After 18 years of providing affordable school clothes to children and household items, the Guadalupe Resale Shop underwent a significant transition on May 1. The shop’s ownership was passed on to a new tenant, Hope PACE, a Chapters Health System program. This change not only marks a new chapter in the shop’s history, but also signifies a fresh start for the community it serves. 

“The resale shop has been a great support to our mission and our programs over the years. We believe that the resources we were putting into the resale shop could be better used to support and strengthen our programs directly,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president and CEO of the nonprofit Guadalupe Center. “We expect the shop to continue its success under different management. When the Center expressed its desire to find someone to take over their lease, the landlord assisted, and Hope PACE stepped in.” 

The Guadalupe Center and Guadalupe Resale Shop 

The resale shop opened in 2016 as part of the Lady of Guadalupe Church. The Guadalupe Center was established as a nonprofit in 1984.  

“We provide high-quality, life-changing educational programs to more than 2,000 students annually,” Montecalvo said. “Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education for students and low-income families in Immokalee.”  

Programs include early learning from six weeks to age 5, preschool, kindergarten through second grade, Tutor Corps middle school program, RISE and Tutor Corps high school college preparatory program. 

Montecalvo emphasized that the resale shop’s success was not just a result of the dedicated full-time staff, but also the invaluable contribution of community volunteers. Their support was instrumental in helping the shop assist the vulnerable and needy of the community.  

“Support through in-kind gifts and donations funded our programs,” Montecalvo said. “We have had faithful ambassadors who spread the word of our mission and shared our students’ stories and successes — we will miss that. We know that one significant risk of us passing the key is losing the ambassadors, but we’re hoping that they’ll stay with us and continue in that role in supporting our programs and the Hope Chest Resale Shop.”   

Montecalvo added that she is excited that Hope PACE has agreed to continue supporting the Center in several ways. It was customary to bring students to get dress clothes and items needed to start college, collect toys for their holiday gift shop and help collect back-to-school supplies.  

“It was with mixed emotions and many conversations with the board over several months before making this decision, but we feel confident that it is the best decision for everyone,” she said. “We hope our donors will continue with their generous support, continue what we have done; and allow us to focus on our programs and students.” 

Hope PACE and Hope Chest 

According to Bob Sheehan, director of community engagement for Hope Healthcare Services, a Chapters Health System affiliate, the transition of the resale shop to Hope PACE has been seamless.  

“We’re grateful to be utilizing the same staff and wonderful volunteers, who are the store’s heart,” Sheehan said. “This continuity ensures that the spirit and mission of the Guadalupe Resale Shop will live on in the newly named Hope Chest Resale and Boutique, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort to our community members. The shop is the first Naples location, joining three other Hope Chest Resale Shops in Lee County that have been operating for over 15 years.” 

Austin Mudd, media relations specialist for Chapters Health System, reported that Hope PACE operates an all-inclusive, integrated healthcare delivery model catering to seniors facing advancing age and illness in the community.  

“Our mission is to provide care for seniors, including socialization, primary care and transportation services,” Mudd said. “Our Pace Centers are a one-stop shop. We offer occupational and physical therapy, meals, adult daycare services and counseling.  

“Our ultimate goal is to help seniors live comfortably at home, where they want to be, giving them as much dignity and independence as possible as they age.”  

“We depend upon the generosity of our community to enable us to provide additional services that otherwise would not be paid through Medicaid,” Sheehan said. “This type of store is essential to the community as it serves as a vehicle for folks to donate and a way for those who so desire to volunteer. We are committed to serving our community and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our mission.”  

Hope Chest Resale and Boutique  

Where: 12980 Tamiami Trail North #10, Naples  

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday 

Contact: guadalupecenter.org/resale-shop or 239.594.2696