For more information about the author, click to view their website: The Glenview at Pelican Bay
Acts of Kindness: How Volunteering
Enriches Lives at The Glenview
Crafting
cards with care. Calling bingo with purpose. Bridging language gaps for those
in need. Bringing comfort to hospital patients. Restoring local habitats.
Mentoring the next generation. When it comes to volunteer opportunities for
seniors, The Glenview residents are dedicated to giving back to Naples in
meaningful ways, using their time and talents to make a real impact on the
causes that inspire them.
Whether
it’s mentoring young children, assisting healthcare initiatives or championing
local conservation efforts, they’re proving that retirement is the perfect time
to make a difference. From Collier County volunteer opportunities, and Fort
Myers volunteer opportunities to volunteer conservation work, and becoming a
volunteer ambassador, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.
Here’s
how residents of The Glenview are having fun volunteering—lending hands,
lifting hearts, changing lives—and how you can, too.
Making a Difference, One Student at a
Time
Many
Glenview residents are passionate about education and youth mentorship, helping
shape young minds and provide brighter futures for children in Collier County.
Lynn Nolan volunteers at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy[KW1] , which provides safe, quality,
and affordable education for underserved children from working families. This
community service program helps prepare every child for kindergarten,
regardless of background.
Jean
Turk and Carol Levy are dedicated to giving back at The Glenview, helping to
fund educational opportunities for employees. Jean hosts monthly bingo events
to support the Glenview Scholarship Fund, which benefits high school students
working in the dining room and employees pursuing higher education. Carol
contributes by creating and selling handcrafted cards and artificial
succulents, generously covering her own supply costs.
Jean,
a Pelican Bay resident for over 35 years and a Glenview resident for more than
a decade, has a lifelong passion for teaching. A former educator of 30+ years,
she also volunteers by teaching Mahjong to new residents.
“You
get more out of volunteering than you give,” she said. “I love teaching and
getting to know new residents. People helping people makes everyone better for
it.”
Health, Healing, and Helping Community
Many Glenview residents are passionate about health
and wellness, dedicating their time to improving healthcare access and
supporting medical initiatives. Several participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s–Naples, raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s care and research.
Maria Merill volunteers at Naples Comprehensive Health, assisting
with the Neighborhood Clinic Program, which
provides medical and dental care for low-income workers in Collier County
without insurance. She is fluent in Spanish and serves as an interpreter,
helping clinicians communicate effectively with their patients.
“After losing my husband, I felt lost and alone.
Volunteering saved my life,” Maria said. “It feels great to be needed, be
helpful and know what you’re doing makes a huge difference in the lives of the
nurses, physicians and patients.”
Retired Volunteer Opportunities That
Create Lasting Impact
Engaging
with nature is a great way to stay active and make an impact. For those who
love being outside, there are plenty of outdoor volunteer options to ensure
Naples' beautiful landscapes and wildlife are preserved for future generations.
The
Glenview residents make a difference in the community and environment through
nature volunteering efforts such as beach cleanups, habitat restoration, park
maintenance, and environmental education programs through Collier County Parks and Recreation. Naples Zoo and
Conservancy of Southwest Florida offer wildlife biology volunteer
opportunities in animal rescue and education, local research, and marine life
conservation.
During
the holiday season, The Glenview residents volunteer with organizations such as
Harry Chapin Food Bank, Salvation Army Collier County, and Toys for Tots. They help feed families and make
sure children wake up to a special gift, spreading warmth and holiday cheer
throughout the community.
For
those drawn to faith-based giving, residents like Susan Liebetrau dedicate
their time to supporting Moorings Church programs and initiatives,
strengthening the community through acts of kindness and service.
Give Back, Get Inspired
“At
one time, I didn’t know what to do with my life, but now I see all the good
that I can do for others,” Maria said. “Volunteering is amazing and enriching.
Whatever you can do for a nonprofit helps your community, but it also helps you
as a person grow.”
If
you're looking for volunteer opportunities in Naples, FL, and want to make a
meaningful difference, RSVP of Collier County and VolunteerMatch
are great resources. You’ll be sure to find a cause that aligns with your
passions and start making an impact—one heartfelt gesture at a time.
For
those seeking a retired and senior volunteer program in a senior living
community offering comfortable luxury and resort-style amenities, The Glenview
offers countless ways to get involved. Whether you want to mentor students,
support healthcare initiatives, assist with wildlife conservation, or give back
creatively, there’s an opportunity here. Call (239) 977-9744 or contact us to learn more.
[KW1]Links here: https://funtimeacademy.org/
Alzheon has reported encouraging results from its Phase 2 trial of ALZ-801, an oral treatment for early Alzheimers disease. The study showed cognitive benefits, a 28% reduction in hippocampal atrophy, and a strong safety profile, particularly for individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene. With the Phase 3 trial now fully enrolled, topline results are expected in the near future. If successful, ALZ-801 could become the first oral anti-amyloid therapy for high-risk patients. Aqualane is proud to be part of this groundbreaking research and extend our deepest gratitude to all participants whose contributions are shaping the future of Alzheimers treatment.
At The Dubin Center, we often see the strength that blooms when families come together to care for a loved one. One such inspiring duo is Sally and her daughter, Jenna multigenerational caregiving team who have supported each other and grown together through the challenges of dementia caregiving.Sally has been a caregiver for at least four years, navigating the evolving needs of her husband with quiet strength and a fierce commitment to showing up each day. Two years ago, her daughter Jenn moved to Florida to be closerand to help. Since then, the two have become a team, blending perspectives, experiences, and love as they walk the caregiving journey together.When asked what they would say to someone who is unsure about joining a support group or getting involved with The Dubin Center, both women spoke with heartfelt conviction."Definitely come, Sally said. Anyone dealing with this sort of stuff needs support. It saved me.Jenn echoed her mothers words, adding, You are not alone. The support groups can help lift you out of the misery. You can give advice and get advice. Its a safe spaceand comforting knowing others understand.Caregiving across generations isnt always easy, but it opens the door for powerful lessons.When asked what younger and older generations can learn from each other, Sally emphasized patiencenoting that age often brings the ability to let go of the small things and focus on what really matters. Jenn reflected on the importance of respect, independence, and dignity, which shes seen modeled by her mom.So, what advice do they have for other families navigating caregiving across generations?Find support, and dont do it alone, Sally advised. Let your family know whats going on and ask for help when you need it.Jenn added, Being open, honest, patient, and kind are the most important. Dont judge, and find a middle ground to work together.Thank you, Sally and Jenn, for your inspiring words! Whether you have family to lean on or not, their words are a reminder that caregiving doesnt have to be a solitary journey. If you or someone you know is caregiving across generations or by themself, reach out. Whether it's joining a support group or simply asking questions, The Dubin Center is here for you!
As we mark Womens History Month 2025, TravelPulse is once again taking a moment to acknowledge the substantial contributions and innovations of women in the travel industry.Its hardly an overstatement to say that women play a critical role in travel and tourism, both locally and globally.The latest available data from the World Travel & Tourism Council shows that women make up nearly 40 percent of the industry. That translates to about 48 million women working in what is now the worlds ninth largest industry.Among these women are scores of trailblazers, visionaries and fearless go-getters who have set their sights on making a difference for others or for the world (or both) and are doing so in their own unique way. They are entrepreneurs, they are corporate titans, they are passionate environmentalists and they are leaders of some of the travel industrys largest brands, businesses and trade groups.This is TravelPulses fifth annual list of influential women in travel, and each year, it is a privilege reviewing the bold things that women in travel are accomplishing. The 2025 class of influential leaders makes clear that women continue to be a force to be reckoned with, even during this fraught time in our history.Women continue to bring unique approaches to addressing and resolving many of the daunting challenges facing the industry and the world at large, including finding ways to make travel more sustainable, inclusive, accessible, thoughtful, and beneficial for stakeholders at all levels.At TravelPulses request, each of the 20 women being honored this year (who were all nominated by industry peers) shared a few career accomplishments theyre most proud of, as well as thoughts on what motivates them. Their answers are a compelling and inspirational read.Heres a closer look at each of the 2025 winners and the forces that drive them.Kerri Johnson, Founder, GOMO TravelAs the founder of GOMO Travel, Kerri Johnson is transforming the way people with mobility challenges, medical conditions, or other travel limitations experience the world. A medical travel assistance agency, GOMOs medical travel companions ensure that travelers get where they need to go with safety.The assistance of GOMO companions is available whether someone has mobility issues, suffers from anxiety, or requires medical assistance.Johnsons efforts through GOMO prioritize inclusivity, ensuring every traveler no matter their circumstances receives personalized support, from booking accessible accommodations to navigating unexpected disruptions.Q: What motivates you to do what you do each day?I have a nursing background and have always been sensitive to peoples feelings and needs, says Johnson. As I have grown and matured, I have become a staunch advocate for those less fortunate. I start my day with my alarm of Andy Williams song The Impossible Dream.This is a daily reminder to accomplish my goal of alleviating fear, isolationism, andexclusion experienced by many would-be travelers, says Johnson. At GOMO Travel, we strive to make their dreams possible.Q: What are your hopes and goals related to your specific area of work and the impact youd like to have on the travel industry?We feel everyone should be free to travel on their own terms, whatever that individuallymeans for them, says Johnson. Our hope is to normalize assisted travel across the globe so they will know that resources like ours exist. Uber did not happen overnight, and we utilize every day to build our network to achieve our goal of one day becoming the Uber of assisted travel.