Assisting vulnerable seniors

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

The calendar reads “June 1.” As I am writing this, I am reminded of the many things June 1st meant to me when I lived “up north.” Among them, school would soon be ending, pools and beaches would soon be opening and, for those of us who are fashionistas, we could now wear white!

However, in Florida, June 1st means something quite different … the start of hurricane season. Weather forecasters are having a wonderful time predicting whether or not the season will be better, the same or worse than last year. I know we are all on the same page in hoping that it will be better.

Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) has always taken the lead in disaster relief, and we are grateful to the Federation for supporting us in our efforts. I am reminded of our role with the pandemic and Hurricanes Irma and Ian. While we hope this will be a quiet hurricane season, we want to remind everyone that, should disaster strike, we are here to help.

If you know of vulnerable seniors who are living alone or with partners who are vulnerable, with their permission, please let us know. We will add them to our list of seniors who will need hurricane supplies, assistance with evacuation and on-the-ground help after the event. Our Geriatric Case Management staff members are often the first to respond after the storm, delivering food, water and other supplies.

After Hurricane Ian, we formed a partnership with Collier Community Foundation and received $1 million to replace five mobile homes in Moorhead Manor that were destroyed by the surge. To qualify, the home had to be the senior’s full-time residence. As we do with all situations requiring financial assistance, we did a careful review of finances to ensure that we were appropriately stewarding the community’s dollars. I am so proud to share that the first home closed mid-June.

Shifting to happier thoughts, please circle Jan. 13, 2024 on your calendars for our 12th annual Evening for Better Tomorrows, BSCN’s signature fundraising event. I promise it will be a magical evening!

Best wishes for a healthy, safe and calm summer.