Bentley Village Foundation Inc

Programs: Scholarships: in collaboration with the community foundation of collier county (cfcc--see sch i), and using funds raised by the foundation, 9 scholarships of $3,500 each were awarded in may 2017 and 6 scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded in december 2017. The recipients were 8 employees and 7 dependents of employees of vi at bentley village, a naples continuing care retirement community. Additionally 8 renewal scholarships of $3,181 each were awarded in december 2017 to the group of december 2016 grantees all scholarship funds are disbursed from a designated account under the umbrella of the community foundation of coller (cfcc) directly to the learning institution per a written agreement between the cfcc and the foundation. $34,129 of the funds came from the foundation and $40,819 came from donations made directly to the cfcc held scholarship fund while the foundation was waiting on approval of exempt status in 2016. Awardees were selected via competitive scholarship scored on a matrix developed cooperatively by the two organizations. Applicants may receive renewals each year until their original course of study is completed.

music therapy for memory care unit patients of the bentley care center and assisted living, as well as other residents who would benefit: working cooperatively with professional staff and students from the bower school of music at florida gulf coast university, the foundation initiated and helped to support a program to benefit residents with advanced cognitive disorders and those being rehabilitated after serious injuries or an illness. Based on research and consultation, the foundation provides support to interns of the school and their bentley staff supervisors in the form of equipment, instruments, and games, as well as the clinical supports needed for palliative relief and rehabilitation. The foundation maintains a high-quality piano for direct music therapy, resident recreation and the enhancement of group therapy programming and classes. A chime choir and a drumming group began this year in the facilities with equipment supplied by the foundation. A second mac book pro computer programmed with downloaded itunes for individual listening was acquired to reduce individual agitation and provide music and visuals for group music therapy. We also brought in a children's choir for christmas caroling. The expanded programs offer a side benefit of therapist collaboration between the facilities, thus promoting sharing of talents and resources. In both centers, the participation of fgcu students provided cross-generational contact and communication--another foundation goal.

mindfulness training: the foundation contracted with two professionals to provide personal tools to residents for dealing with the lingering stress from hurricane irma. 50 residents participated in the initial program. The professionals then developed and offered three four-week groups for residents who wanted full mindfulness training for use in daily living and stress management. 46 people completed this program. In december, the foundation contracted with the david lawrence center, a local mental health provider, to offer on-site group crisis intervention service for residents in the care center and assisted living who were suffering issues form the irma evacuations and for those in independent living who served as their caregivers or found losses and damage when returning. Starting late in the year, these interventions were carried over to 2018.

continuation of 2016 art therapy programs for the bentley care center and assisted living residence, including both memory units: additional art supplies and new easels were provided by the foundation to enhance the programs established in 2016. These programs also included the participation of the fgcu students.