Purpose — often defined as the reason for doing something — is a powerful word that can determine one’s direction in life.
Most people need purpose. It’s the mojo to start a business, raise a family, elevate a career, tilt a person toward political aspirations or public service.
In government an individual’s purpose can be an advocation or self serving. The person might fight for justice, equality or overall public good. Or take advantage of the position for personal gain. The same could be said of an entire government, which might lean toward unity or chaos.
For now, the federal government’s purpose looks to be skewed toward chaos, and that energy is raining on California and flowing downstream into Santa Clara County. It has forced officials to rework budgets to protect essential services due to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal cuts. The situation has driven county leaders to look for solutions that may force them to deviate from the initial purpose of enhancing — not reducing — services.
Every decision over the next 12 months will impact the health, well-being and safety of people living in the South Bay — a daunting task.
The same challenge falls on San Jose, the county’s largest city, as it begins analyzing its budget priorities. How will Mayor Matt Mahan and 10 councilmembers define their direction? Will showcasing San Jose during major sports events be their purpose? Or will San Jose continue to prioritize homelessness and housing? Officials have already committed $350 million to help the San Jose Sharks, during a time when the city is projecting a significant budget deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Fortunately, there are numerous organizations and people who have found an unshakeable purpose. Their work won’t patch massive budget deficits and severe federal cuts to food and housing. But their efforts will make a difference for many people who need a roof over their head, clothes and warm meals.
Silicon Valley has a slew of nonprofits that found purpose years ago. Organizations like Second Harvest Silicon Valley, Martha’s Kitchen, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen feed or provide groceries to thousands of people daily. Others like Salvation Army provide shelter for sober living and Sacred Heart Community Services offers clothes and food. Individuals like Diana and Al Vallorz, owners of Tony & Alba’s Pizza & Pasta, didn’t hesitate to offer free meals to children when SNAP benefits stopped.
Organizations like Good Karma Bikes give away bicycles to children so they can get to school. Grail Family Services helps women open child care centers, giving them a path toward financial stability while enabling moms to reenter the workforce. Amigos de Guadalupe launched a business mentorship program in East San Jose to uplift struggling neighborhoods.
This is just a small sampling of the people and organizations in our community driven by purpose to do good work.
Oftentimes, circumstances can become the motivator. Perhaps the impetus is hunger, unstable housing, a mentor or family member dedicated to public service that lights the fire for someone else.
However it happens, finding purpose is key to moving forward in life in 2026 or beyond.
Moryt Milo is an editor at San José Spotlight. Contact Moryt at [email protected] or follow her at @morytmilo on X. Catch up on her editorials here.