NAPLES SENIOR CENTER EMBARKS ON “A NEW ERA FOR SENIORS”

The Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors, announced that it has launched a $15 million capital campaign dubbed “A New Era for Seniors” to establish a new state-of-the-art facility accelerated with a lead gift by local
philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker.

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.

“In just five years, we have outgrown our current leased facilities,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Naples Senior Center. “Membership has increased from 80 to more than 1,600 members, and the number of Dementia Respite Groups has increased from one to eight. We need a new permanent home where seniors can develop a sense of connection and acceptance and have their basic
needs met, today and into the future.”

The $5 million lead gift by Patty and Jay Baker puts the capital campaign on a successful track and will inspire others in the community to help the cause. The Bakers are no strangers to philanthropy; their names grace several prominent institutions across Naples. “The Naples Senior Center serves a critical need for older adults in our community,” said Jay Baker. “We are proud to support their mission of empowering seniors by giving them the tools to address life’s challenges. It is our hope that our contribution will encourage other community minded individuals to step up in support of the organization.”

In addition to the contribution from Patty and Jay Baker, the Naples Senior Center has recently announced a $2 million gift from the Brookdale Foundation. With this donation, the senior center will name its dementia respite program the Brookdale Respite Program. Additional support is also being provided by members of the Naples Senior Center Board of Directors as well as a matching grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. All services at the Naples Senior Center are provided
by licensed and credentialed professionals in the field of aging.

They 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 are also 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 program and social services for area seniors and their families, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org The Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors, announced that it has launched a $15 million capital campaign dubbed “A New Era for Seniors” to establish a new state-of-the-art facility accelerated with a lead gift by local philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker.