COVID-19 Updates
In this time of even greater need, the safety-net programs and services offered at Senior Friendship Centers are more important than ever. Our incredible staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to care for and protect those who need us. We are delivering meals, making thousands of phone calls, reaching out to partner organizations, providing activities and services virtually and in person, and connecting volunteers with opportunities to help.
The plan outlined below is contingent on our ability to keep our community safe. All plans will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis, and adjustments will be made based on the latest information.
Activity Centers
The Activity Centers are open! To get on our weekly email list of classes and activities, email [email protected] or call (941) 955-2122.
Hours of Operation
Sarasota & Venice
Monday-Friday – 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
DeSoto
Monday-Friday – 9 am – 1 pm
Lunch – 11:15 – 12 noon
Robert L. Taylor
Monday-Friday – 9 am – 1 pm
Lunch – 12 noon – 12:30 pm
Senior Friendship Centers is no longer requiring fully vaccinated individuals, clients or staff, to wear face coverings. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated is asked to continue wearing face coverings per CDC guidance. Cleaning will be done throughout the day in high touch areas.
Produce/Supply Distribution
Through a partnership with All Faiths Food Bank, Senior Friendship Centers distributes fresh produce and essential supplies for people aged 50+.
Sarasota: Every other Friday from 8-10 a.m.
Venice: Thursdays from 8-10 a.m.
Call (941) 556-3209 for dates.
All Faiths Food Bank also provides access to food pantries, the DeSoto Food and Resource Center and more through the Food Finder section of their website at allfaithsfoodbank.org.
Adult Day Services
The Living Room is open and accepting new clients. The Caregiver Resource Center will continue offering virtual support groups and other programming in-person and via Zoom.
Nutrition
For social dining clients who remain homebound, home-delivered meals will continue to be provided. To sign up for home-delivered meals, call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-413-5337.
Dining Centers are continuing to reopen. For a list of open dining centers, call (941) 955-2122.
Friendship at Home
To contact Friendship at Home, call (941) 955-2122.
Health Services
CenterPlace Health operates medical clinics at the Senior Friendship Centers campuses in Sarasota and Venice. For more information, visit CenterPlaceHealth.org
Other Programs and Services
The programs and services that have been operating during the pandemic will continue. This includes case management, produce and supply distribution, telephone reassurance, and online support groups.
During this challenging time, our seniors need us more than ever. Being isolated and lonely causes people to withdraw and experience increased health issues and depression. With an abundance of caution, our programs are open so that we can continue to provide a safety net for older adults. Our first and foremost goal will be to keep our valued members, staff, and volunteers safe.
Centers for Disease Control
United Way FREE Hotline
2-1-1 is a FREE service provided by United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help. From help with a household bill, food assistance, or counseling for suicide prevention, calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Instead of searching the phone book or internet when faced with a crisis, think of 2-1-1 as your first call for help.
People can reach 2-1-1:
- By phone: Dial 211
- By Email: [email protected]
- By Online Chat: 211.gs-humanservices.org/
- By Text: Text zip code to 898-211