Collier County Senior Resource Center Inc

Starting in 2018, collier senior center is a safety net for moderate and low-income seniors (incomes less than 175% federal poverty level) by providing emergency financial assistance for seniors in need to improve the quality of life and alleviate their financial burden and emotional stress. The direct assistance disbursements paid to landlords, utility companies, doctors and pharmacies help cover utility shut-offs, eyeglasses, rent payments, gas cards, and doctor and dentist bills, medications, etc. Collier senior center--golden gate accepts referrals from a wide number of local agencies. The senior provides documentation that prove financial hardship and that all other resources had been exhausted.

The upslide (utilizing and promoting social engagement for loneliness, isolation, and depression in the elderly) program, started in 2019, aims to break the cycle of loneliness which produces depression, cognitive decline, physical decline, and isolation through counseling and socialization in at-risk women age 60 and older. The assessment covers the three areas of isolation, loneliness and depression. Bi-lingual counseling helps activity plan, provides coaching on establishing and maintaining friendships. Mental health counselors provide assessment visits, individual counseling, exploring options for social engagement, friendly chat groups, referrals/resources, support and follow-up.