How Puente Empowers the Community for a Stronger Future!

Sheryl Young, San Mateo County Program Director 

My recent trip to Puente in Pescadero brought up memories of my family stories – generations of small farmers in the Midwest. Farming was never easy. It’s even more complex now. Most of us who are lucky enough today to buy fresh and organic fruit and vegetables and fresh meat don’t think about the journey it took to get these on our tables.

Our Coastside can boast of the best of the best – artichokes, brussel sprouts, beans and pumpkins in local farmer markets and farm to fork restaurants – and add in a gorgeous ocean coastline! However, the hidden side of the story is the recent challenges faced by farm workers: fires, climate change calling for new farming methods, spotty cell service, little or no connectivity, transportation problems for food when roads are closed, no clean water, and little or no housing.  During the pandemic, tourists swarmed to the coast for relief, and many wealthy families bought up property, causing housing costs to soar.

The closest Safeway grocery store is 20 miles away – a major trip for a family working 8-12 hours in the fields, fixing dinner and helping their children with homework. Many of the inconsistent and seasonal work schedules make it difficult to even buy the food they farm for their families, causing stress and anxiety.

That’s where Puente comes in! It is a nonprofit founded by Rev. Wendy Taylor in 1998. Under the leadership of Rita Mancera since 2016, Puente works side by side with community members to build and increase equity for all who call the Coastside home. Puente is finding they are needed more than ever to help families survive these difficult challenges and keep families and farms alive. Through their collaborative programs in health, housing, education, employment rights, childcare, and community building, it empowers individuals to not only survive but thrive.

With each passing year, Puente witnesses the transformative power of community engagement and mutual support. Not only addressing immediate needs, but nurturing resilience, strengthening families, and preserving our rich agricultural heritage.

“Many children are still mourning family members they lost because of Covid, as well as having a hard time adjusting to school – they were out of school for almost 2 years, said Arlae Alston, Program Director for Puente. Therefore, Puente has increased counseling and mental health services for children and adults.  As we walk by the vibrant pictures on the walls painted by the children, Maricala Zavola, Puente’s Community Health Associate, says with a smile, “Families are hopeful and resilient,” And Maricala knows; she grew up in Pescadero, and returned to help her community after she graduated from college. One of the many dedicated and inspiring Puente staff members.

PVF is proud to have been a first funder supporter of Puente and see the work they have been able to accomplish since then. As we look to the future, the work of Puente remains more critical than ever. In a world marked by challenges, their commitment to fostering equity and support for every family on the South Coast stands unwavering.

As Rev. Wendy Taylor envisioned in 1998, Puente is a bridge—connecting resources to those in need and fostering a sense of belonging for all. Puente remains a vital lifeline, enabling families to build brighter futures and contributing to a thriving, equitable community for generations to come.