AmeriCorps mother-daughter duo Andee Heistand and Carla Conley are making a difference in the lives of older adults attending The Kathleen K. Catlin Senior Friendship Center in Venice.

Join us in celebrating Older Americans Month 2012 at Senior Friendship Centers. This year's theme is Never Too Old to Play, and the Centers offer multiple ways to have fun and put play into your life. 

A mentoring partnership bewtten Senior Friendship Centers' RSVP Program and CareerEdge funders is a collaborative "win-win" for senior volunteers and new jobseekers. 

Tech Boot Camp is an opportunity for beginners to learn to use the latest technology from computers to smart phones, iPads and more. This award-winning program uses an intergenerational approach, with student mentors providing one-on-one, hands-on tutoring to compliment classes taught by professionals. Student volunteers are currently being sought to help this summer, call 941. 556. 3249 to learn more. Hours can be used for the Bright Futures program.

World Health day this year took a fresh look a health data to help us better understand the needs of older people, and some of the associated stereotypes of older adults. 

The theme for the 2012 Florida Conference on Aging is "Aging: New Game, New Rules." It will be held Aug 20 -22 at the Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton. 

The Senior Friendship Centers for Healthy Aging Dental Clinic in Venice is in urgent need of volunteer nurses and clinic aides.

Whether you are able to volunteer  for a few hours a day, once a month, or once a week, it’s an exciting opportunity to help older adults in medical need in our community  while working with an outstanding professional team. We welcome nurses and clinic aides who may be retired, or currently working in the field, and we’re willing to train interested individuals. Call 941.556.3249 for more information.

Betty Gamel, director of the Friendship Health Clinic in Naples recently received the Nurse's Excellence in Healthcare award during the Naples Dai...

Stop by and visit Senior Friendship Centers  booth at the 20th Annual Sharks Tooth Festival in Venice April 13 (4- 9 p.m.), 14 , and 15, (10...

Compeer Gulfcoast seeks $10,000 match for challenge grant. Housed at Senior Friendship Centers, Compeer matches adults in the recovery phase of a diagnosed mental health disorder in friendship with a caring volunteer.  Compeer serves as a complement to therapy which empowers people to become more socially integrated and combat the effects of mental illness, from loneliness to isolation and low self worth.

Ready for a world cruise without leaving Sarasota? The Sarasota Silver Stars will take you there on April 27 in a joint benefit for The Friendship Center in Sarasota and the Sarasota Silver Stars. The evening begins with light bites and wine form 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. when the show begins. Tickets, priced at $25 per person are available at the Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, or by calling 941. 556.3214.

Senior Friendship Centers is proud to be among 100 non profits selected for the 36-Hour Giving Challenge March 27 at 6 a.m. to March 28 at 6 p.m. During this time period a 1:1 donor match up to a total of $501,000 made possible through the Patterson Foundation and special grants form the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Manatee Community Foundation, will be offered on a first-come, first served basis.

Elizabeth Delaney celebrated her 109th birthday at Senior Friendship Centers Living Room March 12.

The caregiving experience touches almost all of us at some point in our lives, and it presents not only challenge, but opportunity.  Writer Hannah Wallace looks at one of the most challenging, and often rewarding experience in life, in the March issue of Sarasota Magazine. 

Just as athletes benefit from crosstraining to improve their physical performance, the human brain can be strengthened by alternating activities, and ...

Say the word and join us for "You Bet Your Life... a Madcap Evening" to benefit the programs of the Senior Friendship Centers on Tuesday,March 13 at The Friendship Center in Sarasota.

Don't miss a great morning on the links for a wonderful cause. The fourth annual Tee it Up for the CRC will be held May 4 at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club in Sarasota. This annual favorite supports Senior Friendship Centers' Sarasota Caregiver Resource Center which helps hundreds of caregivers and families each year.

Check out our newest blog, with insights by Kathy Silverberg. Secretary for the Senior Friendship Centers' Board of Governors, she is currently a ...

Senior  Friendship Centers has received a $5,000 from the Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation Trust to underwrite program support for Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This program addresses the needs of individuals caring for a frail elder through using Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six week educational curriculum teaching  caregivers how to cope with the challenges and joys of caregiving.

Celebrating Our Essential Pieces was the theme of the 39th annual Senior Friendship Centers Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. Since SFC was founded volunteers have given 1,240,257 hours valued at $31,114,049. 

"Celebrating Our Essential Pieces," the theme of Senior Friendship Centers volunteer recognition, honored the people who make this organization possible.  Since Senior Friendship Centers was founded in 1973, volunteers have given more than 1, 240,257 hours valued at $31,114,049. 

Advances in the treatment of Parkinson Disease, a community education event for patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the community, is the f...

Senior Friendship Centers for Healthy Aging Dental Clinics in Sarasota and Venice are in urgent need of volunteer dental assistants and clinic aides. Training provided. If you can help, please call 941.556.3249.

It's fun for a good cause from The Music Man at Venice Theatre Feb. 28  to SFC's signature gala A Madcap Evening with the The Marx Brothers  March 13.  Call 941.556.3205  to reserve your tickets today!

The Jewish Federation of Collier County honored the Frieindship Health Clinic in Collier County with the 2011 Annual Human Needs Award. Staffed by volunteer physicians dentists, nurses and clinic aides, the clinic services people who are 50+ and low income.

Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $5.5 million since its inception. Last year alone, Season of Sharing funds helped more than 2,500 individuals and families put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Season of Sharing was founded by the Herald-Tribune Media Group in 2000 to provide emergency assistance to families on the brink of homelessness and is administered through The Community Foundation of Sarasota County; 100 percent of the money collected is distributed to those in need.  Learn more how this fund is helping seniors in need in our communities through Senior Friendship Centers.

Many seniors find themselves in need of basics this holiday season -- an beyond. From bus tickets to grab bars to personal care products, little things bring dignity to daily life. Friendship at Home at Senior Friendship Centers helps with seniors' needs and resolves issues to ensure that each day feels a little more like a holiday thanks to generous supporters. Learn more about how your donation can help make a difference in their lives. 

It’s no secret that Sarasota County, with more than a third of the population over the age of 65, is a leader on the leading edge of the “Age Wave” sweeping the world’s population.  That’s part of  what attracted KBS Television, a Korean television station in Seoul, to elect to include Senior Friendship Centers in an upcoming two-part documentary series on Living Well to 100, for a special program similar to Sixty Minutes or 20/20.  The documentary will look at the state of positive aging in Amsterdam, Seoul, Korea and Tokyo Japan.

Thinking about paying it forward this holiday season? Consider a gift that will help seniors in our community.

Please help us meet our goal of raising $5,000 in one month to help isolated seniors in need through the Friendship at Home program by donating today on GulfCoastGives.org.

Persons age 70 1/2 can receive tax benefits while helping their favorite charity using the IRA Charitable Rollover.

"...the recent recession, the aging of the population, and cutbacks in government programs have place new pressures on households that once had no trouble putting food on the table.  The problem has become particularly acute among seniors." 
 

Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers invite you to participate in our annual Festival of Wreaths in November and December. Bus...

We're happy to announce that our campaign on GulfGoastGives.org was successful thanks to people like you and other caring people in our commu...

RSVP Sarasota County will unveil new volunteer opportunities for programs serving veterans at a special salute to those who have served our country in the military following the annual Veterans Day Parade downtown Sarasota on Nov. 11. The celebration begins at 12:15 and will feature Dr. G. Kurt Piehler, new director of the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience at Florida State University, as keynote speaker. The colorful event will include presentation of colors by the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Home-schooled Troop, and a grand finale by the Sarasota Military Academy Drumline. All veterans and their families are invited to attend.

Does Age Matter? Learn how lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk on Nov. 9 at Senior Friendship Centers, Sarsota in this seminar  Featuring Dr. Kevin O'Neil, Medical Director of Brookdale Senior Living, Kathleen Houseweart, MBA of Sarasota Memorial Memory Disorder Clinic and Dietician Jill Collins of All Faiths Food Bank. 

Southwest Florida Hunger Summit in Fort Myers underscores effect of economic downturn on seniors, and the growing numbers living in poverty .

Senior Friendship Centers will honor veterans at a special celebration following the Veteran's Parade downtown Sarasota on Nov. 11. Dr. G Kurt Piehler, new director of FSU's Institute on WWII and the Human Experience will speak at the colorful event which will feature presentation of colors by the Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and the Sarasota Military Academy Drum Line.

Senior Friendship Centers will honor veterans at a special celebration following the Veteran's Parade downtown Sarasota on Nov. 11. Dr. G Kurt Piehler, new director of FSU's Institute on WWII and the Human Experience will speak at the colorful event which will feature presentation of colors by the Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and the Sarasota Military Academy Drum Line.

Senior Friendship Centers' Venice Campus will celebrate its 20th Anniversary of "People Helping People" Oct. 21 and 22, 2011.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a free six week course for family caregivers, is offered through Senior Friendship Centers Caregiver Resource Centers in Sarasota and Venice.  

A new report from the AARP assigned an economic value to family caregivers in the U.S. The study estimated their unpaid contributions to be approximat...

When Don Hoffman of Arcadia turned 99, his friends at Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County were on hand to celebrate, even if he thought "it was no big deal."

Looking for a place to hold your next special event? Senior Friendship Centers facilities in Sarasota are now available for rental. The spacious Great Room with dance floor, beautiful grounds, gazebo and catering kitchen offer a venue that can accommodate large or smaller groups.  

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded Senior Friendship Centers Inc. a grant in the amount of $30,000 for its new program, Senior Center Inn...

Life@The End caring in the face of loss, a half-hour documentary  film by Jernnifer Molina and Farah Dosani will air on WUSF at 10  p.m. on Aug. 24. The film looks at life and the power of the human connection through people caring for their terminally-ill  loved ones in South Florida.

Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County is featured in this news story by NBC 2 on how budget cuts are affecting nonprofit food distributions.

SFC's Health Clinic Collier has served Collier county since 1985, providing care for seniors in need, and saving the community thousands of dollars in emergency room care.  The clinic had more than 5,000 patient visits in 2010 and helped secure medications valued at more than $118,000 from pharmaceutical companies and their foundations. There is a 20% increase in patient demand per year over the last four years. Conservatively estimated value of the professional services exceeds one million dollars per year. The demand for services is depleting the endowment funding the clinic, and the Collier County Medical Society is issuing a call to action for support for its services.

Reporter Meredeth Garafolo of ABC 7 News, Sarasota, looks at why social networking is so popular, and how people are using it to stay in touch with family and friends.

Keeping Loved Ones at Home - Benefits of Falls Prevention Programs is the title of a  free webinar taught by Senior Friendship Centers Fall Prevention Specialist and Senior Personal Trainer at  2 p.m.  (3 p.m. Central Time) on Wednesday, July 20.

The newest installation for Senior Friendship Centers' Beauty & the Bench initiative is at Ringling College of Art in Sarasota.

State emergency management officials are urging all Florida residents to prepare for a potential hurricane or tropical storm impact during the 2011 Hurricane Season. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are anticipating above-average tropical activity this year, with the formation of as many as 12 to 18 named storms and 6 to 10 hurricanes. Florida residents are urged to develop a family disaster plan and build a disaster supply kit before a potential tropical system may threaten the state.

Brother William Geenen CSC, founder of  Senior Friendship Centers, died Saturday, May 14 in Sarasota, FL. His dedication to helping older adults live with dignity and independence improved the quality of life and health of thousands of older adults on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Looking for a perfect gift to honor Mom or someone special, or do you simply want to support a worthy program in our community? gulfcoastgives.com, a new website of the Gulfcoast Community Foundation of Venice, makes it easy to be a philanthropist. Please help us and support SFC's Falls Prevention and Balance Movement program. 

The Road Scholar Program administered through Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota offers exciting learning opportunities, including an opportunity to explore Sea Turtle Conservation this summer.

Chock full of Marx Brothers antics and circus surprises, A Madcap Evening at the Circus March 15 at Senior Friendship Centers was a winner on all counts.

Set Sail for Healthy Aging on Saturday, April 2 at the Sarasota Yacht Club will benefit Senior Friendship Centers for Healthy Aging in Sarasota County.

Making love last can be a challenge but for these four Sarasota couples it's a reality. All have been active at Senior Friendship Centers and are featured in Your Guide to Better Living, a new publication launched by the New York Times Media Group.

Regional Aging Advocacy Summit March 10 in Fort Myers will discuss Medicaid reform and proposed changes ot aging services in Florida.

Exercising the mind is as important as exercising the body. Dakim Brain Fitness™ offered at Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota and Venice is a great place to start.  

"Between Successes: Re-entering the Workforce" is a  four part series offered at Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota to provide older workers with the skills and confidence to find their place in today's work world.  Taught by Frank Clark, executive, consultant, author and job re-entry expert,, the course will help participants gain confidence and direction, identify and market their skills, and develop career planning techniques. 

Fran Moran and her husband, Ed, have been married 63 years and are long-time volunteers and participants at Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota.  Their story touched our hearts, and we wanted to share it with you.  It’s the side of aging that’s hard and real.  But love gets you through it and makes it a little easier, even when one of you has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Get discounts from your favorite stores and restaurants, or simply change your search bar and help Senior Friendship Centers at the same time.

Volunteers stepped in to help build the Orange Community Garden in North Sarasota for Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 17.

"NEWT" the health guru may be the answer to feeling better, living longer and avoiding chronic illness. The Mediterranean Diet is part of the key to a healthier future.

The Annual Jazz Club Trolley Feb. 2 includes stops at the Hyatt Boat House, Hotel Indigo, Caragiulos, Gator club, Salute Restaurant, Marina Jack's and Senior Friendship Centers. 

Compeer uses the power of volunteer friends and mentors to improve the lives of children and adults striving for good mental health.  To learn more about how you can become involved, join us for a free informational breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Friendship Center in Sarasota. 

Ringling students used drawings to communicate and create an intergenerational story book at Senior Friendship Centers adult day services, called  The Living Room in Sarasota. 

These lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference on your pocket book and the environment.

What you need to know about Social Security before you retire.

Seniors vs. Crime counsels seniors who may have been scammed or otherwise targeted. 

Bob Dylan's "The Time's They Are a-Changin'" is the inspiration for this week's column by Karen Blanchette, Director of Senior Friendship Centers of Desoto County.  The song is fitting in many ways for reflection on the past and looking forward to 2011.

Bob Dylan's "The Time's They Are a-Changin'" is the inspiration for this week's column by Karen Blanchette, Director of Senior Friendship Centers of Desoto County.  The song is fitting in many ways for reflection on the past and looking forward to 2011.

"...And so this is Christmas , What have you done?"  Karen Blanchette, Director of Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County shares a message of gratitude for all who have helped to make the holidays easier for seniors, and hope for the coming year.

The aroma of cookies baking and delicious treats trigger fond memories of the holidays. Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County invites anyone who is alone  to share their favorite holiday memories with new friends at the center weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please note: SFC programs and services will be closed Dec. 23 and 24 and 31 for the holidays. 

Senior Friendship Centers Newtown Neighborhood sites are places where friendships blossom and friends become family.  You'll find SFC activities at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center, 1845 34th Street on Mondays from 11 - 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 2 p.m. and at Newtown Estates, 2800 Newtown Boulevard, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

One of the most enduring and powerful gifts of the  season does not come in a box. It comes in a welcoming smile, a caring hug, in the appreciative face of someone who is ill, lonely, hungry or in need. It happens every day at Senior Friendship Centers in Southwest Florida.

The Friendship Center in Sarasota hosted a special salute to veterans on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Finding a special gift for a youngster on your list can be a challenge. Now, through the Sloan Fine Art Gallery, you can purchase a limited edition work by popular artist and animator Karen Chau, creator of the popular animated children's show Ni Hao, Kai-Lan,  and the gallery will generously donate 10 percent of the sale.

Volunteers really are the champions of Senior Friendship Centers, where "people helping people" has been the foundation of our programs since 1973. A Breakfast of Champions will be held from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Nov. 5  at the Kathleen K. Catlin Friendship Center in Venice, and Nov. 12 at the Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota.

After 25 years in a downtown Naples location, The Friendship Health Clinic Collier has moved to a new location, 2171 Pine Ridge Rd. Suite Fin Naples. The volunteer-driven organization provides people age 50+ with quality health and dental services, and medication assistance.

Senior Friendship Centers invites you to join us on Wednesday, Nov. 10, for a luncheon celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Living Room Adult Day Services in Sarasota. It will be held from 11:30 - 1 p.m. in the Great Room by the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $50. To RSVP call 941.556.3205.

Beware of these scams targeting seniors. Don't share your social security number or other personal information, and beware of the Grandma Scam asking individuals to wire money to help their family members.

Find out how you can become a Road Scholar, experiencing and learning about the world through Elderhostel's Road Scholar program, and check out our next Road Trip Oct. 26: The Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Gather up a foursome and join us Saturday Oct. 30, at Mission Valley Golf and Country Club in Laurel for the annual Swinging With Friends Golf tournament to benefit  Senior Friendship Centers Venice campus.