Sabbath House is all about choices

We all love choices. As parents we are taught to give our children choices so they can develop independence: “would you like to put your shoes on or pack your lunch first?” As friends, we love to plan an excursion for a friend getting their input: “Are you in the mood for a salad or a burger for lunch?” It feels good to exercise your agency and it feels good to be in charge of your life.

Our Pathways program here at the Sabbath House is all about choices. Like us, our participants feel good when they get to make their own choices. First, participants make the biggest choice: to come into shelter. This choice says they want help for their future.

After a few days after getting some rest, each participant meets with our Case Coordinator who talks to them about their goals and their challenges and to determine a good path forward. They get linked up with a volunteer case manager to help them break those goals into smaller increments. The case managers say things like, “would you like to work on your first or second goal?” “Is your next step to call Behavioral Health or DESS?” The participant chooses; the case manager supports and encourages.

Most choose to work towards permanent housing. Legal and financial issues typically get the focus. Working with their case manager they identify resources and activities towards that goal. Our staff supports their process.

But what steps they take are their choice.

— Laura Cootsona, Chico