Zoila Martinez (Fort Myers, FL): In 1998, after years of work as a migrant farmer, Zoila became a Foster Grandparent for the Dr. Piper Center for Social Services, Inc. The children of the Michigan Montessori International Academy in Fort Myers, where she works and whose student body consists of primarily minority and low-income students, affectionately know her as “Grandma Martinez.” Grandma Martinez walks about a half-mile to school and insists on getting the room ready before the children arrive each day. Zoila also serves as a governor’s board member for the Family Health Center. While serving on the board, she has made it her goal to help migrant workers get the medical attention needed to maintain healthy lives. In 2002, Zoila was named Outstanding Volunteer of the year at the Hispanic Achievement Awards.

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