Animal Friends of the Valleys wins award

Animal Friends of the Valleys has been selected as a California Nonprofit of the Year 2021 by California Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto and the California Association of Nonprofits. Animal Friends of the Valleys provides animal shelter services for the City of Canyon Lake.

Animal Friends of the Valleys is one of the nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for its contributions to the communities it serves.

Animal Friends of the Valleys is a nonprofit animal shelter that also serves the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Menifee and the surrounding rural parts of the county.

“Animal Friends of the Valleys’ Board of Directors, Staff and Animal Control Officers are thrilled with this outstanding award,” Beth Soltysiak, AFV Director of Development, said. “This past year has been difficult, but AFV remained open throughout the pandemic. Our focus was on the animals and those struggling through this period. Animals bring comfort and laughter, which has been so important this past year.”

Beth thanked the cities, chambers and community members that help support Animals Friends of the Valleys.

“The pandemic and shelter-in-place orders of the past year and a half have put nonprofits – usually hidden in plain sight – in the spotlight,” Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, said.

“California Nonprofit of the Year is an opportunity for our elected officials to celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and for everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”

AFV is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education and proactive animal service programs, Beth said. AFV’s vision is to be recognized as the leading shelter by providing a safe haven for all small animals while becoming a full service animal care facility that offers quality and affordable care.

“Through community involvement and education, AFV will reach our vision to help end pet overpopulation and find a loving home for every adoptable pet in our shelter,” she said. “Last year, AFV opened its doors to over 8,500 animals and we are pleased to report we are at the highest adoption rate in our 30-year history.”