FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 19, 2022) –The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved the allocation of $286,000 to the Dubin Center, a Lee County-based nonprofit that serves individuals at the early stages of the diagnosis with memory screenings, community resource referrals, and support groups. The Dubin Center also serves dementia caregivers who are navigating all stages of the disease through educational classes, materials, support groups, and one-on-one consultations and connecting with resources such as respite, legal, financial assistance, end of life planning, among many more. 

The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and was recently awarded to eligible nonprofits through Lee County and the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Referred to as ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus passed by Congress last year to assist governments in responding to the pandemic, addressing its economic impact and recovery.

“We are thankful to the United Way and the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for supporting our effort to help us build a dementia informed community. We will expand our reach to seniors residing in lower income areas who may have limited access to transportation and other support services. We will offer one on one support and referral assistance along with educational classes to support their caregiving journey and to reduce isolation.”  said Lynne Thorp, MBA, MA Executive Director of the Dubin Center. “It’s important that we adapt and accommodate the Southwest Florida community as our aging population continues to grow. ARPA will allow us to bring our services to those who historically have been underserved in the community, which is such an important mission that we are delighted to fulfill”

The nonprofit organization is celebrating its 27th year serving caregivers and so far, has already worked with over 500 caregivers in Southwest Florida. Thanks to the funds received, the Dubin Center expand support groups, memory cafes and educational programming into a variety of community locations including low-income housing, United Way houses and faith-based locations. Additionally, the program will combat isolation by helping individuals access technology focused on communication and socialization.

The Dubin Center is a nonprofit United Way agency assisting families of individuals suffering from dementia in Southwest Florida. Since 1995, The Dubin Center has supported caregivers living with dementia by providing free services such as support groups, one on one consultation, educational training and Memory Café. The staff and volunteers of the Dubin Center work to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. For more information, explore our website or call 239-437-3007.