Nevada County Citizens for Choice

Who are we? Why are we needed?
Citizens for Choice was founded in 1989 to support reproductive freedom for women. We envision the day when everyone has access to affordable, confidential family planning services, current medical knowledge, and reproductive healthcare. We work to attain this goal through The Clinic!, our reproductive healthcare clinic for women, men, and teens; through our Outreach program; our advertising; and our Public Policy team. The Clinic! serves many under- or uninsured clients and gives them the accessibility to reproductive healthcare that they can't afford elsewhere.

Citizens for Choice is funded by personal donations, grants, and foundation gifts.

Events

Wednesdays February 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2010

Good Food and Good Giving!
Citizens for Choice is non-profit of the month in February! Jim Eckardt, owner of Club 141 in Grass Valley, donates 10% of his net income on every Wednesday night to the non-profit of the month, and we’re February! So plan for your night out to enjoy wine and tapas at
Jim E’s Club 141 on February 3, 10, 17, & 24
141 E. Main, Grass Valley 530.273.3600. Reservations recommended

and Food and Wine Seminars!
The perfect marriage can be that of food and wine.
Also on these dates, but separate from regular dining, Dana Bruce, formerly of David Bruce Winery and David Bruce’s youngest son, together with Club 141, will be presenting wine (all local Nevada County wineries of course!) and food pairing seminars.

February 3, 6-8 p.m.; repeated February 17, 6-8 p.m.
Luchessi Sauvignon Blanc & Naggiar Viognier paired with Pork Cutlet with a Roasted Tomato & Caper Cream Sauce; Burch Hall Cabernet & Montoliva Sinistra paired with Teriyaki Beef Skewer

February 10, 6-8 p.m.; repeated February 24, 6-8 p.m.
Luchessi Chardonnay & Bent Metal Chardonnay paired with Seafood Paella; Luchessi Tempranillo & Naggiar Sangiovese paired with Pork Bricole in a Spicy Tomato Sauce over pasta

$45 per person per seminar, reservations required. 530.273.3600

Citizens for Choice celebrates 20 years working for reproductive rights!
On November 13th, 2009 Nevada County Citizens for Choice marked its 20th anniversary with an evening celebration at which Marion Becker, founder, and Judith Hurley Prosser, a Board member, shared their memories of the 1989 formation of the Nevada County Coalition for Choice.

Marion’s remarks inspired all present to persevere in the mission of the grassroots organization started by The League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, and Business and Professional Women: to support reproductive choice. Marion has written an article for this issue of Voices for Choice, about her reasoning for getting so passionately involved in reproductive issues which will appear in the January issue of Voices for Choice.

Board members, volunteers, contractors, and supporting members from the past two decades related their experiences, challenges, and successes during the 1990’s when Citizens for Choice educated the community, held informational meetings, and invited Planned Parenthood to conduct a weekly clinic. In early 2000 the focus was on opening a clinic, improving outreach activities, and advocating for reproductive justice with local, state and national decision makers.

In 2006 The Clinic! at 120 Richardson, Grass Valley opened in partnership Women’s Health Specialists. Eileen Schnitger (Public Policy director), Kim Robinson and Sonia Gonzalez (clinic managers) and Marikathyrn Hendrix (Adoption Choices of Northern California) outlined the areas in which they serve and answered questions.

Volunteer of the Year awards were given to Ingrid Elsel for 2008 and Nancy Eubanks for 2009 for their extraordinary efforts in fund raising and community involvement.

Outreach Educator, Sarah Molaro introduced her colleague, Kristen Darling, told guests about the success of the condom and information baskets in area businesses, and introduced Sierra College students who are part of a new club, CHOICES (Connecting Health Options, Individual choices and Educational Services).

President Sharon O’Hara urged the guests to use every opportunity to influence health care and budget policy and be the face and the voice for Citizens for Choice with family and friends.

Marion Becker and Judith Hurley Prosser

Marion Becker, one of the Founders of Nevada County Citizens for Choice, and Judith Hurley Prosser, one of the first Board members.

National Family Sexuality Education Month
Birds, Bees...& Butterflies
At the end of October Citizens for Choice held two informal discussions, free and open to the public, that helped parents feel more comfortable about talking to their children about sex, their bodies, and growing up. Parents were free to ask questions specific to their family situation. It was a wonderful success and we'll bring it back next year!

History of Citizens for Choice
Nevada County Citizens for Choice, Inc. was founded in 1989 as a coalition of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Business and Professional Women (BPW), and the League of Women Voters (LWV). Our initial purpose was to support reproductive freedom for women, including family planning and choice as an absolute right for all. In 1992, in order to educate the public about political candidates' views on choice, we became an independent organization. We were incorporated as a California 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational corporation in 2001. All Contributions to our organization are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Affiliations
Citizens for Choice is a member organization of the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (CCRF), a statewide reproductive and sexual health, rights, and justice coalition of more than 30 independent organizations. We are partners with Women's Health Specialists for The Clinic!, our reproductive healthcare clinic in Grass Valley.

Blog! We've started a blog - not much yet but share your thoughts!

Citizens for Choice sponsors a new club on the Sierra College campus!
C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

Citizens for Choice now a part of CCRF, California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom.

The Clinic!
Mondays 10:30 to 5 and
Wednesdays noon to 6.
No appointment necessary!

Grass Valley Teen Clinic
Our clinic on Richardson St. can see both women and men, age 12 and up, or you can visit:
The Miner's Family Health Center who also sees teens but no longer has specific teen hours.

Don't be confused by a fake clinic, or "crisis pregnancy centers." They are anti-choice organizations. Watch this video, linked on YouTube, Crisis Pregnancy Centers: A Special Report and read a short article on the local CPC. Some CPCs may be still receiving federal funding - tell Congress to stop federal funding of these fake clinics!

Teens! Check out
FHWC Teens
TeenWire
TeensHealth

Are you pregnant and need a ride to your counseling or abortion appointment? ACCESS can help!

Questions about HPV (human papillomavirus)? This Nantional Cancer Institute Fact Sheet is a good source!

abstinence-only education why you should be concerned