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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) greater Naples Branch will host Dr. David Wengert, a leading social work educator, on January 2, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida. Dr. Wengert will present on the innovative use of geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to address critical social challenges, specifically focusing on seniors, affordable housing, and food insecurity. The event is free and open to the public, with refreshments available at 9:30 AM and the program beginning at 10:00 AM. Pre-registration is not required.
Dr.Wengert’s Expertise and Background
Dr. David Wengert brings extensive experience to this discussion. He is a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and specializes in applying GIS technology to social work practice. His work focuses on visually representing and analyzing social problems to better understand their geographic distribution and inform targeted interventions. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, receiving the Southwest Florida Social Work Educator of the Year Award in 2016 and the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers – Florida in 2024. https://www.socialworkers.org/
Dr.Wengert is also actively involved in several boards and committees in Southwest Florida and with national social work organizations,demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and professional leadership.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing data tied to specific locations. In the context of social work, GIS mapping allows professionals and researchers to:
* Visualize Needs: Identify areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations, such as seniors living in poverty or neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores.
* Analyze Spatial Relationships: Determine if there are correlations between factors like income level, access to transportation, and food insecurity. Such as, are areas with limited public transportation also areas with higher rates of food insecurity?
* Improve Resource Allocation: Optimize the placement of services like senior centers, affordable housing developments, and food banks to maximize their impact.
* advocate for Policy Changes: Present compelling visual evidence to policymakers to support funding for programs and initiatives that address social inequities.
Addressing Key issues in Southwest Florida
Dr. Wengert’s presentation will likely focus on how GIS mapping can be applied to address specific challenges facing Southwest Florida:
* Seniors: Mapping the locations of seniors, their access to healthcare, transportation, and social services can definitely help identify gaps in support and inform the development of targeted programs.
* Affordable Housing: GIS can be used to identify areas with a critical need for affordable housing, analyze the availability of land for development, and assess the impact of proposed housing projects on surrounding communities.
* Food insecurity: Mapping food deserts – areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food – can help prioritize the placement of food banks, community gardens, and mobile food pantries. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-access-health/food-deserts/
Event Details and AAUW Information
Date: January 2,2026
Time: Refreshments at 9:30 AM,Program at 10:00 AM
Location: Grace Lutheran Church,Fellowship Hall,860 Banyan Blvd,Naples,FL 34102
Cost: Free,open to the public,no pre-registration required.
The event is hosted by AAUW and the AAUW Greater Naples Branch, organizations dedicated to advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. More information about AAUW and the greater Naples Branch can be found at https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/.
Key Takeaways:
* GIS mapping is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing complex social problems.
* Dr. David Wengert is a leading expert in the application of GIS to social work.
* The event will focus on using GIS to address seniors’ needs, affordable housing, and food insecurity in Southwest Florida.
* The event is free and open to the public.