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Every year, thousands of children in California confront the brutal reality of homelessness, a situation that can profoundly affect their development and future prospects. In 2024, the Point-in-Time count identified at least 2,493 youth experiencing homelessness in San Francisco alone. The consequences of homelessness on children can be both immediate and long-lasting, affecting their day-to-day lives and shaping their futures well into adulthood. The impacts can be particularly severe for young children, especially those under five, who are in the critical stages of developing essential cognitive and social-emotional skills. Homelessness is correlated with an increased risk of developmental delays, illness, and emotional and behavioral challenges in young children.  Thoughtful early intervention is needed to create safe and stable environments where these vulnerable children can receive the support they need to thrive and prepare for life’s challenges. Barriers to Early Childhood Education for Homeless Families Beyond helping families find housing to provide a more stable environment for their children, it is critical during these fundamental early childhood years that children who experience homelessness receive high-quality childcare and education so they do not fall further behind their peers. Quality childhood education programs can improve outcomes by reducing the achievement gap and positioning children to be ready to enter school, learn, and succeed. However, accessing appropriate services to assess and address the unique needs of children, especially those with developmental delays or special needs, is often incredibly challenging and cost-prohibitive for homeless and at-risk families. Limited transportation options for appointments, time off work to take children to appointments or to meet with childcare providers, no consistent mailing address, a lack of access to internet and email, language barriers, and more, all cause additional challenges for homeless children and their parents looking to secure early childhood care and education. Solutions and the Role of Compass Children’s Center Compass Children’s Center (CCC) provides critical solutions to some of these barriers. Located in the heart of the Tenderloin, where many homeless or at-risk families reside, CCC has developed a holistic approach to early education, collaborating with school districts, therapists, and a dedicated on-site speech language pathologist to identify and address the unique needs of each child. CCC has invested in spaces like the gross-motor-skills playroom and outdoor, rooftop playground to help give the children a safe space to learn, grow, and achieve important developmental milestones. Additionally, we provide therapeutic shadowing through our Compass Behavioral Health Services program to support any student who is having significant behavioral challenges to help them learn more productive behaviors. Currently, approximately 40% of CCC students have special needs. This is an alarmingly high number and shows the level of support needed to help these children be kindergarten ready upon graduation. In addition to our Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist, we are currently hiring for a dedicated Special Educator and are working on a plan to add an Occupational Therapist in order to provide our kids with the full spectrum of support that they truly need.  While programs like CCC offer valuable support, comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of homelessness and ensure access to high-quality early childhood education for all homeless families.  Learn more about CCC and their new speech-language services in our FY 2022-2023 Annual Report.

As a numbers & data person, it drives me crazy that there isn’t an agreed upon way to quantify the number of homeless families in San Francisco. It is more difficult to see and count homeless families  than homeless adults; families remain out of sight for their safety, and are less often visibly unsheltered. Meanwhile, many city departments maintain different definitions of homelessness; a family the school district considers homeless may not be homeless according to the city shelter system. To address a problem like the housing crisis that has dire implications for children and families, we need to honestly measure the scope of the problem; and collectively refer to the same number. Yet, everywhere I look, the numbers are opaque, conflicting and incomplete. (For more in-depth information on issues with counting, check out this report  that Compass Family Services worked on in coalition with a group of other local providers.) In May, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) released preliminary findings from the biannual Point in Time (PIT) count, which aims to provide a snapshot of unsheltered homelessness in the city. The 2024 San Francisco PIT count revealed a staggering 94% increase in homeless families since 2022 (437 this year vs. 205 in 2022).  The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considers the PIT count the most accurate reflection of unsheltered homelessness.So , does the recent family PIT increase get us closer to a real count? It's true that the figure is more aligned with what I see at Compass every day: a lobby full of families with nowhere to sleep that night. But is it a sign that we’ve fixed our data problem? Well, yes and no.  Historically, the biannual family PIT count has mostly been a census of how many families are staying in shelters (87% of families captured in the 2022 PIT count were in shelters). Because unsheltered families often try to stay out of sight for the protection of their children, they aren’t visible when volunteers do the visual part of the count, looking for people on the street. When the counters look at vehicles and tents at night, they assume there is just one person in each, even if there are more. Thus, the count of family street homelessness is virtually non-existent, despite the on average 300+ families waiting for shelter every night (511 as of July 26, 2024).  So what changed in 2024? Compass and Catholic Charities partnered with HSH to call through the lists of families on the various shelter and housing waiting lists the night of the street count to ask if they were homeless that night. If they picked up their phone and confirmed that they were unsheltered that night, they were counted. That's why we see the increase - because we tried harder to count people .  Don’t get me wrong, family homelessness is increasing;  the higher 2024 count is not solely due to the improved methodology. Outside of the PIT, there is other administrative data that could help us see the full picture. The closest true measurement is the number of families that are assessed for homeless services. It is an exact total of the number of families verified as homeless within San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s own database(See that number, here .).  But this number is rarely invoked by policy makers or journalists. I look at this number regularly and there are over 1,650 families so far this fiscal year that have been identified as unsheltered, a 34% increase from last fiscal year, and a much bigger increase than the 143 unsheltered families in this year’s improved PIT count. For better or worse, the PIT total directly correlates to the amount of federal funding San Francisco’s homeless response system receives to provide services. As long as this is the case, we will have to get creative on how to accurately count people on that one night every two years. HSH and homeless service providers must work together to publicize the count and encourage families to be counted. How often do you pick up your phone when you see an unknown number? I’d guess not very often. The same is true for unsheltered families. We know that a few hundred families did not pick up their phone and were not given the opportunity to confirm or deny whether they were homeless that night. Think about the attention and resources that the Census puts into outreaching to ‘hard to reach’ populations in the year leading up to the count. They care because money is attached to those numbers.The same is true for the PIT count. The implications are local, too: when Mayor Breed saw the dramatic increase,  and the advocacy around addressing the needs of homeless families, she moved to increase investment into the family system via the unprecedented  Safer Families Plan .  So let’s count better. Let’s resource the PIT to truly count the number of families with no safe place to live. Let’s uplift the assessment numbers to track homelessness in an ongoing way. Most crucially, let’s acknowledge the true scale of unmet need so we can resource honest, effective solutions.

Last month, the Compass Family Advisory Committee's inaugural cohort wrapped up their six-month journey with a celebratory gathering. Families came together to reflect on their shared experiences, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to the future. About the Family Advisory Committee Compass, dedicated to supporting families in need, established the Family Advisory Committee to empower its clients through advocacy and community building. The committee's mission is to equip members with the skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for themselves and others, fostering a supportive network in the process. Journey of Growth and Learning Over the past six months, the eight dedicated members met weekly to engage in a series of workshops and discussions. They learned about the inner workings of Compass, developed critical advocacy skills, and found solidarity in their shared experiences. Key activities included: Advocacy Training: Members participated in workshops on effective communication, policy analysis, and public speaking. Community Building: Weekly meetings provided a safe space for sharing personal stories and building a sense of community. Compass Learning: Members spoke with directors at Compass, learned about different programs and services, and provided feedback. Impact and Achievements The committee's efforts culminated in several significant outcomes: Advocacy Day Success: Members engaged with city supervisors and showcased their ability to drive policy discussions, highlighting their commitment and influence on a citywide level. Feedback for Improvement: Members provided Compass with actionable feedback on enhancing internal systems, directly contributing to improved service experiences for families. Media and Social Media Presence: Members shared their stories with the media and on Compass's social media channels, raising awareness and inspiring others. Reflections from the Final Meeting At the final meeting, members shared what they took from the experience: “The positivity that has come with working towards an end goal has made me feel empowered walking out these doors. I found another family here. This has been a really good phase in my life because I felt very secure here and felt I could learn. My kids pushed me to do this, so I could provide a better future for them.” - Mirian “These types of situations can be very isolating, not knowing how I’ve ended up being in the situation I’ve been in. And being in this space and hearing similar stories has been really helpful in developing a sense of connection and removing the isolation.” - Jennifer “It’s beautiful to know that you’re not alone. I realized that it’s not just me. Your stories have really helped me. It’s clear that Compass is really concerned with its clients’ opinions.” - Leslie Looking Ahead The Family Advisory Committee will take a break for now with a new cohort convening in the winter. Members from the first cohort will continue working with Compass, helping to mentor the next cohort and advocate for the community. Compass is committed to empowering families and ensuring their voices are heard. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more about our initiatives, please reach out to us at info@compass-sf.org .

Joana, her mother Marisol, and her sister Vivian lived at Compass Clara House from 2019 to 2021. After years of teamwork and growth, they were able to find stable housing. Read about their journey to find a safe and stable home. Joana: My name is Joana, and I was born in Mexico. I've been living in San Francisco since I was 5 years old. Growing up, it was just me, my mom and my younger sister. We moved a lot, and the three of us always shared a bed due to the lack of space. When I was a teenager, my mom had a severe infection on her back that required surgery, leaving her unable to work. Because she is undocumented, she couldn’t apply for unemployment benefits and used up all her savings while she was recovering. We couldn’t pay the rent and eventually received an eviction notice. We ended up sleeping in various family shelters, our car, and even in hotels. I would wake up early to go to school and we’d shower at the gym. My mom always went to Compass Family Services to apply for housing. After two years on a waitlist, we got a call from Compass Clara House, and our lives changed. At Clara House, we each set goals and worked hard to achieve them. They provided after-school care for kids and helped my sister with her homework. They assisted me with applying to community college and covered some of the school expenses. They also offered my mom job training, helping her improve her skills. During the pandemic, my mom took Special Education workshops to better support my sister Vivian, who has autism. She also volunteered at an agency called Support for Families, running a virtual support group in Spanish. Clara House required us to maintain a monthly calendar and apply for housing regularly to ensure our stay was temporary. They trained us on navigating the DAHLIA San Francisco housing portal and other websites for housing applications, providing the support we needed every step of the way. My mom and I became stronger as a family unit and I feel extremely blessed to have been able to overcome this together. I earned my Associate's degree and then transferred to SF State to get my Bachelor's in Sociology. Now, I work as an Outreach Specialist, collaborating with Community-Based Organizations and families in San Francisco. Having been on the other side, I truly relate to the families I help, and I understand their struggles. I'm extremely grateful for Compass and the incredible passion and services they offer to families fighting to survive. Thanks to Clara House, we were able to turn our lives around and move towards a stable future. Marisol: During all those months at Clara House, my daughters and I learned good daily habits and we also participated in many events. My favorite were the Christmas events, because it allowed me to cherish my daughters and give them a stable place during the holidays. We were supported with food, clothes, and gift cards. But more than anything it was the support from the Compass staff, Jane and Barbara, who were always available from early morning Monday to late night Sunday, that made the difference. The building also had security personnel, making it feel like  a safe place for us.  When we came to Clara House, we had our dog, Juliette, with us. I couldn’t abandon her, she was my emotional support dog and also a part of our family. We were thrilled that Compass was able to accommodate and let us bring her. Juliette recently passed away, in September 2023. Thanks to Clara House, Juliette was also able to have emotional stability and a stable home.  Fortunately, by applying so many times in the housing portal, we won a housing lottery and moved into a stable place.  I am very grateful for having been in transitional housing. Without the time at Clara House, more than anything, I would not have been able to achieve all the learning I did in the education workshops. I was able to take workshops and take care of my daughters in a way I had not been able to do before.  Now I work for the Support for Families of Children with Disabilities Agency as a Family Resource Specialist. I am very grateful for having been at Clara House, and I hope my experience serves other families. Clara House really supports and helps families, they help unite families and help families focus on and achieve their goals so that when one leaves, they can continue stronger outside. Vivian: My favorite memory at Clara House was going out with the other children to the beach house and having a place to sleep without having to wake up early. I have good memories there and I am happy that they helped us find a home.

Last week, Compass took part in the city-wide celebration of the Week of the Young Child. 58 families (over 180 people) came together for a day of enriching activities as part of the movement to shine a light on the importance of early childhood education. At Compass, families learned and played together while establishing skills that the whole family can employ to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Families learned about food preservation and protective factors, made instruments, took family photos, and built community with other families!  What is Week of the Young Child? Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration of early childhood education, enrichment, and development, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). WOYC was started over 50 years ago to call attention to the importance of early childhood development—specifically development in the first 5 years—in a child’s life. In these first five years, a child’s brain develops more than during any other period of life, making it an incredibly important time for the people who raise, teach, and influence children. WOYC celebrates the programs and services that provide quality education to children during the crucial 0-5 stage of life, and encourages parents, educators, and service providers to focus extra attention on nurturing children’s development during these years. What activities did families take part in? Families explored Compass’ main office, visiting a variety of stations to learn, play, connect, and grow as a family. Here are some of the activities that they took part in: Food Preservation Station:  Families learned about ways that they can preserve their produce, so they can minimize food waste in their household! At this station, parents and children tasted different kinds of dehydrated fruits and learned more about dehydrating, pickling, freezing, and making jam. Now families have a number of activities they can do together to maximize the amount of fruits and vegetables they have in their regular diet! Music Station:  Families had a blast making shakers out of toilet paper rolls, rice, and paper, as well as making paper guitars that they got to decorate to reflect their own personal style. Throughout the room, kids showed off their musical skills with the instruments they made, as well as the brand new slide whistles and recorders that they received. We love to get kids excited about music, as exposing young children to music is an amazing way to help them grow. Studies show that when kids engage with music from an early age, their brain development accelerates, particularly in the areas of language and reading.  Protective Factor Wheel:  Each child got to take a turn spinning the wheel for a chance to win a prize, which included different resources that align with certain protective factors. These factors, about which parents learned more at this station, include parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, social and emotional competence, and parental knowledge of child development. When these protective factors are present in a child’s life, the risk for negative outcomes in that child’s life decreases. For children whose families face unstable housing—something which is considered a risk factor for the outcomes of a child’s life—the presence of protective factors can help to disrupt cyclical and generational poverty and trauma.  Family Photo Booth: Families got to take professional family portraits! Not only did this station give families the opportunity to have a professional photographer capture them, but it also encouraged the feelings of dignity that we want all families to strive for. Having a professionally shot family portrait gives families something to display–something to be proud of. This instills a sense of pride in families which can empower them to maintain self-sufficiency and promote overall family wellbeing. Food Station:  Families concluded their day at Compass with a healthy lunch and a bag full of groceries that they got to take home. Providing families with a hearty meal and groceries helps combat food insecurity. Young children who grow up in food insecure households struggle to reach their full potential in their social, physical, and cognitive development. While this is a big hurdle to overcome for families who struggle financially, especially as grocery prices rise, Compass takes every chance possible to maximize the amount of healthy food we can provide, so that children and families can thrive. We are proud to have shared so much joy, knowledge, and hope among families of young children. We see more and more organizations pushing towards an equitable future for families and their developing kids, and we take events like WOYC as a signpost that we are on the right path.

The primary election is just one week away on March 5th, and San Francisco voters are deciding on several important ballot measures. See below for positions Compass is taking on Propositions (Prop) A and F. Proposition A What is it? Prop A would issue $300 million in bonds to fund affordable housing construction for households ranging from extremely low-income to moderate-income. Presently, San Francisco faces a state mandate to build 46,000 affordable homes by 2031. In 2020, voters approved the largest housing bond in San Francisco history at $600 million, and this measure would further the city’s efforts to meet the state mandate.  What is the impact? Housing is the solution to homelessness; Prop A will effectively address the critical need for more deeply affordable housing for families experiencing homelessness. Compass encourages our community to vote YES on Prop A Proposition F What is it? Prop F asks voters whether San Francisco County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP) beneficiaries should be profiled and pre-screened for drug use to continue to receive aid.Prop F requires individuals who use drugs to enter mandated drug treatment to continue to receive this public benefit; if that individual misses a treatment appointment, the benefit will be discontinued and the individual will lose their shelter or housing.  What is the impact? Prop F punishes those who have the greatest need, and it will lead to adults living on fixed income to lose the assistance they currently receive. This proposal will continue an existing trend to move funding away from the homeless response system supporting families and youth towards punitive, short-sighted interventions for unsheltered single adults; these interventions are not evidence-based and do not lead to lasting exits from street homelessness. Prop F goes against public health best practice and is opposed by dozens of political organizations, social services providers, media outlets, and politicians—including the San Francisco Chronicle, UCSF Director of Addiction Care Team Dr. Marlene Martin, the San Francisco Human Services Network, the Homeless Emergency Service Provider Association, our State Assemblyman Matt Haney, and 6 of 11 San Francisco City and County Supervisors. Compass encourages our community to vote NO on Prop F This election will have reverberating effects on the family service system and city at large, and we urge voters to vote YES on Proposition A and NO on Proposition F. Find more information about how to vote here.

Last month, Compass officially inaugurated the first-ever Compass Family Advisory Committee (FAC), an eight member committee of parents receiving services at Compass. The FAC will meet twice per month to share feedback about Compass, advocate for committee-set priorities at the City Government, and create a community of family advocates. At the heart of the initiative is the recognition that families should play a pivotal role in improving the systems that impact their lives. Meeting Highlights Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging, Rhett Burden, presented an overview of Compass and its programs, provided background on the history of housing discrimination and redlining in San Francisco, and facilitated a discussion on how family homelessness is inherently a race and equity issue. Compass Family Resource Center’s Program Director, Erica Barajas, shared the pillars of the Family Resource Center, including the services they offer, the challenges they face, and their goals for the future. Members asked the speakers questions and shared their thoughts and feedback on both Compass and the larger landscape of housing in San Francisco. Members split into groups to play Compass trivia based on the two presentations for a chance to win prizes. The meeting concluded with Compass staff asking parents what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to change or see more of in future meetings. The founding of the FAC came about during strategic planning, driven by a desire to prioritize family voices in decisions both internally at Compass and externally when advocating for policy changes in San Francisco. Compass staff conducted outreach across the organization, along with applications and interviews, to identify a cohort of parents receiving services from Compass with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and a passion for advocacy and serving their community. The Compass staff supporting the FAC have identified the following goals for the six-month initiative: Community – Regular meetings among the cohort help members build a strong community and create a space for families to connect across different programs, foster solidarity, and feel supported in their unique challenges and experiences. Learning –  Presentations from speakers will aim to provide members with comprehensive knowledge about Compass’ services, so that they can understand the organization holistically, beyond just the programs they have participated in. Speakers will additionally provide education on historical inequities and advocacy to help members build their own advocacy toolkits. Impact – The FAC was formed to listen to the expertise of families involved in Compass programs and to implement changes based on their feedback. The twice monthly meetings will provide opportunities for members to share their feedback with both Compass staff and community leaders. An advocacy day will be held in the Spring where the members will advocate for their policy priorities at City Hall.  The initial FAC cohort will convene through June 2024, at which point Compass staff will analyze outcomes and ensure that members feel they gained valuable tools, resources, and connections from their experience to be able to continue advocating in their communities. Compass is pursuing ongoing funding for the FAC to ensure that it is a long-term project that is centrally embedded into Compass’ core continuum of services. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to be a transformative journey, with families at the forefront of shaping Compass’ impact on the community.

Too often, unhoused families and individuals do not access services they need, simply because they aren’t aware of available services. San Francisco runs a Coordinate Entry System, required by the federal government to ensure fair distribution of resources for the homeless. But what exactly is Coordinated Entry and how does it really work? So what is Coordinated Entry? Coordinated Entry is the “front door” to San Francisco’s Homeless Response System, and similar systems around the country, where individuals and families facing homelessness are assessed, prioritized, and directed toward services based on their need. Coordinated Entry is required by the federal government for any city project that receives funding from certain Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants. However, San Francisco has some flexibility in deciding how its Coordinated Entry system works. Non-profit-run Access Points scattered throughout the city run San Francisco's Coordinated Entry. These Access Points are divided into three groups: Family, Adult, and Youth (for transition aged youth). Family Adult Youth Central City Access Point Compass Family Services 37 Grove Street Dolores Street Community Services 2645 Mission Street Larkin Street Youth Services 134 Golden Gate Avenue Bayview Access Point 1641 LaSalle Avenue Episcopal Community Services 123 10th Street (at Mission) 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic 5688 3rd Street Mission Access Point 2871 Mission Street Saint Vincent dePaul Society 545 5th Street (at Bryant) The SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street ​ Swords to Plowshares 1060 Howard Street (at Russ) ​ Who can access coordinated entry? Any household experiencing homelessness can visit these city Access Points. San Francisco has adopted definitions for each of the three populations above. Each definition includes three elements: A description of the household type (for example, in the family system, it’s one or more adults who have custody of at least one minor child, or a pregnant adult) Their required connection to San Francisco A definition of applicable housing/homeless status Deciding who gets what kind of help, however, gets more complicated. Eligibility requirements for housing or shelter can be stricter than the general definitions. The city uses an algorithm to prioritize households, but it’s not static. The score a household may need to have in order to get housing may change based on the availability of housing options. Also, the questions asked during evaluation often center around sensitive subjects that can be triggering for some. What services can be accessed through SF Coordinated Entry Access Points? There are a few different types of resources you can access through Coordinated Entry: Permanent Supportive Housing for families or individuals who need ongoing support services. Housing Subsidies or Voucher-Based Housing Support that pay most of a household’s rent for a period of time. Problem Solving, where you do not get housing, but you can get some support, for example, a bus ticket to travel to a family member who you can live with, or money to help with utility bills so that the person you are staying with will let you stay. Emergency Shelter which includes a stay of up to 6 months in a shelter. This category also includes transitional housing which may allow for a longer, but still temporary stay. Resources that are NOT a part of Coordinated Entry: Low-income housing rentals, which households can apply to get through the city’s housing lottery program Affordable housing listed San Francisco’s housing portal Public Housing Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Is the system working? While Coordinated Entry is a well-intentioned effort to tackle homelessness in San Francisco, how it prioritizes families in need and the limited number of places to live leaves many waiting for months if not years for the help they need. In truth, SF is still a long way from having enough beds for those facing homelessness. The city is working to improve the Coordinated Entry process to make it more accessible and Compass’s Director of Housing Programs is helping with the redesign. Visit our Policy Page to see more about how we’re advocating for affordable housing and services to better support the homeless families in San Francisco. How do homeless families access Coordinated Entry? If you and your family are facing homelessness, you can drop by any of the three family access points. There, a Housing Problem Solving Specialist will talk to you and figure out how to help. If you have questions about access points, office hours, or how to get help, you can contact Compass Family Services’ Central City Access Point at 415-644-0504 or by emailing hcartagena@compass-sf.org.

This year, Waymo showed up in myriad ways to support the families Compass serves. This holiday season, the lives of 10 children and their parents were touched by the magic of a unique experience—the opportunity to attend a Warriors game, all made possible by the generous support of Compass Family Services' corporate partner, Waymo. Waymo not only provided 22 tickets but also arranged seamless transportation to and from The Margot, ensuring that this holiday treat would be truly memorable. The excitement peaked just before the game when the children were surprised on the court by players from both the Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers, who gifted each child a  Chromebook. Throughout the entirety of 2023, Waymo emerged as a dedicated pillar of support for Compass, standing out as one of its most reliable corporate allies. In addition to substantial monetary contributions, the Waymo team rolled up their sleeves to assemble hundreds of hygiene kits and snack kits for families facing challenging circumstances. Their commitment extended beyond the financial realm, encompassing thoughtful donations of gloves, pajamas, and stroller covers—items that undoubtedly brought comfort to those in need. Waymo's team members also actively volunteered at the Compass Family Resource Center food pantry, embodying a hands-on approach to community support. Over the summer, Waymo continued their impactful initiatives by partnering with United Way. Together, they orchestrated the delivery of carloads of backpacks stuffed with school supplies, setting the stage for a confident and enthusiastic start to the new school year for Compass kids. This collaboration underscored Waymo's dedication to empowering young minds and promoting education as a catalyst for positive change. A noteworthy highlight of Waymo's involvement was their pivotal role as the official sponsor of Compass’ holiday Adopt-a-Family program. This sponsorship ensured that families in need experienced the warmth of the holiday season with thoughtful gifts and a sense of belonging. Waymo's commitment to fostering community connections was truly exemplified through this sponsorship, demonstrating a genuine understanding of the importance of support during challenging times. The partnership between Waymo and Compass Family Services commenced in 2021, and as the calendar turns to 2024, both entities eagerly anticipate a continued collaboration. The shared commitment to supporting Compass and the families it serves remains steadfast, promising a future filled with meaningful moments of joy, support, and community upliftment.

Lilliana, a single mother who sought help from Compass after a period of homelessness, has recently received her Doula certification! Lilliana is a 48 year old mother of two, one aged five and the other twenty-six. Before turning to Compass for help, Lilliana and her second child, an infant at the time, had stayed in four different shelters. Lilliana describes her arrival at Compass as feeling like an angel had come to her. Her assigned Compass case manager helped her secure placement in a new low-income housing unit, where she now resides with her son. Lilliana took classes at Compass to explore potential job opportunities when she discovered the Doula certification program. Compass not only supported her financially for the class but also provided her with a laptop to help with her coursework. Most significantly for Lilliana, she has worked closely with a Compass therapist who has been instrumental in helping her address past trauma and discover her own inner strength. Now, as a certified doula, Lilliana looks forward to supporting mothers, especially those who may lack support elsewhere. She hopes to get her GED and specialize in helping to prevent postpartum depression among the women she works with. She says she’s thankful for the support she received at Compass, where she was finally able to realize her dream of working within the nursing field and supporting mothers in her community. Congratulations to Lilliana on her remarkable achievement in earning her Doula certification! She asked to dedicate her certificate to Compass for having the confidence to believe in her, and her children for standing by her as she found her footing. We can't wait to see what her future holds. "En las terapias, que te puedo decir, me han ayudado mucho. Creo que me va a doler cuando se haga el desapego. Porque no solo me ha ayudado psicológicamente sino como ser humano, me ha ayudado a seguir luchando por lo que yo quiero y a tratar de ver el valor que tengo como mujer." - Lilliana Translated to English: "In regards to therapy... they have helped me a lot. I think it will be difficult for me when it is time to detach because it has not only helped me psychologically, but also as a human being, helping me to keep fighting for what I want and to try to see the value and importance I have as a woman."