The summer season brings real-life struggles for communities in need. With school out of session, many families have neither free childcare nor free lunches for their children. For those who work in the service industry, summer hours are often reduced, making it more difficult to pay bills on time.

Over 650 people in Collier County have sought out some kind of assistance from Collier Resource Center (CRC) so far this year: rent, utilities, food, disability services, employment, senior programs, and baby diapers. We provide free case management and follow-up services to everyone who contacts us. Our team members listen carefully, assess needs, and refer our clients to appropriate organizations. We offer abundant kindness and spend as much time as needed to help our vulnerable neighbors process their challenges and ensure their needs are met. 

One client who knocked on CRC’s door last year was a lovely woman named Zoraida. Referred to us by Healthcare Network (HCN), Zoraida’s primary care doctor was concerned that she was on the verge of homelessness.

Often, the first unmet need reveals a cascade of a dozen more. Zoraida’s rent was increasing, and she could not afford the difference. Distraught, she had no idea where to go. 

A CRC caseworker, fluent in Spanish, worked one-on-one with Zoraida. We made an appointment for her with the Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County. We helped her make an appointment to secure a voucher for a place to live through the Collier County Housing Authority.

The stress impacted Zoraida’s health. Her blood pressure spiked and she was hospitalized. She recovered just in time to make her appointment with the Collier County Housing Authority.

Once housed, CRC helped Zoraida acquire necessary items to make her apartment a home.

Zoraida’s struggles were not over. During this time, she was diagnosed with cancer. CRC connected her with the Cancer Alliance of Naples, and courageously, she battled back.

We are thrilled to share that Zoraida is doing well. She stops by CRC often to hand out hugs. Her gratitude for her home, her health, and her happiness, is deep and it is real. 

On Friday, August 9, from 12 to 2 pm, please take time to sip and shop at Kendra Scott in the Waterside Shops in North Naples. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to CRC.

Kendra Scott jewelry is a wonderful gift for birthdays, graduation, and very trendy among grandchildren!

Thursday, November 14, 2024

5 to 7:30 pm

Artis-Naples

Ticket Price $175

Cocktails with heavy hors d’oeuvres

For more information contact Kari Lefort

(978) 201-6399 or kari@collierresourcecenter.org

We are in awe of Rose Labarge, CRC’S newest employee, our Senior Services Director: A Community-based Interagency Senior Services Liaison. It’s a very long title for a critical job. 

From academic to government to public libraries, plus a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, Rose has more than 30 years of library experience, an advantage while working at CRC. Rose has learned, led, and managed a wide range of informational services in many diverse environments. People listen to her, trust her, and like her. Instantly! 

Rose’s personal and professional goals have always been to “make a difference” while working for libraries and collaborating with non-profit organizations. She works diligently with other senior agencies to assist with information and coordination of senior services.

“In an ideal world, our family dynamics are simple,” says Rose. “But the reality is that family dynamics are complicated with many different and problematic issues arising for loved ones and caregivers, near and far. Navigating through these issues and answering important questions with other agencies serving seniors can make a huge difference for everyone involved.” 

Please join us in welcoming Rose to the CRC team.

A special thank you to our generous grantors, who provided financial gifts between January 2024 - June 2024:

An unrestricted grant from a long-time CRC Supporter. 

Stephanie J and Fred Schiller Charitable Foundation for their unrestricted grant.

Women’s Foundation of Collier County for contributing to our work in a collaborative project providing outreach to at-risk and homeless senior women.

Please consider becoming a Monthly Champion with a recurring donation. Your donations enable us to assist even more people. CRC is 100% local, tax-deductible, and impactful, and an excellent return on investment with 96 cents of every dollar going directly to client services.

To give, please donate here or mail a check to:

Collier Resource Center

PO Box 110905

Naples, FL 34108

Thank you for ensuring that no matter how many people knock on our door, CRC can answer the call. 

With gratitude,