The mission of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) is to improve the quality of life of children, youth and families of the greater Pajaro Valley by providing health education, mental health, and substance use services, and by advocating for public policies that protect the well-being of our community.
We decided to focus our project on the family unit due to stress that our families have faced during the last few years. Providers have seen disconnect, isolation, and conflicts that have severed family ties. Our staff has been trained in several curriculums by the National Compadres Network and have implemented these programs. In 2024, we’d like to serve a minimum of 60 families, with three cohorts during the year, each with 12 sessions.
Families will start and end the session as one unit. In between there will be separate skill development for women, men, and parents in areas such as positive identity, self-advocacy, substance/violence prevention, leadership development, and more.The goal is to look at the familial relationship, family roles, and ultimately to reconnect in a safe healing space.
Students who are at PVPSA like I was, seem motived and determined to finish what they started, whether it is school, working on their mental health, or the program they are in. Not only does PVPSA work to benefit the youth that needs them, but also other people in the community!
Stefani Nolasco, Former Student, Watsonville High School
