Baker Senior Center Naples Receives $50,000 Grant from Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors living in Collier and southern Lee counties, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to help support the senior center’s popular “Lunch & More” program.

“Lunch & More” provides a weekly hot, healthy and balanced meal followed by entertainment so adults 60 years of age and older have the opportunity to socialize, stay active and learn. The program is one of the most popular programs to help seniors combat loneliness and isolation with more than 10,000 meals served by the center annually. With the opening of the larger Baker Senior Center building early this year, it is anticipated that number will increase by 25 percent, rising to more than 13,000 meals annually.

“We are very grateful to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for their continued support of seniors in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “Our Lunch & More program is central to our mission of providing confidence, connection and support to seniors living in Collier and southern Lee counties. Providing a tasty, hot meal that considers the dietary needs of seniors also can help improve their overall wellbeing, increase mental alertness and boost immunity.”

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder Dick Schulze to “support transformational change for the benefit of mankind.” The Foundation has consistently directed its primary efforts and resources toward matters of importance in human and social services, education, and health and medicine with a geographic emphasis on the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and Collier and Lee counties.

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.