Page 106 - Life In Naples Magazine December 2014 Edition
P. 106
Golden Gate
Senior Center
BACKGROUND
Thanks to the Women’s Philanthropic Network of The Community Foundation of
Collier County, we know that seniors are the neediest group and most underserved.
In 2010, Collier Senior Resources was founded. The Board of County Commissioners
generously leased the ‘old Golden Gate library’ as the home for the centrally located and
easily accessible senior center.
Collier Senior Resources in conjunction with the Leadership Coalition on
Aging have increased agency-to-agency communications to leverage resources and
reach clients.
GOLDEN GATE SENIOR CENTER
Collaboration is the critical success factor for Collier Senior Resources. Dozens
of individuals and organizations working together: donating funds, furniture, piano,
organ, computers and time to
renovate the original Golden
Gate library—a charming
Tatiana Fortune M.S.W., Program Director, building with stone siding
built in the 1970s–and
transform it to a spacious and
W However, we are remarkably lacking in caregivers and agencies.
e live in the wealthiest county in Florida.
welcoming place for seniors,
fundamental resources for seniors and
Teamwork. The Golden
those caring for a critically ill loved one or friend.
“Collier Senior Resources (CSR) has been working Gate Senior Center opened
in November with the
actively over the past four years to bring agencies County’s daily hot lunch
together and open the Golden Gate Senior Center program, Experience Works job placement and training for out-of-work, low-income
to meet the needs of seniors and caregivers to find seniors, and a weekly Meals of Hope food pantry for all in need.
answers and resources making each day easier.” states Collier Senior Resources has partnered with numerous organizations to provide
Jim Barton, Board Chair. programs, socialization and convenient access to agency personnel such as Catholic
For older adults on a modest fixed income in search Charities social services, Lion’s Club vision screening, Sheriff ’s Office, Veteran’s Services,
of fellowship, affordable enrichment, wellness services, transportation, Area Agency on Aging and many more.
continuing education as well as basic services, resources Educational seminars, support groups and events for older adults and caregivers will
are scarce. provide needed and valuable knowledge and resources. Since isolation and loneliness are
For older adults alone, social isolation has been significant problems, the Golden Gate senior center will offer arts, crafts, music, computer
linked to increased depression, declining mental and classes, exercise, gathering, recreational and developmental opportunities for seniors.
physical health, and an increased risk of dying. Tatiana Fortune M.S.W., Program Director, volunteers and staff are knowledgeable,
For caregivers in Collier County and those caring helpful and available to answer questions and find solutions. The Center will embrace a
from long distance, there is no one centralized local ‘no wrong door’ philosophy ensuring that anyone who visits will find the information and
place to gather information about resources and
resources needed; staff and volunteers will be fluent in English, Spanish and Creole.
services available for seniors. “I’m really looking forward to having a space for seniors to be comfortable and welcome
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, CSR Board member, and to access services that will help them enjoy a better quality of life,” Fortune said.
states, “The number one reason elderly people become
a victim is isolation. The Golden Gate Senior Center For more information, please call Golden Gate Senior Center: 239.252.4541, visit our
will go a long way in keeping seniors connected with website: www.CollierSeniorResources.org or stop by and visit at 4898 Coronado Parkway,
the community and each other.” Naples, FL
106 Life in Naples | December 2014
Senior Center
BACKGROUND
Thanks to the Women’s Philanthropic Network of The Community Foundation of
Collier County, we know that seniors are the neediest group and most underserved.
In 2010, Collier Senior Resources was founded. The Board of County Commissioners
generously leased the ‘old Golden Gate library’ as the home for the centrally located and
easily accessible senior center.
Collier Senior Resources in conjunction with the Leadership Coalition on
Aging have increased agency-to-agency communications to leverage resources and
reach clients.
GOLDEN GATE SENIOR CENTER
Collaboration is the critical success factor for Collier Senior Resources. Dozens
of individuals and organizations working together: donating funds, furniture, piano,
organ, computers and time to
renovate the original Golden
Gate library—a charming
Tatiana Fortune M.S.W., Program Director, building with stone siding
built in the 1970s–and
transform it to a spacious and
W However, we are remarkably lacking in caregivers and agencies.
e live in the wealthiest county in Florida.
welcoming place for seniors,
fundamental resources for seniors and
Teamwork. The Golden
those caring for a critically ill loved one or friend.
“Collier Senior Resources (CSR) has been working Gate Senior Center opened
in November with the
actively over the past four years to bring agencies County’s daily hot lunch
together and open the Golden Gate Senior Center program, Experience Works job placement and training for out-of-work, low-income
to meet the needs of seniors and caregivers to find seniors, and a weekly Meals of Hope food pantry for all in need.
answers and resources making each day easier.” states Collier Senior Resources has partnered with numerous organizations to provide
Jim Barton, Board Chair. programs, socialization and convenient access to agency personnel such as Catholic
For older adults on a modest fixed income in search Charities social services, Lion’s Club vision screening, Sheriff ’s Office, Veteran’s Services,
of fellowship, affordable enrichment, wellness services, transportation, Area Agency on Aging and many more.
continuing education as well as basic services, resources Educational seminars, support groups and events for older adults and caregivers will
are scarce. provide needed and valuable knowledge and resources. Since isolation and loneliness are
For older adults alone, social isolation has been significant problems, the Golden Gate senior center will offer arts, crafts, music, computer
linked to increased depression, declining mental and classes, exercise, gathering, recreational and developmental opportunities for seniors.
physical health, and an increased risk of dying. Tatiana Fortune M.S.W., Program Director, volunteers and staff are knowledgeable,
For caregivers in Collier County and those caring helpful and available to answer questions and find solutions. The Center will embrace a
from long distance, there is no one centralized local ‘no wrong door’ philosophy ensuring that anyone who visits will find the information and
place to gather information about resources and
resources needed; staff and volunteers will be fluent in English, Spanish and Creole.
services available for seniors. “I’m really looking forward to having a space for seniors to be comfortable and welcome
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, CSR Board member, and to access services that will help them enjoy a better quality of life,” Fortune said.
states, “The number one reason elderly people become
a victim is isolation. The Golden Gate Senior Center For more information, please call Golden Gate Senior Center: 239.252.4541, visit our
will go a long way in keeping seniors connected with website: www.CollierSeniorResources.org or stop by and visit at 4898 Coronado Parkway,
the community and each other.” Naples, FL
106 Life in Naples | December 2014
