Baker Senior Center Naples Receives $60,000 Grant from Moorings Park Foundation

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors, has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Moorings Park Foundation to grow the number of 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 Moorings Park Foundation for their continued support of older adults in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Naples Senior Center. “While currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, programs like Brain Joggers offer an opportunity to better manage the disease and potentially 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 Moorings Park Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(C)(3) organization that receives tax deductible contributions to support selected non-profit agencies with a primary emphasis on providing services to the elderly, including affordable housing. Its Grants Committee is comprised of residents who carefully review all applications and select recipients that will have the greatest impact on the local senior population of adults ages 65 and up.

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.