Since 2010, the Collier Senior Center has worked to fulfill its mission of serving and empowering older adults.
The nonprofit provides free programs and services for seniors, caregivers and others in need. It started out by offering a virtual resource directory and providing referrals and connections to vital services.
Its hub, the Golden Gate Senior Center, opened in November 2014, replacing the former Golden Gate Library.
The center has seen significant growth since its opening, now serving thousands of members. It operates Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services include:
The nonprofit was established by the Collier County Foundation and Women’s Philanthropic Network after a community needs assessment revealed alarming gaps in services, programs and support for the elderly. At the time, the county was the only one in Florida without any type of senior resource center, despite having one of the highest populations of adults over 65.
In addition to basic necessities, the senior center offers fellowship opportunities, enrichment activities, wellness services and continuing education.
Offerings include a Direct Assistance Program available to any county resident 60 years or older living within 175% of the federal poverty level, which provides one-time financial assistance, including help to pay for medical prescriptions, to cover rent or mortgage payments and to make utility payments. Funded in part by the Collier Community Foundation and Naples Woman’s Club, this program has served more than 1,180 adults to date.
An Upslide (Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in Elderly) program offers free counseling and a friends connection group. Funded by the Collier Community Foundation and Moorings Park Foundation, it has helped 165 seniors.
The senior center operates with a “no wrong door” philosophy — providing information and resources in three languages (English, Spanish and Creole).
“Collier Senior Center has been working actively to meet the ever-changing needs of Collier County seniors and caregivers to find answers and resources making each day easier,” stated Jim Barton, the charity’s board chairman.
Plans are underway to expand the current building, located at 4898 Coronado Parkway, to help meet the growing needs of seniors in the county. The current footprint is about 7,000 square feet.
On top of the money it gets from foundations, the senior center is funded by private donations, sponsorships and grants. A $300 donation provides one low-income senior an entire year of free services.
The nonprofit has earned Charity Navigator’s 4-Star Rating and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.
It operates one of two senior centers in Collier County.
“I’m proud to be part of Collier Senior Center at a time when our community, and especially our seniors, need the vital programs and services we offer. I look forward to working together with our supporters and partners to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community’s older population,” stated Esther Lully, the center’s director.
Recent data suggests that 11,000 to 11,400 Americans are now turning 65 every day.
Meanwhile, the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research projected that the state’s 65-plus population would increase by 82.5% between 2010 and 2040.
By 2030, estimates show some 38% of Collier County’s population could be over 65.
The county’s second senior center, known as the Baker Senior Center, located in North Naples, relocated to a 30,000-square-foot building in 2023 to accommodate more than 1,700 members and make room for a growing elderly population. It’s operated by a different charity, established in January 2014.
Laura Layden is a senior business and government reporter. You can reach her by emailing laura.layden@naplesnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier Senior Center plans expansion to meet growing needs
Reporting by Laura Layden, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
