Building Hope in Immokalee: Gulfstream Homes Celebrates a Decade of Partnership with Washington Family Ministries
For over 25 years, Gulfstream Homes has been known for building high-end luxury residences across Southwest Florida. However, for a decade, the firm has been quietly laying a different kind of foundation in Immokalee: a foundation of community, hope, and generational support.
Today, Gulfstream Homes is proud to announce the completion of a multi-phase renovation for the Washington Family Ministries (WFM) church on Immokalee Road. Led by Jimmy and Sholanda Washington, the ministry has become a lifeline for underprivileged families and youth in the region.
The partnership is a “full-circle” story for the team at Gulfstream Homes. Long before she led WFM, Sholanda Washington was an associate at Gulfstream, facilitating construction permits for the company’s projects.
“Gulfstream Homes has been a huge supporter for all of our community outreach in Immokalee for years now,” said Sholanda Washington. “We were preparing for our Thanksgiving outreach, and the facility was not suitable to serve the community. It was in need of working appliances to prepare meals and cosmetic improvements”.
A Space Designed for Transformation Stepping in to help a former colleague, Gulfstream Homes oversaw facility renovations that included cosmetic upgrades and the installation of a new stove to ensure the church could host and serve holiday meals. The improvements also included the creation of a new “Ministry Café,” a beautiful space designed specifically to lift the spirits of teen moms and expecting mothers in the community.
“It’s an inviting, beautiful space that each mother will enter that will give them hope,” Washington added. “Working with Gulfstream Homes on this initiative hands down surpassed our expectations. Their heart for people is one that is real”.
Ten Years of Consistent Impact
Beyond the structural renovations, Gulfstream Homes has demonstrated a decade-long commitment to WFM’s annual outreach programs. This includes:
- Educational Support: Contributing $1,500 annually for the last 10 years to fund school drives and resources for local students.
- Senior Scholarships: Sponsorship of local high school seniors, helping them transition to higher education at institutions such as North Carolina A&T.
- Holiday Outreach: Providing $1,500 annually for the last 10 years to the church’s Christmas drive, ensuring local children and families experience the joy of the season.
Most recently, the renovated space hosted an Easter Egg Hunt, providing local children a safe, beautiful area to play and pray.
“At Gulfstream Homes, we believe that every project we touch should improve the lives of the people within it,” said Michael Peel, Co-Founder of Gulfstream Homes. “Supporting Sholanda and the Washington Family Ministries is an extension of that philosophy. We are honored to play a small part in the incredible work they are doing for the families of Immokalee.”
For more information about Gulfstream Homes and their community involvement, please visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.
About Gulfstream Homes
Since 1998, Gulfstream Homes has been a premier design-build firm in Southwest Florida. Specializing in luxury custom homes and large-scale renovations in Naples and Marco Island, the company is dedicated to architectural excellence, structural integrity, and community stewardship.
About Washington Family Ministries
Washington Family Ministries is a community-focused church and outreach organization located in Immokalee, Florida. Led by Jimmy and Sholanda Washington, the ministry provides religious services, youth mentorship, resources for teen mothers, and essential food and school supplies to underprivileged families throughout the re
