Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Bentley Village Foundation, Inc. to help provide staffing and supplies to enhance the senior center’s Creative Arts Program.
The Creative Arts Program offers adults 60 years of age and older with an opportunity to socialize, stay active and learn. A wide variety of stimulating arts programs and classes are currently provided each week, including instruction in needlepoint, acrylic art, watercolors, arts and crafts, imaginative art, creative holiday cards and origami.
“Our Creative Arts Program is one of many social activities that help older adults combat isolation and loneliness, while fostering creativity and providing entertainment,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “We are very grateful to the Bentley Village Foundation for their continued support of seniors in our community.”
Founded in 2016, the Bentley Village Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of residents, employees and others within Collier County and Southwest Florida and to enhance their cultural, intellectual, emotional, and/or physical well-being through philanthropic programs and educational scholarships.
The Bentley Village Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation funded primarily through donations by residents of Vi at Bentley Village. The foundation currently has $1.7 million in assets and operates in partnership with the Collier Community Foundation.
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 Emotional Support Services 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.
