True North's Resilience Runners, Walkers & Wheelers group promotes well-being and fosters community
Caitlin (left) and Alicia at Community Park.
It was a frosty early December morning, but that didn’t stop True North’s Resilience Runners, Walkers and Wheelers from bundling up and heading to a local park to enjoy some outdoor exercise.
Alicia, a guest of the Torres Shelter, and Caitlin, her Case Manager at True North, went on a stroll from the Torres Shelter in Chico down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and through Community Park.
As they walked, leaves crunching beneath their feet, they talked about sports, electric bikes, where they’re from, and the day ahead. Alicia was looking forward to visiting Butte College with a friend—she’s planning to earn her bachelor’s in child development to help kids in need.
Caitlin smiled as Alicia shared her dreams, adding that though Alicia recently arrived at the Torres Shelter, she is really motivated and already making amazing progress toward her future.
The Resilience Runners, Walkers, and Wheelers group at the Torres Shelter was created to kick off a healthy start to the day through exercise. They head out twice a week bright and early after breakfast. Some outings are smaller than others, but the impact is always significant, whether one or a dozen participate on any given day.
Caitlin, who specializes in Mental Health and LGBTQIA+ case management, was inspired to start this group for guests of the shelter because of difference running has made in her road to recovery.
“Running has helped me a great deal personally in sobriety by helping regulate my mood and giving me a sense of personal accomplishment,” Caitlin said. “Exercise increases confidence and decreases stress and can be a great start to other positive changes in a person's life.”
Alicia was excited to hear about the group that morning and jumped at the chance to join.
“I love to walk. I like to do that after I eat anything. It’s good exercise!” Alicia said.
The Resilience Runners, Walkers and Wheelers group is accessible and inclusive. At True North, 98 percent of clients report that they have a disability. True North has prioritized offering enriching activities, like group exercise outings, for the folks they serve because these activities integral to fostering community and improving well-being for everyone.
We hope you enjoyed reading our latest story! Now that you’re here, we have a favor to ask of you …
We are doing an important fundraiser this winter called Home Again, which directly helps seniors and folks with disabilities who are in our programs to find their way home again this holiday season.
Every donation received before the end of this year will be matched up to $45,000! To find out more and donate, please visit our Home Again page.
Donations to True North directly benefit guests like Alicia. Our holistic services are tailored to the individual. We work hard so that folks not only to move into their own homes, but keep their housing and do not fall back into homelessness. This is why we served and housed a record number of people in 2023, providing services to over 830 and housing over 200.
Thank you for reading and happy holidays!
Ashiah Bird, True North writer/communicator/supporter/fan
[AKA True North Marketing & Communications Director]