Northern Valley Catholic Social Service Inc. (NVCSS)

02/23/2026

40 Stories of Hope | Story 1 ❤️

This year, as NVCSS celebrates 40 years of inspiring hope and transforming lives, we are sharing 40 Stories of Hope - real stories that reflect what happens when compassion meets action. In this first story, Executive Director Erna Friedeberg, who began her 25-year journey with NVCSS as a case manager, reflects on one life changed through consistent support and relationship.

Natasha was sixteen, pregnant, and living in a home shaped by instability and addiction. She had dropped out of high school and could not see a clear path forward for herself or her daughter. With consistent home visitation and case management support, she found the courage to return to school. Our team drove her every morning until she earned her diploma, the first high school graduate in her entire family.

That achievement changed the trajectory of her life and her daughter’s.
Today, Natasha owns her own cosmetology business and has built a stable, hopeful future for her daughter.

For four decades, NVCSS has walked alongside individuals and families in their most difficult moments, helping turn uncertainty into opportunity. This is the first of 40 stories that remind us what is possible when we choose to show up for one another.

02/18/2026

Today, as we begin Lent on Ash Wednesday, we hear the call: “Return to me with your whole heart.” — Joel 2:12

Lent invites reflection, renewal, prayer, fasting, and compassion. Echoing Pope Leo’s message, it can begin with our words by choosing language that heals, encourages, and brings hope.

This year also marks 40 years of NVCSS inspiring hope and transforming lives across the North State. To celebrate, we are launching 40 Stories of Hope, sharing real lives touched through care, resilience, and community over the next 40 weeks.

As we enter Lent, may our words, actions, and compassion continue to bring hope to those who need it most.

02/17/2026

“Let us begin by disarming our language.” — Pope Leo XIV

In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo reminds us that fasting is not only about food. It also calls us to step back from harsh words, judgment, gossip, and criticism.

As Lent approaches, his invitation is simple: let our words reflect compassion, mercy, and hope.

This is the full text of Pope Leo's Message for Lent 2026 entitled "Listening and Fasting," for his first Lent as Pope.

Read the full message here 🙏 https://shorturl.at/3r8Vh

02/05/2026

We are proud to announce the opening of the NVCSS BRAVE Program. ❤️

BRAVE supports adults in Glenn County with justice system involvement by providing recovery focused mental health and substance use support to help rebuild their lives. Through coordinated care, BRAVE helps individuals find stability, reconnect with their community, and move forward with dignity and support.

By bringing together clinicians, peer advocates, case managers, and community partners, BRAVE offers personalized services focused on healing, housing stability, employment, and long term growth. This new space represents hope, second chances, and a community choosing to invest in people.

This is more than a program. It is a place for second chances and new beginnings.

01/30/2026

On Tuesday, January 27, NVCSS hosted the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Resource Fair in Yreka at our NVCSS Six Stones Wellness Center Group and NVCSS Yreka Basecamp location. This event helped connect neighbors experiencing homelessness to essential services and support in one welcoming space.

Thank you to our community partners:
Department of Veteran's Affairs, Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services, Yreka Food Bank, Siskiyou County Public Health, Youth Empowerment, Southern Oregon Goodwill, The HomeMore Project, Personnel Preference, Safelink, County of Siskiyou Behavioral Health, County of Siskiyou Health & Human Services Agency, Yreka Elks Lodge #1980, Old Skool Barbershop -Yreka.

This is community care in action. 💛

01/22/2026

“I was always alone. Things changed when I met my CASA.” ❤️

CASA volunteers show up for children when they need it most, building trust, offering consistency, and helping the courts understand what a child is truly experiencing. Every child deserves someone in their corner.

01/14/2026

The Point in Time (PIT) Count is a community effort to better understand homelessness and connect people with resources. Northern Valley Catholic Social Service is supporting this work by collecting items that provide comfort and dignity to our unsheltered neighbors.

We are accepting:
• Pet items (reflective collars/tags, leashes, harnesses, portable or collapsible bowls, water bottles, small blankets or mats)
• $5 to $10 food gift cards or certificates (burgers, sandwiches, etc.)

Drop off dates: Now through Friday, January 23

Location:
2400 Washington Ave, Redding, CA 96001
Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
(Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)

Your generosity helps ensure that individuals and their pets feel cared for during the PIT Count. 💛

01/12/2026

We’re grateful to FaithWorks Community Coalition Inc for leading this coat drive in support of the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. 🧥❄️
The PIT Count helps our entire community by better understanding homelessness and directing resources where they’re needed most.
Thank you for bringing warmth, dignity, and compassion to our neighbors this winter. 💛

01/06/2026

Today we pause to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Our hearts are with his family, staff, and all who were impacted by his service.

For communities across Northern California, Congressman LaMalfa was more than a representative. He was a steadfast advocate in moments of crisis. In the aftermath of devastating wildfires, floods, and other disasters, he worked tirelessly to secure immediate financial relief for families and communities while also championing long-term solutions focused on prevention, infrastructure, water access, and wildfire resilience.

At Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, our Disaster Recovery team saw firsthand the impact of his leadership. His commitment to policy, funding, and regional recovery efforts helped strengthen the resources available to survivors and supported the work of organizations on the ground who walk alongside families rebuilding their lives.

We are grateful for Congressman LaMalfa’s dedication to the people of the North State and for the lasting difference his service has made in the lives of those we serve.

Rest in peace, and thank you for standing with our communities when it mattered most.

01/04/2026

8 AM - 6 PM Sunday, January 4

If your home was impacted by the recent storms in Shasta County come visit us and our local agency partners at NVCSS today.

2400 Washington Ave., Redding, CA 96001