End of Life Choices California is growing up.
We launched in February 2019 as just the spark of an idea. An idea full of purpose, caring, enthusiasm and commitment. The four of us came together to create a new nonprofit dedicated to providing accurate information and personal support to the seriously and terminally ill people of California. We decided to name our organization End of Life Choices California to represent choice at the end-of-life. And as you will see, we have already come a long way.
On our way!
Since early February, we filed the appropriate papers with the State of California to form a non-profit organization. We built a resource-rich website that is very user friendly and welcoming. We are writing a regular blog, and getting new subscribers every day (subscribe here.) We have a Facebook page with more than 100 “likes” (like us!). We are preparing funding proposals and developing marketing and fundraising plans. We have formed two excellent teams to help guide us: our esteemed Board of Directors and a carefully chosen Advisory Committee. Our founding directors formed an Organizational Management Team which currently manages our day-to-day operations and volunteers. Our strategic plan includes continuing to develop a statewide service model and hiring an Executive Director, Program Manager, and Development Officer over the next 12-24 months.
First Training
We held our first Client Advocate Volunteer training in Los Angeles in early June and are holding our second Client Advocate Volunteer training in San Francisco on August 18, with another southern California training planned later in the Fall. See all our events here. Be sure to let us know if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer.
We have been doing all of this on faith, commitment and a deep sense of knowing we are doing the right thing: meeting the needs of Californians facing end of life decisions with factual, legal, and compassionate information and personal support. We have fielded dozens of phone calls and provided support to a number of dying clients. We have already made at least a dozen presentations to community groups, senior centers, and hospices. We want to do more! Please feel free to share your ideas with us and also share about us to your friends and colleagues who might be interested in any service we can provide, or who may be looking for a speaker. Forwarding this blog post is a great way to do that.
Finally 501(c)(3)
Lastly, and importantly, we are happy to report that we recently received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service congratulating EOLCCA on being recognized as a tax-exempt non-profit public charity organized under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), back-dated to the day we incorporated in February, 2019. This means that if you want to help us keep growing by giving us a gift, those gifts may now qualify as a charitable deduction on your tax return.
We are thrilled that our early work has laid the groundwork for this growing organization that will make a difference in peoples’ lives. We are truly growing up. And, yes there’s more! We are honored to have received our first major donor gift of $10,000!
It is so gratifying to know that others believe in our mission as much as we do.
So no more training wheels for us. We are moving forward purposefully, step-by-step, knowing we are doing something truly worthwhile for California, and trusting you will help. Together, we can advance public understanding and compassion for those making thoughtful decisions about managing terminal illness and their dying, and help bring peace and comfort to the loved ones who care about them. There is a social movement and change happening that is improving end of life choices and decision-making. We are proud to be part of it.
If you would like to help us continue to grow our services and client support program, please visit EOLCCA to make a donation online, or send a check to EOLCCA, 530 S Sierra Ave #30, Solana Beach, CA 92075.
With gratitude for your continuing support,
Judy, Karen, Claudia & Lynne
Founding Directors
