May 5,2026 

Patrick Ellis / President 

Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Animal Friends of the Valleys was CHOSEN AS 

A 2026 CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR 

by Assemblymember Natasha Johnson, CA District 63. 

(Wildomar)– Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember, Natasha Johnson CA District 63. 

Animal Friends of the Valleys is one of more than one hundred nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for their outstanding contributions to the communities they serve. 

AFV is a Non-profit animal shelter that serves the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee and surrounding rural county areas. Animal Friends of the Valleys is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education and proactive animal service programs. AFV is committed to preventing the suffering of animals and to help end pet overpopulation in the communities we serve. 

Last year alone AFV opened its doors to over 8600 dogs and cats with an additional 1000 others meaning rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Tortoise, reptiles and small farm animals. We are pleased to report the highest adoption numbers in our 38-year history. AFV has 84 dedicated employees and works with over 5000 volunteers annually. 

Being named Nonprofit of the Year is an honor that reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers and supporters. This recognition also belongs to every adopter and supporter who has helped give animals a second chance, states Mo Middleton Executive Director of AFV. This award will shine a light on the animals and together we are making a difference for pets in need. 

“We are grateful for the work of Animal Friends of the Valleys and want to extend our congratulations for this well-deserved recognition,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, which sponsors the initiative. “Nonprofits are among our country’s most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There’s likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve.” 

Nonprofits are well known for being problem-solvers, innovators, helpers, and advocates, but they are also a major economic force. According to “Causes Count 3.0,” a new report soon to be released by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is now the 3rd largest employer in the state, with approximately 1.5 million Californians working for nonprofit organizations. Collectively our state’s 110,000 501c3 public charities generate more than $430 billion in revenue each year. 

Now in its eleventh year, the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative provides the opportunity for each California state legislator to recognize a nonprofit organization doing outstanding work in their district. The program culminates with a celebratory luncheon at the Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, which this year is May 20. 

The program is sponsored by the CalNonprofits in partnership with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector. CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California’s nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across the state.