Creating Stability. Empowering Success.
Basic Needs Initiatives (BNI) offers personalized academic and personal support to students with lived experience in foster care, homelessness, or ward of the state status – helping them thrive at FGCU and beyond.
Our mission is to support students from the moment they arrive at FGCU through graduation and beyond—connecting them to the resources they need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. We are committed to ensuring that no Eagle has to choose between life’s challenges and their education.
Our Services
Academic & Career Support
- Academic and life skills workshops
- One-on-one mentoring and guidance
- Career and graduate school preparation
Financial & Resource Navigation
- Financial literacy and FAFSA guidance
- DCF/Homeless waiver assistance
- Referrals to campus and community resources
Student Advocacy
- Ongoing case management and student support
- Collaboration with campus partners to reduce barriers to success
A Word From Our Students
I’m really thankful for BNI and how understanding and kind they’ve been throughout my time at FGCU. Their help with food, housing, and other essentials has made a huge difference for me, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them”
Lisa Neris, M.S.
Program Manager, Basic Needs Initiatives
239-745-4217
Lneris@fgcu.edu
Make A Referral
Are you or someone you know currently living without stable housing? If a student is living on a friend’s couch or in a car, we can assist with finding temporary housing, financial support, and academic resources. Are you a student from foster care? We can assist you in connecting with campus and community resources.
Referral Form
