BAKER SENIOR CENTER NAPLES MOURNS THE LOSS OF ITS FOUNDER

BAKER SENIOR CENTER NAPLES MOURNS THE LOSS OF ITS

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO DR. JACLYNN FAFFER

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support older adults and their families, announced the passing of its Founder, President and CEO Dr. Jaclynn Faffer. A visionary leader and innovator, Dr. Faffer was the leading advocate for seniors in our community.

Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Faffer was a fearless professional and systems builder in the field of human services, with over 35 years of distinguished experience. She held a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Tulane University and a Doctoral Degree in Social Welfare from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University.

Dr. Faffer moved to Naples in 2010 to head a small family services agency which eventually became the Naples Senior Center, now known today as Baker Senior Center Naples. When the non-profit organization opened its doors in 2014, it was the first dedicated senior center in Collier County and served 80 individuals aged 60 and over.

Photo By Brian Tietz

Today, more than 1,700 members benefit from its mission of empowering older adults to thrive and enjoy life to its fullest. To accommodate that growth, Dr. Faffer oversaw the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot permanent home in North Naples in 2023.

As a trailblazer for her industry, Dr. Faffer pioneered essential programs in Southwest Florida, focusing on human services and enrichment for a growing senior population.

“Soon after her arrival, Jackie became the person to see for social services,” said Karen Heithoff, Board Chair for Baker Senior Center Naples. “Both publicly and during countless hours privately, Jackie enriched the lives of a countless number of Southwest Florida residents.”

Her leadership extended to prominent roles in human service organizations in both New York and Florida. She served as a consultant for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on the psychological impact of chronic illness and has been an adjunct faculty member at esteemed institutions such as Adelphi University, Hunter College, Wurzweiler and Barry University Graduate Schools of Social Work. She also published articles in professional journals on social work practice, administration and human resource development.

A dedicated community leader, Dr. Faffer was a past chair of the Collier County Leadership Coalition on Aging and a graduate of Greater Naples Leadership Class XVIII, where she also served as a Board member. In July 2014, she attended the Harvard Business School Executive Education program for CEOs, focusing on Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management. She also was appointed by the Department of Elder Affairs as Chair of the Collier County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative.

Throughout her career, Dr. Faffer earned numerous awards. Most recently, she was named by Gulfshore Life magazine as one of its Men & Women of the Year 2025, which honored individuals who are shaping the future of the community through philanthropy, design, hospitality, and more. Dr. Faffer also was recently recognized by Naples Illustrated magazine among its Naples 100 top influential residents in Collier County.

Baker Senior Center is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include the Brookdale Cognitive Health Center, which provides Dementia Respite Groups and Caregiver Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Mental Health Counseling as well as a “choice” Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, wellness and educational programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 300 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in technology and computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community.

The Board of Directors of Baker Senior Center Naples has initiated a search for Dr. Faffer’s replacement. In the interim, the Board has developed a management structure to ensure that all programs and services will continue uninterrupted. Marisa Luizzi, CDP, Chief Program Officer, will oversee day-to-day programmatic operations while Chief Financial Officer Wanda Rodriguez will be responsible for non-programmatic operations.

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org.