Baker Senior Center Naples Awarded Grant from Collier Community Foundation

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation to support its weekly Brain Joggers classes for older adults with early memory loss and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Brain Joggers offers an opportunity for individuals with MCI or similar circumstances the chance to share practical advice and coping skills as well as to discuss feelings, concerns and frustrations. The objectives are to stimulate thinking and memory; help maintain physical functioning; teach language skills and memory techniques; and socialization.

MCI is not considered dementia, but roughly 10 to 15 percent of people with MCI may develop dementia each year. Studies conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association have shown that early intervention and proactive management of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers.

“We are grateful to the Collier Community Foundation for their continued support of older adults in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “While currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, programs like Brain Joggers offer an opportunity to better manage the disease and possibly slow progression.”

Seniors diagnosed with MCI experience a notable decline in at least one area of thinking skills, such as memory, that is greater than the standard memory changes caused by aging, but less than those of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment does not prevent a person from performing everyday tasks or enjoying social engagement. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that roughly 15 to 20 percent of people over age 65 may have MCI.

The Collier Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, public, charitable foundation, established in 1985 to increase private philanthropy in Collier County. It awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the “Changing Needs Fund,” which is made up of donors who believe in the Foundation’s ability to identify and grant to the community’s most current needs.

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 Mental Health Counseling 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 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.