Gilroy Nonprofits and Charities

I recently donated to Gilroy Gardens to support their ongoing efforts to provide environmental education in a fun and beautiful setting. Plus to specifically support their Natural Science Day program which provides young students a fun and interactive out-of-the-classroom experience connecting them to nature, horticulture and the environment that I wish I had the opportunity to experience when I was young. I plan to continue to support this unique non-profit that supports a wide regional audience focusing on families and kids focusing on the environment.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Operation Freedom Paws grow from Mary Cortani's initial vision into the thriving, full-service nonprofit it is today. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this program has had on veterans, disadvantaged youth and the community. The combination of human and four-legged lives transformed by this organization is immeasurable. The benefit to the community is profound, and I am proud to call Operation Freedom Paws one of my favorite charities. The dedication and heart behind it are truly inspiring.

For the past 2 years I've been homeless in multiple cities. Through our migration I have never came across a more helpful and attentive organization. The Gentleman that operates most of the fieldwork reaches out to the Gilroy community directly. He made sure nothing went undone or used. Especially food. <br><br>One evening in late November I was parked at the garlic farm truck stop after a day of work and no food/lunch scraping left over change for gas in the vehicle just to make it to work in the morning when PITSTOP OUTREACH made their rounds. This was the first moment of my life where I was really concerned about my well-being especially another night alone and hungry. My vehicle lit up andi was positive it was going to be another officer telling me I cannot park here. Instead, a prayer was answered and my dog and I didn't go to sleep hungry. Thank you all for your support!

Check out there facility in New Mexico where 120 dogs and cats were removed to extreme neglect!

This beautiful oasis in the countryside pours the heart and soul of their small family into caring for previously unwanted or surrendered parrots. They are always at maximum capacity with cage space and in their avaries, but through miracles, generous volunteers and donors find ways to make their resources stretch to accomodate additional birds in need simply because they care. There are far too few nonprofit organizations like Souzas Sanctuary. They and a precious few others share the enormous responsibility of caring for the abandoned multitudes of these incredible long-lived animals. Too fascinating for their own good, more parrots are bred as "pets" than can be placed in homes willing to happily care for them for 40-80 years. I was drawn to help with the crisis of parrot homelessness after reading several books on the topic and owning a parrot of my own, so I reached out to Souzas Sanctuary about becoming a foster home for their rescues. Souzas was perfectly accomodating to my comfort level with parrots, my ideas, and with my schedule. I am currently a happy foster home to my first rescue parrot. I feel thankful to be doing my part to help feathered souls in need and I and so many others are grateful every day for the work Souzas continues to do. By supporting Souzas Sanctuary, we are not only helping individual parrots. We are helping by spreading the word that parrots do not make good pets, but there are an abundance facing grim futures in need of care and love right now should we choose to help.

Participated in the 2nd annual 5K event. It was a fun way to support the cause. The care and support they provide to breast cancer patients is noteworthy.

Community Solutions made such a difference in the lives of myself and my girls. They helped us feel safe and loved, providing shelter and counseling. It made all the difference in the world to realize that I was not alone, others have been through domestic violence and been told the same things to make them stay, making them feel guilty and blame themselves. They helped connect me with services to help me and were never judgemental. <br> <br>I was able to move forward and have a healthy, happy life- go back to school, get a car, job and affordable housing allowing me to get back on my feet. I have now almost finished my BA degree and we live in a beautiful home. I've been able to be a good example for my kids, teaching them that it's never too late and that anything is possible. Thanks goes to God and the loving staff at Community Solutions for loving and believing in me! <br> <br>I am eternally grateful for the care given us and have only good things to say about the organization.

These individuals work tirelessly without compensation to provide safe waterways for all community members to enjoy while nature habitat thrives. It is definitely a labor of love for them. I appreciate all they have done to promote steelhead survival in Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Their grassroots organization focuses on education with diligent leading by example (cleaning creeks). They are approved by NOAA to transport endangered species (steelhead when populations were low). The people who exercise on Uvas Park Preserve appreciate their constant efforts.

I have been a part of the Gilroy Compassion Center since the beginning. We began this organization to fill a gap in services and advocacy in South Santa Clara County. Although there were other agencies providing services, none were focused specifically on the homeless. In December 2011, the Gilroy Compassion Center opened the doors to the only drop-in, one-stop day center for the homeless in our area. It is more than an open door for services -- it is a place to know that you belong. Run almost entirely buy volunteers, the Gilroy Compassion Center provides basic needs of daily living, connections to other resources, and opportunities to participate and be a part of the community.

I donate through a payroll deduction to St. Joseph's Family Center via United Way. I chose St. Joseph's because they provide food, employment services, homeless outreach, and emergency rental assitance to the neediest people in the Gilroy community. I trust that the leadership of this organization will use funds wisely. We are all potential beneficiaries of the services provided at St. Joseph's since most of us are a couple of paychecks away from needing the services they provide.