For the first time in Golden Umbrella’s more than 30 year existence, all of the Redding programs and services are in one building. Now seniors and adults with disabilities needing services can find them all in one place.

“When Golden Umbrella affiliated with Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) in 1997, administrators asked us what our greatest needs were”, said Carole Treadway, Golden Umbrella Administrator/CEO. “I told them that we needed a new building.” Treadway didn’t really expect to get a new building, but CHW and Mercy Foundation North (MFN) took her request seriously and committed to the project.

In 1998, MFN launched a Capital Campaign under the leadership of Board member Lou Gerard, for the Golden Umbrella Expansion Project. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of CHW North State, its hospitals and affiliate organizations such as Golden Umbrella. Throughout the campaign, MFN raised $1.6 million dollars and CHW added the remaining $1.2 million.

Major donors to the Capital Campaign include the California Endowment, City of Redding, McConnell Foundation, Mercy Medical Center Guild, Sierra Health Foundation and Wallace E. and Mildred Baker of Redding.

In recognition of the Baker’s generous gift, the new facility was named the W. E. Baker Center.

Construction of the building began in July of 1999, and Golden Umbrella staff, volunteers and clients took up residency in February, 2000.“We came out at least once a week to watch the construction,” said Sandi Hanahan, Golden Umbrella Data Technician. “It was almost like coming to see your own house being built.”

When the original plans for the building were drawn up, Golden Umbrella had a staff of only 26.

However, by the time construction began, the staff had nearly doubled. So, several revisions had to be made to accommodate the Agency’s growth.

“I was impressed with the patience and understanding of the construction crew and Mercy Administration through all those revisions” Treadway said. “If I would have been on the receiving end of all that, I think I would have pulled my hair out.”

The community shared in the public open house and dedication of The W. E. Baker Center on Saturday February 12, 2000. Sacramento Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Garcia presided over the ceremony and blessing of the building.

Construction of the Shasta Senior Nutrition Program facility located next door to the Golden Umbrella on the Mercy Oaks campus was  completed in December 2000. The agencies were placed together for the convenience of those in the community in need of information, programs and services.