Santa Clara’s nonprofit organization, Heart of the Valley, is seeking to raise $25,000 through the annual Wish Book campaign to enhance its services for seniors. This initiative aims to support independent living and improve the quality of life for older adults in the West Santa Clara Valley. Founded in 1987, Heart of the Valley has evolved from a small volunteer project into a comprehensive nonprofit, serving over 250 seniors annually.
At the age of 64, Marisa Carlini exemplifies the challenges many seniors face. Following a series of surgeries that culminated in the amputation of her left leg in late 2024, Carlini found herself in need of assistance for everyday tasks. “The pain was gone,” she reflects, but the loss of her leg significantly altered her independence. Simple actions, like changing a light bulb, became difficult.
Fortunately, Heart of the Valley stepped in to provide essential services. The organization offers a wide range of support, including transportation, handyman services, and companionship, tailored specifically for seniors aged 62 and older. Carlini has benefited from home safety upgrades like handrails and improved lighting, allowing her to navigate her home more safely.
Community Support Essential for Expansion
Heart of the Valley’s mission began in the mid-1980s when the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation established HUD-funded housing for low-income seniors. The founder, Austin Warburton, recognized a broader need and initiated a volunteer program to assist seniors throughout the region. As the organization developed, its services diversified, addressing not only physical needs but also the emotional well-being of older adults.
Executive Director Alma Soto emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining and growing their mission. “To sustain and expand our services, we need continued financial support,” she stated. The funds raised through the Wish Book campaign will enhance technology, improve outreach efforts, and expand the volunteer base, which is crucial for providing effective services.
Volunteers like Lidia Donez, who began her journey with Heart of the Valley in 2001, play a vital role in the organization. After a 36-year career at Hewlett-Packard, Donez sought to give back to her community. Initially assisting clients with shopping and doctor’s visits, she found that companionship was often just as crucial as practical help.
Earlier this year, Donez herself required assistance after suffering a broken arm. Heart of the Valley provided her with walkers to aid her recovery, illustrating the reciprocal nature of the support network the organization fosters. Soto remarked, “Now we send people out to help her after she has helped people all of her life.”
Volunteering: A Lifeline for Seniors
Donez’s commitment to volunteering remains strong. Despite her injury, she has returned to assist Heart of the Valley with bookkeeping and other administrative tasks. “All of the jobs that she does are essentially three different positions,” Soto noted, highlighting Donez’s invaluable contributions.
The organization thrives on a diverse group of volunteers, many of whom are retirees with valuable skills and time to spare. Some help with household repairs, while others provide companionship, which is often a critical service for seniors who may feel isolated. “Sometimes a volunteer is the first person they’ve seen in months,” Soto added, underscoring the emotional impact of their work.
As Heart of the Valley continues to grow, the need for funding and volunteers becomes increasingly urgent. The funds from the Wish Book campaign will directly enhance the organization’s ability to support seniors in maintaining their independence, dignity, and well-being.
Through community involvement and financial support, Heart of the Valley aims to ensure that seniors like Carlini and Donez receive the assistance they need to thrive. Donations can be made at wishbook.mercurynews.com/donate, providing an opportunity for the public to contribute to this vital cause.
