Charlie McDonald Photography (© Charlie McDonald Photography)
JFCSChallengeGrantrelease
JFCS of Southwest Florida’s annual fund-raising event, An Evening for Better Tomorrows, on January 14 featured a major announcement that JFCS has received a $1 million challenge grant from philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker and the Brookdale Foundation Group. Before the event ended, a second big announcement was made that, with the unanimous support of JFCS board members and the evening’s guests, the challenge has been met. Chaired by Judith and Edward Anchel, the fifth annual JFCS fund-raising event delivered an exciting and memorable evening for all.
According to Brookdale Foundation Group President Stephen L. Schwartz, “JFCS is rapidly becoming known as Southwest Florida’s central address for senior services and leadership in education on senior issues. It is the great honor of the Brookdale Foundation to join with Jay and Patty Baker in providing this challenge grant to support and further the great work being done by JFCS in our community.”
JFCS President/CEO Dr. Jaclynn Faffer pointed out that, “Even in paradise, there are seniors suffering from loneliness, financial distress and hunger. JFCS thanks the Bakers and Brookdale Foundation for providing this generous challenge grant that has inspired others to come forward. These funds assure that JFCS will continue providing services that support and strengthen individuals of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs — often when they are in crisis and experiencing times of great personal vulnerability.
JFCS is a nonsectarian 501(c)(3), not-for-profit human services organization with the mission to empower individuals and families by giving them tools to address life’s challenges. In 2011, the JFCS board of trustees identified an immense gap in services for Southwest Florida seniors, and went to work to do something about it. The Naples Senior Center — the first in Collier County — opened in 2014, and immediately had 80 members. Today there are more than 1,100 members who participate in activities including art classes, discussion groups, weekly “Lunch & More” program as well as on site social services.
The Naples Senior Center fills a significant void in the lives of seniors facing the challenges of aging. More than 60 percent of the Naples Senior Center members live alone but overcome isolation by gathering here to share a weekly hot lunch, music, movies, classes and wellness programs. Today, JFCS provides a full range of services to this previously underserved segment of the community, including a dementia respite program that is affiliated with the renowned Brookdale Foundation National Group Respite Program, JFCS Food Pantry, mental health counseling, geriatric case management and more.
JFCS and the Naples Senior Center are located at 5025 Castello Drive in Naples. For information, visit www.jfcsswfl.org.
Photography below by Charlie McDonald Photography