Our Mission
We empower aged-out foster youth and youth from at-risk backgrounds to overcome personal obstacles, achieve independence and reach their fullest potential.
Through a year-long intensive Mentor Program:
Teach
Our mentoring program addresses needs such as housing, life skills, coping skills, nutrition & employment through over 1,200 hours of training.
Our trainees are employed by Compassion Planet Thrift Store, Deer Creek Farm, DC Garden & Market - where a variety of skills training, work experience and an individualized growth plan for each trainee is developed and tracked.
Train
Counsel
Our social workers, trauma informed staff & trained volunteers work alongside our trainees in an occupational environment, which provides a controlled setting to discover how everyday life choices can impact future employment, goals & dreams.
Hands-on approach
We come alongside our trainees with whole-life principles such as finances, decision-making, health, hygiene, communication, nutrition, manners, healthy relationships, character, ethics, & leadership in addition to providing the needed coaching in career development.
Graduation
Our goal is to not only assist our grads in career planning, but help them stay connect to a healthy community so they can reach their personal dreams through our Second Steps Program.
Second Steps Program
Upon graduation, our trainees enter into our Second Steps Program which provides lifelong services such as forever family connections, counseling & mentoring services, alumni events & internships with local business.
Our Trainees
ALEX
Since age 9, Alex was placed in over 26 foster/group homes. In her own words, “Depression, PTSD, anxiety, and bi-polar have taken a huge toll on my life.” She now considers her traumatic experiences a blessing, “as they have made her the woman she is today.” Alex hopes to become an inspiration to other foster youth by writing an auto-biography. Her goal is to continue her education and work in a field that helps and serves others.
JARAEL
Jarael joined Compassion Planet at the age of 21 and he flourished in our Mentoring Program. At a young age, he and his eight siblings were separated and taken into the foster care system. While at CP, it didn’t take long to discover that he was an eager and quick learner with a kind heart and a winning smile. His dream was to become an auto mechanic and own a shop someday. Since graduating, Jarael has worked at a couple of local auto dealerships and completed his Auto Mechanic Certs at Sierra College.
MEAGAN
Drug and alcohol addiction claimed the life of Meagan's’ father and she has expressed her concerned that it could take her mom as well. Having battled addiction herself, Meagan is dedicated to being a stable person for her 10 month old sister and is striving to be within the 5% of foster youth that receive a college degree. Meagan began college while in our Mentoring Program. After graduating from Compassion Planet, Meagan worked with foster youth at an agency in Placer County. Her plan is to complete her education by attending a four-year college in Northern Californa next fall.
Get to Know Us. Stop by one of our Compassion Planet businesses.
ALLISON
Allison has struggled with anxiety and depression throughout her life. Since working with Compassion Planet, she has gained outstanding social skills and has grown in self-confidence. In her words, Allison “wants to be a voice for those who cannot speak by helping and protecting others.” Soon to graduate, Allison will be pursuing a career in auto-mechanics. Allison is happily married to her teenage sweetheart and she looks forward to starting a family of her own.
JAH'MAR
Jah’mar was encouraged by his brother to join the Mentoring Program and we are glad he did. We soon discovered his high energy, friendly demeanor and positive attitude was contagious. While in our program he was hosted by an amazing local family who helped Jah’mar reach his dream of getting a football scholarship. He also enrolled at Sierra College and played on their football team. After two years on the squad, his dream came true as he was offered scholarships from multiple colleges. Today, he is finishing his college football career and education in Lousiana.
JASPER
According to Jasper, “After years of being misunderstood, constantly changing schools and workplaces, Compassion Planet has been an exemplary source of stability, good intentions and socialization for me. I am continually motivated by the good ethics that those at Compassion Planet possess.” Jasper successfully graduated our program after much personal growth. Since then, he has continued to be employed in two retail environments as he successfully pursues his entrepreneurial dreams.
ADRIAN
Drug addiction tore apart Adrian’s family, forcing he and his brothers into foster care. At age 18 he reached out for help, got a place of his own, and helped his brother get sober. Now, in his young twenties, Adrian has permanent employment with a local restaurant. Speaking about CP’s Mentoring Program, Adrian says, “people actually care about my well being... If I need help it’s only a phone call away.” Adrian has an outstanding work ethic and we are confidant that he will add value to any place he is employed.
BRITTANY
In her own words, Brittany states, “Compassion Planet has taught me to be more positive and to look on the brighter side. I continue trying to live without being so stressed. Being at CP has helped me learn how to relax, take my time, and do the work right.” Since graduating, we are proud to say that Brittany has been employed at a local daycare.
CRYSTAL
Gambling, alcohol and drugs wreaked havoc on Crystal’s childhood. Entering foster care at age 12, she was in 6 different foster homes by age 18. Crystal appreciates the CP program because it has made her “feel more complete” and has allowed her to “be herself.” Crystal achieved incredible growth in her people skills and self confidence while in our Mentoring Program and now she is flourishing in a large retail environment.
JOICELYN
Born in a Sacramento County jail, Joicelyn was a drug baby and separated from her mother at birth. Over the years she has faced her obstacles with an unrelenting, positive attitude. While in our Mentoring Program, she learned to trust people and gained an loving family network who helped prepare her for life’s journey. Joicelyn is expecting her first child and her sole desire is to be an outstanding mother in every imaginable way. CP helped her connect with a program that provides added loving support, housing and training in parenting skills.
AIMEE
Aimee has dealt with anxiety most of her life. Through the Compassion Planet Mentoring Program, she has become more confident and a little more transparent with safe people. Aimee often shares that some of her weaknesses have become her strengths. After graduating from Compassion Planet, Aimee pursued her dream of becoming a certified Esthetician. We are so proud to see her realize her dream and now she is working in the field in which she has been trained.
CRYSTAL
Jacob was born as a surviving twin to a drug addicted mother who didn’t get into recovery until he was six. Fortunately, his grandmother was able to provide care for him till his mother rejoined them after her recovery. Jacob has completed an Associates Degree in photography. During his time at Compassion Planet he has enjoyed his friendships with staff and his peer group. In Jacob’s words, the Mentoring Program “has made me much more comfortable communicating with people.” Upon his graduation, Jacob will be working with CP’s Hire Me Next team to help him find his long-term career path.
MATTHEW
Matthew has suffered from depression and PTSD as well as having Asperger’s. He hopes to overcome an abusive past and one day become a therapist so he can help others through their “tough situations.” Today, Matthew continues to work hard at overcoming some of his challenges as he successfully works at a local fastfood chain.
Trainee Program Placement
Our drug-free program is for ages 18-24. Potential trainees are referred through social workers, community partners and individuals. If you have someone you would like to refer, please fill out the form below:
This information will be kept confidential and goes directly to the LCSW on staff. They will contact you.
