Pajaro Valley Shelter Services

09/24/2026

🌊 Investing in our team to better serve our community.
Our PVSS team recently gathered at the beautiful Villa Maria Del Mar for an impactful staff retreat focused on growth, collaboration, and our shared mission.

This investment in professional development comes as we conclude our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. As our Executive Director, Mike Johnson, noted in our recent newsletter:

"One of our highest priorities was investing in our staff, recognizing that exceptional services begin with exceptional people... Our current team is strong, engaged and passionate about our mission. These qualities allow for more consistent support and create an environment where families can thrive."

Thank you to our incredible team at Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Villa Maria Del Mar for hosting us, Paula Harris with Greater Nonprofits for leading the workshop and to the committed donors and partners who make this vital work possible! 💙

Read more about PVSS in our latest newsletter https://www.pvshelter.org/post/summer-2026-newsletter?

09/11/2026

🛋️ FURNITURE DONATIONS NEEDED! ✨We are looking to welcome a few of our shelter families into their new spaces, and we need your help to make their places feel like homes!

We are currently seeking the following items in gently used, clean condition:

- Couch: 3 or 4-seater
- Dresser: Must have at least 4 drawers

Newly added to our Wishlist:
-Baby highchair
-potty training potty
-gently used vacuum cleaner X 2
-table w/ 4 chairs

🚚 The best part? We will handle the heavy lifting! If you live in the Santa Cruz County, our team will coordinate and complete the pickup directly from your location.

If you have either of these items to donate, please send us a direct message with a photo of the item and your general location. Thank you for always standing with our families and helping us build a supportive community! 💙

[email protected] or 831-728-5649

09/10/2026

📢 SAVE THE DATE! 🏃‍♀️🏅Mark your calendars! Pajaro Valley Shelter Services 43rd Annual Mother's Day Run is officially returning in May 2027.

For over four decades, our community has come together to run, walk, and support families on their journey toward stable housing and self- sufficiency.

Whether you are looking to set a personal record or just enjoy a morning out with the kids, we have a distance for you:
🏃🏽‍♀️ 10k Run – Go for Gold!
🏃‍♀️ 5k Run/Walk – Perfect for all paces!
👟 1k Family Fun Run – Bring the the whole crew!

Early Bird Registration officially opens on October 1st!

✨ When: Sunday, May 10, 2027
✨ Where: Pinto Lake County Park - Watsonville, CA
✨ Early Bird Opens: October 1st, 2026 - www.pvshelter.org/mdr

Gather your family, invite your friends, and get your running shoes ready. Let's make this 43rd year our most impactful one yet!

09/07/2026

Pajaro Valley Shelter Services will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Office hours resume Tuesday, September 8th at 9am. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

08/26/2026

Back to School at PVSS means giving back! 🎒✨

We are incredibly grateful to Fernando Lopez and his wonderful team at State Farm for their amazing generosity. They came together before the start of school to collect a mountain of school supplies for our school-age kids, along with cozy morning kits specifically for our parents.

Thanks to their hard work, our kids and parents are completely set up for a great start to the new school year!

We are so honored by our community that cares. Please join us in sending a massive thank you to Fernando and the State Farm team for making a difference for PVSS families! 💙




Lopez - State Farm Agent

08/19/2026

Back to School in Style! ✂️ SAIA Salon in Watsonville, provided children at PVSS with complementary haircuts to get ready for the start of school. Chantelle opened up on her day off to donate her time, talent and love to give our kids a fresh back to school look.

Thank you SAIAH Salon for helping them start the school year confident and cared for!




❤️
Hair Chantelle

08/18/2026

💙 We are so deeply grateful to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, East-West Province for sharing this beautiful reminder of our founding roots.

In 1983, Sisters Susan Olson and Marie Veronica Wagner opened our doors as a safe place for women and children facing barriers to stable housing.

Because of the foundation they laid, we are able to provide families with a pathway to long-term independence through emotional support, housing stability, financial literacy, and career assistance. 💼🏡

We are honored to be a part of your incredible 175-year legacy of ministry and impact.

08/12/2026

We were deeply honored to host our neighborhood's National Night Out last Tuesday! 🚓🌭🚒 A thousand thanks to our incredible board volunteers and hardworking staff. The event was all about fostering connection and building a safer, stronger community.

We loved seeing such a great turnout from our community. Sharing good food and making new connections made it an evening to remember. A special thank you to the Watsonville Police Department and the Watsonville Fire Department for stopping by, hanging out with PVSS, and connecting with the community!


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¡Nos sentimos profundamente honrados de ser los anfitriones del National Night Out de nuestro vecindario el martes pasado! 🚓🚒🌭El objetivo principal de este evento fue fomentar la unión y construir una comunidad más segura y fuerte. ¡Mil gracias a nuestros increíbles voluntarios de la mesa directiva y a nuestro dedicado personal por hacerlo posible!Nos encantó ver una asistencia tan maravillosa por parte de nuestra comunidad. Compartir buena comida y crear nuevas conexiones hicieron que fuera una noche inolvidable. ¡Un agradecimiento especial a y por pasar a visitarnos, convivir con PVSS y conectar con toda la comunidad!

08/11/2026

One week to go! August 18th is the 20th Annual California Giant Foundation Skirt Steak BBQ. Have a delicious meal and support the The California Giant Foundation!

Reserve your lunch today! ⤵️ Every ticket purchased helps make a direct impact right here in the Pajaro Valley.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/skirt-steak-bbq--2026

The annual Skirt Steak BBQ is the largest fundraising event for the California Giant Foundation, California Giant Berry Farms’ 501(c)3 non-profit…