Senior Services, under the Department of Human Services, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults by providing County-wide leadership, direct services as needed, information and referral, networking, advocacy and collaboration for adult protection.
The department serves as a focal point where older adults receive valuable services and participate in activities which enhance dignity, support independence and self-sufficiency, and encourage involvement in the community keeping the quality of life at optimum levels and avoiding premature institutionalization.
This department operates out of two bases:
NEWS!: Golf Tournament
Calendar of Events
The Fountain Valley Senior Center is open Monday - Friday from 8:00-4:00, telephone number 520-6470
Some of the services provided to those aged 55 and over include:
- Transportation program
Provides demand responsive, door-to-door and door-through-door, wheelchair accessible transportation service that helps facilitate independence and reduce isolation. Transportation is provided for medical/dental appointments, grocery shopping, nutrition site, employment/education, recreation and socialization. This service is available to those 60 and over (applies to transportation services only) who reside in Widefield, Security, Stratmoor Valley, Fort Carson, Ellicott, Rush, Yoder, Peyton and Calhan. Ridership fee is based on suggested donation.
- Nutrition Program
Serves as a meal site for the Golden Circle Nutrition Program. A hot nutritious meal is served daily. Cost for the meal is based on a suggested donation feel schedule
- Fitness & Wellness Programs
These include exercise classes (Forever Fit and Healthy Bones) Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Modern Interpretive Dance, Line Dancing classes and a variety of health screening services including Blood Pressure Checks, Foot Clinic, Hearing Aid Checks and Vision Screening, Diabetic Support Group and Flu Shots.
- Community Volunteer Participation
Provides an opportunity for seniors to volunteer in a variety of areas at the Center. The Center continues to rely on its consumers to help carry out its day-to-day operations. Older adult also have an opportunity to be a part of a self-managed, senior volunteer team to address community needs by participating in the Seniors in Service program, a collaborative project with El Pomar Foundation.
- Indoor Recreation & Socialization
Indoor recreation helps facilitate socialization and creates friendship for many seniors who do not have families and are often isolated. Indoor activities include Game Day, Billiards, Bowling, Ping Pong, Movie Day, Bingo and Harmonizers.
- Arts & Crafts
These include Porcelain Doll Making, Wood Carving, Quilting, Knitting & Crocheting, Oil Painting, and Card Embossing classes are offered at the Center.
- Educational Opportunities
These include Computer classes, Driver’s Safety classes, Nutrition classes, and health-related presentations.
- Community Partnerships
Many organizations use the Center to hold special events or provide specific services. The Salvation Army holds its’ annual Community Holiday Dinners. It is also one of the voting poll sites for the County Clerk & Recorder during election, and serves as a venue where numerous community groups hold their meetings and other functions.
- Information and Referral
The Fountain Valley Senior Center serves as a point of contact for other essential services in the community. Inquires can be made by contacting (719) 520-6470.
- Benefits Checkup
Assistance is available in accessing government benefits information through the Internet that older adults might be entitled to.
- Widowed Friends and Military Widows
Support groups for widows and widowers that meet one Saturday of the month.
- Trips and Outings
This includes planned trips to dinner theatres, local attractions, and places of interest within Colorado. Plans for senior center group travel out of Colorado also are ongoing. All details are listed in the monthly newsletters.
- Thrift Shop
The “Has Bin” thrift shop sells a variety of donated items. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursday s from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Breakfast Corner
Nutritious breakfast is available to help jumpstart your day. The Breakfast Corner is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Calhan Senior Center operates every other Wednesday with a hot meal program served at noon at the 'Swink Hall' located on the County Fairgrounds in Calhan. Cost of the meal is $2.25 and is available to anyone age 55 and over. Meals are cooked on site, are homemade, and are delicious!
Transportation for those living in Eastern El Paso County is available Tuesday, Thursday, and every other Monday. Reservations are needed for transportation and can be made by calling Jean Gaddy at 347-2221. (Age 60 and older criteria applies to transportation only in Calhan.) Suggested donation: $1.50 within eastern El Paso County.
Send any concerns or comments to: DennisCrosser@elpasoco.com