A Touch of Understanding’s mission is to encourage acceptance and respect for all individuals. ATOU's educational programs are designed to increase understanding of differences, thereby minimizing discrimination, bullying, and social isolation suffered by children and adults who are perceived as different for any reason, but especially those with disabilities.

ATOU's in-school workshop provides a potent, life-changing opportunity for students to meet people with disabilities and to experience for themselves what it may be like to have a disability. The workshop is broken up into two parts.

• Part 1: Speakers with disabilities talk about their life, their challenges, and how they achieve their goals. During the hour and a half session, students are encouraged to interact with these volunteers and ask questions.
• Part 2: Students visit activity stations where they: use a wheelchair and white cane, learn to write their names in Braille, perform a task using a mirror to simulate a learnin…

The Lifetime Adoption Foundation offers adoption assistance for pregnant women, children up to 14 years, and families seeking to adopt. All adoption opportunities for birth mothers and adoptive families are funded through tax deductible donations from individuals, estates, and corporations.

Web pages

• Home - http://www.lifetimefoundation.org/

Helping Hands Adult Day Program is a community Adult Day Care Program licensed by the California Department of Social Services. They offer socialization opportunities, peer relationships, reduction of isolation, group and individual exercise, nutritious meals and snacks, counseling and support, medication assistance, and an individual needs and services plan.

They provide an activity program for dependent adults 18 and older three days (Mon, Tue & Fri) a week for six hours (9am-3pm). Cost is $70/day or any amount one can afford. Participants are dropped off and picked up by their caregiver or can ride the para-transit bus in Nevada County.

Specialized Dementia Care Program for early onset Alzheimer's Disease or other cognitive impairments. Safe Memory Care Patio for outdoor enjoyment and activities.

Contracts are based on a sliding scale for each individual financial profile. Financial assistance is available and no eligible client is turned away regardless of ability to contribute …

Your local American Cancer Society office is your source for the most relevant information to help guide you.

Services include:

• Cancer information
• Referral to resources including support groups and medical equipment
• Transportation to and from treatment (for people with Cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive)
• Lodging (when Cancer treatment is far from home)
• Advocacy
• Wig bank
• American Cancer Society events

American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Specialists are available to help you with any patient services, resource requests, or cancer information questions 24/7 at 1-800-227-2345.

The American Red Cross Gold Country Region has two chapters:

• Northern California Chapter - serving a vast area of Northern California, including Nevada County
• Sierra-Delta Chapter - serving Placer County and the counties of Yolo, Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Alpine, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne

The American Red Cross California Gold Country Region (including Northern CA and Sierra-Delta chapters) has the following resources available for people affected by wildfires.

Evacuation Points and Shelters

• Find an updated national list of sites here.  

Red Cross Disaster Health Services

• 24-Hour Hotline: 669-444-0776

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services

• 24-Hour Hotline: 571-535-1661
  
  

Web pages

• Home - http://www.redcross.org
• Evacuation Points and Shelters - http://www.redcross.org/shelter

The American Red Cross Gold Country Region has two chapters:

• Northern California Chapter - serving a vast area of Northern California, including Nevada County
• Sierra-Delta Chapter - serving Placer County and the counties of Yolo, Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Alpine, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne

The American Red Cross California Gold Country Region (including Northern CA and Sierra-Delta chapters) has the following resources available for people affected by wildfires.

Evacuation Points and Shelters

• Find an updated national list of sites here.  

Red Cross Disaster Health Services

• 24-Hour Hotline: 669-444-0776

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services

• 24-Hour Hotline: 571-535-1661
  
  

Web pages

• Home - http://www.redcross.org
• Evacuation Points and Shelters - http://www.redcross.org/shelter

Sammie's Friends provides adoption services and medical care for disadvantaged animals in Nevada County.

Services include:

• Pet adoptions for cats, dogs, and other pets
• Veterinary care for shelter animals
• Assistance with lost and found pets
• Courtesy listings for pet rehoming

Web pages

• Home - https://www.sammiesfriends.org/

Placer County Animal Services provides animal care, sheltering, and field services for much of Placer County.

Shelter services include:

• Lost pet reunification
• Pet adoption
• Pet licensing (including new senior discount for qualifying residents)
• Vaccine clinics
• Resources for pet owners
• Connections to local rescue groups and nonprofits
• Shelter tours and community education
• Volunteer and animal foster programs

Field services include:

• Stray animal pickup
• Aggressive animal response
• Animal cruelty and neglect investigations
• Barking complaints
• Public education and disaster response
• Pickup of injured domestic animals and wildlife

Additional notes:

As of May 2025, Placer County residents aged 62 and older may receive 50% off licensing fees for up to two spayed or neutered dogs. Available online or in person. Not valid in Auburn, Roseville, or Rocklin, which manage their own programs.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.placer.ca.gov/1909/Animal-Services
• Health & Human Services - https://www.pla…

Auburn Renewal Center (ARC) is a free medical clinic located on the grounds of the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist church. Auburn Renewal Center offers basic medical services to the under-insured, uninsured, and unsheltered residents of the greater Auburn area. Clinic is primarily for people 18 years old, low income, uninsured, under-insured, unsheltered. Children over 8 can be seen on a case by case basis.

Services are every Tuesday 9am-1pm, and Thursdays by appointment.

Services include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Optical
• Mental Health
• Chiropractic Clinic

Placer county residents only and need proof of residence.

Web pages

• Auburn Renewal Center - https://www.auburnclinic.org/

The Auburn State Theatre provides cultural programming and operates the State Theatre, a 340-seat venue equipped with a 40-foot-wide by 26-foot-deep stage, a movie screen, and a sound system. 

Events include:

• Music concerts
• Children's shows
• Dance performances
• Film screenings
• Live plays

Web pages

• Home - https://www.auburnstatetheatre.org/