Senior programs continue

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

I had to double-check to make sure the month was correct. April? Already? Spring? Passover? Time certainly flies…

Passover and Easter

This year, Naples Senior Center will deliver 21 “Seder-in-a-Box” packages to our seniors who celebrate Passover and 19 “Easter-in-a-Basket” packages to those who celebrate Easter. We are grateful to our community supporters who helped us make this annual holiday project happen! With the cost of food (and everything else) skyrocketing, purchasing the products for Passover and Easter, while experiencing food insecurity, is extremely challenging.

Food pantry

And speaking of food, we recently welcomed Lisa Jordan to our team as food pantry coordinator. Lisa has a background in food service and has come up with some very interesting enhancements for our program. For example, most recently, she included a recipe with the food delivery, creatively using the products delivered to make a healthy soup. Looking ahead, I know we will see more enhancements from her.

Building progress

The new Naples Senior Center building is progressing nicely and, at this point, is a bit ahead of schedule. Sidewalks are in, first floor walls are up, and it won’t be long now before we are looking at the shell of our two-story, 30,000-square-foot building. Remember, if anyone wants a hard hat tour, just let me know. It is a pleasure to show off all that is happening on the site!

Programs

Our programs and services here on Castello Drive are keeping our seniors engaged through programs like Drum Circle, Tai Chi, travelogues and a recent trip by our “Guy Time” members to the REVS Institute. A trip to The Baker Museum to see the baseball exhibit will happen soon.

Dementia respite is currently offered five days a week here in Naples and one day a week on Marco Island. We are planning to open another group here in Naples in the very near future. Our caregiver support group meets weekly and certainly serves a need.

Unfortunately, three of our Holocaust survivors recently passed away, and the others are becoming frailer, with increasing needs. We are grateful to Federation for funding our Holocaust survivor program, enabling our geriatric case managers to respond with services and care at this stage in their lives.

Best wishes to all for a sweet and safe Passover.