Skip to main content

COMPASS Programs

Creating Opportunities and Making Personal Advancements to Self Sufficiency 

COMPASS Programs make up the

various programs available at David & Margaret dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for youth facing diverse obstacles as they transition into adulthood through a comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness. 

These programs include:

COMPASS stands for:
Creating Opportunities and Making Personal Advancements to Self-Sufficiency. 

Each program is hand-tailored to meet the individual needs of each youth, focusing not only on their basic needs but forming the skills they need to become independent adults.

For youth in foster care, the abrupt transition into adulthood can be detrimental. The second these young adults “age out” they are expected to navigate through society; successfully and independently. Statistically speaking, and from the data we’ve collected in our own experience, this requirement proves to be an impossible task for most former foster youth.

This is through no fault of their own. These young people have not been equipped with the proper tools, knowledge, and resources to successfully transition into adulthood. Yes, these youth need to have their basic needs met through housing, food, and clothing; they also need life-skills training, career and employment support, and linkages to resources to truly be ready for life on their own.

For Additional Information, please contact  
Marissa Scholefield, COMPASS Director 

COMPASS@davidandmargaret.org 
909-596-5921 x3625

COMPASS Programs Supports Youth with a History of Foster Care

In California, AB-12, or Extended Foster Care, allows young adults to stay in the system until age 21 while engaging in transitional services that help to prepare for independent adulthood. For youth who lack supportive connections and financial resources, programs like COMPASS’ Transitional Housing Program can provide the tools and resources necessary to thrive in adulthood.

Brandon joined COMPASS in July of 2021 after aging out of his previous placement. As a requirement of AB-12, youth must be employed, enrolled in school, or actively working towards one of those goals. After struggling to graduate high school given the virtual environment, Brandon chose to obtain employment at Walmart working in the back of the store. While he enjoyed the position, Brandon lacked adequate transportation and had to take three buses to get to work.

After deciding that Walmart was not the right fit, Brandon asked COMPASS’ education and employment specialist for assistance finding a new job. Luckily for Brandon, the COMPASS Training Program works directly with Dave & Maggie’s Center, the on-campus discount store, to provide internships for these young adults to develop retail, warehouse, and customer service skills. Proceeds from the store also help to support the essential services and resources provided by COMPASS Programs.

Since the store is located on campus, Brandon found it much easier to get to work and keep up with case management and workshops at COMPASS. In the five months Brandon has been at the store, he has learned many skills like unloading boxes, organizing products, time management, and how to work with customers. Brandon excelled in his role and has been promoted to a peer coach, training new interns from the COMPASS Training Program.

In addition to the skills he is learning at the store, Brandon attends the COMPASS Training Program workshops weekly. The workshops are hosted by the education and employment specialist and cover topics like making a resume, how to dress appropriately, interview skills, and more that can be used throughout their lives and careers.

On top of the assistance he receives from the COMPASS Training Program, Brandon values the support from his Transitional Social Worker, Frankie. When he came to COMPASS, his old placement had lost his birth certificate and social security card, an unfortunate reality for many young adults in foster care. Working together, Brandon and Frankie were able to apply for replacement documents, which are essential for his future employment and housing.

One of Brandon’s favorite aspects of COMPASS Programs is having access to the Drop-In Center and all the amenities offered there. You can often find Brandon watching movies on the couch with his pet chinchilla, waiting for his laundry to finish using the on-site machine. From resource fairs, to workshops, to holiday parties, Brandon is almost always in attendance making everyone laugh. Brandon is very social and has made several friends within the program with whom he spends time regularly. In the future, Brandon wants to work with people, either as a nurse or a teacher. COMPASS Programs at David & Margaret is so proud of this young man’s accomplishments and will continue to support him on his journey to independent adulthood through case management, educational and employment services, life skills, and social opportunities.  

 

Read the full April 2022 Newsletter 

Our Impact This Year

  • Youth & Families Served

    486

  • Youth Internship Hours

    625

  • Housing Provided

    44

© 2023 David & Margaret Youth and Family Services

Powered by Firespring