© Charlie McDonald Photography
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“Even in paradise, there are seniors suffering from loneliness, financial distress and hunger,” JFCS President/CEO Dr. Jaclynn Faffer said. The sunshine state has a large population of seniors that need help. That’s where Naples Senior Center at JFCS steps in. Between its supportive board, community network and successful fundraisers, Naples Senior Center at JFCS has grown its services to help more seniors every day.
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.
To support the organization and continue to expand services, Naples Senior Center at JFCS hosts An Evening for Better Tomorrows gala annually. Guests at the 2017 gala were treated to an announcement that the event raised more than $2 million for JFCS between a $1 million grant challenge from local philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker in partnership with the Brookdale Foundation Group, plus the unanimous support of JFCS board members and the evening’s guests.
This year’s gala theme is A Night of Motown Magic featuring the Shadows of the 60’s, paying tribute to the legacy of the Four Tops, Temptations and Supremes. Founder and creator Dave Revels was a member of the Drifters and is currently the lead singer of The Persuasions. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing.
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.
Today, JFCS provides a full range of services 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. For ticket and sponsorship information for An Evening for Better Tomorrows, please call 239-325-4444.