Bridging the gap through digital skills training in Fabens

Fabens, Texas (June 24, 2026) - A conversation with Violet Olivo, a team member at La Hacienda Adult Day Care in Fabens, Texas, highlighted the importance of bringing Connected Nation's (CN) digital skills training workshops to older adults in rural communities.

Violet is a native of Fabens, Texas. She has spent the majority of her life in the close-knit community before leaving to attend college in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After completing her higher education, Violet found herself returning home with her husband to start their family near her parents, who were getting older.

Upon returning to Fabens, Violet joined the La Hacienda Adult Day Care team, where her love and compassion for her community became a valuable asset. Her work has focused on helping bridge the gap between two very different worlds. Fabens has a strong ranching and agricultural heritage and is uniquely situated near El Paso, Texas, Juárez, Mexico, and several smaller communities along the border. This Mexican-American community carries many rich traditions, including a deep commitment to family caregiving.

For many seniors in the area, participating in senior centers and organized aging services is not something they grew up with. Traditionally, older adults remained active contributors within the family for as long as they were able, relying heavily on family support rather than outside services. Because of this mindset, there has often been little emphasis on developing independence in areas beyond physical daily living.

When the opportunity arose to bring digital skills training to the community, Violet felt especially passionate about the effort. She believes that society is increasingly driven by technology and that everyone, regardless of age, deserves the opportunity to learn and participate.

The digital skills classes were held on May 26 and May 27, 2026, and were presented through a collaboration between La Hacienda Adult Day Care and CN. The training provided local seniors with an opportunity to explore technology in a supportive and encouraging environment.

While many of the seniors at the center may not regularly encounter situations where they are required to use technology independently, Violet felt it was important for them to broaden their horizons and focus on learning new skills. She believes that by exposing older adults to technology, they can discover new abilities, build confidence, and surprise themselves with what they are capable of learning and using moving forward.

Through these efforts, Violet continues to help create opportunities for seniors in her community to remain engaged, connected, and empowered in an increasingly digital world. If you're interested in making an impact on your community just like Violet did, click here to get started with CN's Digital Literacy & Learning program.