West Valley Community Services

Wonderful, kind, caring, informative and helpful staff. I am homeless and in need of food, housing, clothing, hygiene, transportation and more. I was immediately helped by front desk staff and immediately met with a counselor within the agency. Truly changed my life the help I received. I almost gave up hope completely until I visited this agency. Truly a blessing and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart❤️❤️

I have been a proud donor to West Valley Community Services (WVCS), and through them I am able to support the community members in need. WVCS is deeply committed to making a tangible difference in our community, and it shows in everything they do. Their team genuinely values their donors, taking the time to express gratitude and build meaningful connections. They value the donors as partners in their mission. Knowing that my support is helping neighbors in need inspires me to continue giving. I wish West Valley Community Services the best in fulfilling their mission.

I really appreciate the work they do to support low-income households in journeys towards stability. They help immensely and I’m so glad they were there for me and my family when we were at our lowest.

Circumstances left me devastated as I found myself Homeless and living out of my car with a broken window and windshield. I was cold, scared, lonely, sad, and isolated. My basic Human needs were not being fulfilled. I came across West Valley Community Services and I spoke to a nice man on the phone named Abel who told me that he may be able to help me. He offered to see what he could do about repairing the broken windows of my car. After a few days he got back to me with a repair location for me to go to so my windows can be replaced with brand new ones! I felt so Blessed and beyond Grateful for the assistance I was to receive! He also surprised me with a warm cozy blanket and offered me nourishment with the opportunity to receive a bag of fresh and hearty food options to choose from. I felt cared for and Loved. I am so very Thankful for all the positivity and assistance that I have received from West Valley Community Services. It made me feel like a Human again and gave me Hope! The loving generosity changed my Life! Now that I have a roof over my head and more stability I have decided to join the West Valley Community Services Team and Volunteer my time giving back and showing all of my appreciation. I'd like the opportunity for others in need of some assistance and relief to feel Loved like I did.
Thank You for all the Love and Hope that you provide to the community ❣️

I started volunteering at West Valley Community Services five years ago. I became so impressed with the organization’s commitment to fight hunger and homelessness that I joined the Board in 2021. Meeting with the clients in our lobby and hearing their stories of gratitude of how WVCS positively impacts their lives with the support of food, housing assistance, rides for seniors, special events, and case workers to assist with referrals to healthcare and other organizations makes me proud of the incredible work that the staff provides to our community day in and day out with dignity and respect for each individual that comes through our doors.

I have been serving WVCS as a volunteer and Board member for the last 3 yrs. This organization staff and volunteers continue to amaze me with their passion and role modeling our mission to serve the needy with respect and dignity. We feel blessed to serve the community and make a difference in the lives of families who are faced with financial struggles to keep their home and bring food to their table.

As a resident of Cupertino, I have seen the impact West Valley Community Services makes in the lives of the vulnerable members of the community. Thank you for the thoughtful programs and the essential services you provide.

WVCS is a well run, organized, friendly place to volunteer. Great people!

West Valley Community Services is a wonderful resource, providing valuable support and information on food assistance, housing, and other essential services. The staff is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. They offer a wide range of services, including food pantries, housing assistance, financial education, and counseling support. They work closely with community partners and volunteers to extend their reach and foster a strong network of support.

West Valley Community Services is an incredible organization that truly makes a difference in our community. They offer vital services like food assistance, housing support, and financial coaching, helping individuals and families get back on their feet. The staff are dedicated and compassionate, always going above and beyond to support those in need. One of their standout programs is the food pantry, which provides nutritious food to hundreds of families every month. They are not just a nonprofit organization, but family to all those in need in our community. Their commitment to improving lives and encouraging a supportive community is truly commendable. They truly know how to make a difference!

The support they provide students and families is excellent! WVCS makes lives easier for those in need in the community!

I volunteer with Park it Market. Don Akimoto and crew are compassionate caring stewards that take great care of their clients. I am humbled and blessed to be able to work with his crew.

I'm a volunteer at the Park-It Market and can't begin to tell you what a wonderful experience it is. The clients are lovely and interesting people and so appreciative of the healthy and delicious food that's provided. Everything is organized so well, it makes the time spent so enjoyable. I feel privileged to volunteer with West Valley Community Services.

WVCS provides excellent services to help clients avoid homelessness. They really know how to fight food and housing insecurity.
Their strategy to distribute food is the best I have seen; including their Cupertino market and their Park-It Market. For clients that do not have transportation, the Park-it Market takes the food to them.
Thank God

WVCS is a great place to go to if you are in need of food or other kinds of support.

I am proud and honored to say that I have volunteered, served as a Board member, and donated to West Valley Community Services (WVCS) for more than seven years.

WVCS has supported low income and homeless individuals and families in West San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Cupertino for the past 50 years. Sujatha Venkatraman, the Executive Director, her leadership team, staff, Board, and volunteers provide essential food, housing, emergency financial assistance, and support services to the most vulnerable in our community. Clients can choose their own fresh food in the WVCS Cupertino market as well as at the WVCS Park-it Market, a mobile food market that brings food and services throughout our community. The Back-to-School program gives children new school supplies, clothing, and shoes, making the start of school less of a burden for low income families. The Gift of Hope program provides essential household items and holiday gifts for those in need.

Every WVCS service and program helps individuals and families regain stability, dignity, and most importantly hope. WVCS makes our community a better place for all of us.

Such an important function during these times of food insecurity for so many. I know that our students families so appreciate being able to stop on their way home from school to pick up some food, from very friendly helpful people

I can honestly say that I LOVE volunteering at West Valley Community Services! The staff is so very supportive of its volunteers. Dignity, respect, integrity and compassion drive the efforts at WVCS each and everyday. I have witnessed first hand the life changing impact that WVCS has on its community members who so desperately need help. WVCS has been a guiding light in our greater community for 50 years and I am proud to be a part of such an impactful organization. Here's to 50 more amazing years!!!

Exceptional staff. The various needs they cater to in the community is amazing. All done very thoughtfully and with care to every detail. I love volunteering with WVCS and also supporting them with monetary & in-kind donations.

I got introduced to the work of West Valley Community Services through my friends and family. I have witnessed how they provide comprehensive support to address critical needs of the west valley community members. The work they do is not only commendable, it is essential for the well being of the community in need. Their dedication, compassion and effectiveness is seen in their core programs as well as special programs like the holiday program which supports children, individuals and families at the important junctures of life. My best wishes to them for fulfilling their misson, vision and continue making a strong positive impact.

For the past six years I have had the pleasure of serving on the Board of WVCS. I can truly say that it has been one of the most rewarding times of my life. Having the opportunity to see the impact we have on the local communities is truly amazing. The Bay Area is a difficult place to survive in if you are struggling to make ends meet. Our executive Director Sujatha Venkatraman and her dedicated team fill a void in folks lives and help them regain their confidence all while treating them with dignity and kindness. This year WVCS is celebrating serving our community for 50 years. Please join us in our efforts to combat hunger and homelessness in the West Valley.

I am delighted to express my wholehearted support for WVCS and the remarkable work they do in our community. Their unwavering dedication to serving the hungry and homeless is truly commendable. It's evident that they deeply care for their clients, and this commitment is the reason I wholeheartedly endorse and support their vital mission. WVCS exemplifies the essence of compassion and community service, making a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

I volunteer for special events, such as Back to School Shopping and Gift of Hope at Christmas. It makes me happy to help people who need support, which WVCS is so good at providing. Wonderful staff, well organized.

WVCS is a light in the dark. I was in a safe parking program during part of our homeless journey and WVCS partnered with the Safe Park to provide participants with case management and services. I entered the building unshowered, exhausted, hungry, cold and unhoused. I was also suffering with medication side effects and sleep deprivation from the anxiety of sleeping in the car, which exacerbated symptoms of cognitive and mental health concerns. I made a commitment to keep showing up and accepting their help. I received a case manager who coordinated services for me. I picked up nutritious foods from the food pantry, from Volunteers who cared about my well being and were friendly and patient as I moved slowly from pain and poor vision. I received access to showers at the YMCA and attended a financial planning program with a local banker who volunteered to help me. At Thanksgiving, volunteers offered to bring us food to our car on Thanksgiving Day. The Housing resource person kept me informed about wait lists and openings for housing and helped me apply for deposit assistance when I finally acquired housing. WVCS even has gone so far as to put affordable housing on their campus. They do everything they can to help others through the housing crisis. I cannot say enough good things about this organization and how they go above and beyond to listen to those they serve and adapt and adjust based on the needs of those suffering in the community. They were a huge part of why I had hope and kept believing that I was not going to die unsheltered. That my community did care to help when I could not help myself. The people at WVCS were effective and efficient as they reached out to welcome those who need them. WVCS is a MODEL non-profit. Thank you West Valley Community Services!

Westvally is Most Advanced Community Management and Engagement Platform. There Virtual Events are reachable and helpful & Customizable. E-Learning. Job search or training are available at the door Next generation platform should be uplifted Easy to set up. Meetings ,Live Feed. Types Education, and other programs are very helpful. Professional Networking , Public Organisation. Are available to those who seeking . Community staff are very Communicate and organized. At my struggle the case manager and the coordinators helped me to stabilize. I am proud be living in this community

WVCS is one of the most dedicated non-profit that I have seen. The staff is extremely motivated and committed, the executive team and the CEO run the entire operations as a well oiled machine and more than anything else they are very focused on their end goal - to remove homelessness and hunger in the West Valley community - and all their energies and time are spent solely towards this goal making them very efficient and effective.

I am a board member of WVCS and have been impressed with the work done by my fellow board members and also the staff. Everyone at WVCS is dedicated to fighting hunger and homelessness and it shows in the daily interactions with one another, and also with clients. We all aspire to treat clients with dignity, as everyone deserves. In addition, each individual associated with WVCS embodies compassion, which is certainly needed these days.

I am incredibly honored to be a small part of this organization and hope to remain apart of this phenomenal group of leaders for years to come.

My name is Jack I'm 35 and I was introduced to West valley community services last summer. I was so happy when I had spent all day walking there from downtown San Jose in the heat of summer and was greeted with ice cold beverages and snacks before I had even signed up. Upon meeting my case manager we had spoke about rapid housing and all options. They helped with food, and car troubles and even Blessed me with bus tokens. The mobile food pantry is awesome and loaded with lots of really really good food. Some of the best I've seen from a non profit. The bathroom and toiletries were also amazing. Body wash razors soaps and everything a young man in his 30s could need. They treat you as if you are apart of a family and not just a number

My name is Kristie and I've been a client with WVCS for about 2 and a half years. They have not only helped with food and bathroom items, but they have also helped with my cars mechanical work and registration because I was living in it. As of this year alone they have given me an amazing opportunity for work, to pay for my rent and also help with school. They have single handedly taken all of my stress off my shoulders and helped make the stability in my career and living situation I've been looking for since I was 18 years old. I have been given this amazing dream come true and I want to thank WVCS for helping me have an amazing life. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

My name is Joshua and I been a client with WVCS going on 8 years now and they have helped me tremendously. They were the only people to give me chance at getting an apartment and now i've living at Vista Village for 8 years. They helped me with food, helped me figure out a plan to pay of my back due rent balance when I lost my job at one point, and they even gave us beds when we first moved in because me and my roommate didn't have the money at the time to get our own. They offered so much help to me and I am truly grateful for everything they have done for me.

I have been a part of WVCS for nearly 15 years. First it was BMR housing, I am still under the BMR program. Next my connection with WVCS is with RYDE. I have been using RYDE for. 4 years now. This was like Godsend for me since I am a teacher and I don’t drive, since my husband passed away 4 years ago,I was wondering how am I going to able to go to work. RYDE came to my help and till date I have been able to go to work regularly. I thank WVCS for offering these services to Cupertino residents. I wish this nonprofit organization all the best to continue serving the community, particularly seniors like me.

I am very grateful and lucky to have WVCS serving the Cupertino area where I live in. I have been experiencing great financial hardship and without their help I could have lost my house and not have food to provide to my family. But what really makes them exceptional is the kindness of the people helping me, managers, case mangers, I am just in awe. I felt cared for and supported all throughout my process. They look for ways to help you as much as they can and look for resources outside of WVCS if they don't have certain service. THANK YOU WVCS for all your care and support.!!!

Yael

Yael

West Valley Community Services is a nonprofit like none other. The agency follows its values in all it does. Clients lead the conversations that happen and decisions that are made, and they are clearly the reason WVCS is here. I have heard nothing but glowing reviews from anyone and everyone who has interacted with WVCS in any capacity, from client to volunteer to community member to staff member.

I can not even list all of the services WVCS provides - it ranges from no-cost nutritional food to financial assistance to case management. Nobody gets turned away, and for some individuals, WVCS is the last place they are able to go, and embraces them with open arms.

I personally think the way WVCS provides food is absolutely incredible, and it serves as a model for food providers all throughout the entire country. It's known that food pantries are often people's last resort: Many will go hungry before turning to one of these. That's why WVCS invites clients to use our market. Providing free food just like any pantry, the market allows people to access food in a dignified and special way. When clients arrive, they are given a grocery cart, and they go through aisles, selecting food that they then leave with at no cost. In addition, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as bread, microwave meals, refrigerated products, desserts, and even baby food and diapers.

However, not everyone can make it all the way to Cupertino to get their food. That's why WVCS has the Park It Market, a mobile food pantry that travels all throughout the West Valley to ensure everyone receives the healthy, delicious food that they deserve.

Intentional, Inclusive and intelligent. This non profit has it all. Almost fifty years of experience while still innovating with new ideas. Time is precious but I found that any investment I make with this group has been rewarding.

I have been connected with West Valley Community Services since 2008. It is now 2022- that should be your first clue to my devotion to the cause of fighting hunger and homelessness in my community. I work in our market pantry and what started as a few loaves of bread, cans of soup and occasional milk and juice is now a full service marketplace. Post COVID, it has been a joy to reconnect with volunteers and clients. Our Executive Director has expanded our services as the need has continued to grow. I’m impressed with his stamina and that of his staff as well.

I have been volunteering at their food bank every week and serving in the board. This organization is so well run with amazing support from the community who donate generously. They use the resources very well to support the needs of preventing homelessness and hunger in the community.

I have been incredibly impressed with the impact WVCS continues to have on the community and clients. Keep up the great work!

On family business I had temporarily relocated to the Cupertino area from my home back east where I volunteered at a small local food pantry. Having some spare time here I reached out to West Valley Community Services for possible volunteer opportunities.
First, I was amazed by the many different ways available to volunteer at WVCS allowing me to select an area I was best suited for and enjoyed.
Secondly, I was impressed at how modern and well run the facility is, with a myriad of services making client care and consideration a top priority and purpose.
I'll be travelling back east soon and will miss the experiences I've had at WVCS, but I'm all the better for it.

Hi guys.
This a 4th times which I try to put my review. For some reasons , every single time my review jumpped up some where or disappeared.Hopefully, this time works!!
I want to broadcast my voice as a client to everybody who gets involve with this community or not about my great and awsome experience with my social worker & his supervisor and the managment team.
WVCS is happy to have him or anyone works like him in the community. , he showed me practically this term that"KINGDM OF GOD WHITHIN USwith his attitude He took care of me very well with his lovley heart. I can not put my feeling in the words. Thankful is less about the job that he did for me. I have some finacial trouble in my life.He pationtly, listen to my voice. He found the solution for me and he guided me to the right direction. The another good principle which he put value on his job was,following up my case step by step. Sometimes he pushed me for being on the right rail and catching the opportunity which was great. He is working with good quantity means on time, detail oriented and good quality means pushing me for be prepared.
I recommend you ,if you have ny issues or problems ,just getting touch with WVCS. i Had a nice experience with them. They cared about my situation and helped me under covid.
Bless for every single of employee of WVCS. My social worker, love you man! You have a potential to become a god pattern for new employees for stick on thier job like youuu.:)
hope you ,your supervisor and managent team will be healthy and safe!!
Bless!!

This program helped my family and I out a lot. Abel was always on top of everything and very quick to help us find resources when we needed them.

Hello. I want to share my latest interaction with this organization. It was life saver because I needed someone to look over and help me add to my resume. There wasn't much time because I fear job posting for that position close soon. With my persistence and a kind worker Abel heard of my need and stepped up, helped me. Job posting did close but I got in with my resume.

I also would like to say my former case manager Vanessa Escobar was tremendous with me. She help crafted my previous resume -- was told appealing & not wordy.
And because of her, working with me, all needed papers submitted and I officially have an AA degree. Went through the ceremony and was my proudest moment.

I use their pantry to shop for the food I need.
In the past I finished their finance & budgeting classes, technology weekly sessions with volunteer high schoolers --this was a REAL confidence booster for me.

I'm hopeful knowing West Valley Community Services for me to turn to in chasing my dream(s).

Thank you so much for reading.

Please continue to support this organization.

WVCS is a second home for me with caring staff and volunteers.The entry process was smooth and done in a timely manner.My case manager Abel guided me thoroughly with all the resources.I was helped with all the essentials.I am always greeted with affection when I go to pick food from the pantry.It has fresh fruits and vegetables and is nutritious.
Everytime I go there I notice that all the members are treated with so much of respect and kindness.
WVCS truly stands for its mission to help.

I do not know where to start with sharing my story! Personally, I have had a roller coaster of a ride these past few years. Recently , I was released from Folsom Woman’s Facility after serving an 8month sentence. I was released in the beginning of the pandemic that caused any program that I was involved in to be shutdown. The whole world was shut down and with very little resources to turn too , I was so grateful For West Valley Community Services , the staff at West Valley Community Services, and my biggest supporter Abel!
With never ending support,motivation, encouragement,and resources, I am proud to say that my life has turned around for the better . Like so many , I too was homeless and lost everything. Having to build my life from ground up.
My forever gratitude towards West Valley Community Services and Abel, I was able to get housed , maintain electronic communication, find stable employment, most important GAIN POSITIVE SELF ESTEEM AND OVERCOME THE HOMELESS EPIDEMIC
Thank you WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORTS AND HUMBLE DISPOSITION

WVCS and BENAIFER have been a true blessing and life saver. Up until just a few months ago I was homeless with nowhere to go and no food! Today, I’m no longer homeless and thanks to them, I now have my own place to call home—THANK YOU!! WVCS and Benaifer have truly inspired me to make a career and job change - I want a job with a purpose that gives back to the community & to the people and most importantly to be inspired to help others! THAT’S MY PURPOSE, TO HELP OTHERS JUST LIKE WVCS AND BENAIFER HELPED ME! We need more nonprofits and caring people like you in this world! Thank you for letting me share my story!

West valley cc and Benaifer have been so generous and willing to help since day 1. She makes sure that we have the things we need and I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to take advantage of their generosity. I was homeless for 5 years and it was a such a struggle to get back to some sort of normalcy in our lives. Proud to say my wife and I are both working and our place is a home. Everyday I am thankful, and feel truly blessed to have been connected with WVCC and Benaifer who has made us feel like family. She is inspiring. Thank you for letting me share this with others.

This place is great! So far I have worked with Benaifer and Luis , they have never been anything short of amazing!! I am currently enrolled in thier rapid rehousing program and it has been a life savor for my son and I . We finally have a place of our own and thanks to this program I am able to take the time that I need off to bond with my new child that will arrive in December with out stressing about how I will pay my rent. Apart from the rapid rehousing program they have great resources for thoes indeed of work or occupational training and an awsome food bank that offers a lot of different foods not just the typical canned foods that u would normally expect from a food bank. There are so many other resources available through west valley community serivices they are ready to help thoes in need in any way possible! I will forever be thankful for this place and all they have done for me and my family!!!

The summer of 2021, I had the pleasure to meet and work with the volunteers of West Valley Community Service in the food pantry. While there, I was amazed to see the dedication of those who volunteer to give clients the opportunity to shop independently by creating the organized and well-stocked food pantry. The time taken to sort the donations, stock the shelves, and assist the customers well spent. Also, I was honored to meet the clients who benefit from this local pantry.

I have been volunteering for West Valley Community Services for the past few months and have found it to be one of the most deeply satisfying experiences of my life. During these isolating and unsure times, WVCS has helped provide food, housing, financial services, stability, and care to the most vulnerable members of our community. But because of the quality of the work, the experienced staff, and the driven and compassionate volunteers, I think volunteers also have a great deal to gain spending their time here. I have worked and volunteered with dozens of nonprofits throughout my life, and I think WVCS is one of the most essential and philanthropic organizations out there. Thank you to the staff and my fellow volunteers for giving me the opportunity to learn about, connect with, and give back to my community.

Since I retired, I have been looking for volunteer opportunities. I help deliver groceries from West Valley Community Services to individual homes. It seems impossible, but 1 in every 4 people in "affluent Silicon Valley" is at risk for hunger.
I have the easy part, picking up food and driving. The staff at West Valley who assemble, sort and bag up the food are busy, but always friendly.
There is on particular woman who I meet each week. The only words I can understand when she speaks are "Thank you, thank you, thank you." She is always smiling, and waits on her porch and waves to me until I drive away.
It's little things like this that make me believe I am somehow trying to make a very small contribution to the greater good.
Thanks West Valley Community Services for the work you do!
gn

I am a volunteer at WVCS, interacting with clients as they check in to receive our services. During COVID, the food bank has continued to update protocols to keep employees, volunteers and clients safe while still providing excellent assistance to those in need.

I've been a volunteer in the West Valley food pantry for several years, and have found it very rewarding. It's nice to develop friendly relationships with clients and help them choose delicious and nutritious food for their families. It's also good to see that healthy food goes to people who need it, and not to waste.

I participate in some of the annual programs like Back to School and Christmas Families, and I know the recipients appreciate those as well.

When the RYDE program was introduced, I also volunteered for that, and have again enjoyed meeting appreciative, interesting clients.

West Valley has a variety of excellent programs to assist our client population.

I thought West Valley Community Services was impressive before 2020, but WOW. The way this organization has handled its COVID response has blown me away. From ensuring that the growing number of clients' needs are constantly met while keeping clients, volunteers, and staff safe and following social distance protocols, this organization has gone above and beyond. The staff are incredible and pour their hearts and souls into this work. The client base has grown so much because of COVID, and unfortunately, it will continue to grow into next year. For this reason, I am especially grateful that WVCS exists and serves the community.

West Valley Community Services really delivers! They operate a top-notch organization that really steps up to help those most in need of food and other safety net services. In this era when so many people in our community have fallen on hard times, WVCS offers a dignified and effective way for people to get the support they need. If you've been wondering what you can do to help people in need - this is a sure-fire way to make a difference. Please join me in support of WVCS.

I am so grateful to have had the chance to volunteer at WVCS over the past few months. I have been helping primarily with reviewing applications for emergency financial assistance, and it has been amazing to see the people at WVCS working so hard to provide aid during such a difficult time. It is obvious to me that WVCS is truly making a substantial and positive impact in the communities that it serves.

I've known WVCS (formerly CCS) for over 40 years. I've known personally each of the Executive Directors and the WVCS programs as I have served as both a volunteer and donor. Currently, I'm a volunteer fundraiser for the Lift Us Up Capital Campaign to remodel and expand their existing facility and replacing the mobile food pantry.
I'm fully committed to support WVCS with my time and financial resources to allow them to provide greater access to food and safety net services to those in need in our community.

I have had the pleasure of serving on the West Valley board for the past 3 and 1/2 years. I have also enjoyed interacting with West Valley as a Girls Scout Leader during holiday events and other activities and as a member of the community. West Valley is a wonderful organization that provides a wide variety of services to people of all ages. West Valley's mobile food pantry provides food to the Moreland School District area, Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Gatos areas. Just another great service to our neighbors!

I have had the privilege of joining the West Valley Community Services Board of Directors this year, and I cannot praise this organization enough.
The staff work extremely hard day in and day out to ensure that all of the clients that come through the door are helped as much as possible and have access to every service that they need.
My fellow board members are some of the most thoughtful, kind, and giving people I have ever met. We are extremely lucky to deal with such great staff and share the vision of enhancing our organization to best help our clients.
And our volunteers and donors - wow. As with any nonprofit, we could not keep our doors open without all of the people that support us in their own time. They come into each shift ready to help our community with a kind heart.
As well as having an incredibly giving workforce, the strategy behind every service we provide to our clients is the reason we are able to help so many who come through our doors. This organization works hard to ensure that clients do not need to rely on us forever. The clients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and through services like financial coaching, we are able help many clients become self sufficient and successful. I can go on and on; in short, I am beyond proud to be a part of this organization.

I have been a 10+ year donor to West Valley Community Services (WVCS) and an occasional volunteer for special events. The reason I choose to support WVCS is their respect for their clients, the variety and quality of the services they offer, and the strong leadership team and board.

One example of how they respect their clients is the onsite food pantry, where clients get to shop and select the fresh produce, protein and other staples they prefer to eat. They also have a mobile food pantry using an RV that goes closer to their clients. Not everyone can come to the regular pantry and carry their groceries back home via public transit. They have great partnerships with local grocery stores and farmers markets so the pantry offers a wide variety of healthy, quality fruits and vegetables.

In addition to housing assistance and financial counseling, WVCS has an annual Back To School program that allows the school age children shop for items for back to school. This is another example of their respect for their clients, giving them choice and allowing them to feel as "normal" as possible. They also have a holiday gift program that helps provide needed household items and other useful items, plus fun items for children, so the family can have a nice holiday like other families.

The annual Chefs of Compassion fundraiser is creative. Three chefs create the three course meal from items found in the food pantry. Each chef draws a course and then shops in the food pantry for ingredients. Their course is then copied by the caterer and served to the attendees. It is a great way to demonstrate that quality meals can be made from the items offered to the clients on a regular basis.

It is for these reasons, and many more, that I am a proud donor to West Valley Community Services!

I have been involved with WVCS for over 4 years, first as a front-desk volunteer, then a financial coach, before joining the board. As a financial coach, I saw first hand how the wide variety of services provided by WVCS supports clients in times of crisis. WVCS helped stabilize not just their housing situations but many other aspects of their lives from financial assistance to credit management to food security. 
I saw clients in the financial coaching program improve their credit scores from 400s to high 600s. This made huge impacts on their housing situations, jobs, and family stability. As a board member, I have seen how effectively this organization manages funds to expand programs and clientele served. I am blessed to serve alongside the amazing WCVS staff, volunteers and board.

I am so proud as a community member, volunteer and board member to be a part of West Valley Community Services! This agency is changing lives for the better every day - whether ensuring regular access to healthful foods in the pantry, providing financial coaching or supporting emergent needs, WVCS is uniting the community to fight hunger and homelessness!

Helping the homeless and hungry in our West Valley Community is often overlooked but not by this group of fine volunteers. They are passionate about this effort and strive to make a difference! I'm proud to be associated with this incredible organization, the team who runs it and the clients we serve.

WVCS provides a wide range of services primarily for low income individuals and families in need of housing and food support. One of the most vulnerable and and least supported people in our communities. These services are extremely valuable in their own right. As important as the services, WVCS treats their clients with dignity and respect. The services and manner in which the services are provided comprise a powerful package greatly magnifying the positive impact of the recipients and the community as a whole.

My wife has been a volunteer in the Food Pantry at West Valley Community Services since 2008, and I help out occasionally with special tasks, or when I have extra time on my hands..

I have watched the Food Pantry grow into an efficient center for those needing a helping hand in our community. WVCS offers so much more than just food.

The current executive director and director of development are an amazing team that has increased the viability of this organization. Together they have promoted the organization throughout the local communities that WVCS serves and the changes have been dramatic.

The big fund raiser of the year - Chefs of Compassion - is a real winner. Our friends are always asking when the next one is scheduled. The silent auction is fantastic, and the Executive Director's pitch at the end is nothing less than phenomenal.

I'm very proud to be associated with this organization.

Over the years throughout Silicon Valley, I have felt the positive effects of the work of WVCS. Whether it be the food bank, providing shopping sprees for students, or other community outreach activities, WVCS is visible and contributes greatly to the humankind in my community! I am proud to volunteer in a variety of events and will continue to do so!
Audrey

my overall experienced has been wonderful. The staff is as friendly as they are helpful. I never felt small in the eyes of the staff. My case manager Alba was kind and extreamly knowledgable

Their staff and board members are really great! I am humbled to see so many people who are willing to go out of their way to help those who are in need.

WVCS serves the needs of the community that needs support for housing, food pantry, financial assistance and training. Without the support of a dedicated staff and a corps of volunteers and great many members of our community would not be served.

Kudos to West Valley Community Services, formerly Cupertino Community Services, for its commitment and work in running a homeless men's shelter in the Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and Saratoga area for over 17 years! Faith in Action Rotating Shelter for Homeless Men is a great program which is managed by caring and competent staff at WVCS that has assisted hundreds of homeless men get jobs, housing, and reestablish their independence. I've been working as a volunteer meal coordinator for the shelter for many years, and have loved working with great people from the many community and faith-based organizations that participate. I have loved getting to know the men who have come to the shelter, and am always humbled and inspired by the frank and honest sharing of their personal stories, and their determination to get back on their feet. What has impressed me the most is how the men in the shelter, after having hit rock bottom, seem to see life so clearly, and are able to get truly important priorities straight - better than I can, by far!

I grew up in the West Valley region since childhood and only discovered WVCS 5 years ago when I started working here. I never knew the agency existed or about it's services and in the last 5 years have learned more about my community that I did growing up in it. Families in need in the West Valley region are lucky to have an agency nearby that serves them and is able to provide services that are hard to find elsewhere. WVCS strives to provide help in a caring and respectful manner. I have watched the agency grow by leaps and bounds in the past few years and am proud of the number of services we are able to offer.