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COMPASS Programs

Supportive Housing

Transitional Housing

Transitional Housing Program (THP)

When young adults age out of foster care, they lose all resources and support they had, leaving them to fend for themselves. Many lack the support, skills, and knowledge needed to transition into adulthood safely and successfully. David & Margaret is one of the leading regional providers of services and programs for young adults transitioning out of foster care and into independent living. 

50% of youth who age out of foster care either become incarcerated or face immediate homelessness.

The THP fights this statistic by providing these youth with safe apartment housing. Rent and utilities are paid for and basic home furnishing is provided.

Participants also receive:

  • Life-skills workshops
  • Vocational training
  • Career coaching
  • Paid internships 
  • Mental health support
  • Case management  
  • Educational support 
  • Essential linkages to community resources

These resources ensure these young adults gain the skills, tools, knowledge, and support needed to lead self-sufficient, independent lives after graduation from the program.

Transitional Housing Program Video Produced with a grant from New York Film Academy - Los Angeles Director: Lucia Florez; Producer: Drama Del Rosario: Director of Photography: Faisal Aldakheel: Sound Mixer: Asem Nurlanova: Editor: Lucia Florez


For more information

Orientation by appointment only.

Talk to your county social worker, or email the COMPASS@davidandmargaret.org for more information on how to apply

David & Margaret offers different types of independent living programs for young adults.

For 18-21 year olds with open cases at DCFS (If you are interested and your case is closed, click here for assistance):

For 21-25 year olds who have a closed DCFS case: 

For more info about Transitional Living Programs for youth aging out of foster care, please reach out to us at COMPASS@davidandmargaret.org 

 

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

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