Borrego Springs Community Resource Center You’ll find a lot happening at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) right now—from expanded food and transportation services to cultural celebrations and new caregiver opportunities. This recap highlights what CRC is doing to support health, independence, and connection in Borrego Springs, plus details about the upcoming two-year anniversary open house. A Message from Executive Director Martha Deichler Hello Friends! There is so much good happening at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, especially around health and quality of life for local residents. The weekly Food Bank is serving more people as SNAP (Food Coupons) support is reduced. Let’s Go Borrego, the CRC transportation program, is connecting more residents to medical appointments and services. Cultural programming like Ballet Folklórico and Día de los Muertos brings color, music, and tradition to the CRC campus. Martha also extends an open invitation to celebrate CRC’s two years of service at an upcoming open house. Celebrating Two Years of Community Service The Community Resource Center invites everyone to an Open House on Saturday, November 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM , marking two years of dedicated service to Borrego Springs. This milestone brings neighbors together to recognize CRC’s role in: Providing essential support and outreach Offering programs that improve health and independence Creating a hub where residents can connect and learn Guests can enjoy an evening of food, wine, and conversation , in appreciation of the volunteers, partners, and supporters who make CRC programs possible. Food Bank: Meeting a Growing Need The CRC Food Bank is experiencing heightened demand due to reduced SNAP funding and concerns about food shortages. Up to 320 people per week are now being served. Households receive staples like beans, rice, canned tuna, and fresh produce. One of CRC’s key partners, Feeding San Diego, is facing a drop in federal funding, which reduces the overall amount of food available for distribution. CRC continues to request additional support from Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank to keep pace with local needs. Día de los Muertos at the CRC Día de los Muertos is a joyful Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed on. At the CRC, it is celebrated as a vibrant expression of memory, community, and culture. Key elements of Día de los Muertos include: Altars (ofrendas): With favorite foods, drinks, and mementos for the departed Marigolds: Guiding spirits with color and scent Candles: Providing light so spirits can find their way Pan de Muerto: Bread decorated with bone-like shapes symbolizing the circle of life Sugar skulls: Representing the souls of the departed in a playful, colorful way The celebration blends Indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, and at CRC it creates a shared space for reflection, remembrance, and community pride. Borrego Caregiver Corps: Supporting Independent Living Borrego Springs has many older adults who need help with daily tasks, as well as families looking for local job opportunities. The Borrego Caregiver Corps (BCC) connects these needs. Highlights of the program: Caregivers assist with: Housekeeping Personal care Safety and daily living tasks Training includes: First Aid CPR Safety Common medical conditions 15 trained caregivers are currently available to serve the community. The care recipient is the employer—responsible for hiring, supervising, and, if needed, dismissing the caregiver. Program coordination and contacts: BCC is coordinated by BSCRC Board Director Chesney Hoagland-Fuchs, RN Call 619-750-8339 for help connecting with caregivers. Medi-Cal’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) pays for caregivers for eligible elderly or disabled residents. For IHSS information, call 866-351-7722 . Private-pay arrangements between caregivers and clients are also possible for those who do not qualify for IHSS. Let’s Go Borrego: Rides for Health The CRC transportation program, Let’s Go Borrego , is growing steadily: 15 new riders have enrolled since May 2025. The service focuses on rides to medical appointments and treatments for seniors and individuals with disabilities. CRC recently received a $190,000 grant dedicated to driver reimbursement—an important investment in rural health access. Let’s Go Borrego improves the health of Borregans one ride at a time , reducing barriers for those who might otherwise struggle to reach essential care. Class Spotlight: Ballet Folklórico Ballet Folklórico: Las Flores del Desierto is a dedicated group of 12 local women in Borrego Springs who preserve and perform traditional Mexican folkloric dance. Their mission is to: Celebrate the beauty and richness of Mexican culture Share meaningful, energetic performances with the community Serve as cultural ambassadors for Borrego Springs The dancers perform with heart and purpose, bringing pride, connection, and happiness to local audiences. Costumes are a significant expense, so donations are always appreciated to help sustain the group.