Friendship News
Friendly Visitors Provide Human Connection
Donald App can’t see well and suffers from Raynaud’s disease, a disorder that numbs his hands and feet. He recently ended up in rehab after falling over a heater by his bed and breaking his femur in three places. App, 83, lives alone in Nokomis, but since this summer...
Friendship Centers Announces Six New Governors to its Regional Board for 2018
(Sarasota, FL) – Oct. 25, 2018 – Friendship Centers, a nonprofit serving adults over 50 in Southwest Florida, announced six new board of governors members at a recent board meeting. The board of governors brings together regional community leaders from five counties...
Reinvention Convention Year 2 Is Scheduled for November 9 at Art Ovation Hotel
Most people are aware that Sarasota County occupies a unique place among communities in the United States and around the world in that a large number of part and full-time residents are over the age of 65. Because of that, the county finds itself at the epicenter of a...
Home Share Pilot Program Announces New Criteria for Home Sharers
We are excited to announce changes to this new pilot program, helping to match older homeowners in Sarasota with working professionals to create a private domestic arrangement to share a home. Home providers are people who have a home they are willing to share and who...
Venice Lights of Friendship is Slated for December 13, 2018
Friendship Centers presents the fourth annual Venice Lights of Friendship event on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Venice Yacht Club.
Ease Into a New Exercise Routine
So, you’ve decided to start exercising. Maybe you just retired and finally have time to reap the many physical and mental benefits of getting in shape. Good for you – but don’t jump in with both feet on the first day. “Take baby steps. The No. 1 thing to realize is...
5 Steps to Prepare for Retirement
Most of us look forward to retirement for decades – whether at age 55 or 75. Finally, we can take that trip to Italy or learn to play the guitar. But, to be successful, this new phase of life requires lots of planning. First of all, define your retirement. Set...
Wise Legal Advice: In your 60s, Plan for your 80s
As retirement approaches, attorneys recommend that you write a will and get other legal affairs in order. “A person of any age should have a will, trust, power of attorney, health care surrogate and living will, if they choose to do so,” says Craig Harrison, a partner...
Guest Post: Key to a Successful Retirement – Creating your Psychological Portfolio
Reactions to retirement vary: Some people slide into it easily by turning their hobby into a full-time activity, while others struggle to find a new life. The challenge is to recast your identity, re-establish meaningful relationships and develop an engaging purpose...
Guest Blog: Social Connections Boost Physical and Mental Health
By Nancy K. Schlossberg The chapter title from my book, “Too Young To Be Old,” says it all. “Keep Your Dance Card Full: Pay Attention to Friends, Family, and Fun.” Social connections lead to better physical and mental health, according to Robert J. Waldinger, director...
Volunteer Physicians and Dentists are Needed
Many dedicated professionals, both retired and active, volunteer their time to treat low-income patients at Friendship Centers’ medical and dental clinics in Sarasota and Venice. But more are desperately needed to meet the demand. Currently, both campuses are seeking...
Intergenerational Reading Program Unites Seniors and Students
Senior volunteers and elementary school students bridge the generation gap every week in a successful partnership between Friendship Centers and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “Volunteers come in and the kids read to them. It’s just this beautiful...
For Value and Impact Become a Corporate Partner
By Jane Icely Charitable Giving Officer If your company is looking for a way to reach older adults in Southwest Florida, consider sponsoring a program or an event at Friendship Centers, aligning your brand with a trusted leader in the aging field for 45 years....
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE #BeTheOne May 1 & 2
The Giving Challenge is an online-only giving event. Your donation to Friendship Centers during this 24-hour online event can make a huge difference in the well-being of an older adult. Why? Your donation of $25 or more (up to $100) will be DOUBLED making your...
Friendship Centers Announces Five New Governors to its Regional Board for 2018
Welcome to new BOG members Dr. Robert Nordland, Christine Fenn, Dr. Thomas Logio and Thomas Rice. Christine Schlesinger is not pictured. Friendship Centers, a nonprofit serving older adults in Southwest Florida, announced five new Board of Governors members at its...
LOOKING AHEAD AFTER THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF 2017
I shared with our Board of Governors recently that, as a kid, I loved roller-coasters. The ups and downs, twists and turns were so thrilling. As we close the chapter on 2017, I think the grown me might have rather taken a ride on the merry-go-round – much less...
Friendship Around the World
All aboard! Please join us for a "cruise-themed" dining experience aboard the SS Friendship. This cruise never leaves "port," but stays anchored at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, March 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. You will enjoy an enchanting evening of exotic...
Friendship Centers Receives $15,000 Grant from Wilson-Wood Foundation
Grant will help fund the Centers’ Caregiver Resource Center Outreach Program in Newtown and South Sarasota County (Sarasota, FL) – Nov. 29, 2017 – Friendship Centers, a non-profit organization serving older adults in Southwest Florida for more than 40 years, has...
Feelings of Peace for the New Year Inspire The Caregiving Place’s Artists Group
The hectic holidays will soon be upon us, so take this time to pause and ask yourself what can you do to bring peace into the world.
Friendship Centers Annual Appeal 2017
When older adults are hungry, lonely, or in need of guidance, where do they turn?
Friendship Centers Offers Support to Meet Every Caregiver Need
Joining a support group is one of the most effective actions individuals can take when dealing with the challenges of caregiving. Participants find they share common experiences and concerns with other group members. They also benefit from the emotional support,...
Reinvention Convention: Six Year Series Aims to Disrupt Aging
The Reinvention Convention on Nov. 9 kicks off a six-year series designed to explore and change beliefs and behaviors about aging. The series is a collaboration of the Friendship Centers, Age-Friendly Sarasota, JFCS and the Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy.
Venice Lights Of Friendship Honors Judy Collins, Friendship Centers Supporter and Community Volunteer
Judy Collins has had her fingers in practically every nonprofit in the city of Venice and surrounding areas. “She’s one of those people who’s exceptional in all the things that she does,” says Judy Wilcox, co-chair of the 2017 Venice Lights of Friendship, a fundraiser...
Sarasota’s Friendship Center Named Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) Helping Hand
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing Sarasota’s Friendship Center as October’s Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams...