Chula Vista will host its first Senior Resource Fair on Saturday, April 25, bringing seniors, caregivers, and families together with organizations focused on aging, support services, and transitional living. The free community event is a partnership between District 2 Councilmember José Preciado, Next Step for Downsize Living, and the Catholic Charities of San Diego.
The idea grew out of a grassroots effort tied to the Friends of the Norman Center, a group formed in 2024 by Preciado to raise awareness about the Norman Park Senior Center and the services already available there. According to organizer Rose Rugama, owner of Next Step for Downsize Living, the issue wasn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of visibility.
“While the center is active, many seniors in the community don’t know about the many services available to them,” Rugama said. “With Chula Vista’s densely populated senior population, the need for better access to information and support is even more important.”
Rugama, who has worked in senior services since 2019, said the event reflects both urgency and optimism.
“I’m excited. I’m proud. Proud is a big one,” she said. “I’m hopeful that it’s going to reach those seniors who need the help.”
The free-to-attend fair was created to address that gap by bringing services directly to seniors in one centralized location. For Rugama, the mission has evolved organically from years of hands-on work with families navigating transitions such as downsizing and estate cleanouts.
“It built its own momentum,” she said. “At the same time, we were intentional about how we grew it.”
Her path to senior services began in real estate in the 1990s, later expanding through estate work and caregiving support that eventually became a business model.
“I treat seniors like they were my parents,” she said. “There’s a lot of love that goes into it.”
The partnership behind the event developed through community relationships and shared goals. Rugama became involved through the Friends of the Norman Center and later connected with Catholic Charities of San Diego through her work with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, helping bring multiple organizations into coordination around senior support in Chula Vista.
The goal now is to make access to information easier and more personal.
Attendees will find a wide range of resources at the fair, including health services, Medicare and insurance guidance, housing assistance, in-home support, food and nutrition programs, transportation options, and legal and financial services. Caregiver support services will also be available, addressing both immediate needs and long-term planning in one place.
A key focus is helping seniors navigate transitions such as downsizing, relocating, or moving into new stages of care. Specialists in aging in place and relocation will be available to guide those conversations.
“It all starts with a plan,” Rugama said. “Let’s have a conversation.”
The event is intentionally free and designed as a community gathering rather than a formal program. Organizers have added incentives such as raffles, refreshments, and free shuttle service to encourage attendance, especially among seniors who may hesitate to seek help.
A designated “Senior Comfort Zone” will also be part of the fair, offering seating, coffee, tea, water, and snacks. Rugama said the space was created with dignity in mind for attendees who may need to rest during the event. The Catholic Diocese of San Diego will help host and support that area.
Organizers say participating organizations were selected based on long-standing relationships and experience in senior services, with an emphasis on trusted, community-based support.
Rugama said one of the biggest challenges facing seniors is awareness, noting that many residents are unaware of services already available or are reluctant to ask for help.
“The most important thing is that we get in front of the seniors who could use any one of these services,” she said. “To simplify their life. To make their life better.”
Caregivers and family members are also a key part of the focus, with organizers hoping the event will help strengthen communication around care needs and available support.
Looking ahead, Rugama hopes the event will continue to grow beyond its first year.
“As our first event, this is an opportunity for us to learn, grow, and truly understand the needs of our senior community,” she said. “By evaluating what works well and identifying areas for improvement, we can continue to build a stronger, more impactful event each year.”
