Transitional Housing for Foster Youth at David & Margaret

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.

Miles' Milestone

Miles came to the D&M Transitional Housing Program (THP) in March of 2019. He was eager to make changes in his life but really didn’t know where to start or who could help him. Fortunately for Miles, he found the Transitional Housing Program at D&M. The staff at D&M saw an eager young man and were happy to support him in his journey. The THP program provides an apartment with a roommate to help young adults by providing a stable living environment. These apartments are based throughout the community to help participants integrate. The THP program also provides regular meetings with a social worker and other supportive staff as needed to ensure participants can access the tools they need to thrive.

Once Miles was settled into his apartment he was eager to find a job and start his adult life. He met with his social worker and discussed his goals and made a plan. His social worker introduced him to the David & Margaret Employment Specialist who provide coaching and the tools for Miles to hone the skills need to be ready to get a job. As a result of his hard work and solo through Miles was hired full-time at a gas station. Miles’ confidence and bank account have grown as a result of his first full-time job. Miles continues to build on his success and is now working with his social worker on a plan to enroll in community College. He is considering several vocational tracks and taking the time to make sure he chooses wisely. When asked about Miles, his social worker had this to say “ Miles’ hard work throughout his time in the program is shown by always being punctual when it comes to weekly sessions and showing determination through his work. He is not only capable of living independently, but is exceptional when it comes to making his needs known to the David and Margaret staff. I am very proud of all he has accomplished.”

Make no mistake these accomplishments are huge for Miles! He has gone from being unhoused and unemployed to a young man preparing to go to college and build a successful career for himself. Miles is a contributing and valued member of our community! We can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes!

If you would like to learn more about David & Margaret’s Transitional Housing Program please see our website.

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