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Manitos, a Spanish derivative of “little brother, little sister,” is a group consisting of Sacramento-area men and women over 60 years of age who, for the most part, speak only Spanish. Manitos’ members come from Mexico, Spain, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, other Spanish speaking countries, and the United States. Manitos provides its members with access to valuable information as well as experiences that contribute to each member’s sense of wellbeing.

Manitos’ members gather for companionship, activities, and conversation in Spanish every Wednesday and Friday. Manitos’ meetings provide a venue for distributing information that is usually not available in Spanish. Representatives from government agencies, public utilities, health organizations, and non-profit agencies regularly attend the groups’ meetings to deliver information that is valuable to the group. Manitos also works collaboratively with outside agencies. Manitos partnered with UC Davis Medical Center to create Viva La Salud, a collaborative effort that addresses health issues important to the groups’ members.

Manitos also hosts many fun-filled music and dance activities. The group regularly invites other seniors and families of all nationalities to celebrate Latino dance and music. Danzon en el Parque, which means “Dances in the Park” is the latest community activity developed this year. The dance is a custom in many Latin-American countries where people come out on Sunday afternoons to dance a stylized form of Tango in parks. It is an excellent form of exercise for seniors.

Membership is open to anyone 60+ years of age, regardless of ethnicity. Membership is also open to Spanish speakers as well as individuals who have an interest in the Spanish language or culture. Members pay no dues or fees. Funds are generated through a raffle that helps to pay for a day trip or lunch at a nice restaurant two or three times a year. The funds also help the group to send flowers to a deceased member’s family; provide an occasional helping hand to members in need; or make a donation to a non-profit group.

Manitos’ benefits are not limited to its members. Members’ children and grandchildren benefit because their parents and grandparents are not totally dependent on them for all their social needs.

Manitos invites Spanish speakers and those who have an interest in the Spanish language or culture to attend its weekly meetings. Manitos’ meetings take place at two locations, on two separate days.

Every Wednesday:
9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., Hart Senior Center, located at 915 27th St (Between 27th and J)

Every Friday:
9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., Pannell Meadowview Community Center, located at 2450 Meadowview Rd. (corner of 24th St and Meadowview Rd.)

For further information about Monitos, please contact Maria Lueras, Program Coordinator, at (916) 264-7324; mlueras@cityofsacramento.org.