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delivered by Senior Citizens Organization of SLV, Inc
8500 Hwy 9, PO Box 136, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 | 831-336-8900
About Us
The Senior Citizens Organization of San Lorenzo Valley
Our Mission:
We advocate for and ensure a vibrant, well-funded, and responsive Highlands Park Senior & Community Center that benefits all San Lorenzo Valley residents. At our heart, we cultivate a safe, modern hub close to home dedicated to meeting the emerging needs of adults 50+. We provide the enriching programs, vital supports, diverse resources, and multi-generational connections our neighbors need to live healthy, full, and satisfying lives in the Valley.
Key Accomplishments:
In 2020, our center closed its doors to the Covid 19 outbreak & was also adversely affected by the CZU fire which destroyed several hundred houses & structures & created havoc along Hwy 9 for some time. Our volunteer Board of Directors stepped in to manage operations to:
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Conduct a vaccine clinic with local volunteer doctors, nurses & support staff
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within 2 months, 1,024 dose of vaccine were administered
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Partner with the Red Cross in disaster relief efforts
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Re-establish our Meals on Wheels Senior lunch program
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Re-establish assistance programs like Project Scout & HICAP Medicare help
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Comply with County Health issued guidelines for safety for Covid
We are most proud of these accomplishments during a chaotic time in history!
Our History:
Our Senior Center originated around 1937 by a group of seniors who gathered casually for social activities. Over the years it has developed into a more formal non-profit corporation in 1978 with bylaws, a clear mission and location here in Highlands County Park. Today we seek sustainable funding to support staffing for our center and programs which will allow us to continue to expand our services and operations to serve the growing 50+ population in the region.
The Highlands Park Senior & Community Center is facilitated by a private, self-funded, not-for-profit organization - the Senior Citizens Organization of the San Lorenzo Valley, Inc.
We depend on the generosity of community members private donations, membership fees, various grants and paid participation in Center programs and activities to fund our operation.
The Difference We Make:
The entire community of San Lorenzo Valley with approximately 35,000 people benefits in many ways, especially because we are located in the center point of the Valley, on Hwy 9 bus line & within a County Park where recreational activities and a child-development center are co-located. Our programs are focused on Seniors primarily but community groups of all ages conduct events, meetings & programs in our facility. We evaluate our impact by tallying the sheer number of people who walk through our doors to attend meetings, events & classes & also by the people who come in every day and thank us for helping them. We also demonstrate & track growing numbers of special events, programs, classes & increased volunteer members helping with all activities. Our success at developing new partnerships with the business community, other non-profits and county, state, and federal officials has lead to new funding streams that have allowed us to continue and expand our programs & maintain our facility.
A Place to Meet & Gather:
The Highlands Park Senior & Community Center is a community gathering place where members can enjoy music, art, education, social-gatherings and other special events. Our programs are designed to support diverse age groups and appeal to a wide range of interests.
This 6000 sq. ft. facility has two large meeting rooms, a dedicated art space, a full kitchen and a reception area. We are located within a County Park, so there is access to grassy playing fields, tennis courts, walking trails and the San Lorenzo River.
The Senior & Community Center is a perfect place to host meetings, celebrations, concerts, art exhibits, classes and other special events. Our auditorium seats 250. Our well appointed kitchen can support community breakfasts and catered events. There is plenty of parking next to the facility and throughout the park.