Senior center adds mental health counseling program

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

I hope everyone is managing well during this very hot summer.

Naples Senior Center has added a new program — Mental Health Counseling. Actually, it’s not exactly a new program. When I first arrived, it was one of two programs offered by our predecessor agency, the second one being the food pantry. Over the years, the call for mental health services diminished and we ended the program. In recent months, we received requests from seniors in our community for counseling. Just as there was a gap for senior center services, there is a gap in available, affordable mental health counseling for seniors.

This service is offered to anyone over age 60 who might be struggling with depression, anxiety or concerns about “life cycle issues,” such as grief and loss, family challenges of an emotional nature and the onset of illness in oneself or a loved one. Counseling is provided by licensed clinical social workers who have an expertise in working with older adults and their concerns. Right now, all services are offered on a sliding scale, based on ability to pay and we are in the process of becoming Medicare providers.

If you are interested in making an appointment or you have questions, please call Geri Poletti, here at NSC, at 239-325-4444.

The team involved with building the new Naples Senior Center continues to make great strides, with a completion date scheduled for November. Visit our website, naplesseniorcenter.org, to see our progress. If you have any questions about the project, please give me a call at 239-325-4444 or email me at jfaffer@ naplesseniorcenter.org.

Plans are solidifying for our 11th annual Evening for Better Tomorrows. This year’s theme is “An Enchanted Evening—Celebrating our Future” Circle Jan. 14, 2023 on your calendars. We will be dining and dancing at Royal Poinciana Golf Club. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Director of Development Operations Chloe Goldstein at 239-325-4444 or cgoldstein@ naplesseniorcenter.org.

All of us at Naples Senior Center wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

“AN ENCHANTED EVENING—CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE”

Jan. 14, 2023 • 5:30 p.m. Royal Poinciana Golf Club

For more information, contact Director of Development Operations Chloe Goldstein at 239-325-4444 or cgoldstein@naplesseniorcenter.org.