NAPLES SENIOR CENTER AWARDED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT

NAPLES SENIOR CENTER AWARDED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY GRANT TO SUPPORT CORE PROGRAMMING

Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County. These funds will help the organization continue to meet the increasing demand for emotional support and outreach to seniors age 60 and older who are socially isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

This latest grant from the Community Foundation will enable the Naples Senior Center to continue to offer a wide variety of virtual programs and activities to combat loneliness and isolation. The funds also will support a variety of online wellness and recreational
activities such as arts, crafts, movies, gardening and cards as well as exercise classes like Tai Chi, chair yoga and cardio fitness that will improve the physical fitness of members.

“We are very grateful to the Community Foundation of Collier County for their continued support in combating isolation and loneliness among seniors in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Naples Senior Center. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in even greater need locally.”

The Community Foundation of Collier County is a tax-exempt, public, charitable foundation, established in 1985 to increase private philanthropy in Collier County. It works with donors and nonprofits to ignite action and mobilize resources to address
community needs in Collier County. For further information, visit www.cfcollier.org .

The Naples Senior Center enriches the lives of those 60 years of age and older by providing comprehensive programs and social services that support and strengthen individuals and their families, often at times of vulnerability and crisis. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March, the center has been meeting seniors needs virtually.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include Structured Dementia Respite Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Emotional Support Services as well as a “choice” Food Pantry. An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 200 trained and vetted volunteers.

Among the programs are a weekly “Lunch and More;” classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

For additional information on the Naples Senior Center and its comprehensive programs and social services for area seniors and their families, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer
Naples Senior Center
239-325-4444
jfaffer@naplesseniorcenter.org