Monarch Independent Living Services, Inc.

01/10/2026

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This week Rachael whipped up a Low-Carb Tamale Pie, and it is the ultimate soul-warmer for this cold weather! 🥘❄️ It’s got all those bold Mexican flavors but with a cheesy cauliflower topping that’s a total game changer.

​Would you give this a try?

Ingredients
The Base:
17.5 oz Ground Beef (95% lean)
1/2 Onion, diced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper & 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 stalk Celery, diced
3/4 cup Canned Tomatoes
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Spices: 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, Salt & Pepper
The Topping:
1 small head Cauliflower
1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese (divided)
1.5 tbsp Olive Oil

Quick Instructions
Sauté: Brown the beef with the onion, peppers, and celery until tender. Add 1 clove of garlic and season.
Simmer: Stir in tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 5 mins, then stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
Prep Topping: Boil cauliflower until soft. Blend in a food processor with the remaining garlic, olive oil, remaining cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble: Pour the meat mix into an oven-proof dish. Spread the cauliflower mash on top.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling!

01/01/2026

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New year, same dedication. We are closed today to celebrate the holiday, but we look forward to seeing you all tomorrow! Happy 2026


Año nuevo, la misma dedicación. Hoy cerramos para celebrar las fiestas, ¡pero esperamos verlos a todos mañana! Feliz 2026.

12/24/2025

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Please be advised that our offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24th through Friday, December 26th in observance of the holidays.

We will resume our regular business hours on Monday, December 29th. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

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Les informamos que nuestras oficinas permanecerán cerradas desde el miércoles 24 hasta el viernes 26 de diciembre con motivo de las fiestas navideñas.

Reanudaremos nuestro horario habitual el lunes 29 de diciembre. ¡Les deseamos unas felices fiestas!

12/19/2025

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Spreading joy and making memories! 🎄✨

Clients and staff came together this week for festive holiday celebrations filled with laughter, delicious food, and plenty of holiday spirit. There’s nothing better than celebrating the season with this incredible community. Swipe to see some of our favorite moments! 📸➡️

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¡Compartiendo alegría y creando recuerdos! 🎄✨

Clientes y personal se reunieron esta semana para celebrar las fiestas navideñas con risas, deliciosa comida y mucho espíritu navideño. No hay nada mejor que celebrar estas fechas con esta increíble comunidad. ¡Desliza para ver algunos de nuestros momentos favoritos! 📸➡️

​ HolidayCheer

12/10/2025

🚂✨ All Aboard the Holiday Fun! ✨🚂

​This weekend, clients, families and staff from had a magical time riding the Santa Cruz Holiday Train! The lights were dazzling, the carols were cheerful, and the smiles were absolutely priceless. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

​Thank you to everyone who joined us for this beautiful Santa Cruz tradition! Happy Holidays!

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🚂✨ ¡Todos a bordo de la diversión navideña! ✨🚂

Este fin de semana, clientes, familias y el personal disfrutaron de un momento mágico en el Tren Navideño de Santa Cruz. Las luces eran deslumbrantes, los villancicos alegres y las sonrisas invaluables. Fue una manera maravillosa de celebrar la temporada.

¡Gracias a todos los que nos acompañaron en esta hermosa tradición de Santa Cruz! ¡Felices fiestas!

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11/26/2025

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​Rachael & River posing next to their bowling scores!

​Score! Nothing beats a little friendly competition and a lot of laughs. It's moments like these—getting out, having fun, and building skills—that make our Independent Living Services so rewarding. We're proud to support Rachael and River in reaching their goals, both on and off the lane!

​What's your highest bowling score? Let us know below!

11/18/2025

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CRITICAL FOOD SUPPORT: Our Response to SNAP/CalFresh Changes

​Many families in our community have had their federal food benefits (SNAP/CalFresh) reduced or interrupted due to recent rule changes and funding issues.

​The Second Harvest Food Bank is here to help fill that gap. You do not need proof of SNAP loss to receive food.

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APOYO ALIMENTARIO ESENCIAL: Nuestra respuesta a los cambios en SNAP/CalFresh

Muchas familias de nuestra comunidad han visto reducidos o interrumpidos sus beneficios federales de asistencia alimentaria (SNAP/CalFresh) debido a cambios recientes en las normas y problemas de financiación.

El Banco de Alimentos Second Harvest está aquí para ayudar a cubrir esa necesidad. No necesita comprobante de pérdida de SNAP para recibir alimentos.

11/08/2025

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🎃 Spooktacular Halloween Fun! 👻

From pumpkin patches and giant ghouls to costume parties and face painting, we had an amazing time celebrating Halloween! 🧡🖤
So much laughter and fun! Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!


🎃 ¡Diversión Espectacular de Halloween! 👻
Desde huertos de calabazas y fantasmas gigantes hasta fiestas de disfraces y pintura de caras, ¡nos lo pasamos increíble celebrando Halloween! 🧡🖤
¡Tantas risas y diversión! ¡Espero que todos hayan tenido un Halloween seguro y Feliz!

11/01/2025

10/24/2025

We are pleased to announce that Sandy and Val have created a beautiful ofrenda (altar) at the SC Office to observe Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead), which is traditionally celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd.

Día de los Mu***os is a significant celebration of life in which we remember and honor our deceased loved ones, believing their spirits return to visit. The ofrenda serves as a temporary resting place for their spirits and is decorated with items they enjoyed in life.

We invite all Monarch clients and staff to contribute to the altar:

Photographs: Please feel free to bring copies of photographs of your loved ones to place on the altar.
Offerings and Decorations: You are welcome to bring other traditional offerings or decorations, such as cempasúchil (marigolds), candles, or small mementos.
Food Items: If you wish to bring a favorite food item of your loved one, we kindly request that it be non-perishable (food that does not spoil easily) and completely wrapped in plastic wrap for hygienic purposes.

10/19/2025

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A before and after of Daisy's blueberry muffins, perfect for the fall.

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Un antes y un después de los muffins de arándanos de Daisy, perfectos para el otoño con un cafecito.