Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance

07/09/2025

Today, we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to our Board President, Dr. Nancy Bilicich, who is retiring from the PVPSA Board of Directors.

Dr. Bilicich has been an extraordinary leader, advocate, and friend—not only to PVPSA but to the entire Watsonville community. Her years of dedicated service have strengthened our organization’s mission to support youth, families, and communities through prevention and student assistance programs.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Bilicich for her remarkable service and in wishing her all the best in this next chapter! 💙

07/07/2025

We’re honored to partner with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and local community organizations to expand diversion opportunities beyond Watsonville and across the entire county. Together, we redefine youth justice with compassion, accountability, and a renewed belief in young people’s potential.

“Project ASCEND reflects our collective–and data-driven–belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent o…

07/03/2025

This recognition affirms the dedication of our team, partners, and the Pajaro Valley community in advancing racial justice and inclusive well-being for all students and families. Together, we’re breaking down barriers to mental health support, educational opportunity, and healing.

Thanks to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County - and to every supporter who stands with us - as we continue striving to create a more just and equitable future.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has awarded $280,000 in grants through the Rise Together Fund for racial equity, supporting 14 BIPOC-led organizations.

07/01/2025

At PVPSA, we recognize that mental health does not exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by our culture, experiences, and the challenges we face as individuals and communities.

During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we stand in solidarity with the diverse communities we serve. We know that stigma, language barriers, and unequal access to care can make it harder for individuals in marginalized communities to seek the support they deserve.

We’re committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that culturally responsive, compassionate mental health care is available for all. You are not alone and PVPSA is here to help.

Together, we can build a community where mental health is valued and protected for everyone.

06/27/2025

📣 MEET THE PVPSA BOARD 📣 Samantha Folb serves as the Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer at Cabrillo College. Samantha oversees the college's response to all forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. She is also a member of the Student Support and Care Team and serves on the national Advisory Board for the Association of Title IX Administrators. Samantha, we appreciate the work that you do for our community!💜

06/19/2025

Today we honor Juneteenth, a significant holiday to honor the freedom of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, and the birth of African American identity. As we celebrate America’s greatness and diversity, we recognize that Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in our history. Let’s take this day to reflect, celebrate, and commit to learning more about Black History. Wishing you a meaningful day ahead.

06/19/2025

📣 Staff Spotlight Olga Rechetova 📣 Olga shares what makes PVPSA so special: the genuine care our staff has for their work and our clients, and the agency’s deep commitment to professional growth. She also highlights the long-standing connection to the Pajaro Valley community. “Many of our clients’ parents came here for support when they were children. Many of our current staff and interns were once PVPSA clients themselves. That kind of full-circle connection feels so unique to PVPSA—I haven’t seen it anywhere else.”
💜Thank you, Olga! We’re so lucky to have you as part of the PVPSA family. 💜

06/15/2025

💜Happy Father’s Day from all of us at PVPSA! Today, we celebrate the fathers, and father figures who provide love, guidance, and strength to the children and families in our community. Thank you for showing up, lifting up, and helping young people thrive. Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and joy!

¡Feliz Día del Padre de parte de todos nosotros en PVPSA!
Hoy celebramos a los padres y a las figuras paternas que brindan amor, consejos y fortaleza a los niños y las familias de nuestra comunidad.
Gracias por estar presentes, por apoyar y por ayudar a que nuestros jóvenes prosperen.
¡Les deseamos un día lleno de agradecimiento y alegría!

06/13/2025

FREE Diaper Distribution – Friday the 13th!

No registration required – just show up! Supplies are limited, so come early! More information in tagged post below.

05/31/2025

Are you a high schooler interested in advocacy, making a difference, and youth issues in the Pajaro Valley? Learn more at 🐨💟

05/26/2025

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we pause to remember. At PVPSA, we honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms and opportunities we work to ensure for every child, teen, and family in our community.

🇺🇸 Este Día de los Caídos, hacemos una pausa para recordar.
En PVPSA, honramos a los valientes hombres y mujeres que dieron sus vidas al servicio de nuestro país. Su sacrificio protege las libertades y oportunidades que trabajamos para asegurar en cada niño, joven y familia de nuestra comunidad.

05/23/2025

At PVPSA, we are proud to be a workforce development agency that supports our employees in pursuing higher education and professional growth.

Meet Natalie Alanis, one of our amazing team members and the proud recipient of the Alicia’s Scholarship Fund from the San José State University Social Work graduate program!

Natalie is a talented and compassionate young clinician whose dedication to the field of mental health has been truly inspiring. It’s been an honor to witness her journey, and this recognition is so well-deserved.

Congratulations, Natalie — your future is bright, and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of the PVPSA family!