People who have lived in Immokalee for many years are familiar with Roberts Center on Roberts Ave. It has been the home of a Senior Citizens Nutrition and Activity Program for a long time. The Feeding Program is part of the Collier County Senior Social Services Department. Over time, as the elderly population has changed, knowledge about services provided by Roberts Center have diminished.

Currently, a partnership is being developed between the Senior Program at Roberts Center and Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities to offer programs and activities for people over 60 years of age who are well and can come to the Center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. The new calendar of activities which began in May includes Bingo twice a week (Tuesday and Friday), simple chair exercises twice weekly, and entertainment/educational programs twice monthly. Also, the Immokalee Clinic already sends medical staff monthly for blood pressure and medication checks, and Hospice provides a monthly program to promote laughter as part of a healthy life. There are games, cards, puzzles, and dominoes available everyday. Anyone over 60 years of age is welcome to come and enjoy time spent with others. Meals can be arranged through the Meal Coordinator at Roberts Center.

Recently, the elders at Roberts Center were entertained by a Dance Class from Ave Maria. They were teenage girls who call themselves THE TAPPERS. After dancing for the group, the young women answered questions about dance and why they participate. Everyone had a very enjoyable time.

Roberts Center is looking for more individuals and groups who may want to entertain the elders and are available for a short, 30 minute program on the second and fourth Wednesday morning of each month. Dancers, singers, magicians, educators, health care people, and those who can offer Arts and Crafts would we most welcome. IF you are interested, Sr. Judy coordinates the entertainment/education schedule and can be reached at 239-65-6242.