The community of Pájaro, California, is located on the northern border of Monterey County, across the Pájaro River from Watsonville. Its population of 4500 is almost exclusively Mexican, many recent immigrants seeking work in the fields surrounding the community.

The community is plagued by chronic problems which include overcrowded housing in one of California's most expensive housing markets, overcrowded schools, deficient public transportation, and the health problems chronic to farmworkers.

The spiritual center of the community is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and Casa de la Cultura began there. in two small rooms behind the church rectory in 1991.

Casa de la Cultura was formally established in 1996 as a distinct ministry from the parish, and occupies a building across from Assumption. Under the direction of Sister Rosa Dolores, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, its culturally sensitive services are focused to contribute and promote a healthy community.

San Vincent de Paul Society is an International Charitable Organization established in 1833 by a University of Paris student named Frederick Ozanam. The Society was placed under the Patronage of the great French Priest San Vincent de Paul. Known as the Saint of Charity.