Baker Senior Center Naples Awarded Grant from Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation to expand its “Choice” Food Pantry program, offering more fresh food choices and serving more seniors in need.

Baker Senior Center Naples moved into its new permanent home in January 2023 with its food pantry more than double its previous size. The program supplies items customized to seniors, including low sodium, sugar-free foods; non-canned goods; high protein drink supplements; healthy fats; microwave-ready healthy food; and even personal hygiene and incontinence products, most of which are not found at traditional food banks.

“We are grateful to the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation for their support of older adults in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “Over 33 percent of Collier County seniors live at or below the federal poverty level and are food insecure, and record-level inflation has further diminished their food purchasing power. This funding will help ensure that seniors can access the nutritional food and personal supplies needed to support their unique medical and physical needs.”

Guided by the belief in the inherent dignity of all persons, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation works to meet the basic human needs of the most marginalized members of the human family, including socioeconomically disadvantaged youth; the aged; persons with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities; and those with the fewest material resources. It was founded in 1990 by Master Builder and philanthropist William J. Pulte.

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 Cognitive Health Services, including Dementia Respite Groups and Caregiver 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.bakerseniorcenternaples.org.