About

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“Come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:34-36

The Café of Life is a faith-based organization believing in the teaching of all great religions that one must love and assist one’s neighbor in time of need.

The Café is not affiliated with any particular religion or denomination. Our mission is to provide basic human needs to the very poor and hungry people of the Bonita Springs area in a manner that preserves the dignity of the client in a respectful environment and to enrich and empower people to be all that they can be.

Serving The Greater Bonita Springs Area With Vital Services

Sponsors

Our charity organization provides financial, technical and humanitarian assistance within various charitable programs.

History

Our charity organization provides financial, technical and humanitarian assistance within various charitable programs.

Leadership

Our charity organization provides financial, technical and humanitarian assistance within various charitable programs.

Volunteering

Our charity organization provides financial, technical and humanitarian assistance within various charitable programs.

Dave is originally from Michigan where he studied Business at Oakland University.  After moving to Florida, he began working for the Cafe in 2016.  He likes that he is able to give back to the community at work!

Michael is a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, where he earned his degree in Biology and Nursing Science. After an impactful 27-year career in nursing, he retired in 2014 and began a new chapter of service—first joining the Café of Life as a volunteer and later becoming a member of the staff.

As Facility Manager at Café of Life’s Bonita Springs Park location, Michael has played an instrumental role in the organization’s transformation over the past 11 years.

His background in nursing continues to shape his leadership. He is proud to be part of the Café’s team. His journey—from bedside care to community care—has come full circle.

Alex came to the United States from Guatemala thirteen years ago, speaking only Kitche, a Mayan dialect. When he first arrived in Bonita Springs, he didn’t know how to read or write in English and felt isolated—his cousin was the only person nearby who spoke his language. Determined to build a better future, Alex enrolled in the Literacy Council, where he studied for over six years and successfully completed English levels one through four. He then earned his GED with the support of dedicated English teachers at Bonita Springs High School. Driven by a long-standing goal to pursue higher education, Alex went on to graduate from Lorenzo Walker Technical College, where he earned a certification in accounting operations. His journey reflects his dedication, and commitment.

Dolores relocated to Bonita Springs with her husband, Tom, in October 2015 after his retirement from a 50-year career with State Farm Insurance. Having worked as a licensed producer in his office for 20 years, Dolores brought her professional experience and strong organizational skills to her new community. She began volunteering at Café of Life in March 2016, initially assisting at the park. Within a few months, she was invited to help in the office, where her responsibilities steadily grew. Today, she serves as a dedicated staff volunteer and has been a member of the Board of Directors since December 15, 2020.

As the Volunteer Onboarding Coordinator, Dolores personally meets with every new volunteer to introduce them to Café of Life’s mission and services. She records volunteer registration in the organization’s Salesforce database, and documents donations, prepares thank-you letters, and ensures annual tax letters are sent to monthly donors. Dolores plays an active role in representing Café of Life at presentations to local organizations, clubs, churches, and community events. In addition, she coordinates volunteer fairs, oversees the front desk receptionist volunteer team schedule, assists the Executive Director with various tasks, and serves as the purchasing manager for all organizational needs. Additionally, she manages data coordination for MealConnect, ensuring food donations and distributions are accurately tracked.

Dolores is a vital part of the Café of Life team and deeply values the relationships she has built through her work. Her passion, reliability, and heart for service continue to make a meaningful impact on the community.

Hugh Nevin is a seasoned international business and tax attorney with a distinguished career advising foreign enterprises and individuals investing and operating in the United States. Fluent in German and globally respected, Hugh served as President of Cohen & Grigsby and brings decades of legal expertise and leadership to every client engagement.

With a strong focus on international tax law, corporate structuring, and cross-border compliance, Hugh has guided clients through complex matters involving mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and U.S. market entry strategies. His practice includes advising on employment law, distributorship and licensing agreements, regulatory compliance, and tax planning — including income, estate, and gift tax strategies for foreign investors.

Hugh has also assisted numerous clients in navigating the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) and is a trusted advisor to Canadian individuals and companies investing in the U.S.

Hugh has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America© in Corporate Law, Tax Law, and Tax Litigation, and was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Fort Myers for both Tax and Corporate Law. He has also served on corporate boards in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, helping guide business strategy and international growth for multiple enterprises.

A veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Hugh brings a sense of discipline, service, and global perspective to every endeavor. He has authored legal insights on financial and estate planning for international clients, and he frequently advises Canadian investors on U.S. tax and legal issues.

Beyond his legal career, Hugh is deeply committed to community service. He has served on the boards of The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, WQED (PBS), Sewickley Academy, and the German American Business Chamber. He has served as a board member of Café of Life since 2020, where he helps advance the organization’s mission.

Jeff’s patriotism led him to a career in the U.S. Army which consisted of twenty-eight years primarily in the logistics field. He served a combat tour in Iraq, is a Bronze Star recipient, and culminated his career as a Battalion Commander. Jeff retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and returned to his hometown of Bethany, Missouri to help with aging parents.

His desire to serve continued while in Bethany as he was very involved in the community, having been on the city council, Commander of the American Legion Post, President of the Chamber of Commerce, community blood drive Captain, and board member of the Harrison County Community Hospital Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.

When Jeff and his wife arrived in Florida in 2014, he was looking for volunteer opportunities, and to his good fortune, his new neighbor was a board member of the Café of Life. He was quickly introduced to the Café where he became a regular volunteer. A year later, he was offered the Executive Director’s position.

Since taking on that role, Jeff has helped guide Café of Life’s transformation into one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the Bonita Springs area. Under his leadership, the Café has expanded significantly. Vital programs have been launched and grown during his tenure, broadening the organization’s impact and deepening its connection to the community.

Jeff has also overseen a major modernization of Café of Life’s operations, leading efforts to digitize and centralize data systems to increase efficiency. By bringing Café of Life to the next level of computerized digital operations, the organization has improved its ability to track impact, and manage services efficiently, ensuring long-term sustainability and professionalism in a fast-paced, digital-first world. Additionally, Jeff has worked in collaboration with partner agencies to position Café of Life as a local hub for hurricane preparedness, providing resources and coordination to support the community during times of crisis.

Jeff possesses a B.S. in Business Management, an MBA with a concentration in Personal Finance, held the Certified Financial Planner CFP™ credential for 20 years, and is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College.

Jeff’s patriotism led him to a career in the U.S. Army which consisted of twenty-eight years primarily in the logistics field. He served a combat tour in Iraq, is a Bronze Star recipient, and culminated his career as a Battalion Commander. Jeff retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and returned to his hometown of Bethany, Missouri to help with aging parents.

His desire to serve continued while in Bethany as he was very involved in the community, having been on the city council, Commander of the American Legion Post, President of the Chamber of Commerce, community blood drive Captain, and board member of the Harrison County Community Hospital Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.

When Jeff and his wife arrived in Florida in 2014, he was looking for volunteer opportunities, and to his good fortune, his new neighbor was a board member of the Café of Life. He was quickly introduced to the Café where he became a regular volunteer. A year later, he was offered the Executive Director’s position.

Since taking on that role, Jeff has helped guide Café of Life’s transformation into one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the Bonita Springs area. Under his leadership, the Café has expanded significantly. Vital programs have been launched and grown during his tenure, broadening the organization’s impact and deepening its connection to the community.

Jeff has also overseen a major modernization of Café of Life’s operations, leading efforts to digitize and centralize data systems to increase efficiency. By bringing Café of Life to the next level of computerized digital operations, the organization has improved its ability to track impact, and manage services efficiently, ensuring long-term sustainability and professionalism in a fast-paced, digital-first world. Additionally, Jeff has worked in collaboration with partner agencies to position Café of Life as a local hub for hurricane preparedness, providing resources and coordination to support the community during times of crisis.

Jeff possesses a B.S. in Business Management, an MBA with a concentration in Personal Finance, held the Certified Financial Planner CFP™ credential for 20 years, and is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College.