Baker Senior Center Naples names Heithoff its new board chair

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties, announced the appointment of Karen S. Heithoff as its new board chair.

Heithoff is an active community leader and a strong arts advocate in Naples and Minneapolis. A seasonal resident of Minnesota, Heithoff was the owner of a fashion design store there for more than two decades. Her entrepreneurial spirit, strategic acumen and commitment to community engagement are evident in her leadership style.

In addition to being a board member of Baker Senior Center Naples, Heithoff has served on the boards of several other non-profit organizations, including Artis-Naples and The Baker Museum in Naples and Midway Contemporary Art and Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Beyond her professional endeavors, Heithoff is an avid art collector and an advocate for encouraging others to enjoy and appreciate artistic expression.

“We are thrilled to name Karen as our next non-profit board chair. She brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to this leadership role,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “Karen also is passionate about advancing our mission and serving the needs of older adults and their families in our community.”

Baker Senior Center Naples provides “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. 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.