas season. The excitement of the preparations, the decorations, and the festivities give her great joy.

With all the hobbies, classes, fun activities, and tasks like keeping her room neat, what else does Cleo still wish to accomplish? She would love to learn to play the guitar!

Bob Schubring has been a board member of Protected Harbor since its founding. He came to us from the world of business having worked as a project manager for a major general contractor in Collier County. Once Bob was introduced to the vision and ministry of Protected Harbor, he knew this was a call to service. His heart melts every time he sees the smiles and joy on the faces of our residents. His involvement is a special blessing.

When asked why he became involved, Bob’s simple answer is, “God told me to, is all I can say”. He affectionally refers to the residents as “the kids” and confesses having fallen in love with each of them. His wife, Pat, also gives her heart and service to Protected Harbor as a valued Friend of the Board.

Bob’s work with Protected Harbor may have slowed down lately, but his passion for its success has not. He is as excited about it now as he was years ago when he first met George Pappas at a Bible study. George and Athena Pappas are founding members of Protected Harbor. Their daughter, Cleo, became one of our first residents.

Initially serving as a board member, Bob stepped into the role of Board President and served in that capacity for several years. He tells anyone who asks that working with Protected Harbor “is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

He finds true enjoyment in seeing the residents grow spiritually and achieve greater independence while being cared for by the staff. Bob is particularly excited about the future goals and plans laid out by Loretta and Robin, many of which have already been realized. The idea of being able to serve so many more people in our community was unimaginable to him only a short time ago.

Bob’s favorite verse says much about his heart, ” Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” I Corinthians 10:24

One of the miracles of Protected Harbor’s mission is the eclectic group of people God inspires to join our organization. Bringing talent, knowledge, and skills, each offers selfless service to help God’s special people.

One such person is Caren Mikesh. Caren hails from North Dakota, is married to Vince, and has two children, Lilly and Chris. She also has a sister with special needs prompting her interest in working with that special population while in college and beyond. Caren’s children recently graduated from high school and are attending college. She felt it was the right time to give back and currently serves on our Governance Committee.

Caren was introduced to Protected Harbor last year by a friend who heard of our ministry and likes the fact that Protected Harbor is a local faith-based organization. Caren sees the smiles on the faces of our clients and her desire is to help Protected Harbor achieve its goal of reaching the many people who need our services.

Dr. Mikesh specializes in general and surgical dermatology with an office in downtown Naples. She completed her studies at the University of California in Los Angeles and her medical degree at Tulane University in New Orleans. She also volunteers at a neighborhood clinic.

During her free time, Caren heads to the beach where she enjoys paddle boarding. Her other favorite activity is traveling. We are thankful for the energy that Caren contributes by sharing her time and serving the people we care for through Protected Harbor.

Residing in a Protected Harbor home, Ashley has adjusted very well. She describes herself as being very happy living amongst friends and staff. She demonstrates her contentment by helping with daily tasks around the home and encouraging her housemates in their endeavors.

Additionally, Ashley demonstrates her giving nature by volunteering at her church. The balanced feeling of being needed both in the house and at church gives her great satisfaction and peace. During her leisure time at home, she enjoys interacting with the staff and fellow residents, by engaging in various activities including completing puzzles and cooking her favorite meals. She is proud of her ability to contribute.

Ashley’s favorite outdoor activities are walking, swimming, and riding her bike. She loves living in Florida because of the many beaches close by. The soothing sound of the waves gives her peace of mind. Sometimes while watching her housemates play basketball, the rare mood strikes, and she even joins them in a game! She has expressed the desire to learn crocheting, and eventually create a blanket.

Besides leaving the house to attend and volunteer at church, Ashley loves going to Olive Garden where she enjoys her favorite meals without having to clean up afterward! Ashley is happy to let everyone know that her favorite book of the Bible is Psalms, which she reads during her quiet time.