Salute to nonprofits by Weeklys

Page C2 — REGISTER-PAJARONIAN, Tuesday, March 29, 2016

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF WATSONVILLE

Actively serving community for 87 years

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S Chris Ryan/Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank's agency distribution area.

Second Harvest thanks farmers, growers and more

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magine a dark and cloudy morning in March. Second Harvest Food Bank’s stateof-the-art warehouse — its aisles of tall racks, the solarpowered fridge and freezer, the pallets stacked by the loading dock — all stand empty. The masa is missing, the apples are absent, the eggs are elsewhere. Fortunately, that has never happened, but only thanks to the generosity of dozens of local food industry partners. Farms, grocery stores, co-ops, distributors, local markets, and more all provided food and produce to allow Second Harvest to do what it does best — reduce hunger and malnutrition in the community by feeding the neediest among us. Weekly donations from Oroweat Foods, our 2015 Food Donor of the Year, mean no one’s meal has to lack the whole grains that are part of a healthy diet. And protein and dairy donations are rare, but we can count on Ledyard’s to be there with a pallet of milk, yogurt, or meat. We’re fortunate to have such solid sup-

port from these and so many other growers, distributors, and retailers around us. They donate perfectly good produce, excess, and field gleanings for free or just pennies per pound. Their commitment to philanthropy lends them to donate funds throughout the year, which helps power our operations. And they even encourage their employees to get involved, volunteering for Second Harvest and participating in our Annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive. All this helps explain how each dollar we receive allows us to provide four healthy meals. Our operations are efficient and effective, and our purchasing power, partners, and donors all combine to empower us to reach much further than we could by ourselves. And where do those meals go when our delivery trucks roll away from the loading dock? Second Harvest partners with 100 agencies across the county, each of which reaches a different population — children, veterans, the homeless, lowincome mothers, etc. — and distributes food or serves cooked

meals through their programs. And our own nutrition programs — Passion For Produce and Food For Children — operate at another 100 sites in the area, delivering more than the fresh produce and food staples we receive from our donors. They also serve up recipe demonstrations, nutrition classes, exercise and activity classes, and healthy cooking tips to the parents receiving the food. Through our programs and partner agencies, help reaches over 56,000 Santa Cruz County residents each month, and we couldn’t do it without our food industry partners. Its friends like these that help keep our community whole. All the partners listed gave generously in 2015, and we wanted to thank each one. We look forward to continuing partnerships in the year ahead to ensure the warehouse at Second Harvest remains humming — storing and sorting and sending out food all across the county so that everyone stays healthy and no one’s opportunities are limited by hunger and malnutrition.

ometimes referred to as one of Watsonville’s “best kept secrets,” the Watsonville Soroptimist Club has been actively serving our community for over 87 years. Officially called “Soroptimist International of Watsonville,” the club roster has included the “who’s who” of notable women in the community, and continues to reflect a membership of esteemed professional women. As part of a global organization whose mission is to serve the women and girls in our communities and beyond, Watsonville Soroptimists continue to find meaningful ways to do just that. “Educate to lead” is a Soroptimist motto that unites members throughout the world in supporting educational pursuits for women and girls. Soroptimists hold the belief that access to quality education results in the social and economic advancement of individuals, their families and their communities. This year, Watsonville Soroptimists will distribute over $30,000 in scholarship to local high school graduates who are continuing their education. Financial awards will also be given to women who have primary financial responsibility for their family and have returned to school to better their employment prospects. The scholarship and award programs are just part of the local impact Soroptimists makes to support our community. Through a new Soroptimist teen program called “Dream It, Be It,” members partnered with Girls Inc. to provide workshops in setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success, healthy living habits, stress reduction, and how to move forward after setbacks. Last year’s program was a huge success, and Soroptimists look forward to participating in the program

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Watsonville Soroptimist club's 2016 "Live Your Dream" award recipients Karri Carra (from left), Angelina Geronimo, and Makaida Bailey, who were honored at the annual Awards Dinner held on March 21 at the California Grill. again this year. Other local programs also benefit from Soroptimist support. Pajaro Valley Shelter Services has long been a recipient of year-round donations from the club. Similarly, the CASA house children benefit from the club’s support of their educational and recreational activities. Fund raising remains an essential component of the club’s success. This year’s Fall Fantasy, the club’s major fund raiser, is scheduled for Sept. 10 at Seascape Golf Club. It promises to be an evening of fun, coupled with great food, silent and live auctions, raffles, entertainment and more. Another annual event is the club’s partnering with Annieglass on the first Saturday of December – the Holiday Factory tour – where the club sells its “world-famous” pumpkin bread, signature Soroptimist fudge, along with jellies and other home-made delicacies and crafts. Mark your calendars for both events! The Watsonville Soroptimist Club continues to thrive be-

cause of its dedicated members and the support of our community. Club members find a unity of purpose in achieving common goals, and have opportunities to develop leadership skills along the way. There are also plenty of opportunities to have fun with kindred spirits. As for club membership, the good news is the “best kept secret” is getting leaked out. This year the Watsonville Soroptimist club has gained a record number of new members, all vibrant women from our community who look forward to serving our women and girls as a Soroptimist. “Soroptimist” is a Latin word meaning “Best for Women,” and it aptly describes the organization and its members. The club welcomes guests to attend informational meetings or club mixers. To learn more about the club, visit the FB page “Soroptimist International of Watsonville,” club website, www.siwatsonville.org, or email the club at siwatsonville@soroptimist.net.

SOROPTIMIST Best for Women SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF WATSONVILLE Part of a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. COMMUNITY PROJECTS SUPPORTING LOCAL SERVICES Soroptimists provide monthly support to the women and children of Pajaro Valley Shelter Services and the children at CASA House. DREAM IT, BE IT Soroptimist’s new “Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls” will help girls grow up to be strong, successful, happy adults. The program targets girls in secondary school and provides them with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams. STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING The goal of the STOP Human Trafficking project is to raise awareness in the general population about human trafficking and sexual slavery. SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS LIVE YOUR DREAM: Education & Training Awards for Women Soroptimist’s signature project, this program assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them cash resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. LORRAINE SCOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP This college scholarship honors a charter club member. Funds are awarded to an annual winner and runners up to assist young women attain a four-year college degree. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM for PVUSD GRADUATES Eight scholarships are awarded to graduates of schools within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Join Soroptimists in making a difference! For membership and club information or to be a guest at a meeting, visit the club web site at www.siwatsonville.org or email siwatsonville@soroptimist.net

PAJARO VALLEY SHELTER SERVICES

32nd Annual Mother’s Day Run for Shelter

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Where: Ramsay Park, 1301 Main St., Watsonville When: Sunday, May 8 First race starts at 7:45 a.m. – see race times below Online Race Registration: www.pvshelter.org Or call: (831) 728-5649, extension 107

RACE INFORMATION

Registration: Race day registration and bib pick-up starts at 7 a.m., Sunday, May 8. Race Start Times: 1K Kid’s Fun Run @ 7:45 a.m. 5K Walk @ 8 a.m. 5K Run @ 8 a.m. 10K Run @ 8:45 a.m. Course maps available at www.pvshelter.org

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“Safe housing is the fabric of a healthy home. The Mother’s Day Run directly supports 108 beds of temporary housing for families with children. Being amongst 1,000 people on Mother’s Day is the annual reminder to the families we serve, or who we have served, or who we will serve ... that we all care and want our community to thrive. That’s 1,000 hearts and minds who show up ... to end homelessness. A great family tradition that inspires me.” — Kimberly Ferm PVSS Executive Director

Pajaro Valley Shelter Services presents the 32nd Annual Mother’s Day Run / Walk for Shelter on Sunday, May 8 at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. For 32 years, the community of Watsonville has supported PV Shelter’s Mother’s Day Run to ensure the continuation of services for families experiencing homelessness. The first race was held in 1984 and raised $8,000 with a small crowd in attendance. This year we expect over 1,000 people to help raise $80,000. The morning will include a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, and a 1K Kids’ Fun Run. People come from all over to be in this race, as well. It can be enjoyed by attendees of all ages and skill levels, from the competitive runners to the weekend joggers to families who want to walk together. This year families with strollers are allowed. Starting and ending in Ramsay Park, the race route is a beautiful trek around Watsonville’s slough trails. The first race starts at 7:45 and the entire event ends at 10 a.m. — just in time to enjoy the rest of Mother’s Day. Goodies include T-shirts, roses for mothers, medals for winners, continental breakfast and a live DJ. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS Sponsors have the ability to

market to almost 1,000 enthusiastic runners and supporters. Sponsoring the race provides businesses the opportunity to reach new customers and build a brand that promotes healthy living, outdoor fun and care for the community. Increase visibility and brand awareness through Mother’s Day Run for Shelter promotions. “We are very proud to support Pajaro Valley Shelter Services because of the tremendous outreach provided to those right here in our community that are in need. Giving back is part of our DNA here at California Giant and we especially enjoy doing so when those here in our community benefit,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, California Giant. “ K e e p i n g P a j a r o Va l l e y Families safe, sheltered and healthy is extremely important to me, my family and all my employees at Lakeside Organic Gardens,” said Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens. Race sponsors include Granite Construction, Richard and Mary Solari Charitable Trust, Lakeside Organic Gardens, Borina Foundation, S. Martinelli & Company, Register-Pajaronian, Palo Alto Medical Foundation,

Cal Giant Berry Farms, Soroptimist International of Watsonville, Freedom Heating, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. Gloria Huizar- Allstate Agent, William and Patricia Barton, MBS Business Systems, Santa Cruz County Bank, Joan Lane, Sambrailo Packaging. About Pajaro Valley Shelter Services Since 1983, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services has helped women, children, and families end the causes and cycles of homelessness. PV Shelter currently serves and helps house 80 families annually, while they complete a program to overcome financial barriers, and develop goals, skills and attitudes necessary to move on to stable housing and improved personal and economic self-sufficiency. Serving Santa Cruz County and focusing on Watsonville and Pajaro Valley, PVSS owns and operates an Emergency Shelter, 16 units of Transitional Housing, and four units of LongTerm Supportive Housing. A Mother’s Story PV Shelter has the recipe for successfully changing the lives of families experiencing homelessness, by giving them the tools to help themselves. At PV Shelter, lives

are changed. Families come to PV Shelter in need, and find the tools needed to become independent. A mother and her children left their home due to issues of domestic violence. Not having a place to go, the family lived in their car for many months. Hiding that they were experiencing homelessness, the children continued to go to school, and the mother looked for work. Finally, the mother’s car registration expired, and she was pulled over by police. The officer, seeing that the family was under duress, referred her to PV Shelter. The family first moved into the Emergency Shelter where the mom found a job and saved 90 percent of her income. PV Shelter connected her to counseling, and her children received tutoring. Today, the family lives in our Transitional Housing program, and the mom has a full-time job and is saving money. PV Shelter Facts 5,500 individuals have been served since opening in 1983. Two-thirds of the clients in the program are children. PVSS owns and operates an Emergency Shelter and 15 units of Transitional Housing. PVSS has the recipe for success, building the skills for selfsufficiency.

Page C4 — REGISTER-PAJARONIAN, Tuesday, March 29, 2016

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Saluting Pajaro Valley nonprofits working today for a stronger tomorrow CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

ny conversation about the good work done by local nonprofits has to include a salute to the tradition of giving to these groups from individuals, families, rotaries, chambers, clubs and businesses in the Pajaro Valley. “One of the earliest recorded acts of local philanthropy in the Pajaro Valley that comes to mind is the Butterfly Social Club,” said Lance Linares, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. “They raised funds for a fountain placed in the Watsonville City Plaza, in 1880,” Linares said. “It’s recorded on an historic marker in the town square.” The kind of local giving taking place today and the support given to many of the nonprofits listed in these pages springs from this tradition of giving back. “It’s a reflection of the hard work, generosity and self-sufficient spirit of the people of the Pajaro Valley,” said Terry Medina, former Watsonville Police Chief and 2016 board president of the Community Foundation. “It makes me proud to live and work here.” Linares notes that the local agriculture community is known for its family centered neighbor-helping-neighbor lifestyle that pulls people together when things need getting done. The Jean and Ed Kelly Foundation is a prime example of the kind of local giving Linares has in mind. The Pajaro Valley foundation mobilizes an army of volunteers every year for local fundraisers to support programs for area youth. Since its inception in 1996, over 65 youth organizations, clubs, school and camps have received funding each year. “That’s what pulling together is all about. And, it’s contagious,” Medina said.

“Familiar family names like Resetar, Sabrailo, Manfre, Simunavich, Scurich, Storkan, Driscoll, Radovitch, Reiter, Porter-Cooley and Borina have benefited from the land and returned what they sowed ten times over,” Linares said. Many Pajaro Valley Ag families have jumped in and started funds, either donoradvised funds or endowments, to benefit any number of charitable causes. When illustrating the power of endowment and how it work, Linares loves to share a true story about a well-known local Ag family that set up an endowment for historic preservation in the Pajaro Valley. The fund was started in 1988, with $59K contributed and, since then, $44K awarded in grants. “If they had stashed the original $59K in a coffee can and buried it in the yard like my grandparents might have done, doling out $44K out to charitable causes now and then, there would only be $15K left today,” Linares said. “Instead, by investing it in a managed fund at their local community foundation the balance of the fund is now $67.3K, more than the original contribution — even after its grantmaking,” Linares said. “That’s why we preach about endowments and how they can help the charitable causes you care about forever,” said Robin Larsen, donor services officer at the Community Foundation. “Like the land, people and way of life so valued in the Pajaro Valley an endowment, donor-advised fund or other planned gift established during one’s lifetime is a great tool to make a difference now and in the future,” Larsen said. Dick Peixoto is another examples of local philanthropy in action that Linares likes to cite these days. “He’s getting

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Board and staff of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

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Terry Medina, Community Foundation board president (left), and CEO Lance Linares (right) in front of the Community Foundation's center in Aptos. more headlines than any of the presidential candidates

and he deserves it,” Linares said.

“He embodies what I call the Ann Landers School of Philanthropy,” Linares said. “Do your givin’ while your livin’, so you’ll be knowin’ where it’s goin.’” Knowing where it’s going, Peixoto recently made a gift of $2 million to Agri-Culture, Inc. to build a learning center to grow the next generation of farmers knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture practices. Agri-Culture will house the fund at the Community Foundation, where it already has 10 other funds for various purposes that relate to local agriculture. In addition to the recent contribution to Agri-Culture, the Peixoto family through its Lakeside Organic Gardens gives to other local nonprofits, with over $375K contributed last year to CASA of Santa Cruz County,

Jacob’s Heart, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Second Harvest Food Bank, Teen Kitchen Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Monarch Services, Youth NOW and others. “We take real pride in working together to make things happen,” Medina said. Along with its free planned giving services and community grantmaking, the Community Foundation helps nonprofit board and staff leaders build skills they need to govern and grow their organizations. Over 40 workshops are offered each year on topics ranging from fundraising, to social media to board governance. You can learn more at www.cfscc.org or by calling (831) 662-2000. Like they say, if you put a group of people together and give them a common goal, magic can happen.

GREY BEARS

JANUS OF SANTA CRUZ

Drug overdose deaths: Ending an epidemic in Santa Cruz County CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

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Connecting, sustaining and recycling since 1973 CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

f boomers are the new paradigm for our aging population, then Grey Bears may be one of their brightest lights. Local, vital and multifaceted, the 43-yearold nonprofit promotes good nutrition, activity and social connection as the perfect recipe for healthy aging. Grey Bears mission is to improve the health and well being of seniors through volunteerism and food distribution. Their brown bag program delivers a bag of fresh produce and healthy staples to 4,200 seniors each week – including 1,000 that are homebound. That adds up to two million meals each year. “I am so grateful for the food in my weekly brown bag and my delivery driver, Paula, who I adore,” said Victoria Ravasco, age 92 of Santa Cruz. “I am disabled and my husband passed away five years ago. Grey Bears is a lifesaver.” A generous community makes it possible. Your donations of household items such as furniture, house wares, books, clothing, TVs, e-waste and old appliances stock the Grey Bears thrift store, computer electronics store and bookstore, and keep their Santa Cruz and Buena Vista recycling centers humming.

Recycled glass is tumbled in converted cement mixers and magically transformed into sea glass for your construction, craft or art application. Volunteer opportunities abound — from filling bags, gleaning produce in orchards, and driving a brown bag delivery route, to testing electronics, running a thrift store register and composting. More than 500 amazing volunteers donate 80,000 hours of service to Grey Bears each year, helping connect and sustain seniors, our community and our environment. Thrift Store volunteer Susan Duncan says that she loves meeting people and learning how they give back to the community. “Grey Bears thrift store is my home away from home, and I love the diversity and generosity of shoppers. One woman buys men’s shoes, spiffs them up and donates them to homeless veterans. Another buys puzzles and gives them to people who are incarcerated. A man found a couple of wheels for a cart he built for his elderly dog.” A permit is in process for a new 3,000-square-foot thrift store building to replace the one destroyed in a 2014 fire. “We’re hoping to have the building up by late spring,” said Grey Bears Executive Di-

rector Tim Brattan. “Not only will it add much needed retail space, it will also improve the donation drop off and recycling experience for our customers.” Free and by-donation classes are offered to seniors in Chair Yoga, Spanish, computers and one-on-one tech help and cooking. A senior Taiko drumming class is held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in their warehouse, taught by teachers from Watsonville Taiko. Quarterly repair cafés save appliances, clothing, lamps and other items from recycling bins and the landfill, and three annual free luncheon events bring thousands together to enjoy delicious food, entertainment and each other. Everyone is invited to become a supporting member of Grey Bears for just $30 a year. Those age 55-plus are entitled to receive a bag of fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits and healthy groceries 48 weeks a year. Their Thrift Store, Computer Electronics Store and Bookstore are open every day, Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Grey Bears is located at 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 479-1055, email info@ greybears.org, or visit greybears.org to donate, volunteer or for more information.

urrently, more people die from drug overdoses in the United States than from guns or motor vehicles. Santa Cruz County has the second highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the Bay Area. In 2014, 58 people died as a result of drug overdose – 48 percent from prescription medications, 32 percent from heroin. Tragically, 79 percent of those deaths were accidental and therefore preventable. To help mitigate this growing epidemic, Santa Cruz County has designed several programs and initiatives. The Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) is the lead organization for the Santa Cruz County Opioid Safety Coalition. This group came together in response to the California Health Care Foundation Regional Coalition Grant, with the goal of bringing together a broad range of local groups to work collectively to reduce drug overuse and deaths in the county. These groups include the Integrated Behavioral Health Action Coalition, the Safety Net Clinic Coalition, Community Prevention Partners, Santa Cruz County Health Services/Substance Abuse Division, Central California Alliance for Health, PAMF, Janus of Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Emergency Physicians. Their focus is to identify opioid failure — a term used to define the continued use of opiates when they are no longer working to relieve pain or are causing negative side effects which, if unchecked, can lead to disability and death. In these cases, it is the medication, not the patients or doctors, who have “failed.” Specialized support and attention is required to assist these patients in weaning off their medications and finding alternate pain relief techniques. The coalition is working on further defining

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this syndrome, educating health care providers and consumers, and promoting opioid safety systems of care. Janus of Santa Cruz is one local program that offers these systems of care through expanded access to treatment and increased access to overdose prevention. Residential detoxification, residential treatment, medication assisted treatment (such as methadone, suboxone, and Vivitrol), and intensive outpatient treatment are all available. The type of treatment depends on the drug or drugs that have become a problem, so Janus offers assessments to determine the most suitable level of care. These assessments are free and confidential because Janus wants to encourage anyone who is concerned about themselves or a loved one to take this first step. Simply call (831) 462-1060 and ask to speak to the Pre-Admissions Counselor. Finally, anyone can be equipped to reverse an overdose. Janus of Santa Cruz sponsors the Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention and Education Program (SCOPE).

SCOPE provides training and kits containing naloxone, which can stop the effects of an overdose and save lives. The training takes about 20 minutes and the kit includes two doses of naloxone. The basic steps of reversing an overdose are: administering the medication, providing rescue breathing if possible, and calling 911. These simple steps can prevent future opioid related overdoses in our community. The SCOPE program is run on a donation basis, but anyone who wants a kit can obtain one. No one is turned away for lack of funds. SCOPE kits are available at most Janus programs including: Janus South County Clinic, at 284 Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville (831) 3194200; Janus Community Clinic, at 1000A Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 425-0112; and Janus Main, at 200 7th Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 462-1060. If you believe you are – or might be – around anyone who is or could be opiate addicted, be prepared to save a life through SCOPE. Visit www. janussc.org for more information or to schedule a training.

anus of Santa Cruz

The Leader In Addiction Treatment Celebrating 40 years as the Leader in Addiction Treatment For 40 years, Janus has been helping people find a path to recovery. Our programs and services offer effective, affordable alcohol and drug addiction treatment for individuals and their families, all in an atmosphere of respect and support. If you or a loved one may need support, please call us at (831) 462-1060 today. • Detox & Special Care • Residential Treatment • Perinatal Treatment • Day Treatment • Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Buy it Sell it Register-Pajaronian

Classifieds 761-7301

Three Restaurants To Serve You

1598 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville 724-0919 1459 Main St Watsonville 761-8450

• DUI Programs • Opiate Addiction Treatment • Sober Living Environments

Janus of Santa Cruz 200 7th Avenue, Suite 150 Santa Cruz, CA 95062

http://www.janussc.org/

190 Main St Watsonville 768-8540

Phone: (831) 462-1060 Toll Free: (866) 526-8772

Page C6 — REGISTER-PAJARONIAN, Tuesday, March 29, 2016

HELPING HANDS O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Ageless Art Project NEEDS: Artists and craftspeople willing to volunteer some of their time in sharing their talent and making creative expression possible for residents living in care facilities throughout Santa Cruz County. CONTACT: Sondra Cohelan at 459-8917, ext. 208 ••• ORGANIZATION: Agricultural History Project NEEDS: A few more volunteers to serve as museum docents to greet guests and help them make the most of their visit. Those interested need to volunteer one day per month during museum hours, noon to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. To sign up for training, call and leave a message with your name and phone number. CONTACT: 724-5898 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Birthday Cakes 4 Free NEEDS: Volunteer bakers with a love of baking and giving. Professional experience is not necessary. Birthday Cakes 4 Free provides free birthday cakes to financially or socially disadvantaged kids and seniors. C O N TA C T : Elicia Hammond at 234-7965 or birthdaycakes4free. com ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Boys & Girls Clubs NEEDS: The Boys & Girls Clubs are looking for people who are will-

ing to donate cars for auctions. All auction proceeds benefit local clubs. CONTACT: (800) 2460493 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Boy Scouts of America, Troop 505 (Pajaro) NEEDS: We are in need of a new or used enclosed trailer to haul equipment and supplies to various activities and camp-outs. Donations towards the purchase of a trailer would also be accepted and appreciated. CONTACT: Scoutmaster Paul Seymoure 786-0544. ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : California Grey Bears NEEDS: Volunteer drivers to deliver brown bags to homebound seniors and drop-off sites throughout Santa Cruz County. Produce and other items are distributed to more than 3,000 seniors weekly. Mileage is reimbursed. Volunteers also needed to work in the office. CONTACT: Pat at 4791055, ext. 223 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) NEEDS: Adult volunteers to provide 3-5 hours weekly of support, guidance and a voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes because of severe abuse or neglect. Men and bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged. Information sessions are held the first

Tuesday of the month in North County and the third Wednesday of the month in South County. CONTACT: casaofsantacruz.org ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services NEEDS: Volunteers are the backbone of Jacob’s Heart. We need volunteers to assist with office duties, kid’s card program, and special events. Volunteer opportunities Monday through Thursday, 9-5 p.m. CONTACT: 724-9100 or info@jacobsheart.org ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : La Manzana Community Resources NEEDS: The Roots and Wings program seeks adult mentors to provide friendship, counseling and academic support to youth in the foster care system. Prospective mentors must pass a background check and meet with the child’s foster parents. CONTACT: 724-2997, ext. 213 or susie@cbridges.org ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes NEEDS: Kitchen volunteers to help prepare and serve lunch, stock the food pantry, and help with facility and routine maintenance, yardwork and minor repair projects. Join us in our work feeding, supporting and serving the community. CONTACT: 319-4571 or volunteer@pvloaves-

andfishes.org ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Pajaro Rescue Mission NEEDS: We provide meals to the needy of the Pajaro/Watsonville area. CONTACT: 724-9576 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Santa Cruz AIDS Project NEEDS: Volunteers to support programs that advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS through education and prevention tailored to at-risk community groups. Opportunities include office assistance, client service team, prevention education, risk reduction counseling, HIV testing and outreach task force. CONTACT: 427-3900 ••• ORGANIZATON: Second Harvest Food Bank NEEDS: Volunteers to help with office tasks, food sorting and distribution, food hot line, garden project, newsletter/ graphic arts and more. The organization also needs food and monetary donations. It provides food through 180 agencies and programs per month in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. CONTACT: 722-7110. ••• O R G A N I Z A TION: Service League of Watsonville Community Hospital NEEDS: The Service League of Watsonville Community Hospital needs volunteers to help in the Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Information Desk and Tram. CONTACT: Service

League Office, 724-4741, extension 1510 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast NEEDS: The program is looking for volunteers to answer calls from people who are suicidal. CONTACT: 459-9373, suicidepreventionservice.org. ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Survivors Healing Center NEEDS: The center’s primary goals are to empower those victimized by sexual abuse through a healing process and to prevent sexual abuse of children and youth in the community. SHC offers ongoing 12-week, closed, intensive therapy groups for adult women, Latinas and men. A Spanish-only group for women is offered in Watsonville. CONTACT: 423-7601 to preregister ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Watsonville Volunteer Center NEEDS: Drivers to transport sick children, take elderly and disabled people to doctor’s appointments, or provide rides for youth migrant farmworkers (ages 16-21) to attend night school. Flexible schedule; gas reimbursement provided. Also: Youth N.O.W., Breakaway College Access Project and La Manzana Community Resources’ Roots & Wings Program for foster children are seeking math and science tutors. CONTACT: 722-6708

813 Freedom Blvd. (across from Callaghan Park) in Watsonville.

or wats@scvolunteercenter.org ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : WomenCARE (Women’s Cancer Advocacy, Resources, and Education) NEEDS: Volunteer drivers to get women with a cancer diagnosis to and from medical appointments or to emotional support group meetings. Most needs are during daytime hours, though support groups might be evenings. CONTACT: WomenCARE at 457-2273 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Monarch Services NEEDS: Men and women ages 18 and older to support survivors of violence. Volunteers receive 60 hours of training to become state-certified in domestic violence and sexual assault, and are asked to complete 200 service hours for the agency. All services are available in English and Spanish and are free or low-cost. CONTACT: 722-4532 ••• O R G A N I Z AT I O N : Youth N.O.W. NEEDS: Youth NOW is a youth-based nonprofit organization located in downtown Watsonville that strives to enrich the lives of Watsonville youth by providing oneon-one tutoring, homework help, or enrichment workshops. Currently, our greatest need is for committed after-school math tutor volunteers. CONTACT: hkeefe@ youthnowcenter.com or 768-7998.

SANTA CRUZ ART LEAGUE

The county’s best kept secret

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Santa Cruz Art League’s Landscape Show in 2015.

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iscover us! A family-friendly environment, the Santa Cruz Art League has the largest and most versatile gallery in Santa Cruz County, presenting 14 exhibitions a year, and admission is always free! Most of our shows are open to County, Regional, Statewide and National artists to display and sell their work. From April 29–May 22 this year we will present our 61st Annual High School Art Show featuring young artists from every public, private and home school in the County. The Art League is a great place to bring your family and introduce your children to the Arts. Our highly-acclaimed California Statewide Landscape Exhibit was stated in 1926 and is the longest-running show of its kind in the state. This year’s exhibit in June will feature above

and under water Seascapes as well as Landscapes. We also partner with WEST theatre, which teaches youth acting classes and stages productions for more than 600 K-12 students a year. WEST leases our Broadway Playhouse Theatre which is part of the Santa Cruz Art League facility. We also offer dozens of low cost art classes, taught by many of the top artists in our County. Our current offerings are always listed on our website, www. scal.org. Open W -F, weekends and every First Friday, we collaborate with a large number of artists and businesses, including for-profit galleries to showcase the finest art and artists we can find. For more information, call (831) 426-5787, visit www.scal.org, or follow us on Facebook.

Contributed

The Santa Cruz Art League will hold its 61st annual High School Art Show from April 29-May 22.

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WEST theatre leases the Broadway Playhouse Theatre which is part of the Santa Cruz Art League facility.