JFCS is honored to have received a grant from the Moorings Park Foundation in the amount of $49,420 to provide staffing and supplies to enhance the art therapy component of its dementia respite program through Naples Senior Center at JFCS.
JFCS currently offers eight structured respite groups weekly for men and women age 60 or older with a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The program provides socialization, wellness and creative arts therapies with a holistic approach to everyday living and challenges using activities that focus on connection when primary verbal communication and interaction abilities are altered.
Art can be used to assess cognitive ability in individuals with dementia, while creating art is an activity that stimulates the whole brain. A certified art therapist develops art experiences to help trigger short and long-term memory, decrease agitation, manage behavior, enhance reality orientation, reduce anxiety, strengthen communication and increase self-esteem.
JFCS has seen many members of its dementia respite groups make astonishing connections in memory, concentration and interpersonal engagement through its existing art therapy efforts. The Mooring Park Foundation grant will help the organization respond to growing demand for dementia respite services and continue to build on the positive outcomes it has enjoyed.
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, president and CEO of JFCS, said, “Through art therapy we are able to observe individuals recalling past memories and also small moments when men and women regain a spark that hasn’t been accessible to them for a long time. We have many stories from caregivers who notice a marked, positive change in their loved ones following a session. We are grateful to the Moorings Park Foundation for helping us grow this complementary therapy program.”
JFCS was one of five organizations that support seniors in Collier County to receive grants totaling nearly $200,000. Dan Lavender, president and CEO of Moorings Park, said, “Naples Senior Center at JFCS performs a wonderful service for seniors in our community and we are very pleased to be able to support such a deserving organization, particularly with its program to assist those with dementia.”
The Southwest Florida community will have an opportunity to support all of JFCS and Naples Senior Center’s important work during the sixth annual Evening for Better Tomorrows, 6-11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Club Pelican Bay, 707 Gulf Park Drive in Naples. “A Night of Motown Magic” is the theme of this signature fundraiser. Tickets are $375 per person and include cocktails, dinner and dancing. Sponsorships are available. For more information, call (239) 325-4444.
