With the federal government shutdown expected to pause SNAP benefits starting November 1, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering valuable assistance to older adults and caregivers with food access.
You’re Not Alone — Help Is Just a Call Away
AAASWFL is encouraging older adults and caregivers to reach out to the Helpline at 866-413-5337 for guidance, support and connections to local food resources. Whether you need help finding a nearby meal site or understanding what services are available, trained specialists are ready to assist.
Hot Meals, Friendly Faces: Congregate Dining Sites Are Open
AAASWFL’s congregate dining sites remain open across seven counties, offering hot, nutritious meals in welcoming community settings. These sites are available to adults aged 60 and older who live within the service area. Unpaid caregivers under 60 who accompany an eligible older adult may also receive meal service.
From breakfast and lunch options to opportunities for social connection, these sites are a vital resource during this temporary disruption.
Here’s a quick look at where and when you can find meal service:
Dining Site Locations and Service Times:
Charlotte County
Harbor Heights
27420 Voyageur Drive
Harbor Heights, FL 33983
Service Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:30 AM
Charlotte Towers
2295 Aaron St.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:15 AM
Christian City of Florida
6433 Gasparilla Pines Blvd.
Grove City, FL 34224
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 12:00 PM
The Verandas
24500 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:30 AM
Collier County
Cadenza
8455 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd.
Naples, FL 34114
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Immokalee Senior Meal Site
905 Roberts Ave.
Immokalee, FL 34142
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 8:30 AM & 11:15 AM
Golden Gate Senior Center
4898 Coronado Pkwy
Naples, FL 34116
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 12:00 PM
Goodlette Arms
950 Goodletter Road N
Naples, FL 34102
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
DeSoto County
Arcadia Friendship Café
917 N. Arcadia Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:00 AM
Glades County
Moore Haven
200 2nd St.
Moore Haven, FL 34741
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Hendry County
Nobel Senior Center
475 East Cowboy Way
LaBelle, FL 33935
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Clewiston
1200 S. WC Owens
Clewiston, FL 33440
Service Days: Tuesday & Thursday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Lee County
Lake Kennedy Senior Center
400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:00 AM
South Cape Community Center
4544 Coronado Pkwy.
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Service Days: Tuesday & Friday
Meal Service Times: 10:30 AM
Bonita Springs Senior Center
25999 Old 41 Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Sunshine Villas
1201 Broad St.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Hatton B. Rogers Apartments
4250 Hatton Rogers Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33903
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM
Renaissance Preserve
4221 Othello Ln.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM
Palm Harbor
1081 Palm Avenue
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM
Sarasota County
Venice Friendship Café
2350 Scenic Dr.
Venice, FL 34293
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 12:00 PM
The Friendship Center
1888 Brother Geenen Way
Sarasota, FL 34236
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Transportation assistance may be available. Call the Helpline for details.
Posted: February 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
A Request for Proposals for a CCE Lead Agency in Hendry & Glades Counties To Be Announced Soon
We will be officially posting this opportunity later this month and are seeking a qualified Case Management agency to determine eligibility and coordinate supportive services under the Community Care for the Elderly (CCE), Home Care for the Elderly (HCE), and Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) state-funded programs.
The selected provider will manage case management and care coordination for these programs during the annual July 1–June 30 contracting period.
Visit AAASWFL’s social media accounts and website’s Document Center for updates and contact sarah.gualco@aaaswfl.org with any questions.
Posted: January 21, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Something New and Meaningful
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida has never had an event quite like this. Our first‑ever Wave of Compassion Volunteer Awards Luncheon is more than a gathering — it’s the launch of a new annual tradition honoring the volunteers who lift up older adults and adults with disabilities across our seven‑county region.
If you believe in community…
If you value service…
If you want to celebrate the quiet heroes who make Southwest Florida stronger…
This is your moment to show up.
Seats are limited for this inaugural event.
Get your tickets today and celebrate our volunteers!
Your presence helps honor extraordinary volunteers, supports AAASWFL’s mission, and ensures this new tradition begins with the energy, gratitude and community spirit it deserves.
Join us. Celebrate with us. Help us say thank you in the biggest way possible.
Posted: January 21, 2026 by Leave a Comment
New Program Launch: Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Multiple Dates Now Available Beginning February 2026
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is proud to introduce a new training opportunity designed to strengthen mental health support across our communities. The Adult Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based public education program that teaches adults how to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond with empathy, and connect individuals to appropriate care.
Whether you’re a caregiver, service provider, community leader, or simply someone who wants to help, this course equips you with practical tools to make a difference.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain skills in:
By the end of the course, attendees will be able to describe the role of a Mental Health First Aider, understand the impact of mental health challenges on adults in the U.S., and apply the ALGEE Action Plan in a variety of scenarios.
Course Format
Upcoming Training Dates
We’re offering multiple opportunities to participate throughout the spring:
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom, making it easy to join from anywhere.
How to Register
To sign up or learn more, contact:
tiah.thompson@aaaswfl.org
239-652-6941
Posted: December 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida Temporarily Pauses Senior HomeShare Project
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) announces that the SWFL Senior HomeShare Project has been temporarily paused effective immediately due to unforeseen circumstances affecting project implementation. The organization remains deeply committed to this innovative housing solution and plans to revamp and relaunch the program when conditions allow.
The Senior HomeShare Project was designed to address an urgent crisis in Lee and Collier counties, where senior homelessness has reached alarming levels. According to local Continuum of Care data, senior homelessness in Lee County rose from 85 individuals in 2019 to 260 in 2024—an increase of more than 200 percent. Collier County experienced a dramatic spike in 2023, when senior homelessness more than quadrupled in a single year. These trends reflect mounting housing affordability pressures, with fixed incomes failing to keep pace with rising rents, taxes, and insurance costs, compounded by the lasting impacts of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian.
The program, modeled after the successful Pinellas Home Share which has operated for over 19 years, was designed to match Home Providers (homeowners age 55+) with Home Seekers (renters age 55+) to create safe, affordable, and mutually beneficial living arrangements. Beyond addressing housing affordability, the program aimed to reduce social isolation and enhance safety for participants through companionship and shared living support.
“While we are disappointed to pause this critical initiative, we believe taking time to reassess and strengthen the program’s foundation will ultimately lead to more successful outcomes for our seniors,” said Maricela Morado, President & CEO of AAASWFL. “The data shows that older adults are entering homelessness for the first time at unprecedented rates, making preventative, cost-effective solutions like Senior HomeShare more essential than ever. Our commitment to addressing this crisis remains unwavering.”
The AAASWFL had developed comprehensive safety protocols for the program in partnership with other community organizations, including national criminal background checks, reference verification, home safety visit, and quarterly check-ins in the first year to ensure participant wellbeing. The organization will use this pause to further refine these processes and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, some including Baker Senior Center Naples, and the Lee and Collier Continuum of Care Committees to name a couple.
The organization appreciates the support and interest shown by community members, partner organizations, and potential participants who have inquired about the program. The AAASWFL will continue to provide its comprehensive range of services to older adults and adults with disabilities across its seven-county service area while working diligently to reimagine the HomeShare Project’s structure and implementation strategy.
For more information about AAASWFL’s current services and programs, please visit www.aaaswfl.org or call the Elder Helpline at 1-866-413-5337.
Last Updated: January 22, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Waves of Compassion: Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2026 Volunteer Awards Luncheon
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is proud to announce our inaugural Volunteer Awards Luncheon: Waves of Compassion – The Endless Tides of Service, honoring the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to serving seniors and adults with disabilities across our region.
This celebration will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, FL, and will shine a spotlight on the individuals whose compassion strengthens our community every day. As a sponsor, your organization can play a vital role in uplifting these volunteers while gaining meaningful visibility and recognition.
Why Sponsor?
Your sponsorship directly supports AAASWFL programs that empower thousands of seniors and adults with disabilities to live safely, independently, and with dignity. As this is our first Volunteer Awards Luncheon, your organization will be recognized as a foundational supporter and community leader.
Together, we can celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and strengthen our shared commitment to serving Southwest Florida’s most vulnerable populations.
To learn more about available sponsorship opportunities, levels and benefits, download our sponsorship packet here.
You can also download the sponsorship form and pay online to confirm your support.
Last Updated: January 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Waves of Compassion: Celebrate Volunteer Heroes in Southwest Florida
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is proud to launch the inaugural 2026 Volunteer Awards, honoring the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and talents to serving older adults and adults with disabilities across our seven-county region.
Behind every meal delivered to a homebound senior, every ride to a medical appointment, and every hour spent easing loneliness, there is a volunteer whose name deserves to be known. These awards shine a spotlight on those unsung heroes whose compassion transforms lives.
Nominations Now Open
Nominations will be accepted through January 12, 2026. Winners will be honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration & Waves of Compassion Awards Luncheon on:
Friday, February 27, 2026
Plantation Golf & Country Club
500 Rockley Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Award Categories & Criteria
Eight distinct awards recognize the breadth of volunteer impact across generations and service areas.
Serving Seniors
Supporting Adults with Disabilities
Each award highlights not just hours served, but the dignity restored, connections created, and lives changed.
Why Your Nomination Matters
“Too many volunteers work in the shadows, never expecting recognition,” said Maricela Morado, President & CEO of AAASWFL. “This is our community’s chance to say we see you, and what you do matters.”
Your nomination could be the first time someone hears those words.
How to Nominate
Submit your nomination through the Volunteer Award Nomination Form.
For questions or to purchase tickets, contact AAASWFL at 239-652-6900 or ea@aaaswfl.org.
The celebration will culminate in the Waves of Compassion Awards Luncheon, a gathering of community leaders, sponsors, and advocates who believe in the endless tides of service.
Together, let’s celebrate the volunteers who restore dignity, create connections, and inspire waves of compassion across Southwest Florida.
Posted: October 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Supporting Southwest Florida Seniors: Food Assistance Available Ahead of SNAP Benefit Pause
With the federal government shutdown expected to pause SNAP benefits starting November 1, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering valuable assistance to older adults and caregivers with food access.
You’re Not Alone — Help Is Just a Call Away
AAASWFL is encouraging older adults and caregivers to reach out to the Helpline at 866-413-5337 for guidance, support and connections to local food resources. Whether you need help finding a nearby meal site or understanding what services are available, trained specialists are ready to assist.
Hot Meals, Friendly Faces: Congregate Dining Sites Are Open
AAASWFL’s congregate dining sites remain open across seven counties, offering hot, nutritious meals in welcoming community settings. These sites are available to adults aged 60 and older who live within the service area. Unpaid caregivers under 60 who accompany an eligible older adult may also receive meal service.
From breakfast and lunch options to opportunities for social connection, these sites are a vital resource during this temporary disruption.
Here’s a quick look at where and when you can find meal service:
Dining Site Locations and Service Times:
Charlotte County
Harbor Heights
27420 Voyageur Drive
Harbor Heights, FL 33983
Service Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:30 AM
Charlotte Towers
2295 Aaron St.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:15 AM
Christian City of Florida
6433 Gasparilla Pines Blvd.
Grove City, FL 34224
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 12:00 PM
The Verandas
24500 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Service Days: Monday – Thursday
Meal Service Time: 11:30 AM
Collier County
Cadenza
8455 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd.
Naples, FL 34114
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Immokalee Senior Meal Site
905 Roberts Ave.
Immokalee, FL 34142
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 8:30 AM & 11:15 AM
Golden Gate Senior Center
4898 Coronado Pkwy
Naples, FL 34116
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 12:00 PM
Goodlette Arms
950 Goodletter Road N
Naples, FL 34102
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
DeSoto County
Arcadia Friendship Café
917 N. Arcadia Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:00 AM
Glades County
Moore Haven
200 2nd St.
Moore Haven, FL 34741
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Hendry County
Nobel Senior Center
475 East Cowboy Way
LaBelle, FL 33935
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Clewiston
1200 S. WC Owens
Clewiston, FL 33440
Service Days: Tuesday & Thursday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Lee County
Lake Kennedy Senior Center
400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:00 AM
South Cape Community Center
4544 Coronado Pkwy.
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Service Days: Tuesday & Friday
Meal Service Times: 10:30 AM
Bonita Springs Senior Center
25999 Old 41 Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Sunshine Villas
1201 Broad St.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Hatton B. Rogers Apartments
4250 Hatton Rogers Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33903
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM
Renaissance Preserve
4221 Othello Ln.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM
Palm Harbor
1081 Palm Avenue
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Service Days: Monday – Friday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Meal Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM
Sarasota County
Venice Friendship Café
2350 Scenic Dr.
Venice, FL 34293
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 12:00 PM
The Friendship Center
1888 Brother Geenen Way
Sarasota, FL 34236
Service Days: Monday – Friday
Meal Service Times: 11:30 AM
Transportation assistance may be available. Call the Helpline for details.
Posted: October 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dedicated to Serving Those Who Served
Meet the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Team with the Area Agency on Aging for SWFL
Get to know three key members of our team who support local veterans through the Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC). Our team is highly compassionate and dedicated to serving our veterans and their caregivers.
Sam Pino:
My name is Samuel Pino, aka Sam, and I’m honored to be in my new role. Before stepping into this position, I proudly served nearly five years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic Specialist. During that time, I worked in both combat and administrative roles, providing care on the front lines while also ensuring readiness and support for my unit. That experience not only shaped me as a Soldier but also instilled in me a lifelong passion for service. Now, I’m dedicated to continuing that mission by supporting the veteran community. My goal is to assist you in any way I can, whether it’s answering questions, connecting you with resources, or simply being someone, you can count on to log those hours into your payroll account. I love college football (Go Canes!) and a good workout. Above all, I love my veterans, so please feel free to reach out to me via email, text, call, FaceTime, or any other method. I look forward to getting to know you and working together. As always, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Liliana Hernandez:
As a Veteran-Directed Care Specialist, I have over five years of experience dedicated to empowering Veterans and other agency clients. My experiences as a native Floridian in a small rural community enhance my understanding of the diverse social needs of our Veterans and their caregivers. I heartily enjoy assisting with Veteran’s care plans and budgets which enable enrollees to live independently in their communities. I am a compassionate and client-centered professional who enjoys supporting Veterans and their family of caregivers. I enjoy empowering our Veterans to live independently with dignity. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, we love to plan and map out our next outdoor adventure. My husband and I enjoy traveling and outdoor explorations!
Sally Scheidegger:
Dedicated educator, vocational rehabilitation, and mental health professional with over 20 years of experience in empowering individuals to achieve personal independence and success. Throughout my career, I have encouraged individuals to achieve their personal goals. I am experienced in building collaborative and successful service programs, supervising teams, managing caseloads, and generating insights to improve client outcomes. It’s my pleasure to work with our Veterans and their team of caregivers in the Veteran Directed Care Program! My happy places are on a boat or soaking up some sun on a beach with my favorite four-legged companion. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the VDC Program! Our Veteran Team is dedicated to serving you so that you achieve your personal goals.
To learn more about how we support veterans, please call our helpline at 866-413-5337.
Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services are funded through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Posted: October 8, 2025 by Leave a Comment
A Better Way to Manage Chronic Conditions
Living with a chronic condition? There’s a better way to manage it—and the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is here to help. Through its Living Healthy workshops, AAASWFL offers evidence-based programs developed by the Self-Management Resource Center (SMRC), designed to empower older adults and caregivers to take control of their health, reduce symptoms, and live fuller lives.
These small-group workshops are interactive, supportive, and led by trained facilitators who understand the challenges firsthand. Whether in person, online, or via Zoom, participants build practical skills and connect with others navigating similar journeys. Learn more.
To schedule a Living Healthy workshop at a facility near you, contact Clorivel Longoria, Health & Wellness / Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator at (239) 652-6900 ext. 58226 or clorivel.lappost@aaaswfl.org.
Our free health and wellness workshops are available across the seven counties we serve in Southwest Florida, including Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota. Visit our event calendar for upcoming dates and locations.
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