Baker Senior Center Naples Adds Experienced Leaders to its Board of Trustees

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors and their families, announced that it has further broadened its experienced leadership with the recent appointment of supporters George Kraus and Stephen Pino to its Board of Trustees.

“The addition of these two well-respected individuals to our board adds to the depth of professional expertise and community support on our board,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “Their extensive backgrounds will ensure that Baker Senior Center remains the leading advocate for seniors in our community.”

Kraus is a retired businessman with more than 60 years of experience, most recently serving as co-founder of JBS Associates in Ringwood, New Jersey. Under his tenure, the organization provided service to 50,000 retail locations across the nation and insured $6 billion in guaranteed check transactions annually. Before that, he was the founder of Data Line Corp., which installed communication networks in retail environments nationwide.

Kraus also has extensive volunteer experience having served as founder or co-founder of charitable organizations supporting women’s and children’s causes like New Hour for Women & Children, Crossing Thresholds, Operation Linkup and Bridges to Community.

Pino also is a retired professional with many years of experience in the pharmaceuticals industry. Most recently, Pino served as Director of Market Development for Shire Pharmaceuticals, a specialty biopharmaceutical company originating in the United Kingdom and acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company in 2019. Before that, he held positions with Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Bausch and Lomb, and Merck & Co.

Since relocating to Southwest Florida, Pino has been actively involved as a Committee Member with both the Bonita Bay Community Association and Bonita Bay Club. He also has served on the board of Temple Shalom in Naples (currently as Financial Secretary) and the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, South Gulf Coast Chapter.

Baker Senior Center Naples 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 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 Structured Dementia Respite Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Geriatric Mental Health Counseling. There also is a “choice” Food Pantry to serve seniors in need of nutrition in a discreet and respectful manner.

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 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.

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