Collier Senior Center – Golden Gate Fact Sheet

Collier Senior Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing free services for seniors, caregivers, and those in need, including the Golden Gate Senior Center; life-enhancing programs, services, and seminars; the Leadership Coalition on Aging; the Virtual Resource Directory and more (CollierSeniorCenter.org).  

Founded in 2010 by the Collier Community Foundation and the Women’s Philanthropic Network to meet the needs of low-income seniors.  

Offers seniors fellowship, enrichment, wellness services, continuing education, and basic services in a safe, welcoming environment.  

Addresses depression, declining mental and physical health, as well as increased risk of death associated with social isolation among the elderly.  

Provides local and long-distance caregivers a centralized source for senior-related information, services, and resources in Collier County.   

Launched the Leadership Coalition on Aging in 2012, an interagency group of local nonprofits and advocates dedicated to seniors and caregivers that seek new solutions to serve seniors in our community 

Focuses on advocacy: hosts conferences and seminars for seniors and their caregivers; educates local candidates on senior-related issues.  

Opened our doors in Golden Gate in November 2014 with Collier County’s daily hot lunch program, AARP Foundation job training and placement for out-of-work, low-income seniors and a weekly Meals of Hope food pantry for anyone in need:  

OPEN: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at 4898 Coronado Parkway Naples, FL 34116 (former Golden Gate Library). 

Serves more than 1,900 registered members (no charge); offers 10+ weekly programs and variety of offerings every month. 

Provides free of charge: daily hot lunch and coffee bar; weekly food pantry; monthly birthday parties, exercise classes, arts and crafts, cards and games; regular health screenings, assessments, and lectures; holiday parties and other offerings for seniors and caregivers.  

1,100 hot lunches a month to seniors in-need; weekly access to a Meals of Hope food pantry to 1,050+ Collier County seniors/month; Harry Chapin “Care & Share” meal kits to 200 older adults a month. 

February 2018 launched Direct Assistance Program available to any Collier County resident 60 years of age or older living within 175% of the federal poverty level to provide one-time financial assistance for medical prescriptions, eyeglasses, utility shut-off notices, rent/mortgage payments, durable medical equipment, small appliances, gas cards and additional items on a case-by-case basis. Funded in part by the Collier Community Foundation and Naples Woman’s Club. 1,187 adults served to date. 

January 2020 established UPSLIDE (Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in Elderly) program offering free counseling and Friends Connection group for women 60+ years of age to address depression, loneliness, isolation; build relationships and engage more socially involved. Funded by the Collier Community Foundation and Moorings Park Foundation. More than 165 women and men supported. 

February 2022 rebrands to Collier Senior Center to reflect the past, present and future in serving Collier County’s older adults and caregivers, offering the same life-affirming services for older adults and caregivers.  

With possible future locations throughout Collier County, “Golden Gate” was added to name (Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate); at this time 4898 Coronado Parkway remains the only location. 

Collaborates with trusted partners to provide programs, socialization and convenient access to other agencies: AARP Foundation (job placement and training for out-of-work, low-income seniors), Meals of Hope food pantry for all families in need, Alzheimer’s Support Network, Area Agency on Aging, AVOW, Catholic Charities (social services), Collier Area Transport, Collier County Nutrition, MyCare Medical, SHINE Medicare counseling, Sheriff’s Office and more.  

Knowledgeable, helpful volunteers and staff led by Senior Center Director Esther Lully; embraces a ‘no wrong door’ philosophy – everyone receives the information and resources needed in their native language (English, Spanish and Creole).  

Earned Charity Navigator’s 4-Star Rating and GuideStar by Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of the nation, with 10,000 individuals turning 65 years old each day.  

The University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research projects Florida’s 65+ years of age population to increase 82.5% between 2010 and 2040.  

According to the Area Agency on Aging for SWFL, in 2016, 36.6% of Collier County’s population was 60+ years of age and 7% of these women and men were living below poverty level ($11,880 in annual income).  

By 2030, some 38% of Collier County’s population will be over 65 years of age.  

For older Collier County residents living at or below poverty ($11,880 annual income) finding basic services is a frightening and frustrating experience.  

Until Collier Senior Center was founded, Collier County was the only county in Florida without any type of senior resource center despite having one of the highest populations of women and men over age 65.  

A $300 donation provides one low-income senior an entire year of services, free of charge, including a daily hot lunch, weekly food pantry access and the organization’s full-compliment of programs, educational classes, entertainment and fun!