gmhTODAY Winter 2022 | Page 5

• Boosts Soil Health

• Improves Water Retention

• Helps Fight Climate Change

Debbi & Mike Sanchez , Publishers

appy 2022 . Whew . As we head into yet another year of mandates ,

the south county is great . First and foremost , it ’ s the people . We are blessed to be surrounded by so many people who work for , volunteer with , or financially support our non-profit organizations . These organizations have been hard at work providing basic resources and services for anyone in our communities in need . Since the “ two-week shutdown ” in March of 2020 , theses agencies have stepped up in creative ways to meet the tidal wave of needs .

South Valley

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Organizations like the Edward Boss Prado Foundation , St . Joseph ’ s Family Center , Community Solutions , Rebekah Children ’ s Services and YMCA Mt . Madonna have fed , helped clothe , provided financial aid and counseling among other services . Most have done so without the ability to fundraise since this economic shutdown began . Yet , with less funds and a new , everchanging set of protocols to follow , the have stood in the gap .

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Smaller organizations have also been playing vital roles to provide for our communities . The Gilroy and Morgan Hill Chambers of Commerce , Leadership Gilroy and Leadership Morgan Hill have adapted and overcome , finding new ways to forge ahead and stand in the gap for small businesses and emerging leaders . Our retail businesses — restaurants , grocery stores , service providers and others — have kept their doors open to provide as much normalcy as they can for their patrons .

Some businesses have been busier than ever before . These owners and employees have worked overtime for two years , sacrificing time with family and friends to get the job done . Construction , manufacturing and transportation companies , maintenance and repair companies , and business service companies have ramped up and continue to roll on to provide for our communities . First responder and health care workers ... heroes .

Even smaller companies have found ways to stand in the gap — finding new and innovative ways to serve the public and keep their doors open . Teachers , coaches , mentors , and trainers have adapted and overcome to continue to teach and train . Parents have been stretched and kids have been challenged like never before . All of us — all of us — have been stressed out , bummed out , frustrated , sad , lonely , confused , overly aggressive or the focus of someone ’ s wrath . In short , we have all done our best to maintain community and our sanity . Somehow , we have made it . gmhTODAY . com

We are the south county . We are strong communities full of people who care for the welfare of others . We have been through the toughest two years in history . Yet here we are . We ’ re ready for 2022 and hopeful . We look to ourselves and our neighbors with resolve . We support agencies doing good in our communities . We do good where we can . We are leaning into this new year . It will continue to be rocky . It will continue to provide opportunities . And we ’ ve got this . We hope you find some inspiration in the stories we share in this issue . We wish you the best in life , health , business , and family . Always .