On October 6, 2023, a significant gathering marked the reopening of the remodeled Pajaro Resource Center (PRC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held adjacent to Pajaro Middle School. Over 50 community members, including local leaders and health representatives, celebrated this renewed commitment to public health and social services in the Pajaro region.
The PRC’s reopening is the culmination of a collaborative effort involving the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), Salud Para La Gente, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz. This multifaceted approach aims to bolster the community’s health and well-being, particularly following the devastating floods that affected Pajaro earlier in the year.
Previously, the resource center operated from a single portable unit, which provided limited pediatric services and assistance with applications for essential resources such as medical and food vouchers. However, the newly remodeled center, which reopened to the public on August 25, now includes a small clinic equipped with two examination rooms, offering both pediatric and family medical services in addition to a food pantry.
Sherri Stout-Torres, Chief Operations Officer of Salud Para La Gente, emphasized the center’s expanded services, stating, “We are offering full service so families can come here, not just students.” She highlighted the importance of accessibility for Pajaro’s residents, who can now obtain medical care locally rather than traveling to neighboring Watsonville. “Having this site in this part of the community is very much needed,” Stout-Torres added, indicating that the clinic’s presence will significantly impact local health outcomes.
The center’s development was supported by a successful funding application resulting in 0,000 from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, aimed at enhancing services to better meet the needs of the community. Ben Slyder, PVUSD’s coordinator of student services, remarked on their intent to surpass the previous offerings of the center, indicating a forward-thinking approach to community health resources.
One of the noteworthy features of the PRC is its innovative food distribution model. Unlike traditional methods that require clients to wait in line for pre-packaged food bundles, the pantry allows families to ‘shop’ in a store-like environment once a week. Slyder described this initiative as fostering autonomy, noting, “There are limits on certain foods, but people can go in there once a week and shop for free.” He further explained that children often take on the responsibility of shopping for their families, which not only empowers youth but also strengthens family ties.
The reinvigorated Pajaro Resource Center stands as a beacon of hope and support in the community, not just for families affected by recent disasters but as a long-term resource for improved health and well-being in Pajaro. This transformation reflects a dedicated investment in community health infrastructure, aiming to provide accessible and comprehensive services for all residents.
