Naples Florida Weekly’s Joe Landon featured the Collier Resource Center in their Making a Difference column in January, 2022. [Link]
Need help? In many cases, depending on the need, Collier Resource Center is where to turn for that help. And it’s been that way since Nina Gray, a retired nonprofit CEO, founded CRC a few short years ago.
“When we opened our doors in 2016, three of us volunteered in the office,” says Ms. Gray. “That year we assisted 60 people. But this year, we helped 792 people as our volunteer team grew to 21.”
“Our goal in 2022 is to reach 1,000 households,” says CRC Chief Executive Officer Kari Lefort. “And we’ll do so by continuing to provide free case management services to individuals and families. We help those in need navigate the complex social service system by providing information, referrals and resources.”
People turn to CRC for the most basic of needs like food, clothing and shelter, or for help paying rent or utility bills, or possibly for medical or dental care or mental health services.
“Our uniqueness is that we follow up with every client to ensure they received necessary services, and we check to see if additional assistance is needed,” Ms. Lefort says.
Sharhonda Simmons and her family look on while her 7-year-old son Sha’Ron tells a WINK-TV reporter about the new skateboard he just received as a Christmas gift from Collier Resource Center. “I can ride it every day,” Sha’Ron says. “I can go to the skatepark and ride it, which is going to be fun.” COURTESY PHOTO / COLLIER RESOURCE CENTER
In the beginning though, Ms. Gray says it was relatively easy for CRC to do what they do. “We would tell clients where to find affordable childcare or direct them to food pantries. Or, we’d guide them to places offering free diapers, clothing, household goods and legal assistance,” she adds.
But the complexity and depth of client needs dramatically increased with the pandemic.
“Yet with maximum sleuthing, creativity, and effort, we almost always find the appropriate resource except for affordable housing,” Ms. Gray states. “We hear about people who lost jobs, had health challenges, or cared for dying loved ones and then faced disproportionate rent increases and couldn’t afford a place to live. However, we never give up. We dig deeper to find solutions and reach out broadly to partner organizations that can help.”
Here are a couple of examples of the complexity CRC deals with. They found out about a blind and cognitively challenged man who was removed from a home where his caregiver was abusing him. CRC found safe housing he could afford.
And, they learned of a woman who was five months pregnant and sleeping on the floor because the family she was living with didn’t have a bed. CRC was able to get a bed donated, including bedding, and a layette for the baby.
Then there’s Margaret Smith, 89, who lives in a manufactured home. She’s been without air conditioning for two years because she couldn’t afford to buy a new unit. CRC collaborated with Collier County’s Services for Seniors program to obtain funds to buy a unit. And now Mrs. Smith says she’s comfortable and happy. “I don’t know how I could have made it through another summer without AC.”
CRC’s “uniqueness,” which Ms. Lefort mentioned, was on display this holiday season. They made Christmas brighter for a few families. In the case of Sharhonda Simmons, a working mother of five who couldn’t afford to buy gifts, CRC partnered with Beverly’s Angels to purchase toys for her younger kids and gave her a gift card to use on the older ones.
“I couldn’t have provided gifts for my family without the help of CRC. They made Christmas special,” Ms. Simmons said.
While the folks at CRC get to play Santa once a year, they empower families in need the other 364 days each year.
If you’d like to lend a hand as a volunteer or donor, or if you need help, visit www.collierresourcecenter.org or call 239-434-2030.