The Outreach Efforts Of The North State’s Caring Choices
Created to Care…
Originally offering services to combat the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic affecting families in the North State, Caring Choices has since expanded its services.
With the mission to improve the health and welfare of those living in Northern California, the nonprofit provides services that either did not previously exist or are limited in availability and accessibility. They offer a wide range of programs such as disaster case management, volunteering programs, community education, early intervention services and HIV case management.
Since opening in 1993, Caring Choices has been improving community services through volunteerism. It holds the view that volunteering is a vital part of a healthy community, and it disperses its efforts among its Chico, Marysville and Redding offices. This allows the dedicated staff and volunteers to serve eight counties with community-focused services, such as the emergency volunteer center, outreach education programs and donation-based food pantries.
The emergency volunteer center is activated at the request of the state in times of disaster and crisis. This resource allows community volunteers to offer support in several areas of need. The most recent incident in which Caring Choices offered aid and support was the 2018 Camp Fire.
Aside from disaster relief, the nonprofit maintains a strong community presence through outreach efforts at community events. Its information booth can often be spotted at local health fairs, but its efforts stretch even further through their provision of HIV and Hepatitis C testing, as well as health education classes. The nonprofit also continually operates donation-based food pantries through its Chico and Redding offices, where it accepts donations of canned and non-perishable goods year-round.
There is no arguing the deep care and concern Caring Choices holds for the communities and people of the North State, for it is always looking to fill in the gaps. •
