CORE: Community Opioid Response & Education

CORE is a four-year, community-powered initiative led by Raising Shasta in partnership with Youth Options Shasta. Together with local nonprofits, schools, and caring adults, we're building a united front against youth substance use.

CORE is a four-year, community-powered initiative led by Raising Shasta in partnership with Youth Options Shasta. Together with local nonprofits, schools, and caring adults, we're building a united front against youth substance use.

Get Involved

Substance use is the silent fire threatening our youth.

It spreads quietly—in moments of isolation, disconnection, and unmet needs. But we believe there's a better way forward—and it starts long before the flames.

If we responded to youth substance use the way we responded to the Carr Fire—with urgency, compassion, and a village mindset—we could stop the next crisis before it starts.

Substance use is the silent fire threatening our youth.

It spreads quietly—in moments of isolation, disconnection, and unmet needs. But we believe there's a better way forward—and it starts long before the flames.

If we responded to youth substance use the way we responded to the Carr Fire—with urgency, compassion, and a village mindset—we could stop the next crisis before it starts.

Substance use is the silent fire threatening our youth.

It spreads quietly—in moments of isolation, disconnection, and unmet needs. But we believe there's a better way forward—and it starts long before the flames.

If we responded to youth substance use the way we responded to the Carr Fire—with urgency, compassion, and a village mindset—we could stop the next crisis before it starts.

"We're not just raising awareness—we're equipping people to make a difference."

A 3-Tiered Response

Tier 1

Community Awareness, Education & Engagement

Tier 2

Mentoring & Parent Education

Tier 3

Early Intervention for Youth & Families

Community Awareness, Education & Engagement

We're shifting the conversation with:

  • Candid, kind video campaigns (how not to talk to kids about drugs)

  • Community trainings open to all

  • Youth-centered content that resonates

  • Newsletters, resources, and in-person events

"This is for everyone. You don't need a title to matter. If you care, you're part of the solution."

Mentoring & Parent Education

Relationships are our strongest form of prevention. CORE supports:

Mentoring Programs
Community-Based Mentoring

Volunteer mentors meet youth in real life—parks, events, coffee shops.

School-Based Mentoring

On-campus mentoring makes connection accessible and routine.

215

youth served in the first year

Teen Center Mentoring

Creating vibrant teen hubs with activities, mentors, and staff support.

739

youth served in the first year

PAL Boxing

Law enforcement–led boxing mentorship program for youth.

139

youth served in the first year

Parent Education

  • Triple P and Strengthening Families workshops

  • One-time educational events in partnership with schools and nonprofits

77

parents directly

300+

through events

Early Intervention for Youth & Families

For youth already affected by substance use, through Youth Options Shasta CORE offers:

  • Restorative justice programs, peer court, aggression replacement therapy, and family support

  • Restorative justice programs, peer court, aggression replacement therapy, and family support

All services are delivered with compassion and clarity, never judgment.

CORE is a collaboration

Raising Shasta (Lead Agency & Program Host)

Raising Shasta (Lead Agency & Program Host)

Youth Options Shasta (Intervention Services)

Youth Options Shasta (Intervention Services)

Youth Substance Use Coalition

Youth Substance Use Coalition

And other nonprofits committed to collaboration to help our community's youth

And other nonprofits committed to collaboration to help our community's youth

Substance use may be the fire.
But connection is the water.

Substance use may be the fire. But connection is the water.

CORE equips the mentors, parents, and youth touchpoints—like bus drivers, coaches, lunch aides, and caring community members—who can become the firebreak that prevents the blaze.

We're not waiting for crisis. We're stepping in sooner.
We're not waiting for crisis. We're stepping in sooner.

Get Involved

Our Values

Our Values

You don't have to be a professional to make a difference. You just have to care.

Sign up for a CORE training

Fill out a Mentor Interest Form

Watch and share our videos

Subscribe to the CORE newsletter

Partner with us as an organization

Every Role Matters

Whether you're a parent, a volunteer, a donor, a recess aide, or someone who knows what it feels like to be that kid—there's a place for you in CORE.

Together, we can build the community where youth don't just stay safe from substance use… They believe in their future.

Be Part of the CORE!

Be Part of the CORE!

Be Part of the CORE!

C.O.R.E. is powered by people — mentors, parents, coaches, neighbors, and anyone who chooses to show up with care and consistency.

Whether you want to volunteer, get trained, or just learn how to talk to the kids in your life — there's a place for you in this work.

C.O.R.E. is powered by people — mentors, parents, coaches, neighbors, and anyone who chooses to show up with care and consistency.

Whether you want to volunteer, get trained, or just learn how to talk to the kids in your life — there's a place for you in this work.

Contact information:

Info@shastacore.org

We will reply within 24 hours.

2280 Benton Drive Building C, Redding, CA 96003

Monday to Friday between 09:00am - 5:00pm

Preventing youth substance use. Together.

Services

© 2026 Shasta County C.O.R.E.