Volume 15, Number 3
NEWS
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Golden Gate Senior Center
Naples - When the Golden Gate Senior Center
opened in November 2014, life dramatically
changed for Tony and Dee Plane. Living on a fixed
income, they were limited in what they could
do each day and what access they had to others
beyond their immediate neighbors.
Fall 2015
Inside This Issue
Catholic Charities
Counseling Services
3
Today, the Planes are among more than 100 active
seniors who go to the center where they know
Tony and Dee Plane are regulars at
there will always be friendly faces to greet them,
the Golden Gate Senior Center.
a hot lunch if they need or want it, and plenty of
fun activities to keep them smiling and feeling young all over again.
Catholic Charities
Foundation
3
Senior Support
4
Remembrance for
all souls’ day
4
The Golden Gate Senior Center is joint effort of Collier Senior Resources and Catholic
Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Collier County. This collaborative program is
located in the former Golden Gate Library and offers a bright environment where
seniors can gather and be reenergized.
volunteer
Opportunities
5
Upcoming Event
5
Wish List
6
CEO’s Corner
7
Thank You
8
Save the Date
8
One of the key programs the center provides is a nutritious hot meal for more than
60 people each weekday. This free meal may not seem like much to some, but it
makes a big difference when a senior on a fixed income must choose between
needed medication and food. Additionally, there is the Meals for Hope Food Pantry
which helps about 120 additional families a week.
As important as the food programs are, the Golden Gate Senior Center is so much
more. On any given day there are activities to keep even the most ambitious busy.
From a sewing group or exercise class to bingo or dominoes, the seniors are engaged.
On other days, there are offerings for computer training or English as a Second
Language along with financial literacy, employment assistance, health screenings,
birthday parties and much more. Recently, the center hosted a luau which included
(Senior Center continued on page 2 )
entertainers who provided song and dance.
Highest distinction awarded
Venice - The leading charity evaluator in America
designated Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. as
“exceptional” and awarded the agency their coveted
and highest four-star rating for sound fiscal
management and commitment to accountability and
transparency. Charity Navigator highlights efficient,
ethical and open charities to provide
donors with essential information
needed to give them greater
confidence in the charitable choices
Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop
they make. This is the 12th time Catholic Charities has
earned this top distinction in the last 14 years.
“Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates
that your organization adheres to good governance
and other best practices that minimize the chance
of unethical activities and consistently executes its
mission in a fiscally responsible way,” stated John P.
Dugan, Founder and Chairman of
the Board of Charity Navigator in a
letter to Catholic Charities.
(Four-Star continued on page 2 )
Page 2
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www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Page 3
Collier County
Counseling Services
Seniors participate in a luau at the center.
We Can Help!
A free hot meal is provided at the center each weekday.
(Senior Center continued from page 1 )
On-site referral services are available to ensure seniors
are receiving financial and medical benefits along
with many support groups. A new effort began this
summer with Catholic Charities coordinating a six-week
mentoring program, where teens are brought in and
paired with seniors.
The Golden Gate Senior Center Program Director
Tatiana Fortune said each of these programs, and the
entire concept of the center is a wonderful example of a
number of community agencies coming together to help
seniors in need.
“There was a clear need for the seniors in Golden
Gate,” Fortune explained. “Different non-profit service
agencies got together and created a wonderful program
which is geared toward providing assistance for low
to moderate income seniors. That assistance comes in
many forms.”
With all of the community partners and the support of
donors large and small, there is always more that can
be done, Fortune explained. “Our biggest challenge now
is making sure we don’t have anyone on our wait list
for services. We are limited in what we can do by the
funding we receive. This is offset by the volunteers who
help us each day but this only goes so far.”
There are 40 regular volunteers who help with the daily
activities and run several of the classes and programs,
including serving hot meals, working in the food pantry
or just sitting and talking with the seniors. “Right now
we are trying to create an atmosphere where those who
come here feel right at home,” Fortune said. “There is so
much potential for more and I know everyone will come
together to make it happen.”
The center is bright and uplifting, giving everyone a
positive feel when they enter. A garden was recently
built with donations from the Naples Botanical Garden,
and it will soon have a fountain at its center, providing a
peaceful and relaxing outdoor spot for those who seek
some quiet.
Fortune explained that everything in the Golden
Gate Senior Center was done with the goal in mind
of helping combat the isolation many seniors feel in
the community. “We worked hard to develop a positive
environment where the guests feel comfortable and can
be active in ways they thought were long past,” she said.
Tony and Dee Plane have been married for 65 years and
explained that they never thought their senior years
would be so active. “This is a wonderful place. We love
it here,” Dee Plane said. “There is so much to do and
everyone is so pleasant and sweet. It is our home away
from home.”
The Golden Gate Senior Center is located at 4898
Coronado Parkway in Naples, and is open Monday to
Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information
please visit www.CollierSeniorResources.org or
call Tatiana Fortune at 239-252-4534.
(Four-Star continued from page 1 )
“Catholic Charities is vigilant in its efforts to properly administer the hard-earned
dollars of our donors,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of
Venice, Inc. “This positive assessment of our fiscal health should provide our patrons
assurance in our ability to manage their charitable gifts.”
The four-star review of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. is available on the
Charity Navigator web site at www.charitynavigator.org.
•Are you struggling with anxiety or depression?
•Do you feel you are at an impasse in your life?
•Could you use help taking steps toward a healthier,
more balanced life?
•Are your children struggling with emotional or
behavioral problems?
We serve all in need regardless of race,
nationality or creed. Licensed and bilingual
therapists are available to assist you. A
bilingual psychologist who specializes in
therapy for children also is available.
Fees are based on a sliding scale and
some insurance plans are accepted.
Catholic Charities has served the Collier County community for over 40 years.
All services are by appointment. Please call (239) 455-2655. We are located at 2210 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, FL 34116.
DO YOU HAVE A WILL?
Without a will that is valid in Florida, you are at the
mercy of the court system as to how your estate, small
or large, will be distributed. The State of Florida has
a rigid set of rules, called the laws of descent and
distribution, that apply to everyone.
You need to be certain that your will is valid according
to the laws of the State of Florida. Only an attorney can
accurately determine this for you.
Will Worksheets from the Good Samaritan Guild
can help you prepare the information an attorney will
require in order to help you write a valid will.
Fill in the coupon and we will mail you a set of our
Will Worksheets or visit www.ccfdnswfl.org and
download them.
MASS CARDS
Congratulate, celebrate, or honor a friend or family
member with the Good Samaritan Guild Mass Cards. We
will send two free samples of our beautifully crafted
Good Samaritan Mass Cards that can be used for any
occasion where a spiritual gift is appropriate.
To learn more about the Catholic Charities Foundation,
please visit www.ccfdnswfl.org.
The Good Samaritan Guild
Please enclose $1.00 to help with postage.
Name_______________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City/State/Zip________________________________________
Phone______________________________________________
Email_______________________________________________
¨Will worksheets
¨Mass Cards
Please mail to:
FOUNDATION
5824 Bee Ridge Rd., PMB 409
Sarasota, FL 34233-5065
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Page 4
Knights fill wish list
and support seniors
Volunteer
Fort Myers - Outreach efforts from the Knights of
Columbus in the Diocese of Venice has made a big
difference in the lives of six seniors who are now
direct beneficiaries of their benevolence. They received
new wheelchairs.
Responding to the Wish List in a previous edition of this
newsletter, a group of Knights coordinated the effort
to get the wheelchairs delivered to the Senior Support
Program of Catholic Charities. The wheelchairs will offer
the seniors a measure of independence, according to
Program Director Alice Del Valle.
“This is such a tremendous gift,” Del Valle said. “There
are many things people take for granted and mobility is
one of them. These wheelchairs will go to great use for
people who desperately need them.”
The Knights tapped into the little-known Global
Wheelchair Mission of the Knights of Columbus. This
effort started in 2003, and included the purchase of
wheelchairs in bulk and delivers them by sea containers
around the world, explained Diocesan Knights of
Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
The Positive Youth Development Program
of Catholic Charities is in need of volunteers for after school
tutoring for elementary students. For more information
contact Lindsay Kukurelo in Bonita Springs at lkukurelo@
ccslee.org or 239-390-2928 or contact Rosemarie Paul-Louis
in Fort Myers at [email protected] or 239-334-2234.
Knights of Columbus Special Projects Coordinator Walter Howell Jr. (left
to right), Knight J.R. Trentini, Knights of Columbus District Director
Robert Murrah, and Chaplain for the Knight of Columbus Father Bob
Kantor deliver wheelchairs to Senior Support Services of Catholic
Charities Program Director Alice Del Valle (center).
Columbus Special Projects Coordinator Walter Howell Jr.
A container is stored on the East Coast of Florida and is
designated for use by Knights across the state.
Father Bob Kantor, Diocese of Venice Knights of
Columbus Chaplain, helped deliver the wheelchairs to
Remembrance for All Souls’ Day
The Catholic Charities Foundation Good Samaritan Guild has requested the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles
to celebrate Masses on All Souls’ Day for the souls of our departed loved ones and friends. The Guild wants to
include each of your loved ones and friends in the special intentions of these All Souls’ Day Masses. No gift is
required. Please write the names of those you wish to have remembered and mail it in the enclosed envelope
or to the address listed in the coupon below.
Please remember the deceased friends and loved ones listed below.
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Name_______________________________________________ Email__________________________________________
Address_______________________________________ City_____________________ State_________ Zip__________
FOUNDATION
5824 Bee Ridge Rd., PMB 409
Sarasota, FL 34233-5065
Opportunities
Catholic Charities depends upon the work of volunteers to serve people in need
Volunteer
in Southwest Florida. The following
is a list of volunteer opportunities.
(Senior Support continued on page 8 )
Please mail to:
Page 5
Bradenton
The Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention Program
of Catholic Charities is looking for a volunteer to assist with
clerical work such as data entry for four hours per week.
Volunteers are also needed two to four times per month to
assist with the First Time Home Buyers Class. Volunteers will
be registering clients, as well as organizing, collecting and
ensuring the completeness of client paperwork. For more
information, please contact Marisa Pufta at
[email protected] or 941-355-4680, ext. 305.
Fort Myers
AFCAAM of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to
work at the front desk as greeters for the after school youth
programs on Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. For
more information contact Roseann Albertario at
[email protected] or 239-461-0233, ext. 201.
Venice
Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities is looking for
volunteers to assist the teachers in the Head Start classrooms
with feeding and playing with the children that reside at the
program. Both male and female volunteers are welcome as
well as students looking for community service hours. Head
Start is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Volunteers work a two to three
hour shift at their convenience. For more information contact
Joyce Scott at [email protected] or 941-485-6264, ext. 101.
Upcoming event
Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 2 p.m.
Venice Performing Arts Center
Billy Joel and Elton John
Two tribute Bands one Amazing show
Naples
The Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities is looking for
volunteers to teach English for Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL) on a weekly basis. For more information contact
Allegra Belliard at [email protected]
or 239-793-0059.
The Refugee Youth Services of Catholic Charities is in need
of volunteers for after school tutoring for middle and high
school students. For more information please contact Sharon
Kirkpatrick at [email protected]
or 239-455-0520.
Sarasota
Bethesda House of Catholic Charities is looking for a
volunteer to unload the food delivery truck every Tuesday
from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Also needed are volunteers to work in
the clothes closet Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.
organizing clothes and household items and assisting clients.
There also are openings for kitchen monitors to converse with
clients and occasionally cook a meal. For more information
please contact Kevin McKenney at [email protected]
or 941-366-1886.
St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities
has opportunities for volunteers to assist teachers in the
classroom with meal time, read to the children, and engage
in individual and small group activities. Volunteers are also
needed to monitor children during playground time as
well. For more information, please contact Marisa Pufta at
[email protected] or 941-355-4680, ext. 305.
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Tickets are $25 and $35 a person including fees and taxes.
Tickets available at
www.veniceperformingartscenter.com
or at the door the day of the show.
Sponsored by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.
and the Knights of Columbus.
Proceeds from the Sugar Bowl Show of Shows will go directly to local families in
the community that are experiencing a financial crisis. Catholic Charities and the
Knights of Columbus serve all in need regardless of race, nationality or creed.
Media Sponsor
Page 6
Wish
List
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
CEO’S Corner
We are always in need of basic items for our Catholic Charities programs and
services. Your support helps us to provide our clients quality assistance.
We appreciate any help you can give!
Arcadia
Catholic Charities of Desoto County
Call Andy at 863-494-1068
•Craft supplies and portable crib.
•Children’s clothing, underwear and socks size 3T through 14.
•Men’s underwear and socks size small.
Bonita Springs
Catholic Charities of Bonita Springs
Call Matthew at 239-390-2928
•Non perishable food such as can fruit and vegetables and
meats, macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce, peanut butter
and jelly, and soup.
•Baby diapers size 1, 2 and 3.
•Laptop computer and six matching chairs.
•Arts and crafts and indoor games.
Fort Myers
AFCAAM of Catholic Charities
Call Pam at 239-461-0233
•Board games for elementary school students.
Infant and Toddler Supply Program of Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•Baby diapers and new clothes for newborn to size 5.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
of Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•Small folding table and folding chair.
•Heavy duty extension cord and small mop.
•One gallon zip storage bags.
•Travel size and full size personal care items such as
shampoo, body wash, body lotion, deodorant, bar soap, tooth
paste and tooth brushes, shaving cream and razors, and
facial tissue.
Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program
of Catholic Charities
Call Matthew at 239-334-2234
•Children’s clothing size 4T and 5T and shoes size 12 and 13.
•School supplies, back packs, and children’s personal care
items such as toothpaste and tooth brushes, shampoo and
conditioner, and body wash.
•Children’s books, toys, and bicycles with training wheels.
•Women’s clothing size small and medium, shoes size 6 to 10,
and purses.
•Women’s personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner,
body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes,
hair ties, feminine products, and hairspray.
•Sofa, coffee table, dining table and chairs, standing lamp,
and dresser.
•Men’s clothing size small and medium and
shoes size 6 to 9.
•Men’s personal care items such as shampoo,
conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste
and tooth brushes, shaving cream and razors.
•Gift cards from Publix, Walmart and Winn-Dixie.
Senior Support Coordination Program of Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•Personal care items in full size such as adult diapers,
shampoo, body wash, body lotion, deodorant, bar soap, tooth
paste and tooth brushes, and laundry soap.
•Non perishable food such as can fruit and vegetables, pasta
and sauce, peanut butter, cereal, can tuna, and rice.
•Movie tickets/gift cards to the Regal Cinema.
Naples
Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities
Call Allegra at 239-793-0059
•Folding tables, white board, and lobby chairs.
•Flowers, plants, soil and mulch.
•Sleeping bags, blankets, flashlights, and polyester
cooling towels.
Golden Gate Senior Center
Call Tatiana at 239-252-4534
•Sponsorships for birthday parties, coffee bar, Bingo prizes,
arts and crafts, Christmas party, volunteer appreciation, and
day trips for seniors.
North Port
Catholic Charities Family Haven
Call Cynthia at 941-564-8637
•Baby diapers and wipes.
•Gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations.
Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Charities
Call Yuri at 941-564-8738
•New color printers.
Sarasota
St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities
Call Jamie at 941-366-1395
•Wagons and art supplies.
•Children’s clothing size 4 to 6.
Bethesda House of Catholic Charities
Call Kevin at 941-366-1886
•Non perishable food such as can fruits and vegetables and
meats, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, noodles, pork and
beans, and condiments.
Venice
Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities
Call Joyce at 941-485-6264
•Baby diapers size 5 and 6.
•Laundry detergent, hair conditioner, tall trash can bags,
and multi-purpose cleaning products.
Click
C
&G
ive
Click & Give
Rather shop online?
Just visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
and click on the Click and Give logo to
see our wish lists. Your gift will have an
immediate impact for those who
need it most!
Page 7
1000 Pinebrook Road • Venice, FL 34285
(941) 488-5581 • (941) 484-9543
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesDioceseOfVenice
Service Locations
Arcadia (2 locations)
Boca Grande
Bonita Springs
Bradenton
Clewiston
Fort Myers (3 locations)
Highlands and Glades Counties
Immokalee (2 locations)
Naples (2 locations)
North Port (2 locations)
Palmetto (2 locations)
Port Charlotte
Sarasota (7 locations)
Venice (3 locations)
Wauchula
Programs & Services
Affordable Housing
After-School Program
After-School Reading Program
After-School Tutoring Program
Casework Services/Needs Assessment
Citizenship Classes
Clothing Bank
Counseling Services
Day Care Center
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Distribution of FEMA Funds
DUI Groups
Early Learning Center
English Classes
Farm Worker Housing
Financial Assistance
First Time Homebuyer Class
Food Assistance
Food Pantry
Food Stamps/Medicaid Applications
HIV/AIDS Housing
HIV/AIDS Support Services
Homeless Shelter for Families and Children
Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention
Human Trafficking Program
Immigration Services
Infant/Toddler Supplies
Residential Program for Mothers and Children
Refugee Services
Refugee Youth Program
Senior Services
Soup Kitchen
Summer Youth Program
Tutoring
Veterans Housing
Youth Mentoring Programs
We have hundreds of special
people that are so critical
to the efficient operation of
Catholic Charities, Diocese
of Venice, Inc. They are our
volunteers and they afford
us the ability to do more for
our clients.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who inspire us
by giving time to those who are less fortunate.
Without your commitment to helping our programs
and services, fundraisers, boards and committees,
we would not be able to offer quality assistance
to the poor and at risk in our communities of
Southwest Florida. You are an integral part of our
mission to serve all in need regardless of race,
nationality or creed.
In the coming months, Catholic Charities will have
several happenings held throughout the diocese that
directly support our work. The proceeds from these
fundraisers are vital and provide us the capacity
to serve those who come to Catholic Charities
requesting help.
We invite anyone interested in contributing their
time and talent to Catholic Charities to contact us.
We are always in need of volunteers, especially for
our fundraising events. Please consider being a
Catholic Charities volunteer. Your generosity will be
much appreciated.
May the good Lord bless you,
Peter Routsis-Arroyo, Chief Executive Officer
Donate your car to
Catholic Charities!
Call 855-840-4483 or Visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Page 8
Your contribution allows us to grow
our commitment of fulfilling the
very basic needs of food, shelter,
education, housing and support.
Your gift will make
a positive impact!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
FT Myers, FL
Permit No. 184
Thank You for Your Generosity
Planting the seeds for good deeds!
P.O. Box 2116
Venice, FL 34284-2116
Catholic Charities serves the poor,
frail and marginalized in our
communities of Southwest Florida.
Your donation to the Summertime and
the Giving is Easy campaign helps
us yield a healthy life for at-risk children,
isolated elderly, struggling families,
and homeless individuals.
P r o v i d i ng H e l p. C r e a t i ng H o pe . S e r v i ng A l l .
(Senior Support continued from page 4 )
Catholic Charities. “This
is such a special program
that the Knights and the
community should be proud
because it goes to help
people who really need it,”
Father Kantor said. “That
is at the core of who the
Knights are.”
Also present for the
delivery of the wheelchairs
were Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus unload donated wheelchairs.
Regional Director Robert
Marrah and Knight J.R. Trentini who picked up the shipment from the East
Coast of Florida.
The Knights of Columbus graciously offered to deliver additional
wheelchairs whenever they were needed by the Senior Support Program of
Catholic Charities, which helps upwards of 90 low-income seniors with a
variety of outreach efforts.
For more information about the
Senior Support Program of Catholic Charities, please contact
Alice Del Valle at [email protected] or 239-334-2234.
Save the Date
Catholic Charities Ball
January 30, 2016 in Sarasota.
Bethesda House
Mardi Gras Madness
February 9, 2016 in Sarasota.
Boots and Bandannas
Dinner Dance
February 20, 2016 in Port Charlotte.
Our Mother’s House
Wine Tasting, Auction
and Dinner Dance
February 25, 2016 in Venice.
Venetian Charity Ball
March 12, 2016 in Bonita Springs.
Emerald Ball
March 19, 2016 in Naples.
Venice Veterans Gala
April 7, 2016 in Venice.
AFCAAM Charity
Golf Classic
April 15, 2016 in Fort Myers.