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COMPASS Programs

COMPASS Training Program

COMPASS Training Program

The COMPASS Training Program (CTP) is one of David & Margaret's most unique programs, and one of few programs of its type in California. The CTP takes an individualized approach in supporting the employment and educational goals of the young adult participants. This customized approach allows for each youth to gain the skills they need to be self-sustaining adults, while encouraging them to explore their strengths and interests and apply them to employment and or higher education.

Our Employment and Education Specialist works individually with each young adult meeting them at their level, and providing them with internship placement, case management as well as employment exploration for direct hire opportunities.  Throughout the internship, participants are provided paid work experience,  1:1 support, and a curriculum of employment readiness classes tailored to address the needs and barriers inclusive to this population ensuring they are gaining skills that will allow them to not only gain but also retain employment. These courses range from how to make a good first impression, filling out an application, building a resume, and more. 

The CTP also emphasizes the importance of higher education and vocational training among young adults and offers academic case management and support. The participants are provided with information for local higher education institutes in the area as well as the programs and benefits they are eligible for. Student Strategy workshops are also provided where participants are given 1:1 assistance in the admissions process, FAFSA completion, college navigation, and as well as tours and guidance on qualifying support programs.  

This program provides a variety of opportunities.

  • Life skills
  • Assistance completing high school or GED
  • Industry overviews including career pathways
  • Overview of steps necessary to enroll in community college
  • Tutoring
  • Career mixers
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Access to the education/employment specialist
  • Access to weekly case management
  • Linkage to childcare resources
  • Paid workplace internships in partnership with local businesses
  • Job-shadowing opportunities
  • And more

If you are a youth interested in the CTP or know of someone who would benefit from this program, please contact us at COMPASS@davidandmargaret.org.


Thank you Jessie Sandoval of COMPASS Programs

David & Margaret Youth and Family Services COMPASS Program wishes to express our gratitude to Jessie Sandoval for four years of service and dedication. Jessie worked tirelessly in support of Transitional Age Youth throughout her tenure. "Jessie is one of the hardest working individuals I know.” Shares Marissa Scholefield, Director of COMPASS Programs.  Marissa goes on to say “Jessie always represented the agency well.  Her professionalism with clients, staff, and with the community at large was always apparent. She demonstrated great time management skills balancing her workload providing client care, as well as in the support to volunteers she supervised.”

Jessie was also a team player, contributing in staff meetings, especially as it relates to helping her colleagues with improving client care. It is important to note that Jessie had exceptional skills working with individuals with higher mental health needs and was successful working with individuals who had been difficult for others to manage. Her experience with at risk populations was clear not only in her own service delivery, but also in the guidance she provided to her team.

As the workforce training program lead, she took the initiative and resolved issues appropriately, followed up in a timely manner, and made sound decisions that needed little to no direction from her direct supervisor. Jessie also demonstrated solid leadership through her ability to self-manage, being mindful of how her actions may affect others. Further, she was always open to hearing constructive feedback regarding how she could continue to develop her leadership skills, which further illustrated her self-awareness; a critical skill necessary for continued professional and personal growth. Jessie will be missed for not only her expertise, but her vivacious spirit, playful qualities, and doing whatever it takes attitude!

Thank you for all that you have done for D&M and its participants!

Our Impact This Year

  • Youth & Families Served

    486

  • Youth Internship Hours

    625

  • Housing Provided

    44

© 2023 David & Margaret Youth and Family Services

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