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Santa Fe, NM – On June 11, 2024, the Senior Services Division presented to the Board of County Commissioners a proposal to develop a potential partnership with Rio Arriba County. This partnership aims to better meet the needs of area seniors while supporting the Chimayo community.

Currently, Santa Fe County operates three senior centers in the northern region, located in El Rancho, Santa Cruz, and Chimayo. In Chimayo, the La Arbolera Senior Center, operated by Rio Arriba County, is situated just 1.5 miles from the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center.

Santa Fe County is exploring this partnership with Rio Arriba County to enhance participation in these northern centers, create greater socialization opportunities for seniors, reduce service redundancies, and leverage resources between both counties. The goal is to establish a stronger safety net for seniors, develop a more sustainable service area, and reimagine the future of the Bennie J. Chavez Community Center based on the Chimayo community's current needs.

To gather valuable input, address concerns, and generate ideas for senior services programming and the potential repurposing of the Bennie J. Chavez Center, Santa Fe County Commissioner Justin Green (D-1), along with Senior Services staff, will host a Senior Circle on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The event will take place at the Bennie J. Chavez Center, located at 354-A Juan Medina Road in Chimayo. This meeting is an opportunity for seniors to share their thoughts and help shape a renewed community space.

Commissioner Justin Green emphasized, “Santa Fe County is excited to collaborate with Rio Arriba County to provide comprehensive senior services to the Chimayo community. Our goal is to find efficiencies and offer the desired mix of services and activities requested by the community. We will visit the center and discuss the opportunities we can provide in the coming weeks. I look forward to meeting the Chimayo senior community and enjoying lunch with them next Monday.”

Santa Fe County encourages community members to attend this meeting to ensure their voices are heard as the County explores this potential partnership.

For more information about the Senior Circle, please contact Matilda Byers, Senior Services Program Manager at mbyers@santafecountynm.gov.

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