C-Care: Community, Clergy, and Recovery Effort
The mission of the C-Care program is to reduce substance abuse, narcotics sales, and the sexual exploitation of minors by offering treatment, counseling, and spiritual guidance referrals to those in need during specific field operations.
History
The C-Care project was conceived in August 1999. The project is a comprehensive effort to impact the sexual exploitation of minors and the abuse of narcotics, which many times will lead to homelessness and/or violence.
Since the formation of C-Care, over seventy-five recovered addicts, alcoholics, and members of clergy have volunteered their time to attend a Department sponsored twelve-hour training course. This course includes self-defense tactics, verbal communications skills, and intervention peer-counseling. Each recruit is required to complete a ride along with an Oakland police officer from the Patrol Division.
Resource Information
A resource card has been developed that contains recovery resources, homeless shelters, and counseling for minors who have been sexually exploited. These cards are handed out as well as the offer of prayer during one of the various C-Care operations currently being conducted on Oakland city streets.
Contact Information
Those interested in becoming involved with the C-Care project are encouraged to contact Debbie Hoffman, C-Care Coordinator, at (510) 238-3374.
"Our work with C-Care has been an education for many of us and a reminder for others of what active addiction looks like–desperate, harsh, and empty. The response from people we meet is one of gratitude and appreciation for the message we carry."