By: The Ivanhoe Sol

Over the last year, a group of Ivanhoe residents have come together with the goal to create a viable Senior Center for the elders in the community.

Currently no such center or senior programming exists in Ivanhoe.. 

On October 16, 2023 several advocates including Connie Vela-Solorio and Marcia Fulmer attended the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council meeting in Cutler to provide public comments about the gap in services for Ivanhoe seniors.

Based on that testimony, Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero was quick to contact Connie to set up a meeting to address the need. Several interested parties came together to discuss what resources might be available for this purpose. At that time, Proteus Inc. attended the meeting as did and others such as Family Health Network and Friends of the Ivanhoe Library and it was decided to hold a Senior Resource Fair to kick off the campaign.

This event was held on February 29, 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm. Several community service providers and non-profit organizations joined the event. About 50 seniors attended. Supervisor

Eddie Valero and Connie Vela-Solorio facilitated the bilingual event and were also busy serving a delicious taco lunch to the participants. Residents who attended also received doo prizes. 

Ivanhoe Resource Fair / Feria de recursos de Ivanhoe. Photo/ Foto: Eddie Valero. 

A subsequent event held on April 25th was called “Lonche con Loteria” and the participants were very engaged and reported having lots of fun. They played both Loteria and Bingo games and there was an informative presentation made by the American Ambulance of Visalia. Seniors received a tool to use to write down personal medical information that can be placed on their refrigerators so First Responders can use it in case of an Emergency.

Another event, most recently held on July 25th was a Movie Day and once again a delicious meal was provided. That day seniors responded to a survey to select their preference for a Senior Field Trip to be held in Fall which will serve as a safe social outlet for seniors that might otherwise be isolated. 

As a result of their dedication to the Ivanhoe community, much gratitude goes to the Ivanhoe Veterans Memorial Building for providing the space for these events and a special thank you to Supervisor Eddie Valero for his continued support and involvement. Along with key contributors who go above and beyond to bring information and resources to the senior community such as  Proteus Inc., WellCare, Family Healthcare Network, Tulare County Aging Services Department, American Ambulance of Visalia, Friends of Ivanhoe Library, Ivanhoe Town Council, Kaweah Health Community Outreach, and community volunteers.

For community members willing to volunteer to help reach the goal for a permanent senior center, please contact: Connie Vela-Solorio at 559-731-0926.