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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.


Finding Confidence at COMPASS

Walking into Dave & Maggie’s Café, David & Margaret's on-campus café and workforce training center, you are greeted with the scent of freshly baked cookies, hot coffee, and one of the world’s most infectious smiles. Michael, a COMPASS Programs participant, has been working in the café for the past three months while adjusting to his new life in La Verne.

When Michael came to COMPASS, he was in search of stability. In the past year, like too many young adults aging out of foster care, Michael had moved five times, was forced to drop out of college classes, and left his family and community behind due to circumstances outside of his control.

Right from the start, COMPASS Programs was different for Michael. Reflecting on his experience, he said the energy at COMPASS was unlike any program he had been in before; it felt comfortable like he was part of a friend group that he could rely on for support.

Once settled into his new apartment, Michael got connected with the COMPASS Training Program (CTP) which assists young adults in education and employment. Having some experience working in retail, Michael and the Education and Employment Specialist decided that Dave & Maggie’s Café would be a good fit for him.

During the two-week training period, Michael worked closely with the café manager, Brian, and the rest of the staff to learn the menu items and get familiar with his new role. Along with regular check-ins with the Education and Employment Specialist, Michael said the support he received in the beginning made adjusting to the program and a new city so much easier.

It wasn’t long before Michael felt he was a part of the team, suggesting new menu items and brainstorming ways improve the café. His confidence was growing – something he attributes to the nurturing environment at COMPASS. He explained that this was the first job where he felt respected as an equal, where his voice could be heard, and people were willing to invest in him. When he suggested to Brian that they should add matcha to the menu, the ingredients and equipment were there the next day!

While CTP internships typically last three months, Michael’s positive attitude and willingness to learn have been such an asset to the café that his hours were extended for a few more weeks. He has continued to work with the Education and Employment Specialist on fine-tuning his resumé and searching for a new position where he can utilize his talents. His ultimate goal is to return to college for a degree in photography, so he can share his love of nature and landscapes with the world.

Michael has learned a lot during his time in the COMPASS Training Program, but his biggest takeaway has been his increased confidence and self-esteem. After a tumultuous year moving from place to place, Michael is hoping to stay put for a while with his newfound community at COMPASS Programs.

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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