Baker Senior CenterNaples Honors Jim Sernovitz as its sixth Annual Volunteer of the Year

Jim Sernovitz - Volunteer of the Year

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Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for seniors and their families in Collier and southern Lee counties, has named Jim Sernovitz as its sixth annual Volunteer of the Year.

The award was presented during Baker Senior Center Naples’ 13th Annual “Evening for Better Tomorrows” fundraising event earlier this year at a private country club in Naples.

“Jim has been a part of the center’s heart of soul for many years, enriching the lives of our members through his creativity, humor and dedication,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “We are privileged to celebrate Jim for his passion for volunteering and many extraordinary contributions to our organization.”

Sernovitz began his volunteer services by sharing his love of travel through his Travelogues, which have become so popular that Baker Senior Center Naples has to dedicate an entire room to them. These monthly programs take members to exotic places that most can hardly imagine, including Turkey, Taiwan, Tanzania and West Africa.

Sernovitz also volunteers twice a week as an instructor of the Drum Circle program, which provides mental and physical health benefits for countless seniors. Through his leadership, the Drum Circle has become a space of joy and togetherness, creating a community that feels like family. Outside of the center, Sernovitz shows unwavering support as a tour boat captain, Florida Master Naturalist and pickleball enthusiast.

Baker Senior Center Naples is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include Structured Dementia Respite Support, Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs, and Geriatric Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 200 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film, brain fitness and educational seminars, courses in technology and computer science, physical well-being, and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of background and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community.

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit BakerSeniorCenterNaples.org.