Spectrum presented the award at the Pauline Valdivia Recreation Center Senior lunch. From left, Bill Lee of Martha’s Kitchen, Dolores Morales, Community Manager for the City of Hollister, Leslie David and Robert Ellison of BenitoLink, and Lisa Ludovici, Director of State Government Affairs for Spectrum. Photo provided by Spectrum

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San Benito County has a growing senior population, and many seniors struggle with technology. Thanks to a Spectrum grant opportunity available in the region, BenitoLink received $15,000 for its “TekConnect” program teaching local seniors how to become more familiar with technology and the internet. 

On June 24, representatives from Spectrum presented BenitoLink with their symbolic award at a seniors lunch at Hollister’s Paulina Valdivia Memorial Community Center. An enormous cardboard check was presented to this reporter and BenitoLink Reporter Robert Eliason by Spectrum’s Lisa Ludovici and Danielle Dunn. 

Also present were Bill Lee of Martha’s Kitchen, Hollister City Councilmember Delores Morales and Dustin Weber, committee counsel for the state Assembly. The nonprofit Martha’s Kitchen provides food for seniors in Hollister and San Juan Bautista. 

“Connectivity creates opportunity, but having access to technology is only part of the equation,” said Damelvy Rodriguez, community impact and program lead for Spectrum Digital Education. “People also need the skills and confidence to use it.” 

Benitolink started on the project in fall 2025, making calls and meeting with other local organizations doing similar work. In early spring 2026, Eliason and this reporter met with a group at the San Juan Bautista VFW Hall for lunch. Between 80 and 100 seniors gathered for a boisterous lunch and topped it off with bingo afterward. 

In February, Eliason and David spoke about the project at the San Juan Bautista VFW luncheon. Photo by Leslie David

On their second visit, participants completed a BenitoLink survey asking what kind of technology they used, what level of experience they had and where they got their current news and information.

The crowd ranged from having no experience at all, not even a cell phone, to broad use and comfort with several different applications.

The survey results were both surprising and helpful, as the data showed BenitoLink how varied seniors are in their computer and internet use.

For its first project, Benitolink is helping seniors get more familiar with the Zoom application. Zoom is a trusted tool for family visits, as it records calls and saves stories with ease. The small group that initially got involved was enthusiastic. The participants felt they would soon be confident about sharing their knowledge with other seniors.

Rodriguez said, “Through Spectrum Digital Education, we work alongside nonprofit organizations that are expanding digital literacy and helping people build those skills. Our partnership with BenitoLink reflects that commitment by supporting efforts that help older adults in San Benito County stay connected to family, healthcare, community resources and the opportunities that technology makes possible.”

The project will continue through the summer, and BenitoLink aims to secure additional funding to continue helping seniors navigate technology.

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