NAPLES SENIOR CENTER NAMES FIRST ANNUAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Volunteer of the year Awarded to Dorrie Karnis with Award Sponsor Ray Harman

Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that supports and enriches the lives of seniors and their families in Collier and southern Lee counties, has named Dorrie Karnis as its first Volunteer of the Year. The award was presented to Karnis at the Naples Senior Center’s 8^th Annual Evening for Better Tomorrows, “Motor City Magic – Memories of Motown,” on January 11^th at a private country club in Naples.

Naples Senior Center opened its doors in January 2014 and is the only human services agency of its kind in our community. The center provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors, giving them the tools to address life’s challenges. Beginning with just 80 initial members, the center has expanded to more than 1,400 members today.

Karnis has volunteered with the Naples Senior Center since the beginning six years ago. She has served in almost every program that the center offers from the weekly Lunch and More to the Dementia Respite Support Program. The Volunteer of the Year Award is a new recognition by Naples Senior Center and was generously sponsored by Ray Harman.

“We are all impressed and grateful for the dedication that Dorrie has shown the Naples Senior Center, and we look forward to having her as a part of our family for many years to come,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of the Naples Senior Center. “I cannot think of a better recipient for our first annual Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Naples Senior Center provides critical programs and services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. All services 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 over 200 trained and vetted volunteers. Among the programs are a “Hot Lunch and More;” classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in computer science; physical health; and card games.

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.