Caring Choices Volunteer Center
Based on research performed by one of our partnering agencies, HandsOn Network, in 2009, 63.4 million Americans reported that they participated in some form of community service, contributing 8.1 billion hours of service, which has an estimated dollar value of nearly $169 billion. At Caring Choices one of our goals is to facilitate and provide avenues for these individuals who want to reach out and help in their community. The way we are accomplishing this goal is by focusing on our mission of “improving the health and welfare of residents in Northern California by providing services that are currently non-existent or limited in availability and accessibility, improving community services through volunteerism.”.
Everyday in Northern California volunteers make a difference in their communities, working selflessly to help their neighbors in need by extending their time and services. People from all walks of life including housewives, the retired, doctors, students, nurses, and veterans, all possess a unique set of skills that can make a difference.
Whether you are good on the phone, organizing, delegating, bilingual, or just have the desire to want to help Caring Choices needs you! Find out how you can improve the lives of others by lending your skills, interests, and energy!
Click to view & print Volunteer Application Form (PDF Format)
To learn more about Caring Choices volunteer opportunities:
- Complete Application Form (PDF format)
- Review our Online Brochure (PDF format)
- Call toll-free, (866) 703-3873
- Contact Us Online
Caring Choices’ Affiliates
Caring Choices Volunteer Center of Northern California is an affiliate of these nationwide and statewide organizations binding together the spirit of volunteerism in action.
Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network merged on July 31, 2007, creating the world’s largest global volunteer network; the new organization encompasses 370 affiliates serving 83% of the American public. The merger also created three million new volunteers over the first two years, generating an additional 90 million volunteer hours and transforming the landscape of the volunteer sector.
What is the HandsOn Network?
HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of the Points of Light Institute (PDF), is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at about $626 million.
What is the Points of Light Institute?
The Points of Light Institute was established in 1990 through the vision of then President George Bush who remains involved as President of the Board of Directors. The Points of Light Foundation works in partnership with the Volunteer Center National Network (VCNN) to help mobilize people and in addition to providing essential resources and training for local agencies and organizations, Volunteer Centers link people who want to help–individuals, families, students, businesses and their employees, and civic, community, and faith-based organizations--with places or causes where volunteers' time, talent, and interests can be utilized effectively.
What is California Volunteers?
California Volunteers is the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering. CaliforniaVolunteers is led by the nation’s first state cabinet secretary for service and volunteering, Karen Baker. The office is comprised of five departments: AmeriCorps Programs, Disaster Volunteering and Preparedness, Volunteer Action, External Affairs and Finance and Administration.
The Role of Volunteer Centers Nationwide
Volunteer Centers are conveners for the community, catalysts for social action and key local resources for volunteer involvement. They bring people and community needs together through a range of programs and services based upon community needs, demographic area, population size, and other factors.
Volunteer Centers promote and provide easy access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve the entire community. Volunteer Centers link people who want to help--individuals, families, students, businesses and their employees, and civic, community, and faith-based organizations--with places or causes where volunteers' time, talent, and interests can be utilized effectively.
Volunteer Centers do not replace other agencies or organizations within the community, but instead bridge the gap in services provided by agencies, acting as leaders to enhance volunteerism nationwide. In addition, they offer opportunities for local agencies and organizations to network with other leaders in the nonprofit, corporate, and government communities.
The Volunteer Center National Network boasts membership of 370 Volunteer Centers. Despite variations in size, structure, and programs, Volunteer Centers recognize capacity as a system. Acting collectively as a unified network is the single most powerful strategy for boosting their efficacy.
Help Us Grow Volunteer Today
Volunteers Needed!
If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Center at our Chico office.
Chico Office:
1398 Ridgewood Drive
Chico CA 95973
(530) 899-3873
Become a Caring Choices Affiliated Volunteer today.
Click for Application Form (PDF)
Click for Brochure (PDF)
Contact Information
If you have any questions please contact us:
Phone: (866) 703-3873
Volunteer Center Email: Click Here
To learn more about making donations to Caring Choices:
Click for Donations
Caring Choices is a 5013c non profit organization, tax ID#68-0337307. Please check with your tax professional to understand the tax implications of your donation.
Why Volunteer ?
Definition
According to the authors Ellis and Noyes from their book, By the People: A History of Americans as Volunteers, “To volunteer is to choose to act in recognition of a need, with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern for monetary profit, going beyond one’s basic obligations”.
Testimonial
“Our time volunteering at your establishment was very fulfilling. Getting involved with your team in doing community service related tasks. We really enjoyed having a chance to get involved with your food barrel charity project.
Overall, volunteering with Caring Choices was a very fulfilling experience and I’m sure you’ll see all of us again. From what I understand, your company runs an emergency volunteer center in the event of an emergency, and we would all love to attend in the next emergency catastrophe you cater to.”
- Butte College Student Volunteers
Quotes
“Happiness is the utilization of one’s talents along the lines of excellence” - Aristotle
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try and help another without helping himself” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship with humanity.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“There is a tremendous strength growing in the world through…sharing together, praying together, suffering together, and working together.” – Mother Theresa