History

In April 1986 Austen Warburton suggested that the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, Inc., serve seniors in their own homes.  Thus, in June 1986 an incorporating Board of Directors was selected for the Heart of the Valley.  Between June and December 1986 the incorporating Board clarified goals, selected a name, drafted bylaws, and completed the articles of incorporation. In February 1987 incorporation papers 501 (c) (3) were filed.  On March 30, 1987, the Heart of the Valley held its first meeting, elected officers, and adopted bylaws.  In April 1987 the Santa Clara Soroptomists and the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation each granted HOV $5,000.  From June to December 1987 the board met regularly with the future Director of Services, and in January l988 Marian G. Ecklund, R. N., M.ED., was hired as Director of Services.  On March 28, 1988, the first annual meeting of the Heart of the Valley Corporation was held.  In April 1988 Mrs. Ecklund met with volunteers for an organizational training meeting.  In May of 1988 the first client home visit was made.  In July 1988 the first volunteer in-home volunteer recruitment and training efforts go on.  We do not intend to compete with existing agencies, but rather to connect seniors with service providers as often as we are able.  We provide direct specialized services when we discover gaps not covered by other providers.