Your Monthly News & Updates

San Benito County Seniors Connect Newsletter

🤝 Volunteer Spotlight:

Make a Difference in San Benito County

Meet Steve Austin and Phil Messina, two of the driving forces behind the Hollister Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

As Chapter President, Steve Austin dedicates countless hours to keeping the local chapter moving forward. Whether it’s early mornings, late evenings, organizing projects or stepping in wherever help is needed, Steve’s commitment goes far beyond what is expected.

That dedication was especially evident leading up to Bunks Across America. When fewer volunteers than anticipated were available to prepare for the event, Steve stepped in and spent the week preparing and cutting lumber so the build could continue successfully.

Co-President Phil Messina plays another essential role. Phil is responsible for measuring and cutting lumber for the chapter’s bed builds—helping transform stacks of wood into the pieces volunteers ultimately assemble into beds for local children.

Together, Steve and Phil demonstrate something we love celebrating in San Benito Seniors Connect: there is no age limit on making a difference.

Their time, skills and leadership are helping ensure that children throughout our community have something many of us take for granted—a safe, comfortable bed of their own.

🛏️ Agency Spotlight: Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Hollister Chapter

No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town®

Every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep. That simple belief is at the heart of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit organization powered by volunteers who build and deliver beds to children who otherwise may be sleeping on floors, couches, or other temporary sleeping spaces.

The Hollister Chapter serves children and families throughout San Benito, South Santa Clara and Monterey Counties, providing handcrafted twin beds and bunk beds complete with new mattresses, bedding and pillows. Volunteer teams don’t just build the beds—they deliver, assemble and install them directly in families’ homes.

And the need is significant. Before the chapter’s recent Bunks Across America event, the local chapter had 205 children waiting for beds.

🔨 Bunks Across America: Local Volunteers Make an Impact

On September 12, Sleep in Heavenly Peace brought volunteers together at Abundant Life Church in Hollister for its annual Bunks Across America event.

Volunteers worked at stations sanding, drilling, assembling and preparing lumber that will ultimately become beds for local children.

Despite having fewer volunteers than originally expected, the team completed an impressive 30 beds. Volunteers ranging in age from 7 to 78 contributed more than 200 hours of service.

The Hollister effort was part of a nationwide initiative involving SHP chapters across the country. During the week-long event, thousands of volunteers worked together to build beds for children in need.

As Chapter President Steve Austin shared:

“Our volunteers’ dedication, sweat, and tireless commitment to our mission—No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town—is what makes this community so special.”

Want to Get Involved? Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity

Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Hollister Chapter needs volunteers for its upcoming Bed Delivery Day!

On Saturday, October 10, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., volunteers will help load, deliver, assemble and install beds for children and families in need. No special experience is required—just a willingness to help! Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing they don’t mind getting dirty.

👉 Visit San Benito Connect at SBCVolunteers.org to learn more and sign up for this volunteer opportunity.

🍂 Annual Senior Resource Fair

Join the Mary Velasco Sellen Senior Center for its Annual Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, October 8, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at the San Juan Bautista Community Center.

Come connect with local organizations and learn about valuable programs and services available to seniors and caregivers throughout San Benito County. The event will feature senior resources, health screenings, flu vaccines for seniors, door prizes, and refreshments.

📍 San Juan Bautista Community Center

10 San Jose Street, San Juan Bautista

Free and open to the public — all seniors and caregivers are welcome!

For more information, contact the Mary Velasco Sellen Senior Center at (831) 262-3484.

🧘 Chair Yoga at the Adobe!

Join us for gentle movement, stretching, and relaxation. Perfect for seniors and all abilities! 💛

See flyer below for dates, location, and details.

💻 Tech Help Tuesdays at the Library

Need help with your phone, tablet, or laptop? You’re not alone!

The San Benito County Free Library offers Tech Help Tuesdays, a free drop-in program where volunteers provide one-on-one assistance with everyday technology questions. Whether you’re learning how to send photos, use email, download apps, connect to Wi-Fi, or navigate your device with more confidence, friendly volunteers are ready to help.

Bring your device and your questions—no appointment is necessary!

Tech Help Tuesdays

📅 Every 3rd Tuesday of the month

• October 20, 2026

🕥 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

📍 San Benito County Free Library

470 Fifth Street

Hollister, CA 95023

Please Note:

• Bring your own phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Volunteers provide guidance and instruction only.
• Device repairs are not offered.

For more information, call the Library at (831) 636-4107.

✨ Looking for a relaxing

and creative way to connect?

Join the Adult Knitting & Crochet Group at the San Benito County Free Library! 🧵💬 Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned crafter, come share ideas, meet new friends, and enjoy some creative time together. 🪡🧤

✨ Looking for a gentle way to move, relax & recharge?

Join us every Wednesday for Qigong & Tai Chi in Hollister! 🌿 These slow, mindful movements can be modified for individual needs, making it a welcoming way to move your body, focus on your breathing, and enjoy some time for yourself. 🧘‍♀️✨

Chair Yoga

San Benito County Free Library

470 Fifth Street, Hollister

For more information, visit us at www.sbcfl.org or call (831) 636-4107

Relaxing and rejuvenating Chair Yoga session designed especially for senior citizens! Whether you're looking to improve flexibility, reduce stress, or simply enjoy a peaceful hour, this program is perfect for you.

💙 FREE Matter of Balance Workshop!

Build confidence, improve balance, and learn simple ways to help reduce your risk of falls.

See flyer below for dates, location, registration, and details.

Upcoming Online Classes:

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Education

Topics include early warning signs, caregiving basics, communication, and healthy brain habits.

To register click HERE or call (800)272-3900

For on-demand recorded classes, click HERE

Caregiver Support & Education 💙

The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center and Health Projects Center invite family caregivers to join their monthly workshops at the Community Foundation Epicenter in Hollister.

Each session offers practical caregiving tips, valuable resources, and compassionate support to help you care for a loved one while also caring for yourself.

Events Happening in the Community

💉 FREE Flu Vaccination Clinics

San Benito County Public Health is offering FREE flu vaccinations every Wednesday and Friday from 1:00–4:00 PM at Public Health Services in Hollister.

Vaccinations are available for ages 6 months and older, and walk-ins are welcome!

📍 351 Tres Pinos Road, Suite B, Hollister

📞 (831) 637-5367

👉 Click here to schedule an appointment through MyTurn.

Protect yourself and those around you this flu season!

📄 FREE Document Shredding Event!

Protect your personal information and safely dispose of sensitive documents at this free shredding event for Medicare beneficiaries.

See flyer below for date, location, and details.

The Seniors Council will host a series of Candidate Forums

in San Benito County in October.

Candidates for Hollister's Mayor, District 5 Supervisor, and Districts 2 & 3 City Council will be on hand to answer questions focused on the issues most important to older adults.

Join us at the Pauline Valdivia Memorial Community Center at 300 West St. in Hollister to hear the candidates speak.

Monday 10/5, 12:30-1:30 PM – Mayor

Tim Burns, Tina Garza, & Scott McPhail

Tuesday 10/6, 12:30-1:30 PM – City Council D2 & D3

William Avera, Frida Benjamin, Brian Chavez, & Dolores Morales

Friday 10/9, 12:30-1:30 PM – D5 Supervisor

Rodney Bianchi, John Williams, & Ignacio Velazquez

Do you have a question for a candidate? Send your question to contact@seniorscouncil.org.

🎃🍬 Help Us Fill Our Volunteer

Superhero Candy Stash! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

San Benito Connect Volunteers is getting ready for Trick or Treat Street, and we could use your help!

We’re collecting individually wrapped candy and treats for the 4,000+ trick-or-treaters expected this year.

Candy can be dropped off at the EPICENTER, 440 San Benito Street, Hollister or you can 👉 CLICK HERE TO DONATE online to support the San Benito County Volunteer Program.

Every bag and every donation helps. Thank you for supporting our community! 💙💛

🎉 Community Center Improvements Completed

The City of Hollister recently celebrated the completion of improvements at the Pauline Valdivia Memorial Community Center/Hollister Recreation Center, located at 300 West Street.

The facility is an important community hub and is home to several programs and organizations serving local residents, including the Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Martha’s Kitchen, and other agencies and programs serving older adults and the community. Recent improvements included renovations to the facility’s restrooms and other updates to help better serve those who use the center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the completion of the project and the reopening of the Recreation Center.

🥗 Teen Kitchen Project – Community Supports

Teen Kitchen Project is expanding its medically tailored meal program in San Benito County, providing nutritious meals and food support to qualifying Medi-Cal members. 💚

👉 Read the BenitoLink article to learn more about the program and who may qualify.⁠

See flyer below for program and enrollment details.

Get Out & Vote Early!

🗳️ November 3, 2026 General Election

Planning ahead for the upcoming General Election? San Benito County Elections has information on Vote Center locations, official ballot drop boxes, Vote-by-Mail, and important election dates.

For the latest election information and voting options:

Click HERE for more details

See the flyer below for voting locations and important dates.

Hot Meals, Connection, and

Care for San Benito Seniors 💛

Enjoy nutritious meals and meaningful connection through local senior dining programs in Hollister and San Juan Bautista. For those who are homebound, weekly meal delivery is also available to help ensure no senior goes without support.

📞 To sign up or learn more, call or text (669) 437-0865

🌐 Visit: https://www.marthas-kitchen.org/san-benito-county

Project SCOUT:

Free Tax Prep & CalFresh Assistance

🌱 Turning the Master Plan for Aging Into Action

The San Benito County Master Plan for Aging Local Playbook is more than a plan—it’s a roadmap for creating a community where people can live, age, and thrive.

Community partners are continuing to move the Playbook’s priorities forward in five key areas:

🏠 Housing for All Ages & Stages

⚕️ Health Reimagined

🤝 Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation

🫂 Caregiving That Works

💰 Affording Aging

Throughout the year, San Benito Seniors Connect will share updates, resources, and examples of how these priorities are being put into action right here in our community.

📘 Want to learn more?

CLICK HERE to read the San Benito County Master Plan for Aging Local Playbook.

📘 Aging & Disability Resource Directory

– San Benito County

Aging & Disability Resource Directory created by the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) in partnership with the Seniors Council. This guide serves as a “No Wrong Door” resource to help older adults, caregivers, and individuals living with disabilities easily find support across San Benito County.

Do you know what a donor-advised fund can do for you? Do you know what it can do for your community?

Click HERE to learn more

Stay Connected!

Get In Touch

   •       📞 Phone: 831-975-2596 ext 204

   •       📍 Address: 440 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023

   •       ✉️ Email: Coreys@seniorscouncil.org

   •       🌐 Website: www.seniorscouncil.org