CHICO, Calif. -- The True North Housing Alliance recently implemented a new mental health-focused program to further assist their residents in need.
The program included various classes ranging from visual arts to horticulture, they also offer a workforce program along with educational classes under the same umbrella.
Many can be seen creating jewelry pieces and paintings throughout the week, while others are gaining opportunities to work and inch a bit closer to moving out of the Torres shelter.
Staff attested heavily to the change they have seen in their residence, stating that many would communicate very little if at all when they first met them. Now, they see a room full of individuals who have grown into a community and have gained back their social and personal skills. Outside of the overall personable benefits, the residents themselves express how much the program has helped their mental health and brought them a sense of relief.
Resident Sally Nystrom said it can be stressful being under the circumstances that many face as residents in the Torres shelter, she continues to paint of picture of attempting to move and re-establishing. She said that the stress of needing several documents and putting everything together can be a lot, and that's when the mental health program comes into place for her.
" I thank God for it, " Sally said. When she needs to take a break and is overwhelmed, she like many others is grateful to attend one of the creative classes to get her mind onto a more positive focus.
A staff member at the shelter shared his full circle moment after utilizing the workforce aspect of the program. Jody Craig says he was once a former resident and through the workforce program he was able to gain certifications and education, allowing him to leave the shelter. He now is paying it forward as a staff member, stating he never realized how much the True North Alliance organization does for people until he was able to start being a part of the change and the feeling he gets from being able to give back to the place that helped him, is indescribable.
The program continues to thrive and has changed several lives, but may need some help to continue its impact in the near future. The grant funding is set to come to an end in June 2025. However, community members can help keep the program going by finding ways to support it, as well as donating through the True North's Alliance website.